One of the reasons I was ready to come home last week was that the East Elementary School where I worked for 15 years was having a reunion of all personal. And what a good time. This afternoon,(Thursday) we met for over 2 hours. East was a new school in 1979. I started working in 1980. We had some good years. Had a good group of personnel, had fun, worked hard and thought we did a good job with the students. Catching up on what everyone was doing now was an interesting time. A few are still working. enjoyed the reunion.
we have been busy, just doing the things homeowners have to do to keep the homestead going.
Cleaned a little around the mini rose bushes and looked for some asparagus. Found one or two. Hopefully we will have more later. Did buy some weed and feed to put on those beds, they need the weed stuff the most.
Not much new. Have a good night. jkc
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Ohio River
July 10, 2912,
We are now camped at the Madison, Indiana, Campground, for the next week. Monday was a busy day, Ernie got the new thin TV put up in the RV. Needs some tweaking and checking out the TV, but it is in and the Base ball all star game is on. Ernie has gone to bed. 10 pm I have the front drapes open so I can see the river at night and watch the cars go over the bridge. Great viewing.
Saw one hugh long barge go thru shortly after arriving this afternoon. A short detour on the way down.
On 9. No signs for the detour, just you could not go thru. Bridge being fixed. so narrow country roads we traveled. We usually take a short cut and miss that section. Not today.
We are planning on being lazy for a day or two. and then this Saturday will be a Clashman reunion.
Most will be arriving Friday. Do not think anyone will be staying with us. Several will go out to the farm and big creek. Will let you know how much we do. time for me to head for bed too. 7th inning. Not sure I will watch it all.
Have a good night. JKC
We are now camped at the Madison, Indiana, Campground, for the next week. Monday was a busy day, Ernie got the new thin TV put up in the RV. Needs some tweaking and checking out the TV, but it is in and the Base ball all star game is on. Ernie has gone to bed. 10 pm I have the front drapes open so I can see the river at night and watch the cars go over the bridge. Great viewing.
Saw one hugh long barge go thru shortly after arriving this afternoon. A short detour on the way down.
On 9. No signs for the detour, just you could not go thru. Bridge being fixed. so narrow country roads we traveled. We usually take a short cut and miss that section. Not today.
We are planning on being lazy for a day or two. and then this Saturday will be a Clashman reunion.
Most will be arriving Friday. Do not think anyone will be staying with us. Several will go out to the farm and big creek. Will let you know how much we do. time for me to head for bed too. 7th inning. Not sure I will watch it all.
Have a good night. JKC
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
They changed the format and I do not know how it works. so we shall see how this comes out.
It has been over a month since I have written. I thought I had written at least once since we have come home to Indiana, but I guess not.
We have returned early from what was supposed to be a 16 day fun time. It is only day 13.
We were to go to Elkhart, Indiana, to Elkhart campground for a National Great Lakers Rally.
We decided to go out for breakfast and get to Elkhart around noon, we did.
And had a good time, visiting and eating with friends from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. We had a couple of extra days there and it was a good time to relax. Ernie did a lot of cleaning out on the old computer and I just read, visited, laundry, etc. Tuesday the 22nd we headed for Brian Springs, Michigan, for the Great Lakes Area Rally, commonly know as GLASS.
we were parked in the handi-cap section and Bruce and Beth were parked in the Frustrated Maestros
section, or white section of the campground. Various sections of the campground are color coded. They are good friends, card playing buddies and have stayed in the same park in Florida the last two years. Bruce stopped by to visit Tuesday afternoon.
Ernie thought his hat looked dirty so he gave him a new one. We always have a supply of hats
Bruce finally said, "Well, I better go see what my sweetie is doing" and he left. We found out later that
he realized the singing group of the Maestros were practicing so he got his music and went to practice.
Beth called later and said "come on down and let's play some cards" (euchre) So we did, leaving around 8:30. Wednesday morning I got a call from Beth. "I need you" Be there as soon as I get dressed. silence and then she said "Bruce died this morning" We were there, zipping up on the way to their coach. I won't go into details, he died around 2 am, from a massive heart attack. Had been in good health. Bruce did have Diabetes, but had seen the Dr. recently.
Ernie called the other two couples of our card group. We are devastated. We know Beth, two daughters and a son are also feeling the same way, only more so. Beth commented, "Well, Bruce was doing what he enjoyed, the RV, singing and winning at cards" And he was, it didn't matter is he had only a 9 of suit in his hand he would make it and win the round. What better way to go. And then the Hoosier Cruiser group that had come in that morning, came over to offer condolences I think Beth's family was pleased that there were friends to help her out. The Maestro group was attentive at 2 am
and checked on her until her son-in-law got behind the wheel of the RV and they left for Daleville, Indiana, where Bruce and Beth lived.
Saturday, we drove home for the visitation, came back to Michigan Sunday. Funeral Services were Sunday at 4 and Burial today, Tuesday, private, at Frankfort, IN.
We have the family in our thoughts and prayers. And Beth, we will keep on playing cards.
Sunday afternoon Ernie went to a meeting of the Great Lakes area and I worked the FMCA merchandise booth. At 2:30, started putting things in boxes to be transported back to FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati. Ernie came back with news that the meeting was quite interesting
The Great Lakes Area rally will not be on Memorial Day Week end next year due to a timing problem, and all sorts of false accusations are now making the rounds. This rally has been hosted by the same group for 35 years. When problems occur in a large group it is disappointing to hear rumors that just are not true. I feel it will all work out, but it is depressing. We do have a great organization.
So, Monday, we were taking our time getting ready to leave. We were to go to the Indiana Dunes State Park for 4 nights and then on to Wheaton, Illinois, for the wedding of a great niece. We were not looking forward to going thru Chicago with the RV and tow car, but everyone said, "Oh, it can be done, its not so bad."
In getting ready to go I opened the curtains that go over the windshields. And as I sat down, I said to Ernie, "is that a crack on that (passenger) windshield?" Yep! a BIG one, in fact the windshield an separated slightly from the center post and the drivers windshield was out at the top. HELP the windshield company had left, the rally was over. We think it was a heat related problem, it was in the 90"s Saturday and Sunday.
We got out the gorilla tape, used a lot of it to cover where the windshields were out of their track and
high tailed it for home. We had had the windshields replaced 5 years or so ago, and wanted to come back to the same business. so two campground reservations cancelled and two nights reserved at the hotel where family will be staying for this wedding. Bummer. And the campground near Wheaton, Illinois, that were were going to stay in gives one free night a year to anyone over 65. Being 10 years past 65, we both qualified.
The refrig is emptied, most of the clothes out, and both computers and phones are in the house.
will let you know if we get to Wheaton, and back safely.
Have a good day. jkc
It has been over a month since I have written. I thought I had written at least once since we have come home to Indiana, but I guess not.
We have returned early from what was supposed to be a 16 day fun time. It is only day 13.
We were to go to Elkhart, Indiana, to Elkhart campground for a National Great Lakers Rally.
We decided to go out for breakfast and get to Elkhart around noon, we did.
And had a good time, visiting and eating with friends from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. We had a couple of extra days there and it was a good time to relax. Ernie did a lot of cleaning out on the old computer and I just read, visited, laundry, etc. Tuesday the 22nd we headed for Brian Springs, Michigan, for the Great Lakes Area Rally, commonly know as GLASS.
we were parked in the handi-cap section and Bruce and Beth were parked in the Frustrated Maestros
section, or white section of the campground. Various sections of the campground are color coded. They are good friends, card playing buddies and have stayed in the same park in Florida the last two years. Bruce stopped by to visit Tuesday afternoon.
Ernie thought his hat looked dirty so he gave him a new one. We always have a supply of hats
Bruce finally said, "Well, I better go see what my sweetie is doing" and he left. We found out later that
he realized the singing group of the Maestros were practicing so he got his music and went to practice.
Beth called later and said "come on down and let's play some cards" (euchre) So we did, leaving around 8:30. Wednesday morning I got a call from Beth. "I need you" Be there as soon as I get dressed. silence and then she said "Bruce died this morning" We were there, zipping up on the way to their coach. I won't go into details, he died around 2 am, from a massive heart attack. Had been in good health. Bruce did have Diabetes, but had seen the Dr. recently.
Ernie called the other two couples of our card group. We are devastated. We know Beth, two daughters and a son are also feeling the same way, only more so. Beth commented, "Well, Bruce was doing what he enjoyed, the RV, singing and winning at cards" And he was, it didn't matter is he had only a 9 of suit in his hand he would make it and win the round. What better way to go. And then the Hoosier Cruiser group that had come in that morning, came over to offer condolences I think Beth's family was pleased that there were friends to help her out. The Maestro group was attentive at 2 am
and checked on her until her son-in-law got behind the wheel of the RV and they left for Daleville, Indiana, where Bruce and Beth lived.
Saturday, we drove home for the visitation, came back to Michigan Sunday. Funeral Services were Sunday at 4 and Burial today, Tuesday, private, at Frankfort, IN.
We have the family in our thoughts and prayers. And Beth, we will keep on playing cards.
Sunday afternoon Ernie went to a meeting of the Great Lakes area and I worked the FMCA merchandise booth. At 2:30, started putting things in boxes to be transported back to FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati. Ernie came back with news that the meeting was quite interesting
The Great Lakes Area rally will not be on Memorial Day Week end next year due to a timing problem, and all sorts of false accusations are now making the rounds. This rally has been hosted by the same group for 35 years. When problems occur in a large group it is disappointing to hear rumors that just are not true. I feel it will all work out, but it is depressing. We do have a great organization.
So, Monday, we were taking our time getting ready to leave. We were to go to the Indiana Dunes State Park for 4 nights and then on to Wheaton, Illinois, for the wedding of a great niece. We were not looking forward to going thru Chicago with the RV and tow car, but everyone said, "Oh, it can be done, its not so bad."
In getting ready to go I opened the curtains that go over the windshields. And as I sat down, I said to Ernie, "is that a crack on that (passenger) windshield?" Yep! a BIG one, in fact the windshield an separated slightly from the center post and the drivers windshield was out at the top. HELP the windshield company had left, the rally was over. We think it was a heat related problem, it was in the 90"s Saturday and Sunday.
We got out the gorilla tape, used a lot of it to cover where the windshields were out of their track and
high tailed it for home. We had had the windshields replaced 5 years or so ago, and wanted to come back to the same business. so two campground reservations cancelled and two nights reserved at the hotel where family will be staying for this wedding. Bummer. And the campground near Wheaton, Illinois, that were were going to stay in gives one free night a year to anyone over 65. Being 10 years past 65, we both qualified.
The refrig is emptied, most of the clothes out, and both computers and phones are in the house.
will let you know if we get to Wheaton, and back safely.
Have a good day. jkc
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Gone
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Up Early and Out of Here! Jane & Ernie Clashman Wave as They Go.
By Barbara Jean Denning
0:55 Added 7 hours ago
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Back Home in Indiana 2012
Hi! yes, we are back home in Indiana. Left Florida last Tuesday morning. Drove I-75 to Chattanooga,TN., stopping in Perry, Ga for the night. We stopped at Lake Park, Georgia, at the Flying J for Diesel. and Propane. We had not gotten diesel since going to Florida in November. And we had gotten it at Lake Park. that included a trip to Brooksville, Fl from Thonotosassa and back. Stayed at a nice RV park, pull thu, and so we did not have to unhook the car. Wednesday, we traveled on up 75 to Chattanooga, and took I-24 into Tennessee. got into an hour delay before we got to Nashville. Traffic was very slow, stopped at times. A very serious accident involving at least 3 trucks. 2 were definitely semi's. The other was so demolished that we do not know what it was. One of them had been hauling onions. by the time we got to the point of the accident, the onions were mostly along the side of the road. Looked like nice big onions, too! Ambulances were gone, just tying to get vehicles onto wreckers, etc. But is sure slowed traffic. We were in a long line of semis!
But we kept on going and stopped at Franklin, Ky. At at Flying J. More diesel. And when we stopped at the prettiest rest area along the Tennessee River, we discovered that our connection for the lights on the car had come loose and the plug was quite worn from being drug on the pavement. So, after getting more diesel and getting parked, we unhooked the car and started looking for a 6 wire plug. Found one at the second stop, a Tractor Supply store. Then on to a favorite stop, an Antique store. Found a rare pattern serving fork that we decided to buy and then Ernie pointed out some Fiesta ware that was marked half price. Could not resist those 3 pieces. One is a stove side pepper shaker. It is a large piece, not too many out there, at least I have not seen them before and so it is now on my counter at home.
Ernie fixed the plug, splicing it onto the wire and we were all set to go for the next day. We were both tired and realized the next morning that we had not been bothered by the semi noise you usually hear at Flying J truck stops.
Our next stop was in Seymour, IN. To visit with good friends Phyllis and Gene. They were members of Hoosier Cruiser and we enjoy visiting with them. They both were in good spirits and good health and I think we could visit most of a day. But they had commitments and we were ready to get on the road to home.
A stop at Meijer for some groceries and we were in our drive by 3:00.
We came into the house, turned up the heat, turned on the water pump, turned on the faucets, to fill the water heater, then turned the water heater on. That did not work immediately, but Ernie got it going soon. And then we parked the RV in its parking place, went in, ate supper, took showers and were in bed in the RV early. We had not taken much in the house from the RV and so decided to sleep out there and unload the next day.
Have you ever thought how much stuff you have in an RV? Emptying the refrig is no small task. Why did I have all that stuff anyway, Not to mention the 8 strawberry milkshakes in the freezer. We thought our children should have a Taste of what we eat a lot of. STRAWBERRIES! Plus I had picked 5 quart on Monday. 50 cents a quart. We ate the last of them today. so good, ripe and sweet.
We will miss the weekly trips to Parksdale and strawberry sundaes, but more than that we will miss the inexpensive fruits and vegetables that we buy while we are in Florida. I also brought grapefruit home. The market had some more Duncan grapefruits. 6 for $1. It is a sweet white grapefruit. The only thing is, it has a lot of seeds. We got out the good old wheel borrow that I didn't want Ernie to buy at a garage sale in Pendleton a few years ago, and put bags and stuff in it to make a few less trips to the house. Ernie could not believe how many trips he made. And we have not gotten into the bins yet. Friday afternoon we mowed down the dry asparagus beds and found enough that was not frozen or grown to tall, to have some for supper. Called the newspaper to have it restarted, and the Post Office too.
Saturday was a rainy day, so we did some shopping and put things away in the house.
Sunday, I was lazy and did not go to church. We mowed, and mowed and picked up a lot of grass. with a grass catcher. So glad I did not have to rake it up as in the past. We are tired again tonight.
No rest for the wicked, is that the saying?
We both think being gone in the winter is a pleasure. No worries, no grass to mow, or snow to shovel,
just do what ever comes to mind. Like flea markets, Busch Gardens, eating out and enjoying the good weather we had this year
Oh, and yesterday we did some sorting of the silver and silver ware boxes we had bought.
I do not know what time it is, Ernie had gone to bed. And so will I soon. Have a good night. jkc
ie
But we kept on going and stopped at Franklin, Ky. At at Flying J. More diesel. And when we stopped at the prettiest rest area along the Tennessee River, we discovered that our connection for the lights on the car had come loose and the plug was quite worn from being drug on the pavement. So, after getting more diesel and getting parked, we unhooked the car and started looking for a 6 wire plug. Found one at the second stop, a Tractor Supply store. Then on to a favorite stop, an Antique store. Found a rare pattern serving fork that we decided to buy and then Ernie pointed out some Fiesta ware that was marked half price. Could not resist those 3 pieces. One is a stove side pepper shaker. It is a large piece, not too many out there, at least I have not seen them before and so it is now on my counter at home.
Ernie fixed the plug, splicing it onto the wire and we were all set to go for the next day. We were both tired and realized the next morning that we had not been bothered by the semi noise you usually hear at Flying J truck stops.
Our next stop was in Seymour, IN. To visit with good friends Phyllis and Gene. They were members of Hoosier Cruiser and we enjoy visiting with them. They both were in good spirits and good health and I think we could visit most of a day. But they had commitments and we were ready to get on the road to home.
A stop at Meijer for some groceries and we were in our drive by 3:00.
We came into the house, turned up the heat, turned on the water pump, turned on the faucets, to fill the water heater, then turned the water heater on. That did not work immediately, but Ernie got it going soon. And then we parked the RV in its parking place, went in, ate supper, took showers and were in bed in the RV early. We had not taken much in the house from the RV and so decided to sleep out there and unload the next day.
Have you ever thought how much stuff you have in an RV? Emptying the refrig is no small task. Why did I have all that stuff anyway, Not to mention the 8 strawberry milkshakes in the freezer. We thought our children should have a Taste of what we eat a lot of. STRAWBERRIES! Plus I had picked 5 quart on Monday. 50 cents a quart. We ate the last of them today. so good, ripe and sweet.
We will miss the weekly trips to Parksdale and strawberry sundaes, but more than that we will miss the inexpensive fruits and vegetables that we buy while we are in Florida. I also brought grapefruit home. The market had some more Duncan grapefruits. 6 for $1. It is a sweet white grapefruit. The only thing is, it has a lot of seeds. We got out the good old wheel borrow that I didn't want Ernie to buy at a garage sale in Pendleton a few years ago, and put bags and stuff in it to make a few less trips to the house. Ernie could not believe how many trips he made. And we have not gotten into the bins yet. Friday afternoon we mowed down the dry asparagus beds and found enough that was not frozen or grown to tall, to have some for supper. Called the newspaper to have it restarted, and the Post Office too.
Saturday was a rainy day, so we did some shopping and put things away in the house.
Sunday, I was lazy and did not go to church. We mowed, and mowed and picked up a lot of grass. with a grass catcher. So glad I did not have to rake it up as in the past. We are tired again tonight.
No rest for the wicked, is that the saying?
We both think being gone in the winter is a pleasure. No worries, no grass to mow, or snow to shovel,
just do what ever comes to mind. Like flea markets, Busch Gardens, eating out and enjoying the good weather we had this year
Oh, and yesterday we did some sorting of the silver and silver ware boxes we had bought.
I do not know what time it is, Ernie had gone to bed. And so will I soon. Have a good night. jkc
ie
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sweet Tomatoes--Soup Plantation
Restaurants!!!!! We were first introduced to the Sweet Tomato Restaurant by our nephew Jeff, in Tuscon, AZ. Ernie and I were not that impressed at that time. Then this year we decided try the Sweet Tomato Restaurant in Brandon. About 19 miles down the road. And we are now hooked.
This restaurant is a salad and soup buffet. at least 4 mixed salads, greens, some with Asian flavor, one with roasted pecans, Ceaser and just plain lettuce, or spinach. Then all the topping you would desire. From shoestring radishes, squash, carrots you name it. Then some other salads, maybe a pasta type or two, slaw(one with crushed pineapple and coconut, (delicious), pickles, and more toppings, such as seeds, croutons etc. soups. 6 to 8 different soups each night. Clam chowder that everyone says is tops.
different kinds of chili, vegetable, noodle ( a turkey noodle that is so good) And one I had called Asian
Ginger Broth. It had mushroom, green onions, carrots spinach,& tofu, all blended and then top it with won ton strips. It would be delicious on a cold day and you just wanted to stay in with a hot bowl of soup. Then there are the muffins and breads. Forcacia (spelling?) type breads. I like a Seeded bread that is a little crunchy, goes well with the soups. Tonight they had a lemon muffin. Tart but sweet. And I also had to have the chocolate muffin. Soft serve yogurt with toppings is available. They have a 2 different types of hot pasta dishes. I leave those alone. Enjoy the other items more. We do not go there often. Twice a month, maybe. If we would not eat the muffins and bread, it might be really healthy. Altho, they had an ad on TV showing how they make their delicious tomato soup. A lot of real cream in it.
If you go between 2 and 5, M,,T,W.or Thur. It is only $6.99. We have taken several friends there and they like the food also. Only in the South and West. We told the manager they need to get one in Indiana. Anderson, to be exact.
We are checking out our places to eat before we leave Florida. Tomorrow it is TGFridays. There is not one in Anderson and we have earned several stripes so we should get something free. We like to go for lunch and get their endless soup and salad. with Bread sticks.
And then there is Subway, but we have one in Anderson, so we can use our points there.
Hope I have not made you hungry. See you soon. jkc
This restaurant is a salad and soup buffet. at least 4 mixed salads, greens, some with Asian flavor, one with roasted pecans, Ceaser and just plain lettuce, or spinach. Then all the topping you would desire. From shoestring radishes, squash, carrots you name it. Then some other salads, maybe a pasta type or two, slaw(one with crushed pineapple and coconut, (delicious), pickles, and more toppings, such as seeds, croutons etc. soups. 6 to 8 different soups each night. Clam chowder that everyone says is tops.
different kinds of chili, vegetable, noodle ( a turkey noodle that is so good) And one I had called Asian
Ginger Broth. It had mushroom, green onions, carrots spinach,& tofu, all blended and then top it with won ton strips. It would be delicious on a cold day and you just wanted to stay in with a hot bowl of soup. Then there are the muffins and breads. Forcacia (spelling?) type breads. I like a Seeded bread that is a little crunchy, goes well with the soups. Tonight they had a lemon muffin. Tart but sweet. And I also had to have the chocolate muffin. Soft serve yogurt with toppings is available. They have a 2 different types of hot pasta dishes. I leave those alone. Enjoy the other items more. We do not go there often. Twice a month, maybe. If we would not eat the muffins and bread, it might be really healthy. Altho, they had an ad on TV showing how they make their delicious tomato soup. A lot of real cream in it.
If you go between 2 and 5, M,,T,W.or Thur. It is only $6.99. We have taken several friends there and they like the food also. Only in the South and West. We told the manager they need to get one in Indiana. Anderson, to be exact.
We are checking out our places to eat before we leave Florida. Tomorrow it is TGFridays. There is not one in Anderson and we have earned several stripes so we should get something free. We like to go for lunch and get their endless soup and salad. with Bread sticks.
And then there is Subway, but we have one in Anderson, so we can use our points there.
Hope I have not made you hungry. See you soon. jkc
Thursday, April 5, 2012
early Thursday morning.
CLICK ON PICTURE I clicked on the blog and read some of the past entries. Even tho I use spell check and reread what I have written I found some errors. Sorry,
Last nght we talked about going back to Indiana. To Home. What route should we take? On 75 at Jellico Mountain in Tennessee part of the road is gone and instead of a double lane divided highway it is one lane each way. So we may try going 65 this time. Thinking we will leave Tuesday. Give the spring break people and snow birds that leave right after Easter Sunday a days start. We shall find out.
Did make that last trip to the Plant City Flea Market. Bought some vegetable's and Ernie found one ice tea spoon in a grape pattern we collect. It is so dry here and the market is so dusty. Ernie's allergy problem turned into a cold and we went to the local clinic for a check. Given prescriptions and he is feeling much better. Still has some cough, and will have until we get out of all the pollen, mold, and dust that is around us. My allergies finally started also.
Made our usual stop at Parksdale for one more strawberry sundae We did not split it this time, but each had a whole sundae. Soo good. I want to get several strawberry milkshakes and put in the freezer. Hope to get them home so family can taste what we enjoy. The strawberry fields are being changed. It is interesting to watch. The u-pick farm person said they water each night, under the plastic and fertilize. Spray once a week for gnats and hope to keep the strawberry picking going until April 22. As long as the nights are cool, and they have been, they will make it. 50 cents a quart for u-pick. I will go again just before we leave. I said to Ernie "What will we do when we get home and do not have our daily dish of strawberries?" And when I looked for grapefruit they were out. For the season. They still had oranges and tangerines. Lemons and vegetables.
The berries are planted in long plastic covered hills. When the strawberries are done, depending on the next crop, they pull off the plastic. We do not know if they let the plants die naturally, no water or fertilizer, or spray them to help them die. Now some of the fields have plastic covered hills with melons or cucumbers planted. They have a cover crop during the summer, and then in October plant new strawberry plants and start picking in November. Would like to see the machines that make the hills. And a lot of Latino help with the crops. Local people will not do that work. Too hard, they say.
Several people in our park have started home. Someone pulled out yesterday. And even those that have permanent trailers have gone home. A few have family come and drive them home. One lady will leave her car here and fly home. She has a car at her home in Michigan. Millie is a neat person to know. Going strong in her 80'/s
This year I have a little tan. A farmers tan, on my arms and legs. I do not sun bathe, I call it my flea market tan.
Tried eating crab legs again last night. Did have a little tummy ache, but we thought maybe that was just thinking I would have a reaction. No problems, so far. Still wary of eating too many crab legs yet.
The last time we went to the Webster flea market, with Clayton and Rita we found two fireman mark
plaques. These plaques are made of cast iron and were used by Insurance companies in 1884. You were to hang it outside of the house so if your house caught fire the fireman would know you had insurance and they would get paid for putting out the fire. Legend goes that if there were two fires they would go to the house that had the mark. and let the other house burn. They were used only a few years and are now collectible. A friend of Merrill and Martha from Alabama, collects them. He was a fireman for Mobile, Alabama. What different people collect. Ernie did find an unusual socket at Plant City. It is a rare socket that can be lit. has a circle of red on it where the light shows thru. He has looked and looked for information about this socket. It is a Craftsman (Sears) socket.
The birds have started their morning song. I got up early. It was to storm last night so we turned off the computers early. I woke at 5 and finally got up. Both computers are working fine now. We still have a lot to learn about the new computer. And we saw our favorite sales lady at the AT&T store.
She is now a graduate nurse, doing some clinicals until she takes her state board exams. Just the nicest person, knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Helps us with our phones.
If I do not write again. See you all in Indiana. And if you have a Motor Home come to Indianapolis in August for the National FMCA convention. jkc
Last nght we talked about going back to Indiana. To Home. What route should we take? On 75 at Jellico Mountain in Tennessee part of the road is gone and instead of a double lane divided highway it is one lane each way. So we may try going 65 this time. Thinking we will leave Tuesday. Give the spring break people and snow birds that leave right after Easter Sunday a days start. We shall find out.
Did make that last trip to the Plant City Flea Market. Bought some vegetable's and Ernie found one ice tea spoon in a grape pattern we collect. It is so dry here and the market is so dusty. Ernie's allergy problem turned into a cold and we went to the local clinic for a check. Given prescriptions and he is feeling much better. Still has some cough, and will have until we get out of all the pollen, mold, and dust that is around us. My allergies finally started also.
Made our usual stop at Parksdale for one more strawberry sundae We did not split it this time, but each had a whole sundae. Soo good. I want to get several strawberry milkshakes and put in the freezer. Hope to get them home so family can taste what we enjoy. The strawberry fields are being changed. It is interesting to watch. The u-pick farm person said they water each night, under the plastic and fertilize. Spray once a week for gnats and hope to keep the strawberry picking going until April 22. As long as the nights are cool, and they have been, they will make it. 50 cents a quart for u-pick. I will go again just before we leave. I said to Ernie "What will we do when we get home and do not have our daily dish of strawberries?" And when I looked for grapefruit they were out. For the season. They still had oranges and tangerines. Lemons and vegetables.
The berries are planted in long plastic covered hills. When the strawberries are done, depending on the next crop, they pull off the plastic. We do not know if they let the plants die naturally, no water or fertilizer, or spray them to help them die. Now some of the fields have plastic covered hills with melons or cucumbers planted. They have a cover crop during the summer, and then in October plant new strawberry plants and start picking in November. Would like to see the machines that make the hills. And a lot of Latino help with the crops. Local people will not do that work. Too hard, they say.
Several people in our park have started home. Someone pulled out yesterday. And even those that have permanent trailers have gone home. A few have family come and drive them home. One lady will leave her car here and fly home. She has a car at her home in Michigan. Millie is a neat person to know. Going strong in her 80'/s
This year I have a little tan. A farmers tan, on my arms and legs. I do not sun bathe, I call it my flea market tan.
Tried eating crab legs again last night. Did have a little tummy ache, but we thought maybe that was just thinking I would have a reaction. No problems, so far. Still wary of eating too many crab legs yet.
The last time we went to the Webster flea market, with Clayton and Rita we found two fireman mark
plaques. These plaques are made of cast iron and were used by Insurance companies in 1884. You were to hang it outside of the house so if your house caught fire the fireman would know you had insurance and they would get paid for putting out the fire. Legend goes that if there were two fires they would go to the house that had the mark. and let the other house burn. They were used only a few years and are now collectible. A friend of Merrill and Martha from Alabama, collects them. He was a fireman for Mobile, Alabama. What different people collect. Ernie did find an unusual socket at Plant City. It is a rare socket that can be lit. has a circle of red on it where the light shows thru. He has looked and looked for information about this socket. It is a Craftsman (Sears) socket.
The birds have started their morning song. I got up early. It was to storm last night so we turned off the computers early. I woke at 5 and finally got up. Both computers are working fine now. We still have a lot to learn about the new computer. And we saw our favorite sales lady at the AT&T store.
She is now a graduate nurse, doing some clinicals until she takes her state board exams. Just the nicest person, knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Helps us with our phones.
If I do not write again. See you all in Indiana. And if you have a Motor Home come to Indianapolis in August for the National FMCA convention. jkc
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Hospital at Busch & Cheeta Hunt
I have just written about the surgery being performed here and somehow it is now all gone.Help! Ernie, can you find it for me. But he is in bed, it is going on 11 pm. Will wait until tomorrow.
this is a state of the art veterinary hospital at Busch Gardens. They have the windows and then monitors on the walls so you can see the surgery or procedure being done. When they got through with the red shouldered hawk, they were checking on 6 screech owls that had fallen out of the nest.
A wild life shelter had sent them over to Bush for a check up One of the chicks had a broken leg. We could watch them doing x-rays and checking the birds. They will be sent back to the shelter and hopefully be released to the wild when big enough to fend for themselves. A most interesting morning. The other pictures are of the latest roller coaster. Cheetah Hunt. It is long, scary, and in the several pictures Ernie took you can see the cars at different positions at the top of the tallest part of the ride. Just before the drop down. We walked over to the smoke house for the bar b que platter.
Chicken, ribs and beef strips. More than enough for one person, so we split one entree. Rode the train all around and just enjoyed a final visit for this season. more later jkc
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Good Times
Dan and Donna from Canada and their kettle corn wagon. We enjoy talking with them each week. They were at the Webster, Florida, flea Market. when this picture was taken. Then we see them at Plant City Flea market also. Yes, we do go to several different flea markets. Fun. And I now have my birthday presents. I have many more JJ pins for my collection. a cow and a lamb that have dangley legs. A set of 3 clowns, cats, a moose and a catus plant. Ernie likes finding them almost more than I do. I will pass on the more expensive ones. The last picture is of of their daughter, Crystal. She works selling the kettle corn also. They also go to the
Auburndale Market on the week end. This market requires that the 
y
y leave their kettle there in a small building. They leave it there all the time. They are not sure they will bring the trailer down next year. We shall see. The third picture is at Busch Gardens at the elephants compound. The elephant behind the door is the matriarch of the 5 elephants. she did not want one of the elephants there, so she trumpeted and moved her out of the area. They waited awhile before giving them treats. Did not want her to think she could make noise and push out one and still get a treat. It is interesting how the animals act. They pat the elephants on their tongue and rub their ears. The feed them about a dozen apples at a time. Just pop them in their mouths. And a whole coconut. You heard a crunch and the elephant spit out a broken coconut. The keeper cut it in smaller pieces .
But we have seen one of the elephants step on the coconut and then eat it all. They were also pouring some Gatorade in their trunk. The third picture is of Clayton and Rita at Parksdale. We had been to Webster flea market and stopped by Parksdale for our strawberry sundaes. A good time, and Rita found a few buys at the flea market also.
They are staying at Palmetto, Fl. for a month. We got together with Bruce and Beth and played cards. Tuesday they came over and we took the Boat tour around the commercial side of Tampa Bay. The boys are ahead in bid euchre 3 to 1Wednesday was Plant City flea market and when we stopped at Parksdale we were joined with Austin and Linda. Ernie and I had strawberry milkshakes that day. Then Ernie and Austin went to a motor home junk yard to look for a part. Linda and I took the long way home, going by their daughters former home and checking out another place where we are trying to decide what they are going to build.
Thursday was Busch Gardens Day. The last week for concerts. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. were the stars for this week. We were walking to the theatre and saw some of the band walk by and go into the back of the theatre. Said something to a couple sitting on a bench right there. They said, they sit there each week and watch the stars walk by to the theatre. So after 40 minutes or so the four of us walked into the theatre and kept on talking. About the Golden Age pass senior citizens can get. This pass lets you into National parks and attractions free. Ernie was showing Jim and Laine the pass, when the man behind us said, "mine is newer and different than that" And then the couple in front of us wanted to know what a Golden Age pass was and how it is used. So we were all talking about where we went camping. We had a great time. And the show was good also.
Friday we were shopping, at a real store, Old Time Pottery, and Jim saw me and then heard Ernie talking to Alan on the phone. Came over, It is you, we saw you at Busch! They were there with his sister and brother in law. They said that Jim and Laine had been talking a lot about this couple they met at Busch. What a coincidence to meet again the next day. Saturday, oops, Ernie woke up not feeling so great. He either has a good head cold or severe allergies. And a cough that starts with his toes. Sounds awful. He is now in bed and it has been quiet. Hope he can sleep better than he did last night. I am fine. Did make two turns around the park with Beth after supper.
Have a good night. jkc P.S. While at Busch Gardens we did a couple of rides??? The first one was the river rapids. Having watched the two weeks before, we came with our ponchos. It is a 12 passenger round raft with seats. And as you go around the first curve there are water guns on land. Your friends can pay a quarter and squirt you. And until you watch and see where they squirt you may miss. But the last gun, is automatic and it hits the raft very well. And then going on down the rapids water comes into the raft. and you go by two more water spouts. So Altho our bodies were dry, our legs and feet were wet. I had on my canvas Kedsjkc
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March
Stewarts Kettle Corn, the man inside and lady outside. Great people from Canada. Make delicious kettle corn. They go to various flea markets and when we see them we always stop and talk with them.
There trailer is often our meeting place, as Ernie and I go thru flea markets at different paces.
Still trying to figure out the new computer and our blog. The second picture is of a banner at Busch Gardens, listing the various musical groups that play at the Stanlyville Theatre.
The third picture is of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. They are from Muncie, Hoosier Cruisers and have come to Florida for several years. This year they did not bring their RV and were here for just a few weeks.
We miss seeing them.
The fourth picture is of Mrs. Stewart holding a bag of that delicious kettle corn. I must ask their first names again and write them down so I do not forget them.
And the last picture is a picture that Ernie says they use here in Florida when the snow get deep.
We saw this on our way to the Plant City Wall Mart and decided we had to take a picture of this bus.
An advertisement for Mikes tire and wheel shop. Advertising Michelin tire, the kind we have on our RV
See you in April. jkc
There trailer is often our meeting place, as Ernie and I go thru flea markets at different paces.
Still trying to figure out the new computer and our blog. The second picture is of a banner at Busch Gardens, listing the various musical groups that play at the Stanlyville Theatre.
The third picture is of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. They are from Muncie, Hoosier Cruisers and have come to Florida for several years. This year they did not bring their RV and were here for just a few weeks.
We miss seeing them.
The fourth picture is of Mrs. Stewart holding a bag of that delicious kettle corn. I must ask their first names again and write them down so I do not forget them.
And the last picture is a picture that Ernie says they use here in Florida when the snow get deep.
We saw this on our way to the Plant City Wall Mart and decided we had to take a picture of this bus.
An advertisement for Mikes tire and wheel shop. Advertising Michelin tire, the kind we have on our RV
See you in April. jkc
Last Week end
We went to Busch. We usually go on Thursday or Friday. But I had a reaction to some crab legs on Thursday. Made many trips to the bathroom. Friday I was not doing much. So we went to Busch on Saturday. Lots of spring break or brake? people there. Rita Coolidge was performing at the Stanlyville Theatre. so so. some one said she was not any better than she was 30 years ago, and that was not saying much. She did write some good songs, but someone else made them hits. Anyway, we listened.
Sunday was Church and a quiet day.We did make a Wall Mart run for supplies?
Monday, we went to Bellview flea market, just north of Webster. Ernie bought some electrical terminals he was wanting and we left there to go back to the Webster flea market. Ernie bought me some piggy JJ pins, I bought one of a frog playing a trombone. And then I found a special spoon. A style we did not have, it was an olive spoon with an open bowl. Better yet it was in a highly collectible pattern. We bought some other pieces, but that one is special. Stopped by Lazy Days to drop off some strawberries for Jerry and Carol. they have bad colds and so would not go out. We went on to Bob Evans and just as we ordered, Merrill and Martha walked in. We invited them to eat with us and we heard all about the new motor home. More later.
Tuesday, we took the old computer back to Best Buy to the Geek Squad. It will lock up and we cannot use it. they fixed it in a minute or two.
On to Wall Mart and there was Linda and Austin. Had lunch at Subway with them. That evening Merrill and Martha called and we went to Sweet tomatoes with them. Good friends from Alabama, they are here to pick up their new 2012 Allegro Bus. Roughing It Smoothly is the Allegro slogan.
Beautiful 40 foot coach. We enjoy visiting with them.
I guess you could say we eat out a lot while in Florida. Then I forget how to cook when we get back to Indiana. Lunch is the hardest for me to fix something we both like. Ernie is not a peanut butter sandwich eater.
Today, was another Busch Gardens day. And if it was busy last Saturday, it was a mob today. someone, our age, walked by and said, " Today, I think we are out numbered." It was the Grass Roots
Band at Stanleville Theatre. I did recognize some of their songs. Enjoyed them. Next week is the last week and it will be Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
While we were waiting for the music to start we talked with the two ladies next to us. Just so happened they were from Indiana. Bourbon, to be exact. And they knew where Syracuse was located.
In fact a lady from her church grew up in Syracuse. Her name is Willodene and she makes
Beautiful quilts. So I said her maiden name, yes, that is her. Willodene was in my sisters class and her cousin, Marlene was in mine. Small world. She also knew about Thornburg Drug Stores.
stopped at the grocery store on the way home, Ernie picked out some pork short ribs and asparagus.
I also had some slaw and then strawberries for dessert. I tried to make the slaw like I had at Sweet Tomatoes. with crushed pineapple and a touch of coconut cream. Good.
Ernie had a check on his right leg. The Doctor thought his leg looked good, better ahead of schedule.
To check in with him when we come back next year Also said if Ernie had any problems he knew a vein clinic in Indianapolis he could recommend.
Something else I should write about, but that will have to wait until I remember what it was. It is
time for bed.!!!!!! Good Night jkc
Sunday was Church and a quiet day.We did make a Wall Mart run for supplies?
Monday, we went to Bellview flea market, just north of Webster. Ernie bought some electrical terminals he was wanting and we left there to go back to the Webster flea market. Ernie bought me some piggy JJ pins, I bought one of a frog playing a trombone. And then I found a special spoon. A style we did not have, it was an olive spoon with an open bowl. Better yet it was in a highly collectible pattern. We bought some other pieces, but that one is special. Stopped by Lazy Days to drop off some strawberries for Jerry and Carol. they have bad colds and so would not go out. We went on to Bob Evans and just as we ordered, Merrill and Martha walked in. We invited them to eat with us and we heard all about the new motor home. More later.
Tuesday, we took the old computer back to Best Buy to the Geek Squad. It will lock up and we cannot use it. they fixed it in a minute or two.
On to Wall Mart and there was Linda and Austin. Had lunch at Subway with them. That evening Merrill and Martha called and we went to Sweet tomatoes with them. Good friends from Alabama, they are here to pick up their new 2012 Allegro Bus. Roughing It Smoothly is the Allegro slogan.
Beautiful 40 foot coach. We enjoy visiting with them.
I guess you could say we eat out a lot while in Florida. Then I forget how to cook when we get back to Indiana. Lunch is the hardest for me to fix something we both like. Ernie is not a peanut butter sandwich eater.
Today, was another Busch Gardens day. And if it was busy last Saturday, it was a mob today. someone, our age, walked by and said, " Today, I think we are out numbered." It was the Grass Roots
Band at Stanleville Theatre. I did recognize some of their songs. Enjoyed them. Next week is the last week and it will be Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
While we were waiting for the music to start we talked with the two ladies next to us. Just so happened they were from Indiana. Bourbon, to be exact. And they knew where Syracuse was located.
In fact a lady from her church grew up in Syracuse. Her name is Willodene and she makes
Beautiful quilts. So I said her maiden name, yes, that is her. Willodene was in my sisters class and her cousin, Marlene was in mine. Small world. She also knew about Thornburg Drug Stores.
stopped at the grocery store on the way home, Ernie picked out some pork short ribs and asparagus.
I also had some slaw and then strawberries for dessert. I tried to make the slaw like I had at Sweet Tomatoes. with crushed pineapple and a touch of coconut cream. Good.
Ernie had a check on his right leg. The Doctor thought his leg looked good, better ahead of schedule.
To check in with him when we come back next year Also said if Ernie had any problems he knew a vein clinic in Indianapolis he could recommend.
Something else I should write about, but that will have to wait until I remember what it was. It is
time for bed.!!!!!! Good Night jkc
Monday, March 5, 2012
fun trip
Beth drove Bruce, Ernie and I to Palmetto, FL. for a visit with Clayton and Rita. After a delicious lunch, chicken breast with a cranberry sauce, we played bid eucher. This time the fellows won 2 games.
Darn! But we had a good time and a good visit. Next week Clayton and Rita will come North to visit with us. It is 50 minute drive. write more later. That was Monday. today is Friday. Yesterday was not a good day. I had the "back door trots"
I am ready for a colonoscopy. Well, not really. Lost 2 pounds. Not the way I prefer to do it. Today I am weak. Had some dry toast and weak tea this am. Will have some chicken soup for lunch. I do not want any more of yesterday.
Wednesday was flea market day. We bought another soup ladle and some stuff. Ernie found a Pampered Chef pair of kitchen shears for 50 Cents. Good buy. So I went back and got a lemon Zest and some measuring spoons. any two for one dollar.
but I did pay
$4. for a good knife. I have 3 long knives, all serrated knives. there are times when a straight edge is better. The lady I bought from has a nice collection of pots and pan, and a few other kitchen utensils.
She keeps them neat and clean. Her husband has all kinds of tools. They are from Indiana. I also buy something from this Mexican couple and their fruit and veggie stand. I can buy more at a better price, but we have enjoyed talking with them. Last season we put a picture of their baby on the blog. A fat little cutie. The little girl is now walking. A good little girl. She knows the routine and eats fresh fruit and veggies.
We stopped at Parksdale for our strawberry sundae and more grapefruit. Last week they had our favorite Duncan Grapefruit. This week they were out of them. While we were there a tour bus pulled up and a lot of people got out. The driver had never been there, so Ernie took him over to the area where people order their strawberry treat.
it is quite an operation. It is also day time. I usually write this after Ernie has gone to bed. Last night I was in bed by 9 pm. Unusual for me.
Have a good day. jkc
Darn! But we had a good time and a good visit. Next week Clayton and Rita will come North to visit with us. It is 50 minute drive. write more later. That was Monday. today is Friday. Yesterday was not a good day. I had the "back door trots"
I am ready for a colonoscopy. Well, not really. Lost 2 pounds. Not the way I prefer to do it. Today I am weak. Had some dry toast and weak tea this am. Will have some chicken soup for lunch. I do not want any more of yesterday.
Wednesday was flea market day. We bought another soup ladle and some stuff. Ernie found a Pampered Chef pair of kitchen shears for 50 Cents. Good buy. So I went back and got a lemon Zest and some measuring spoons. any two for one dollar.
but I did pay
$4. for a good knife. I have 3 long knives, all serrated knives. there are times when a straight edge is better. The lady I bought from has a nice collection of pots and pan, and a few other kitchen utensils.
She keeps them neat and clean. Her husband has all kinds of tools. They are from Indiana. I also buy something from this Mexican couple and their fruit and veggie stand. I can buy more at a better price, but we have enjoyed talking with them. Last season we put a picture of their baby on the blog. A fat little cutie. The little girl is now walking. A good little girl. She knows the routine and eats fresh fruit and veggies.
We stopped at Parksdale for our strawberry sundae and more grapefruit. Last week they had our favorite Duncan Grapefruit. This week they were out of them. While we were there a tour bus pulled up and a lot of people got out. The driver had never been there, so Ernie took him over to the area where people order their strawberry treat.
it is quite an operation. It is also day time. I usually write this after Ernie has gone to bed. Last night I was in bed by 9 pm. Unusual for me.
Have a good day. jkc
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