the leaves are becoming so pretty. and lots on the ground. Ernie is going to put the mulching blades on the mower. We had our last rally last week end and it was a beautiful week end. Campfires that were nice, not huddled close to the fire to keep warm, just a sweater for comfort.
We were with t the National RV, Great Laker Club. Ohio, Michigan and Indiana travelers. National Motor homes are no longer made but we still meet and have good times. This time the rally was in Indianapolis, near Southport. The big item to do was to go to the Allison Transmission plant where we got a tour. then they took us out to the "test" track. Semi's of all sorts are lined up with Allison employees in the passenger seat. We were told to drive any one or more around the track. And did I go! A big one with the trailer that you see carring a large load of rocks, etc. You climb into the cab and there are all these dials and buttons. Do not pay any attention to those. Gauges and buttons are for over the road and to work the trailer. Look at this! the panel with N; R; and D. So, I put it in D and away we went. So neat. Ernie and I had done this with the Freightliner Club about 3 years ago. But it was still fun. I also drove the tri-axel dump truck, (stop on this hill, where all you can see are the flags on each side, no road) and then start again. Did not slide back far. And then they had a fire truck. Drove that too. Two of the ladies did that. And one lady, afraid to even sit in the drivers seat of the RV drove one of the semi's with the lady employee that was our contact for the tour. she said I had convinced her to try. No other traffic, a lady with you to give advice, easy route with turns and curves each directionm, no hill for the semi's. Even if you do not drive the RV, it is an experience that will help you get over the fear and give you faith (hopefully) that you can drive the RV if it were an emergency. That was my highlight to hear her say that the drive took away her fear of driving a big rig.
Saturday Ernie and I went uptown to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Wester ARt. The paintings and other art work were beautiful.
We enjoyed the artifacts on the second floor.
Stew for supper on Friday night and Sunday morning we had eggs in a bag for breakfast. Have a pot of boiling water, take a zip lock bag and put two or 3 eggs in it, then green pepper, onion, ham, sausage, what ever you want that is available at the table. Close the bag, squeeze it to mix it up and put it in the boiling water for 13 minutes. You have your omelot!!!! no mess, fun for a camp out. We have tried it at home also.
I wore my sling for a little over 5 weeks. I now have unlimited use and exercise of my left arm. Well, that is what the Dr's orders are for the rehab people. I can now tuck in my blouses, hang up the clothes, (by stretching up a bit) and drive the car (and semi's) Ernie no longer has to do my chores and we are now eating at home more than going out for meals. Rehab is a challenge that I want to master--I prefer using my left arm fully.
Ernie has also been visiting the Drs. Saw his heart Dr. and the stress test showed a shadow on his heart. Down to Indy we went for a catherization. All clear. So to family Dr. for check. A-ok, now it is to the lung Dr. to see why he gets out of breath and tires easily. He has a regular appointment with the lung Dr. at least twice a year. He hasd been to our daughters the last two days helping her get some things done that she needed dear ole dad's help.
My last orthoppedic Dr. appt. is the 15th of Nov. We hope to head south by the 17th. We shall see. The last three years we have set a date to leave and then something happens and we leave 2 or 3 weeks later. Friends want us there to go out for Thanksgiving dinner.
yes, I would like to stay home for a least one of the holidays. But this year with both of us having surgery, we are ready to go south and be in
our lazy, flea market, Busch Gardens mode of life. and no snow or ice!
My tomato plants are still thriving, all over the sidewalk, Somewhere under them are my aloe plants, hope at least one of the two has survived. I also planted some Duncan grapefruit seed last spring, just for fun, and they have been growning well. I have them in pots now and must bring them in if it frosts. We planted citrus seeds when the children were small. We had a tree for years. Lugged it out each spring and brought it in in the fall. Became a problem to keep it watered when we were gone all winter. so one year I did not bring it in. No more tree.
And I was down to one plant to take in the coach. Now I have 3 to cart back and forth with us.
Oh, yes, in Sept the Hoosier Cruiser RV club traveled to Fort Wayne, IN.
We visited the Zoo. To hear the Vet for the Zoo tell us about the hospital, and how the animals are cared for. Each animal gets a physical twice a year. Interesting time, and then we went to the giraffe pens and got to feed them Romaine lettuce. 6 females and one male, separated. Beautiful animals when you see them up close. We also toured the Sweetwater Sound business. They sell musical instruments, mostlyl guitars and pianos, sound equipment and have rooms and a full stage for recording. They have had top name artests come to record there.
They have a great employee program. Cafe with a Chef, ping pong, pool table, arcade, racquet ball court and a gym. Nice place to work. They have a small gift shop with musical items, etc. Saturday we went to the Johnny Apple Seed festival. A very nice festival, I would like to go again another year to see and do what we missed this year.
We are getting our fall chores done. Peonies cut down, RV drained and water blown out of the pipes. few other things. Ernie is now up, time to get busy for another good day. Hope you have a good day also. jkc
P.S. OUr former neighbor and good friend will be home from Iraq in November. God speed. jkc
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
RV MOVED
It is late August and I am trying to type with an emoblizer on my left arm. More about that later.
We went to a rally. Worked and got the coach cleaned, roof top and sides, inside and out. And took off.
almost.---- Ernie came in and said "we are almost out of propane! What happened, do we have a leak?"
After we got the propane we remembered. We did have the furnace set at 50 those first few nights we were home from Florida, and they kicked in when the electric heaters could not keep up. Plus we used the stove and hot water heater while the kitchen remodel was done. Simple, when you think of it.
We traveled far for the rally. To Hoosier Park Race Park and Casino, in Anderson, IN.\ 22 motor homes. The park is about 6 miles from our home. It was a dry camping time, new experience for some of the members. We had a good time.
Tours---thru the old Paramount Theater with its old organ, all refurbished, Goods Chocolate and Ice Cream shop. A dairy farm, where they milk 1500 cows 3 times a day, the horse barns at the track, 900 horses right now. Lunch at the Race Park and that evening box lunches, tables and chairs, front row seating at Conner Prairie to listen to the Glen Miller Orchestra. Conner Prairie is an old time settlement that has a band shell for summer music. And the people got up and danced. Ernie commented that it was nice to see young people dancing. We get used to seeing gray haired people at Busch Gardens during the winter. Saturday we went to a funeral home to hear about pet cremation. sounds gross, but it was very interesting. We had a pot- luck supper at one of our members home and had a good time visiting and good food.
I did go over to the casino. I lost 3 dollars and after I got to 3.76 I quit. 76 cents profit. The casino gave us coupons of $5.00 for first timers. Yes, the casino has been there several years and we have never gone to gamble or watch the horses. So I lost the $5 too. not my money.
And then we came home. Tomatoes on our 2 vines are ripening so we have at least one every day. But the peppers are not doing so well. The tomatoes are taking over, the small garden and the sidewalk. thats ok, nothing like a fresh Indiana tomato.
Mon. the 22 of August I took my turn at going to the hospital for surgery. I have had an arthritic left shoulder for some time. About 20 years ago I fell off Nancy's bike,(never have mastered handle brakes) and broke my arm right at the ball. Now we find out thru x-rays that it did not heal in perfect alignment and that there were bone spurs, plus no cartilage between the ball and socket joint. So now I have a new ball and socket
for my left arm. The surgeon said the rotatory cuff muscle was in good shape and he was able to do the complete change, and straighten the alignment. Now it is passive exercise at home until I get the staples out on the 6th. Ernie gets to have the job of helping me do these exercises. Plus, cook, clean, help me get dressed and bathed. What ever. Hardest thing today was putting on my pierced ear rings. Gotta wear them or those little holes might close. So at least 4 weeks with this thing on my arm. It sticks out about a foot from my waist. Elbow at my side hand at a 45 degree angle from my waist. I sleep in the Lazy-Boy.
Came home the next day. Pain has been tolerable, and now I am just taking regular strength Tylenol.
Planning on going to a rally in Sept. And home to Syracuse for a day over the holiday.
some R & R for a while.
Maybe I can write some more later. Hope all of you out there are haveing a great summer.
jkc
We went to a rally. Worked and got the coach cleaned, roof top and sides, inside and out. And took off.
almost.---- Ernie came in and said "we are almost out of propane! What happened, do we have a leak?"
After we got the propane we remembered. We did have the furnace set at 50 those first few nights we were home from Florida, and they kicked in when the electric heaters could not keep up. Plus we used the stove and hot water heater while the kitchen remodel was done. Simple, when you think of it.
We traveled far for the rally. To Hoosier Park Race Park and Casino, in Anderson, IN.\ 22 motor homes. The park is about 6 miles from our home. It was a dry camping time, new experience for some of the members. We had a good time.
Tours---thru the old Paramount Theater with its old organ, all refurbished, Goods Chocolate and Ice Cream shop. A dairy farm, where they milk 1500 cows 3 times a day, the horse barns at the track, 900 horses right now. Lunch at the Race Park and that evening box lunches, tables and chairs, front row seating at Conner Prairie to listen to the Glen Miller Orchestra. Conner Prairie is an old time settlement that has a band shell for summer music. And the people got up and danced. Ernie commented that it was nice to see young people dancing. We get used to seeing gray haired people at Busch Gardens during the winter. Saturday we went to a funeral home to hear about pet cremation. sounds gross, but it was very interesting. We had a pot- luck supper at one of our members home and had a good time visiting and good food.
I did go over to the casino. I lost 3 dollars and after I got to 3.76 I quit. 76 cents profit. The casino gave us coupons of $5.00 for first timers. Yes, the casino has been there several years and we have never gone to gamble or watch the horses. So I lost the $5 too. not my money.
And then we came home. Tomatoes on our 2 vines are ripening so we have at least one every day. But the peppers are not doing so well. The tomatoes are taking over, the small garden and the sidewalk. thats ok, nothing like a fresh Indiana tomato.
Mon. the 22 of August I took my turn at going to the hospital for surgery. I have had an arthritic left shoulder for some time. About 20 years ago I fell off Nancy's bike,(never have mastered handle brakes) and broke my arm right at the ball. Now we find out thru x-rays that it did not heal in perfect alignment and that there were bone spurs, plus no cartilage between the ball and socket joint. So now I have a new ball and socket
for my left arm. The surgeon said the rotatory cuff muscle was in good shape and he was able to do the complete change, and straighten the alignment. Now it is passive exercise at home until I get the staples out on the 6th. Ernie gets to have the job of helping me do these exercises. Plus, cook, clean, help me get dressed and bathed. What ever. Hardest thing today was putting on my pierced ear rings. Gotta wear them or those little holes might close. So at least 4 weeks with this thing on my arm. It sticks out about a foot from my waist. Elbow at my side hand at a 45 degree angle from my waist. I sleep in the Lazy-Boy.
Came home the next day. Pain has been tolerable, and now I am just taking regular strength Tylenol.
Planning on going to a rally in Sept. And home to Syracuse for a day over the holiday.
some R & R for a while.
Maybe I can write some more later. Hope all of you out there are haveing a great summer.
jkc
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Happy 4th of July!!!!
Time to celebrate!! 4th of July in good ole USA!!
The Kitchen is DONE---except for moving all that, no, most of that stuff back.
Well, I have a lot back, just odds and ends of where does this stuff go.
Ernie is thru his surgeires! We hope. The knee healed well and the rehab people thought he was 4 to 6 weeks ahead of most people. The problem was his varicose veins in that right leg. They were bruised during the surgery. Someone or something held tight on that right leg and oh, were the veins painful. He said yesterday that they were better, but still need to be taken care of soon.
He has had two skin cancers removed. One on his right temple and the other near the left collar bone. so we have seen one doctor or another each week since we have gotten home from Florida. Isn't getting older ?
The kitchen looks super. At least to me and Ernie has said so too. Haven't really cooked anything in the micro-wave-convection oven, but tea and reheat something.
Have to do some reading on how to work the micro wave. Have the wall oven about figured out and the dishwasher works fine. And a quiet garbage disposal. Everything so nice and new and clean.
I could go on and on how much I like all the work that has been done. Ernie has been
tweaking a few things here and there. Making things better for me.
We have missed going out in the RV. We have not touched it in since getting home. Between the remodel and going to the Dr. the poor RV has been neglected. Not sure when we will get the RV in a go mode. It was great to have it parked at home during the mess in the kitchen.
A few flowers blooming, tomatoes on the two plants. Small, but they are there and the plants are growing BIG. I planted some grapefruit seeds this spring. Two came up and one is really thriving in my back plot. Will dig it up this fall. I had a citrus tree that was about 4 feet tall at one time. No one could remember what type of citrus. We planted it when Nancy and Alan were young.
we are Cat sitting. Our son and family had lightening hit their light pole and do some electrical damage. Nothing harmed inside the home. But they had to stay in a motel for 6 nights. So we got TACO the CAT. And then they got a chance for an all expense paid trip to Virginia Beach and we get to keep the cat until they get home. Monday or Tuesday. Taco hides in our closet most of the time and comes out of an evening. And about 2:30 or 3 am he meows. That is the time Alan usually gets home from work. We have enjoyed having him, but glad we do not have to take a pet when we travel. We used to have two cats that traveled with us, but not now, at least for the time being.
I am doing fine. Just be glad when all is put back where it belongs and we get the house cleaned again. I did make a fast trip to Syracuse for my High School Alumni Banquet. one other person from my class there, but being a small school I knew many of those that were there. A good time visiting with my two sisters also.
Hope all of you are doing ok. Will try to write again this month. jkc
The Kitchen is DONE---except for moving all that, no, most of that stuff back.
Well, I have a lot back, just odds and ends of where does this stuff go.
Ernie is thru his surgeires! We hope. The knee healed well and the rehab people thought he was 4 to 6 weeks ahead of most people. The problem was his varicose veins in that right leg. They were bruised during the surgery. Someone or something held tight on that right leg and oh, were the veins painful. He said yesterday that they were better, but still need to be taken care of soon.
He has had two skin cancers removed. One on his right temple and the other near the left collar bone. so we have seen one doctor or another each week since we have gotten home from Florida. Isn't getting older ?
The kitchen looks super. At least to me and Ernie has said so too. Haven't really cooked anything in the micro-wave-convection oven, but tea and reheat something.
Have to do some reading on how to work the micro wave. Have the wall oven about figured out and the dishwasher works fine. And a quiet garbage disposal. Everything so nice and new and clean.
I could go on and on how much I like all the work that has been done. Ernie has been
tweaking a few things here and there. Making things better for me.
We have missed going out in the RV. We have not touched it in since getting home. Between the remodel and going to the Dr. the poor RV has been neglected. Not sure when we will get the RV in a go mode. It was great to have it parked at home during the mess in the kitchen.
A few flowers blooming, tomatoes on the two plants. Small, but they are there and the plants are growing BIG. I planted some grapefruit seeds this spring. Two came up and one is really thriving in my back plot. Will dig it up this fall. I had a citrus tree that was about 4 feet tall at one time. No one could remember what type of citrus. We planted it when Nancy and Alan were young.
we are Cat sitting. Our son and family had lightening hit their light pole and do some electrical damage. Nothing harmed inside the home. But they had to stay in a motel for 6 nights. So we got TACO the CAT. And then they got a chance for an all expense paid trip to Virginia Beach and we get to keep the cat until they get home. Monday or Tuesday. Taco hides in our closet most of the time and comes out of an evening. And about 2:30 or 3 am he meows. That is the time Alan usually gets home from work. We have enjoyed having him, but glad we do not have to take a pet when we travel. We used to have two cats that traveled with us, but not now, at least for the time being.
I am doing fine. Just be glad when all is put back where it belongs and we get the house cleaned again. I did make a fast trip to Syracuse for my High School Alumni Banquet. one other person from my class there, but being a small school I knew many of those that were there. A good time visiting with my two sisters also.
Hope all of you are doing ok. Will try to write again this month. jkc
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Kitchen remodel
It is May 26th. The kitchen is, well, a mess. The counter top is gone and all the appliances, except the refrig., are also gone. Including the sink. A new section is almost finished and the drawer slide for the waste basket is in place. We had about 10 inches of space between the dishwasher and the cabinet we moved to make room for the dish washer. So, another week the cabinets will be white and the man will come to lay down new flooring. Then the appliances go in and I may be able to cook again in the house kitchen. We have eaten out 3 meals, I have something in the crock pot, in the RV, for supper.
POPPIES are blooming and the peonies are starting to bloom. I snitched some iris flowers from the neighbors yard. Now I have one dark red peony in the house.
the front step has been raised and now slopes to the yard instead of the house.
A-1 Concrete Leveling did a great job. They were on their way to raise a corner of a
slab house that had settled. Interesting set up.
Questions for me about the tile in the kitchen from Ernie and the man. Must go-----
Have a good day. jkc
Later, like June 1st.
Ernie is in the hospital. To make a long story short. His right knee prosthesis came loose. The bottom one decidedly so. His leg was bowed out. so Tuesday the 31st
he had a new complete knee put in to replace the old artificial knee. He is doing fine, the Dr. said the surgery went well and Ernie just needs to do some good ole exercising of his legs.
The kitchen remodel is progressing. I now have white cabinets. The drawers and doors are at the contractors home to be painted. The floor man comes next week and We hope the new counter top comes in next week also. Then tile will be put on the back splash and new appliances put in place. I will have to start cooking again.
we have been going out to the back yard diner. At least that is what our contractor said when we said we were going out to the RV for lunch. Nice to have the "diner" out there.
The flowers between the house and sidewalk are blooming and looking pretty. I did put two tomato plants, two pepper plants and a parsley plant in among the flowers in the back plot. We shall see what happens.
We hear the GLASS Rally in Michigan was wet, cold and muddy. We usually go, but did not this year. Ernie was not moving that fast. Hope to get to some of our Hoosier Cruiser rallies and the the FMCA convention in Wisconsin in August.
Time to relax a bit before it is bedtime. Adios. jkc
POPPIES are blooming and the peonies are starting to bloom. I snitched some iris flowers from the neighbors yard. Now I have one dark red peony in the house.
the front step has been raised and now slopes to the yard instead of the house.
A-1 Concrete Leveling did a great job. They were on their way to raise a corner of a
slab house that had settled. Interesting set up.
Questions for me about the tile in the kitchen from Ernie and the man. Must go-----
Have a good day. jkc
Later, like June 1st.
Ernie is in the hospital. To make a long story short. His right knee prosthesis came loose. The bottom one decidedly so. His leg was bowed out. so Tuesday the 31st
he had a new complete knee put in to replace the old artificial knee. He is doing fine, the Dr. said the surgery went well and Ernie just needs to do some good ole exercising of his legs.
The kitchen remodel is progressing. I now have white cabinets. The drawers and doors are at the contractors home to be painted. The floor man comes next week and We hope the new counter top comes in next week also. Then tile will be put on the back splash and new appliances put in place. I will have to start cooking again.
we have been going out to the back yard diner. At least that is what our contractor said when we said we were going out to the RV for lunch. Nice to have the "diner" out there.
The flowers between the house and sidewalk are blooming and looking pretty. I did put two tomato plants, two pepper plants and a parsley plant in among the flowers in the back plot. We shall see what happens.
We hear the GLASS Rally in Michigan was wet, cold and muddy. We usually go, but did not this year. Ernie was not moving that fast. Hope to get to some of our Hoosier Cruiser rallies and the the FMCA convention in Wisconsin in August.
Time to relax a bit before it is bedtime. Adios. jkc
Thursday, May 5, 2011
MAY TIME
Hi! It stopped raining long enough to mow the lawn again. Looks much better this time. When you mow the first time each spring, you never know how it will look. And Ernie sharpened the blades on the rider and the push mower, and that helps a lot.
Help! Help! We are going to have our kitchen cabinets refinished and a dishwasher built in. Where did I get all this stuff? Canning equipment, some of the glasses and bowls the kids had when they were little. Different size pans for baking, spring form, quiche pan, tart pans, a big glass loaf pan, and others, all stuck in the corner cupboard. The one that you cannot get into very well. Where I stuff stuff, that I use once in a while. And then the good stuff. Do my children remember that I actually have some Lennox China? or some pretty tea cups? And then the crystal etched pitcher, glasses, sherbets, creamer and sugar that came from Mother. Where are the plates? Maybe my sisters have them or rather they are gone, or she did not have them.
It will be so nice when it is all done. I have waited too long for this, so I am not really complaining. Just amazed at all the stuff. Well, I knew it was all there, just, oh my. Rummage sale and Good Will, here I come. Ernie's sister has moved twice in their plans of building a new house. She said she could not believe how much stuff she gave away, sold or???
Anyway, life is good. Have a great day. jkc
Help! Help! We are going to have our kitchen cabinets refinished and a dishwasher built in. Where did I get all this stuff? Canning equipment, some of the glasses and bowls the kids had when they were little. Different size pans for baking, spring form, quiche pan, tart pans, a big glass loaf pan, and others, all stuck in the corner cupboard. The one that you cannot get into very well. Where I stuff stuff, that I use once in a while. And then the good stuff. Do my children remember that I actually have some Lennox China? or some pretty tea cups? And then the crystal etched pitcher, glasses, sherbets, creamer and sugar that came from Mother. Where are the plates? Maybe my sisters have them or rather they are gone, or she did not have them.
It will be so nice when it is all done. I have waited too long for this, so I am not really complaining. Just amazed at all the stuff. Well, I knew it was all there, just, oh my. Rummage sale and Good Will, here I come. Ernie's sister has moved twice in their plans of building a new house. She said she could not believe how much stuff she gave away, sold or???
Anyway, life is good. Have a great day. jkc
Sunday, May 1, 2011
April in Indiana
April in Indiana means rain! We have been home 3 weeks today. It started raining when we crossed the Ohio river at the Indiana border. And it has rained a lot since then. Today we finally got to mow the lawn. 1 acre plus of green hay. Well, there is a lot of cut grass on the yard. And tomorrow we will use the neighbors old lawn sweeper to pick it up. Hope it works. We haven't worked like that for some time and tonight we are tired. but the yard is much better. The first spring flowers are gone. I noticed that the lilacs are starting to blossom. The red bud trees are losing their pretty pink blossoms and many trees are starting to show more green. AND I found 3 yes 3 sponge mushrooms in our side yard, while picking up sticks. We have had the white, round mushrooms in our yard before, but never the sponge type. We had them for supper. Just a taste and they were good. Also fresh asparagus from the garden. I must get out there to do something to the dandy lions that are trying to take over the asparagus. I do not like those lions in my asparagus beds.
The other day our daughter in law made the comment "It's a small world, isn't it." And those of us that travel know that this is true. You frequently meet people that know someone you know or you know about them. Well, the other day we went to this
country church (Christian Congregation Church) for the visitation of a friends mother that had passed away. Ernie had worked with her son, Marty. Marty had grown up in the area and his children had gone to the Alexandria schools. Well, in talking with him, we asked if he knew the Wilson's. Our daughter-in-laws maiden name. Oh, yes, His mother had been a Wilson. We figured the two girls were probably 3rd or 4th cousins.
And we got to meet Danielles Uncle. Her grandmother had two sons. Jim and John. We met John and introduced ourselves. Oh, yes, Danielle married that fellow that can cook. Yes, Alan was his name. And what was also interesting, another elderly lady had heard us talking and she knew Danielles Grandmother. The Grandmother died at age 103. Well known in the community and church. This lady pointed out "Uncle John" and others that might know Danielle or her Grandmother.
We will talk more to Marty when we see him in May, as the fellows from Delco get together for breakfast once a month.
We are missing the first Hoosier Cruiser Rally this year. Just too much going on and a few DR. appointments to get done. The c-scan on Ernies lung came our the same. The Dr. want another one in 3 months and if there is no change, then he will make it 6 months. Possible just some little infection that will take time to heal. But careful watching is the word for now.
Ernie has gone to bed and its time I went too. I did get up in time---actually just in time to see KATE get out of the car and walk up the red carpet to be married to Prince Phillip. Beautiful gown and lovely wedding.
As I was picking up sticks today, in preparation for mowing, I was complaining to myself,, grumble -- grumble. And then thought how fortunate we are to be able to pick up sticks and not what is left of our home. I thought of all the tornado's and the damage done. Thank you Lord, were my next thoughts. and the sun was shinning. so life is good, even when you have to do some chores you would rather not do.
Take care, everyone. jkc
The other day our daughter in law made the comment "It's a small world, isn't it." And those of us that travel know that this is true. You frequently meet people that know someone you know or you know about them. Well, the other day we went to this
country church (Christian Congregation Church) for the visitation of a friends mother that had passed away. Ernie had worked with her son, Marty. Marty had grown up in the area and his children had gone to the Alexandria schools. Well, in talking with him, we asked if he knew the Wilson's. Our daughter-in-laws maiden name. Oh, yes, His mother had been a Wilson. We figured the two girls were probably 3rd or 4th cousins.
And we got to meet Danielles Uncle. Her grandmother had two sons. Jim and John. We met John and introduced ourselves. Oh, yes, Danielle married that fellow that can cook. Yes, Alan was his name. And what was also interesting, another elderly lady had heard us talking and she knew Danielles Grandmother. The Grandmother died at age 103. Well known in the community and church. This lady pointed out "Uncle John" and others that might know Danielle or her Grandmother.
We will talk more to Marty when we see him in May, as the fellows from Delco get together for breakfast once a month.
We are missing the first Hoosier Cruiser Rally this year. Just too much going on and a few DR. appointments to get done. The c-scan on Ernies lung came our the same. The Dr. want another one in 3 months and if there is no change, then he will make it 6 months. Possible just some little infection that will take time to heal. But careful watching is the word for now.
Ernie has gone to bed and its time I went too. I did get up in time---actually just in time to see KATE get out of the car and walk up the red carpet to be married to Prince Phillip. Beautiful gown and lovely wedding.
As I was picking up sticks today, in preparation for mowing, I was complaining to myself,, grumble -- grumble. And then thought how fortunate we are to be able to pick up sticks and not what is left of our home. I thought of all the tornado's and the damage done. Thank you Lord, were my next thoughts. and the sun was shinning. so life is good, even when you have to do some chores you would rather not do.
Take care, everyone. jkc
Sunday, April 10, 2011
HOME spring 2011
We try to stop and call them to meet us for a cup of coffee when ever we go up or down I. 65. always a good visit with good friends. Phyllis and I just about got our family talk in, but did not take time for crafts. I know they both are busy doing something.
a pleasant stop and makes the rest of the trip go faster.
We are HOME in Indiana. About 2:30 Friday. A neighbor told me a week ago that the daffodils were about gone. I was sad as I wanted to see them. And we when pulled in the drive, walla! there were my daffy down dillys just smiling away, looking so bright and pretty. Didn't you know that your flowers smile for you? all along under the grape arbor, a row where the apple trees were long ago and then I planted some two years ago in a corner of the fence. They were all bright. some of the tulips were blooming, more to bloom, the forsythia was still in bloom, my poor bush blooms here and there, now and then. Peony buds were perking out of the ground, have not checked the asparagus beds yet. And today I have some sheets hanging on the line. Mother Nature does a great job at drying and ironing my sheets.
So it is good to be home, Tonight we will meet with our friends to play cards.
Our son came over Sat. to help Dad change some water filters and I took Nancy some cookies and strawberries. More family to see, a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons,but it was good to see Nancy and Alan.
Life is good, Thank you dear Lord for a safe trip home and all is well. jkc
P.S. The finch food sock is up, suet, and other song bird seed out, and the humming bird feeder is up. With wasps at the moment. The birds have already eaten one container full of the seed. And the block of suet has several holes. will need to get some more for our feathered friends. jkcH
Friday, April 8, 2011
On the Road
Hi! We are driving up I 65 in Kentucky. We left the Flying J at Franklin, Ky., this morning at 7:30 am. There is bridge construction in KY. In Alabama it was road construction, Please go to one lane. We traveled over 10 miles, one lane, trucks and all of us., and then "end construction" We never saw any construction. or actual one lane. This happened 3 different times. One time it was so slow, Ernie and I switched driving. Stopped and switched and did not cause any problems.
We have been disappointed with the Flying J restaurants. Since Pilot has bought out Flying J Truck stops they have switched to Denny's restaurants. The food is good, when you finally get it, but not as good as it was. And they no longer have a buffet. We like the buffet in the mornings, But maybe that is just as well, not so full to be driving all day.
The first night after leaving Charlies we stopped at Dothan, Alabama. Met two couples, parked on either side of us. One from Thorntown, IN. They have a booth at various RV events. Sell jewelry and a few other small items. the other couple are from Wisconsin. They came into the restaurant after we did Wed. night and we still had not been seated. So we sat together. Sue and Stuart.
Thursday just as we were going to go eat, Lucky and Betsy, from Thorntown, pulled in to park for the night also. so we ate with them. They know a member from the Hoosier Cruisers. And of course we talked about Stooky's Restaurant in Thorntown. The place that serves all you can eat cat fish and the best onion rings you have ever eaten.
the sun is trying to come out between the clouds. Once it is out it is difficult to see the computer screen. so will st\op for now. jkc
We have been disappointed with the Flying J restaurants. Since Pilot has bought out Flying J Truck stops they have switched to Denny's restaurants. The food is good, when you finally get it, but not as good as it was. And they no longer have a buffet. We like the buffet in the mornings, But maybe that is just as well, not so full to be driving all day.
The first night after leaving Charlies we stopped at Dothan, Alabama. Met two couples, parked on either side of us. One from Thorntown, IN. They have a booth at various RV events. Sell jewelry and a few other small items. the other couple are from Wisconsin. They came into the restaurant after we did Wed. night and we still had not been seated. So we sat together. Sue and Stuart.
Thursday just as we were going to go eat, Lucky and Betsy, from Thorntown, pulled in to park for the night also. so we ate with them. They know a member from the Hoosier Cruisers. And of course we talked about Stooky's Restaurant in Thorntown. The place that serves all you can eat cat fish and the best onion rings you have ever eaten.
the sun is trying to come out between the clouds. Once it is out it is difficult to see the computer screen. so will st\op for now. jkc
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Our Winter Home
Our Place in Florida
Southern Magnolia. These trees in Florida stay green all year. They do loose some of their leaves, but they always have a lot of green. A pretty tree. And as one of the ladies said in the park they are messy. Like the Northern Magnolia the flower petals do get brown and fall off. Then there are these seed pods that are around all winter. Look like pine cones. They are softer and have a small red seed inside. CLICK ON THE PICTURE AND IT WILL GET BIGGER. THEN CLICK BACK TO MAKE IT SMALL AGAIN
A close up of more of the magnolia tree.
And another picture of the tree. I remember the magnolias at home as having limbs starting closer to the ground. These trees have had some limbs cut off, but still have a single trunk bigger than the ones at home. We have one beside the RV which gives us a little shade, but I think it is also a path for some tiny ants to travel up the tree and into the RV. Ding dong ants. Our Florida home stead. We have a big side yard. Actually it is a path to the dumpster and quick trip to the club house and laundry. But it is nice not to have anyone else parked outside our door. And we have a good view of what goes on in the park. We think we are fortunate to have found Charlies. We are close to Tampa, Busch Gardens, Parksdale Farms where we get our strawberry sundaes, flea markets, Lazy Days RV Dealer and Park, where friends make quick stops. Weather is usually good here. It is raining hard right now, but will be over after lunch. We have put the slide in and have Checked tires, water, and went to Tofaylon Cookie factory to get cookies to take home. Our souvenirs, instead of cutesy stuff. Also, I went to the u-pick farm and picked 8 quart of strawberries. The man in charge said the berries were not as good as last year and that last weeks hard rain had taken a toll on the berries. And it had. I walked the whole long row and back to get my berries. Not as big as last year, but still sweet and good. And I heard him tell someone the name of the sweet onions. And the lady ask why they plant the onions along side of the field of strawberries. He said to keep the elephants out. I said. "Now wait a minute, you told me last year it was to keep the buffalo out?" Yes, that is right and I showed you a picture of buffalo too, didn't I. He did. He also did not think I had as many berries as I said I did. And I got one of those good, big sweet onions. He gave me $6. change from my $10. About $1 less of what I thought I should pay. Wait until Alan sees the onion I got for him. BIG. Unplugged the computer as it is lightning and really raining hard. Glad for batteries. There is a third reason why they plant onions at the edges of strawberries. That is so the workers will know when they get to the end of the row and then know they have to turn around and start back another row. Have a good day. See you soon. jkc
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Lost Pictures
I will. More about them on the previous blog.
this guy -- lizard-- is located at Busch. they have a small pavalion for critters like these that the children (and adults) may look at, learn about and touch and feel. Interesting.
The flamingos were out for for their daily walk and interaction with the people.
Last days.
We woke up this morning and Ernie said, "4 more days to wake up in Florida." Yes, we have finally set a date to head back to Indiana. When Jack ask if we were ready, we answered yes and no. Have good ole Dr. and Dentist appointments to be done so we should be on our way. Ernie is checking out the RV and car to prepare for the trip. I am checking items I want before we leave. Like cranberry, walnut bread from Publix. So good. And the u-pick strawberry farm is open. so I want to go there. It better not rain Tuesday morning. Warm weather and cool nights are hard to leave, but I would like to see my family.
It rained so hard Thursday. And the wind blew. We pulled in the slide. Seems narrow with the slide in, but it is back out now. Seems to have more room as we have not turned the captains chair back around for friends to sit on it.
I raked some of our space this afternooon while Ernie was checking the water and oil in the vehicles and he needed to fill the window washer bottles. We have a very narrow rake, I finally went over to Franks and borrowed his regular size lawn rake. Much easier. May have to put a rake and clippers in the bin if we come back here. And we quite possible will again.
Austing and Linda are back in Indiana. Nikki and Jack came back this pm. Will leave again Mon. So it is quiet around here. Interesting to me is that some of the people that live here all year have become more friendly and talkative. That is good. Maybe they have decided that we are not so bad after all. Living in the 'Ghetto" as they say. here the ghetto is a section of the park that Charlie parks motor homes and other transients like us.
Not much else going on. Did talk to Bruce and Beth last week. They have enjoyed one of the parks that we like to stop and take time to enjoy. Altoona Lakes Core of Army Engineer park, North of Atlanta. Close enough to go into Atlanta for sight seeing, but quiet and peaceful at the park. We may not go that way home.
Must close. Enjoy the day. jkc
It rained so hard Thursday. And the wind blew. We pulled in the slide. Seems narrow with the slide in, but it is back out now. Seems to have more room as we have not turned the captains chair back around for friends to sit on it.
I raked some of our space this afternooon while Ernie was checking the water and oil in the vehicles and he needed to fill the window washer bottles. We have a very narrow rake, I finally went over to Franks and borrowed his regular size lawn rake. Much easier. May have to put a rake and clippers in the bin if we come back here. And we quite possible will again.
Austing and Linda are back in Indiana. Nikki and Jack came back this pm. Will leave again Mon. So it is quiet around here. Interesting to me is that some of the people that live here all year have become more friendly and talkative. That is good. Maybe they have decided that we are not so bad after all. Living in the 'Ghetto" as they say. here the ghetto is a section of the park that Charlie parks motor homes and other transients like us.
Not much else going on. Did talk to Bruce and Beth last week. They have enjoyed one of the parks that we like to stop and take time to enjoy. Altoona Lakes Core of Army Engineer park, North of Atlanta. Close enough to go into Atlanta for sight seeing, but quiet and peaceful at the park. We may not go that way home.
Must close. Enjoy the day. jkc
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