12-4-14
Yesterday was a whirlwind. For starters it was the second day in a row that I had not slept a wink. So when we returned from the days activities I was spent. No energy left to write. Even so, last night made it 3 nights in a row without enough sleep. Although I did manage about 2 hours sleep from 5 to 7 AM. If it wasn't for " Ask a nurse" I doubt I'd have gotten that. I called my sister Bonnie (She's the retired nurse. I also have our daughter Christine that's a nurse) to discuss my ail
2-15-15
We woke up to a dreary day today. On and off drizzle and gray skies. It was a good day to sleep in a bit and have a mid morning breakfast.
Cabin fever set in about 1 PM so we decided to take a drive south. We followed the levy for more than 30 miles and never saw the river. We did spot a couple places one could scale the levy on a bike and rid the top. We finally walked up one of those only to find out we were still quite a distance from the river. Our view was blocked be trees and den
2-18-15
Our day began in Baton Rouge and ended in my daughters birth state, Texas.
We crossed the bridge over the Mississippi at 10 AM. For all the stories we had heard about accidents and traffic jams, our crossing took less than 10 minutes.
As we continued west on I 10, we soon were on another bridge. This one was much different though. It was level, about 30 feet above the bayou, and was every bit of 20 miles long. Another observation was the amount of trucks using this road. I estimate 4
11-25-14
I spoke a bit too soon yesterday. Last night as I was relaxing watching Fox News, Ruth screams from the bedroom water water. I rushed in to discover the bed had about a 2 foot circle of wet that Ruth found as she was getting in. Soon we discovered the source. No it wasn't Oscar. That was our first guess too. It was coming from the bedroom AC intake. We grabbed a pan and a few towels and I opened the filter access. Fortunately, that did not result in a waterfall. Just a steady drip drip
FL 3-21-15
Today was another beautiful 86 degree blue sky day. My sister in law Linda and her husband John stopped by our campsite for a visit today. Seems like anytime one of us heads for Flordia the other one shows up. We spent the afternoon gabbing away and then went out for an early supper so they would have time to catch their flight home today.
We have been here at Clerbrook RV resort in Clermont ( spelled correctly both times) for the past two days. A very nice place! Three large comple
11-16-14
We woke up today at about 7. Great nights sleep in a Walmart parking lot. Quite pleased with the furnace, 28 degrees outside and 70 inside. I did drain all systems before leaving sticks and bricks.
In the daylight we saw a McDonald's, so Ruth headed in for 2 coffees and 2 egg McMuffins. Coffee was average and muffins sucked. Even Oscar would not eat them. Since nothing was set up last night, we put away a few things and hit the road.
When you see a construction sign that reads "Vehi
FL 3-26-15
Today we woke to a weather report for 80 degree temps. Without hesitation we began to plan our day. First a 20 minute drive to Fort McAllister state park to check out the camping facilities.
This is a very well preserved area with large trees and spacious camp sites. Big rigs and fifth wheelers do NOT fit in all sites and the park is frequently booked. We knew that yesterday when we attempted to reserve a spot. As with most State parks the campsites only provide electric and sewer h
FL 4-10-15
Lately the days have just whizzed by. Friday we took a long drive to see Thomas Jeffersons Monticello. I suspect it gets fewer visitors than Mount Vernon due to the location. However, it certainly is worth the effort. Much like Biltmore, Monticello is well hidden. Even after you park your car, purchase a ticket, and board the shuttle bus, the main building is nowhere in site. After climbing a steep winding road it finally presents itself. Make one wonder why a farmer choose the top o
FL 2-20-15
After checking the web for attractions on the island we loaded up and headed for a few. The historical downtown was first. Once we found it we parked and went for a stroll. Although most of the building have serviced since the early 1900's most have been repurposed. Tee shirt shops, soda fountains, candy shops, and souvenir emporiums abound.
If you find the right spot some of these building are quite interesting to photograph. Even though we had very little interest in their wares,
We are now in the Bryn Mawr CG in St. Augustine FL. Current temp is 68! We are right on the beach. We only need to walk 150 yards to put our feet in the water.
The drive today was a piece of cake. Interstate all the way and it was level and straight with the exception of the Jacksonville bridge. Of course there were a few road idiots, but my reaction time is getting much better.
It's going to rain hard tonight but there are many things to see here. I do intend to give the fountain of youth a g
1-2-15
Yesterday was a busy day and by the time we returned and watched the State of the Union address I was in no mood to write the blog.
The day started as usual by taking Oscar for a walk. As I approached the large pond in the CG, I saw the sign you see at the top of this article. I don't think it was there as a joke, so I promptly steered Oscar away.
Buy 11 we we're on our why to Sebring, 60 miles north, to visit Dave and Jan Pickman from Bradford. GPS found them without difficulty. After
FL 3-24-15
Sunday past we left Flordia and began our slow trek north. Our first stop over is Savannah GA. We made it to our destination, Richmond Hills KOA. This is a fairly nice CG with the exception of the sandy sites. Here comes the mess inside our motorhome.
By the time we were settled in and hooked up, the rain began and continued through Monday. So we didn't venture out until today. Our plan was to get into the historic district and take a trolley tour. Mission accomplished!
Although th
FL 1-30-15
Today was a beach day. Well at least afternoon. Although it was only 75 here, it felt plenty warm for us. This time we decided to check out Sanibel Island, specifically Shell Harbor.
It took us just about an hour to get there. No direct routes when you are island hopping. First make note: this and all beaches we could find on Sanibel have only paid parking lots. Three dollars per hour. That can add up quickly. The good news is they were all dog friendly. As we got to the end of the
FL 2-4-15
The only thing I have to report is yesterday's news. When we went out for breakfast yesterday we went to IHOP. They have several items on their menu for Seniors over 55. Ruth picked one of those and when our table servicer took the order, she asked Ruth for ID. They didn't ask for mine. Maybe they thought I was her father. When Ruth was old enough to drink they carded her and now that she's old enough for SSI she still gets carded. Made her day!
Tomorrow is a travel day so I probably
FL 3-10-15
We left San Antonio TX Monday. Our original plan was to stay there for a couple weeks and then slowly head for Branson MO. However, it was cold in Texas, and Branson doesn't really get going until late April. So plan B was put in motion. Return to Florida get warm, do some beach time, and stay there until warmer weather sets in on the east coast.
Yesterday we drove from San Antonio to Lake Charles LA. Once we began to see all the Isle of Capri casino bill boards, I got the great id
2-11-15
OK it's time for the rest of you to laugh. It's getting down to 30 here in Pensacola tonight. It still beats minus something and waste deep snow, but Ruth and I did come down here for the warm weather.
Tonight we gave a highly recommended restaurant "Peg Leg Pete's" located on Pensacola Beach a try. Many people told us they are the best in the area for crab. That's of little importance to me since I can't eat shellfish but Ruth wanted to try it since she has never eaten fresh crab legs
Today began with Dunkin Doughnuts coffee delivered by John Burd. Saw the twins for a good bye and hit the road.
George (our GPS) took us over some interesting country roads. After purposing over hills and small bridges, I think I'll look into new shocks.
Rt 22 was much better but full of 18 wheelers. We stopped in Carlisle PA for lunch with Bro-in-law and nephew. As we returned to Gracie, Bobby pointed out the Dash Hound ( see picture).
Upon our return to 81 South we rounded a blind corner t
11-17-14
Ruth and I had a great day. We started by having Coffee with Alicen. About 10AM Joley & John showed up. Joley told me she would take me to an Amish bakery to get the best shoe fly pie in the area. So we told Oscar to be a good boy and left him behind in Gracie. In just 45 minutes later we arrived to a CLOSED sign.
What can you do but get over it. It did flash me back to our last trip when we bought lemon filled doughnuts that turned out to have no lemon when we returned to the CG.
1-26-15
Yesterday was a down day. Saturday afternoon we walked to the function hall and enjoyed an hour of Gospel singing quartet. What else when the State is half southern Baptist. That was followed by a very tasty meatloaf dinner at a mere $6 a plate.
Before going to bed last night I had "Black tank" duty. That went fine, I'm getting use to it. However, I left the door to Gracie open. As the last light went out we realized Oscar was nowhere to be found. As I hurried to get dressed and comen
F1-17-15
Yesterday was a banner day. Nothing to do but a trip to HD. We slept in until 9:30. The grill was already out so it was a good time to try out the grill mat I purchased at the RV show. It's primary use is cooking vegetables, but it's intended to stay on the grill all the time. So I decided to cook some bacon. It worked like magic. The bacon browned nicely and all the grease stayed on the mat. Clean up later was a cinch. Wipe the worst with paper towels, then heat it up and wipe the res
After many days of travel with difficulty logging into FMAC all is well. I continued to write as we traveled, so I suggest reading in date order.
Another journey began yesterday. The first 500 miles took us to Elizabethtown PA. We left NH at 9:30 (nearly on schedule).
We stopped for lunch at Alexis Diner in Newburgh NY. They have a grand menu with breakfast at any time of day. Over the years I have stopped here many times and was never disappointed. This time I decided on fajitas. Ruth select
1-19-15
Nothing specific planned for today, so I had a few things to fix on Gracie. Tie up the TV wires was first, then I leveled the wall mount. I was really tired of looking at a tilted picture. An easy adjustment that was waiting for a level parking spot. Next I moved on to airing up the tires. Not so good here. The air fitting hadn't been used for who knows how long and needed replacement. 20 miles to hardware store ^*%#{". Get parts and save that job for another day. Instead I spray lubed
I scheduled 2weeks ago for inspection. Found out this AM they can't do rigs with air brakes. Guess I need to be very specific when I ask if they can do trucks and motor homes.
Now I'm calling all over central nh and everyone is booked this week. Looks like our trip will be delayed and shortened by a week as I need to be back by June 30.
2-23-15
Today we toured the Johnson Space Center. Had I known the 90 minute tram ride was more an open air ride than stop and visit, I would have gone a couple days ago when it was much warmer. Silly me, thinking today was perfect for an indoor activity.
In spite of that, Ruth and I had a pretty good day. The three tram stops were very interesting.
First was mission control for the flight of Apollo 13. Being in electronics my whole career, I was struck by how primitive the equipment looked.
2-28-15
Just had the best 7 hours in a very long time. I met with 3 of 7 others from our SEAL support team in Viet Nam 1970/71. Until about a year ago I had not spoken with any of them. One found me and I found the others. Last Oct. we scheduled a reunion in Corpus Christi for today.
Now this is one of the things retirement and a motorhome give you the freedom to do. It's not all about escaping cold weather or sight seeing. Although those two are near the top of the list, visits like today don
