Monday the 19th 68 degrees, humid, rained some more. Guess I brought the rain with me! Went into town to run some errands. Still living on sandwiches and needed bread, milk, staple kinda things! While down that end of town, stopped in to see Deryl & Elke. Didn't plan on staying and I ended up there about an hour or more drinking coffee.
Picked up a couple more bags and boxes of stuff from the trailer. This would become a routine – a couple bags and boxes, off to the 5th wheel put them away – then back for another trip when it cools down later in the day.
With the sun and the heat during the day, I usually limited my loads to two a day – one in the early AM and one in the evening. Gave me a chance to put stuff away as I moved it. Remember, the idea was to leave stuff in the trailer and not have to move it all of the time! But, since it is going into the shop, want to get out all I can.
Most of my plants are dead or dying! I put them UNDER my trailer while in Gatesville and kept them watered and out of the direct sun.....but I guess the heat and wind just got to them. Maybe I need to stop trying to be a traveling gardener and just buy plants when I get where I’m going!
Wish you could see the migration of hummingbirds here. I had two dead in front of my trailer on Monday. They must be starved by the time they get here. The feeders in the park are constantly full with birds, you can almost see the liquid going down in the feeder. You never see a feeding hole empty.
Thank heavens the park has Wifi – my Verizon wifi thingy is not really dependable! Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t get a signal. Of course, my Verizon cell phone is just about the same; that’s why I keep minutes on an old TracFone.
The air just about has me down; maybe it's just trying to get the dust and smoke from central TX out of my lungs! Everyone here has been really nice about offering to help. But I just can't work fast enough (get enough air to keep up with them!) so I just do a little bit myself.
I love my little trailer, but it sure is nice having a real bed so I don't have to hi-hurdle in and out! Oh, it's nice to be back on a REAL computer, too!
At 5AM Tuesday, the temp was 57 degrees, humidity 69% but that usually goes down as the day goes on. Up early for an appointment for fasting lab. After a summer of Iowa beef, pork and sweet corn, I’m sure all of my lab values will be just terrific!
Li'lBit, Holly & Tinga are back to their old selves. Li'lBit has the hardest time not being able to see. She still acts confused about where she is and runs into things. But I knew she realized where she was when I put her out on her leash while I was unloading stuff from the truck, and she immediately went under the truck -- that's her 'cool' spot here. Tinga made her first 'fly around' and seems to have her bearings back. And Holly? Well, Holly is just Holly. She can always find food, water, kitty litter and a hiding place. Damn I love that ol' cat!
Wednesday, phone service and Verizon Wifi is still ‘iffy.’ Have no idea what is going on. But my day was screwed up the minute I turned on my computer. Yahoo mail and Face Book changed their formats and layouts and that has totally messed with my mind!
Had lunch at HuDats with Donna on Wednesday. Great seeing her! Ate the rice and other veggies while I was there, brought my shrimp and broccoli home. It ended up in a ‘pseudo-siamin’ soup the following nite with Ramen noodles, carrots and peas!
Went to Action RV to see if they knew someone that would come tow my trailer in since it is really ‘listing’ to the right! I’m just not at all comfortable with the idea of towing it thru town and the road construction in the area. They came out Thursday to look at it, will get the necessary parts and repair it here so I can tow it in. Then they will work on it and tend to the storm damage. What a deal!
Checked my email after coming back from lunch with Donna and there was a note from Elke – they were going to the Butter Churn that nite, meet them at their place at 5:10! Just what I needed – another meal out. But I do love The Butter Churn about as much as I love the food at HuDat’s!
When I came in from The Butter Churn, my gut is too full and it was too dark to work at the trailer. That meant a double loads Thursday AM!
By Thursday mid-morning I had hauled all out of the trailer that I going to do! Swept the floor (did not mop - will do that after the repair guys wander in and out), trash out. I'm finished hauling - for awhile, anyway!
Thursday afternoon John from Action RV came by and decided he needed to get some parts. Told me it might be a few days but when I saw a tire on the wheel, I could hitch it up and bring it in. Needs some part they don't carry....NATURALLY! Definitely made me glad I decided to tow it back to Rockport rather than set somewhere in Victoria!
Friday September 23rd was “I Ain't Doin' SHIT” day! I’m tired of lugging, tired of toting, tired of lifting, tired of packing and unpacking! AND, I haven't had my "collapse" day that I usually have after a trip. I took it Friday! Li'lBit and I sat at the picnic table and enjoyed the morning breeze 'til the sun got in our way! And I finally got around to starting a new book.
62 degrees, nice breeze outside -- maybe it's a COLD front! I can only hope!
I did shut off the A/C and opened some windows! I needed to get some fresh air in here - boy, did this smell like an RV when I first opened the door -- cheap wood and paneling kinda smell!
All the critters seem to be back to normal. Tinga is flying all over getting into things -- Li'lBit is going out side, acting like she is peeing, then coming in and using her paper! YUP, we're almost back to normal!
This brings me to completion of my first full week in Rockport. I miss being in Iowa and spending time with my sister and finding the 'garden fairy' has left me more tomatoes and cucumbers and squash -- but it is nice to be home!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
An Interesting Trip: Intestinal fortitude versus lack of cerebral gray matter
Made it back to Rockport about 7PM. Had some problems just south of Victoria. It’s about 300 miles from Gatesville TX to Rockport TX and the last 65 took me about as long as the first 235!
Pulled in for fuel just south of Victoria, pleased that I was making such great time. Trucker next to me hollered that my wheel had lost all its grease. That's not all it lost, the guts of the rear wheel on the passenger side of the trailer were totally exposed! Tire was fine, that wasn't the problem!
Sat there in the truck stop parking lot for nearly 3 hours waiting for a service truck. The repair guy pulled up, got out of his truck and I wanted to give him a hug! By then too late to get any repair work done on a Friday nite in the middle of no-where TX so he took off the tire, we moved all the weight in the trailer to the front to get it on the hitch and off the rear axle. After putting the fear of God in me about making the trip, he sent me on my way. He said he wasn't happy with my decision to go on down the road, it could be done, but....!!!
My alternative was to set there probably over the weekend. Hopefully able to get someone to tow the trailer in and I could go on to a motel with the critters. I don't think so! I came in on 3 wheels (on the trailer) at about 10-20 mph, stopping every 20 miles or so to pull over and feel the lone tire on that side to make sure it didn't overheat and blow out. I seldom got up to 20 mph! I was too scared! It was a white-knuckle ride!
I was about at the half-way point when an official vehicle from the Wildlife Preserve whipped about and got in front of me, hazard lites on. I pulled in behind not know just what was happening. It was my friend, Donna. She work-camps at the preserve just north of Rockport. She saw me and wanted to make sure I was OK. Angels come in all shapes and sizes because I had plenty of them keeping that wheel up so I could get home.
65 miles from Victoria to Rockport at 10-20 mph. Made it a hellofa long day. I pulled into the first available pull-thru slot I found at the RV park. Definitely proof of angels and God taking care of fools.
I put my head on the steering wheel and burst into tears. Then had to make a quick escape to the bathroom to PUKE! Was a wonderful experience. I plugged in the electricity and called it a day. Figured I could "think about it tomorrow," made a big glass of ice tea, threw up again, cried some more and crashed!
Spent the next day fighting diarrhea! Guess that's what happens when all of a sudden the adrenalin stops! I just know that is much more than you really wanted to know about my trip from Gatesville to Rockport!
This was the first time I've ever had to use my Good Sam's RV Road Service plan. Believe me, it was nice to have it! Bless his heart - about 9 PM my phone rang - it was Mr Truck Service Guy Angel! wanting to know if I made it! And, even tho I hate being on the cell phone when I'm driving -- the Good Sam Rep called me every hour until I got in. Now THAT is SERVICE!
Since arriving at Rockport, I’ve spent most of the time sorting and moving stuff from the trailer to the 5th wheel. Contacted Action RV and they will come out and fix the wheel – now waiting for parts. Then I can take it in to them for the rest of the repair work/storm damage from Iowa’s Great Winds!
Saturday Li'lBit and Tinga and I moved back into the 5th wheel and slept in our OLD RV! Holly decided to pull one of her "you aren't gonna put me in that carrier,' tricks so she slept by herself in the trailer! Sunday morning Holly was ready to move!
It is good to be home. Li'lBit is having some problems adjusting to the steps in the 5th wheel. I sometimes think her memory is going with her eyesight. Tinga has made her first 'fly around,' and seems to have her bearings. And then there is Holly, that darn cat, nothing seems to phase Holly -- show me the food, water and kitty litter, I'll find my own place to hide and just leave me alone - love that ol' cat!
Had I not been so tired Sat AM, I could have gone to breakfast at the activity bldg, but I just didn't have the energy! I did make it to Saturday nite ice cream social at the activity building. Friendship supper next Thursday. YUP! I'm home.
Sunday morning church at the activity building, a definite necessity! I needed to send in my praise report for getting here safely! But, it's not Sunday without Brunch with Bea! I miss that!
I think it took Li'lBit until Monday to realize where she was! She kept walking into things and wouldn't come up the steps to the bedroom until I stood on the steps and pointed them out to her by tapping on them. Good thing we have those better doggy stairs. She needs those to get up on the bed. It's a lot of work and she has to struggle to jump to the bed from her little stool.
First couple of days here there was some much needed rain. And, for me, another adjustment to pollens! It's nice to be back with my 'winter family!'
Pulled in for fuel just south of Victoria, pleased that I was making such great time. Trucker next to me hollered that my wheel had lost all its grease. That's not all it lost, the guts of the rear wheel on the passenger side of the trailer were totally exposed! Tire was fine, that wasn't the problem!
Sat there in the truck stop parking lot for nearly 3 hours waiting for a service truck. The repair guy pulled up, got out of his truck and I wanted to give him a hug! By then too late to get any repair work done on a Friday nite in the middle of no-where TX so he took off the tire, we moved all the weight in the trailer to the front to get it on the hitch and off the rear axle. After putting the fear of God in me about making the trip, he sent me on my way. He said he wasn't happy with my decision to go on down the road, it could be done, but....!!!
My alternative was to set there probably over the weekend. Hopefully able to get someone to tow the trailer in and I could go on to a motel with the critters. I don't think so! I came in on 3 wheels (on the trailer) at about 10-20 mph, stopping every 20 miles or so to pull over and feel the lone tire on that side to make sure it didn't overheat and blow out. I seldom got up to 20 mph! I was too scared! It was a white-knuckle ride!
I was about at the half-way point when an official vehicle from the Wildlife Preserve whipped about and got in front of me, hazard lites on. I pulled in behind not know just what was happening. It was my friend, Donna. She work-camps at the preserve just north of Rockport. She saw me and wanted to make sure I was OK. Angels come in all shapes and sizes because I had plenty of them keeping that wheel up so I could get home.
65 miles from Victoria to Rockport at 10-20 mph. Made it a hellofa long day. I pulled into the first available pull-thru slot I found at the RV park. Definitely proof of angels and God taking care of fools.
I put my head on the steering wheel and burst into tears. Then had to make a quick escape to the bathroom to PUKE! Was a wonderful experience. I plugged in the electricity and called it a day. Figured I could "think about it tomorrow," made a big glass of ice tea, threw up again, cried some more and crashed!
Spent the next day fighting diarrhea! Guess that's what happens when all of a sudden the adrenalin stops! I just know that is much more than you really wanted to know about my trip from Gatesville to Rockport!
This was the first time I've ever had to use my Good Sam's RV Road Service plan. Believe me, it was nice to have it! Bless his heart - about 9 PM my phone rang - it was Mr Truck Service Guy Angel! wanting to know if I made it! And, even tho I hate being on the cell phone when I'm driving -- the Good Sam Rep called me every hour until I got in. Now THAT is SERVICE!
Since arriving at Rockport, I’ve spent most of the time sorting and moving stuff from the trailer to the 5th wheel. Contacted Action RV and they will come out and fix the wheel – now waiting for parts. Then I can take it in to them for the rest of the repair work/storm damage from Iowa’s Great Winds!
Saturday Li'lBit and Tinga and I moved back into the 5th wheel and slept in our OLD RV! Holly decided to pull one of her "you aren't gonna put me in that carrier,' tricks so she slept by herself in the trailer! Sunday morning Holly was ready to move!
It is good to be home. Li'lBit is having some problems adjusting to the steps in the 5th wheel. I sometimes think her memory is going with her eyesight. Tinga has made her first 'fly around,' and seems to have her bearings. And then there is Holly, that darn cat, nothing seems to phase Holly -- show me the food, water and kitty litter, I'll find my own place to hide and just leave me alone - love that ol' cat!
Had I not been so tired Sat AM, I could have gone to breakfast at the activity bldg, but I just didn't have the energy! I did make it to Saturday nite ice cream social at the activity building. Friendship supper next Thursday. YUP! I'm home.
Sunday morning church at the activity building, a definite necessity! I needed to send in my praise report for getting here safely! But, it's not Sunday without Brunch with Bea! I miss that!
I think it took Li'lBit until Monday to realize where she was! She kept walking into things and wouldn't come up the steps to the bedroom until I stood on the steps and pointed them out to her by tapping on them. Good thing we have those better doggy stairs. She needs those to get up on the bed. It's a lot of work and she has to struggle to jump to the bed from her little stool.
First couple of days here there was some much needed rain. And, for me, another adjustment to pollens! It's nice to be back with my 'winter family!'
September 10-17 Howdy From Hot Dusty Dry Central Texas!
Spent a week in Gatesville and never did get used to hot, dry, dusty. Everything is horribly brown and dry, even Li'lBit didn't want to walk on the dead grass for potty stops. She didn't like the crunching under her feet. Every time she would step and it would 'crunch,' she'd pick up her foot and shake it!
All the way from the TX state line, I could see charred and burned areas from the interstate. In fact, two new wild fires started near I-35 in Tarrant County (Fort Worth) as I was coming thru that area and there was a traffic jam of fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
On and off day and nite, sirens headed out of town. There is no second-guessing a grass fire. Instead of sending one truck and have that truck assess the situation and call for additional help if needed, they seem to send ALL trucks, assess the situation and then send back to the stations those they don't need. Another fire roared up just south of Gatesville.
As long as I stayed inside the trailer with the A/C going, I didn't smell the smoke, and I had 'filtered' air with my respirator and oxygen concentrator. But the minute I opened the door and went outside, the smoky dust would cling to skin, clothes, hair – Kinda like spending too many hours in a smoky bar and wondering why your clothes smelled like cigarette smoke and beer!
Sunday 102 degrees - hot, dusty, I want to go back to Iowa! I took Li’lBit out but didn’t walk her. I stood in one spot and turned in a circle and she walked at the end of the leash -- kinda like walking a horse on one of those merry-go-round things!
Went to Johnnie’s for Sunday dinner with her family and she always has my favorite chicken fried steak, taters, gravy, frog eye salad, black eyed pea salad and on and on and on. That lady can certainly set a feast on a table.
4PM still 102 degrees, water from my cold water faucet was hotter than my hot water! I came south too soon!
Monday I woke up to 67 degrees at 6:45 –again went up to 104! At least I can sleep at nite with my vents open and a fan going. Leave the window open a little in the kitchen area -- brings in some of the cooler nite air. I don't have to worry about humidity! Humidity 39% and dew point 41.
Stopped by the County Offices for my tags for the 5th wheel - $121! Gatesville is always my 'pricey' stay! Stopped by the bank to let them know I was still alive and using the on-line banking. I'm sure they know that but like to check in with one of the 'personal bankers' each time I come thru -- just in case I have to call them for some reason.
As I was pulling out to run errands, here's Brenda! So we did breakfast. Morning coffee with Johnnie! Met Tina and her little boy Jacob at DQ for supper and ice cream, then back home.
As soon as the swelling and itching left my eyes, my nose stopped running, my throat stopped itching and I stopped sneezing and coughing it was a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
I think it is a good thing I decided to move from central TX! I definitely am allergic to Gatesville. Of course the heat and smoky dust doesn't help. I'm leaving this Friday to head back to Rockport -- going to get some of that good salty, fishy gulf. I called them to 'warn them' I'm coming back! Can't wait to get to the gulf coast and smell that fishy, moist gulf air!!
Tuesday 104+ degrees - guess whose truck no longer had a working air conditioner! WHEW!! Guess who was setting at the Dodge Service Entrance at the crack of dawn the next morning!
In Iowa my weather warnings are storms, tornadoes, winds – here in central TX my daily weather warnings are Red Flag Warnings: Gusty Winds And Low Humidity For All Of Central Texas. Winds near 15 mph with gusts to 25+ mph; humidity as low as 10-15%; triple digit temps. Impact: Any Fires That Develop Will Likely Spread Rapidly.
My poor plants were suffering. They get so nice and full while in Iowa. Now they have been outside (and I had them partially under the trailer to keep them out of direct sun) and they are just about dead! I watered them twice a day and it still isn't enough! Of course with the humidity about 15%, there isn't much moisture in the air and triple digit temps most of the time.
Wednesday, $339 later the A/C in the truck was working! Of course $225 of that was labor! I should be in the A/C business. $25 was for "recycle fee' It's still over 100here today - I gladly wrote out the check! Stopped by Johnnie's for some coffee.
Met Brenda for breakfast twice during the week and had lunch with her and Ellen at the Italian place on Thursday. Missed seeing quite a few folks this trip – SGT Broam wasn’t feeling well, just never got around to catching up with Janis and Cindy. Mary Jane and I seem to have a devil of a time coordinating our schedules. And I never made it to Hamilton to see friends up there - and chow down at Storms! Maybe next trip!
About 2 AM Thursday a 'cold front' came thru. Temps dropped about 20 degrees with a little breeze. 67 degrees and a breeze when I woke up -- A/C off, windows open! A much nicer day to pack up and get ready to roll with the cooler temps! Thank You God! He sure does know how to take care of ol' fat ladies!!
Friday, Sept 16, I posted to facebook: Packing up and heading south today - about 5-6 hrs and I'll be back in Rockport. At least it is some cooler - 74 degrees this AM.
Little did I know the adventure in store for me as I pulled out of the RV park in Gatesville that morning!
All the way from the TX state line, I could see charred and burned areas from the interstate. In fact, two new wild fires started near I-35 in Tarrant County (Fort Worth) as I was coming thru that area and there was a traffic jam of fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
On and off day and nite, sirens headed out of town. There is no second-guessing a grass fire. Instead of sending one truck and have that truck assess the situation and call for additional help if needed, they seem to send ALL trucks, assess the situation and then send back to the stations those they don't need. Another fire roared up just south of Gatesville.
As long as I stayed inside the trailer with the A/C going, I didn't smell the smoke, and I had 'filtered' air with my respirator and oxygen concentrator. But the minute I opened the door and went outside, the smoky dust would cling to skin, clothes, hair – Kinda like spending too many hours in a smoky bar and wondering why your clothes smelled like cigarette smoke and beer!
Sunday 102 degrees - hot, dusty, I want to go back to Iowa! I took Li’lBit out but didn’t walk her. I stood in one spot and turned in a circle and she walked at the end of the leash -- kinda like walking a horse on one of those merry-go-round things!
Went to Johnnie’s for Sunday dinner with her family and she always has my favorite chicken fried steak, taters, gravy, frog eye salad, black eyed pea salad and on and on and on. That lady can certainly set a feast on a table.
4PM still 102 degrees, water from my cold water faucet was hotter than my hot water! I came south too soon!
Monday I woke up to 67 degrees at 6:45 –again went up to 104! At least I can sleep at nite with my vents open and a fan going. Leave the window open a little in the kitchen area -- brings in some of the cooler nite air. I don't have to worry about humidity! Humidity 39% and dew point 41.
Stopped by the County Offices for my tags for the 5th wheel - $121! Gatesville is always my 'pricey' stay! Stopped by the bank to let them know I was still alive and using the on-line banking. I'm sure they know that but like to check in with one of the 'personal bankers' each time I come thru -- just in case I have to call them for some reason.
As I was pulling out to run errands, here's Brenda! So we did breakfast. Morning coffee with Johnnie! Met Tina and her little boy Jacob at DQ for supper and ice cream, then back home.
As soon as the swelling and itching left my eyes, my nose stopped running, my throat stopped itching and I stopped sneezing and coughing it was a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
I think it is a good thing I decided to move from central TX! I definitely am allergic to Gatesville. Of course the heat and smoky dust doesn't help. I'm leaving this Friday to head back to Rockport -- going to get some of that good salty, fishy gulf. I called them to 'warn them' I'm coming back! Can't wait to get to the gulf coast and smell that fishy, moist gulf air!!
Tuesday 104+ degrees - guess whose truck no longer had a working air conditioner! WHEW!! Guess who was setting at the Dodge Service Entrance at the crack of dawn the next morning!
In Iowa my weather warnings are storms, tornadoes, winds – here in central TX my daily weather warnings are Red Flag Warnings: Gusty Winds And Low Humidity For All Of Central Texas. Winds near 15 mph with gusts to 25+ mph; humidity as low as 10-15%; triple digit temps. Impact: Any Fires That Develop Will Likely Spread Rapidly.
My poor plants were suffering. They get so nice and full while in Iowa. Now they have been outside (and I had them partially under the trailer to keep them out of direct sun) and they are just about dead! I watered them twice a day and it still isn't enough! Of course with the humidity about 15%, there isn't much moisture in the air and triple digit temps most of the time.
Wednesday, $339 later the A/C in the truck was working! Of course $225 of that was labor! I should be in the A/C business. $25 was for "recycle fee' It's still over 100here today - I gladly wrote out the check! Stopped by Johnnie's for some coffee.
Met Brenda for breakfast twice during the week and had lunch with her and Ellen at the Italian place on Thursday. Missed seeing quite a few folks this trip – SGT Broam wasn’t feeling well, just never got around to catching up with Janis and Cindy. Mary Jane and I seem to have a devil of a time coordinating our schedules. And I never made it to Hamilton to see friends up there - and chow down at Storms! Maybe next trip!
About 2 AM Thursday a 'cold front' came thru. Temps dropped about 20 degrees with a little breeze. 67 degrees and a breeze when I woke up -- A/C off, windows open! A much nicer day to pack up and get ready to roll with the cooler temps! Thank You God! He sure does know how to take care of ol' fat ladies!!
Friday, Sept 16, I posted to facebook: Packing up and heading south today - about 5-6 hrs and I'll be back in Rockport. At least it is some cooler - 74 degrees this AM.
Little did I know the adventure in store for me as I pulled out of the RV park in Gatesville that morning!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
September 1 - 10 - Triple Digit Temps, Hot Dry Dusty - This Must Be Texas!
September 1st arrived and I still wasn’t really serious about packing up. Seems the summer just went by way tooo fast! I talked to Fred at the RV park in Gatesville and made my reservations for a week starting September 9. A week of drinking Johnnie's coffee, visiting friends, eating Italian, Bush’s Chicken and chowing down at Swindalls!
But I couldn’t leave Iowa without one more storm! Thought I was going to bed early on the 2nd - then the weather alarm went off -- one more nite of setting up, watching weather radar and waiting for the weather to blow me away! Poor Li'lBit gets into "panic mode" when it storms. It has to be something with the trailer – she was never this bad in the 5th wheel. About 2AM I caught her trying to claw her way out of a window. Poor little thing! Maybe it is something to do with the horrible crashing sound of the acorns pelting the roof. Even I notice it more in the trailer than I ever did in the 5th wheel. More storms the following morning - power out! This is when I REALLY appreciate being self-contained in my little trailer! Of course, if it stays out too long, I'll have to go to the truck to recharge the computer battery!
Bea came by about noon and we headed into Des Moines – power back on, skies clearing. Finally made it to the Hawaiian Grill for my ‘fix’ of Hawaiian foods. Saimin (noodle soup) and Musubi (Spam & rice wrapped in sea weed!) Bea said I’m the only person she knows that would be delighted to drive 50 miles one way for SPAM! Stopped at Hobby Lobby on the way back to Marshalltown. Bea shopped, I leaned on the cart. I should never try to move, especially shop, after I pig out on a yummy meal!
By the 4th, I was looking for my hoodie! Woke up to 54 degrees (and the next morning in the 40s!) Sure wish I could have shared this with my friends that need the cool and wet weather! Sunday Brunch with Bea was at Perkins – eggs, biscuits and gravy, ham, cheese. Just what I needed!
The weather was making it really hard for me to get any work done outside. 68 degrees and sunny --would be perfect for outside work if the winds weren't sustained at 20 mph and gusts to 40 mph! While defrosting the freezer, I took out some chops and brauts to grill so I’d have them to eat on the road – WRONG! No way was I about to take responsibility for a grill and burning charcoal in that wind! Cooked them up on the stove, packed in baggies, popped ‘em back in the freezer – will be great to ‘nuke’ and eat on the road.
Labor Day I got really serious about packing and stowing! Randy was scheduled to come on the 6th to hitch me up. I need to stop carrying so much CRAP! Took my plant hooks, bird feeders, etc. over to my sister's to store until next summer. Think I'll try to convince her to take the bird bath, too! (She did!)
Definite sign I'm moving' - the flag is down and packed. Made my reservations at Homewood KS for Wednesday nite. I'm gettin' there! By the time Randy arrived, I was back from town, cash in my pocket, tires checked and aired....ready to go. I cannot believe how much easier it is to hitch this trailer than that 5th wheel.
Wednesday AM Bea came by to help me with last minute stuff....she always ‘leads’ me out of town. I think she is afraid I’ll get lost and end up sticking around! She just wants to make sure I’m on the road headed SOUTH!
Made it to Homewood KS RV park. Lots of road construction. Why do we have interstates, then narrow them down to one lane or two way traffic? All those warning signs, all those orange cones and I didn't see one soul out there working. I guess it's 'shovel ready' but they don't have the shovels!
I had to "rough it' in Kansas (and again in Oklahoma). My water hose developed a leak (more than just a drip!) But, I've plenty of jugs and filled them up so I'm not going to suffer too much! I do have electricity!
Thursday I headed for Guthrie OK. I must be headed south -- weatherbug popped up -- it's getting warmer! Thursday was my short day - 275 miles to Guthrie OK.
Friday wasn’t so easy - 375 miles to Gatesville. Lots of semis hauling hay south -- huge bales piled high on the trucks. At one of the weigh stations I tried to count as I went by and there were 12 - probably more -- lined up to be weighed. First time I've seen trucks lined up at the cattle pens, too. 3 trucks unloading at the cattle pens in Kansas and 4 trucks in line waiting to unload.
Crossing the Red River and coming down I-35 there was a fire in Tarrant County near Mansfield. Major traffic jam with emergency vehicles and fire trucks coming from all directions. I had trouble with the dust. They aren't doing any (or much) construction in the work zones. The dirt has been graded and now in the wind it is blowing all over the place. At first I thought it was smoke - then realized it was the dust. Lots of charred areas along the interstate. Everything is brown, like the dead of winter – except for the temps pushing triple digits. Going to take some time getting used to hot, dry, dusty! My lungs and body are going to need a major adjustment! Thank Heavens for air conditioning.
On Friday, I arrived in Gatesville about 3:30 PM. Fred and I were unhitching, I looked around and there was Brenda right behind me and she helped me finish setting up! Now That's A Friend! Made it out to Johnnie’s for my coffee fix! Life is good! Total 944 miles - I'm pooped – time to relax!
Saturday I wake up and couldn’t catch a decent breath, my eyes are watering, throat scratching, coughing and sneezing...This Must Be Texas! But it sure was some good sleepin' weather! 58 degrees at wake-up! Met Brenda for brunch at the Mexican restaurant. She loaded me down with three bags of mail, magazines and junk mail! That will keep me occupied for awhile.
But I couldn’t leave Iowa without one more storm! Thought I was going to bed early on the 2nd - then the weather alarm went off -- one more nite of setting up, watching weather radar and waiting for the weather to blow me away! Poor Li'lBit gets into "panic mode" when it storms. It has to be something with the trailer – she was never this bad in the 5th wheel. About 2AM I caught her trying to claw her way out of a window. Poor little thing! Maybe it is something to do with the horrible crashing sound of the acorns pelting the roof. Even I notice it more in the trailer than I ever did in the 5th wheel. More storms the following morning - power out! This is when I REALLY appreciate being self-contained in my little trailer! Of course, if it stays out too long, I'll have to go to the truck to recharge the computer battery!
Bea came by about noon and we headed into Des Moines – power back on, skies clearing. Finally made it to the Hawaiian Grill for my ‘fix’ of Hawaiian foods. Saimin (noodle soup) and Musubi (Spam & rice wrapped in sea weed!) Bea said I’m the only person she knows that would be delighted to drive 50 miles one way for SPAM! Stopped at Hobby Lobby on the way back to Marshalltown. Bea shopped, I leaned on the cart. I should never try to move, especially shop, after I pig out on a yummy meal!
By the 4th, I was looking for my hoodie! Woke up to 54 degrees (and the next morning in the 40s!) Sure wish I could have shared this with my friends that need the cool and wet weather! Sunday Brunch with Bea was at Perkins – eggs, biscuits and gravy, ham, cheese. Just what I needed!
The weather was making it really hard for me to get any work done outside. 68 degrees and sunny --would be perfect for outside work if the winds weren't sustained at 20 mph and gusts to 40 mph! While defrosting the freezer, I took out some chops and brauts to grill so I’d have them to eat on the road – WRONG! No way was I about to take responsibility for a grill and burning charcoal in that wind! Cooked them up on the stove, packed in baggies, popped ‘em back in the freezer – will be great to ‘nuke’ and eat on the road.
Labor Day I got really serious about packing and stowing! Randy was scheduled to come on the 6th to hitch me up. I need to stop carrying so much CRAP! Took my plant hooks, bird feeders, etc. over to my sister's to store until next summer. Think I'll try to convince her to take the bird bath, too! (She did!)
Definite sign I'm moving' - the flag is down and packed. Made my reservations at Homewood KS for Wednesday nite. I'm gettin' there! By the time Randy arrived, I was back from town, cash in my pocket, tires checked and aired....ready to go. I cannot believe how much easier it is to hitch this trailer than that 5th wheel.
Wednesday AM Bea came by to help me with last minute stuff....she always ‘leads’ me out of town. I think she is afraid I’ll get lost and end up sticking around! She just wants to make sure I’m on the road headed SOUTH!
Made it to Homewood KS RV park. Lots of road construction. Why do we have interstates, then narrow them down to one lane or two way traffic? All those warning signs, all those orange cones and I didn't see one soul out there working. I guess it's 'shovel ready' but they don't have the shovels!
I had to "rough it' in Kansas (and again in Oklahoma). My water hose developed a leak (more than just a drip!) But, I've plenty of jugs and filled them up so I'm not going to suffer too much! I do have electricity!
Thursday I headed for Guthrie OK. I must be headed south -- weatherbug popped up -- it's getting warmer! Thursday was my short day - 275 miles to Guthrie OK.
Friday wasn’t so easy - 375 miles to Gatesville. Lots of semis hauling hay south -- huge bales piled high on the trucks. At one of the weigh stations I tried to count as I went by and there were 12 - probably more -- lined up to be weighed. First time I've seen trucks lined up at the cattle pens, too. 3 trucks unloading at the cattle pens in Kansas and 4 trucks in line waiting to unload.
Crossing the Red River and coming down I-35 there was a fire in Tarrant County near Mansfield. Major traffic jam with emergency vehicles and fire trucks coming from all directions. I had trouble with the dust. They aren't doing any (or much) construction in the work zones. The dirt has been graded and now in the wind it is blowing all over the place. At first I thought it was smoke - then realized it was the dust. Lots of charred areas along the interstate. Everything is brown, like the dead of winter – except for the temps pushing triple digits. Going to take some time getting used to hot, dry, dusty! My lungs and body are going to need a major adjustment! Thank Heavens for air conditioning.
On Friday, I arrived in Gatesville about 3:30 PM. Fred and I were unhitching, I looked around and there was Brenda right behind me and she helped me finish setting up! Now That's A Friend! Made it out to Johnnie’s for my coffee fix! Life is good! Total 944 miles - I'm pooped – time to relax!
Saturday I wake up and couldn’t catch a decent breath, my eyes are watering, throat scratching, coughing and sneezing...This Must Be Texas! But it sure was some good sleepin' weather! 58 degrees at wake-up! Met Brenda for brunch at the Mexican restaurant. She loaded me down with three bags of mail, magazines and junk mail! That will keep me occupied for awhile.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
August 15 - 31 Summer's Almost Over
Continuing to enjoy the terrific weather - cool nites for sleeping; cool mornings with hot coffee at the picnic table with Li'lBit, breezy, warm afternoons. Now for the 'not so good' part - whatever is coming in on the breeze is really messing with my sinuses and breathing! Before long I'll find out if it is possible to do too many breathing treatments!
Had planned on making a road trip on Tuesday, but a band of red and orange from the Minnesota border to the Missouri border popped up on the weather radar. Definitely not a day to hit the road so I spent another terrific afternoon with Li'lBit outside. Could have probably made the road trip since the storm kinda ‘fizzled’ before it got here. I may get through that book on Marie Antoinette yet! Thought it was going to be some kind of historical novel easy fun read, ends up closely resembling a history book with all of the ins and outs of the French Revolution making up the biggest part of the book. Not the easy read I thought, but interesting and I soaked up every word!
Another nice day Wednesday the 17th and dinner with Jim and Kathy at Montana Mikes in Newton. As the week went on, the temps and humidity kept going up! Not my favorite weather – and the pollen, the allergies – oh, heavens! I think this is why I originally left Iowa!! The golden rod, ragweed, Spanish needle are all in full bloom and blowing!
It's another beautiful day in the "trailer-hood!" Special on chicken wings at the market - guess what went on the grill. Another day of reading outside and enjoying Li'lBit!
Friday nite stock races are going full speed ahead -- a train just went down the tracks -- all music to my ears! Love those sounds. I usually plan on going to bed early on Friday nites just so I can listen to them. just listen to them!
Oh, I love the sound of a train -- maybe I traveled the rails in another life! Lots of RV parks are near tracks and most folks really don't like it -- but as long as it doesn't derail into my RV, I love the train – and then add the roar from the race track on top of that! Now that makes sleepin' good!
This retired life is a rough life! Sunday Brunch with Bea and gathering up my book, my ice tea, my dog and it's another day doing nothing outside! Don't know how much more of this I can handle! I had fresh from the field Iowa sweet corn for supper -- that's all - just 3 ears of sweet corn! By the way - I did finish the book on Marie Antoinette and now I'm involved in the Green River Murders. Can't say I'm narrowed in my reading choices!
22nd eye doc appointment. Still off my glaucoma meds! YIPPEE! Now if the allergies would just leave my eye alone! He did give me some sample drops that might help with the allergies and the dry eye. If they work, he also gave me an RX that I will be able to fill.
Tuesday: What I learned with my visit with Sandy: 3 hours is not enough time to catch up on 50 years! Facebook can be a wonderful thing – but I sometimes think I’m addicted and I don’t even play the games – but I did “run into” a friend from my church camp days many many years ago! Sandy was from Dubuque, 30+ miles up the road from where I lived in Maquoketa – we both went to church camp in Clear Lake IA and then in Indianola IA for many years. How terrific to be able to make contact with her again and have time to visit! But three hours is just not enough.
Bea and I went to Des Moines with my taste buds ready for some Hawaiian food at the Hawaiian Grill – closed on Sunday! Ended up at Okoboji Grill for rib-eye steak sandwich with sautéed mushrooms and onion rings. Oh, it’s rough being retired!
Applebee’s with Jim and Kathy on Monday and then took the tour of the reconstruction of their home. Their house was severely damaged during the storm here last month. Not only their home, but their beautiful yard. They had so many trees, you couldn’t see their house from the road. Well, you can see it now. But construction and repairs are coming along.
Headed to Maquoketa on the 30th. The planning committee for our 50th class reunion (next summer) had a dinner meeting at the country club. Although I won’t be in Iowa to help with the planning, I ‘crashed’ the dinner meeting to visit with those classmates that were there. Then stopped by Janet's for some more memory-sharing, then back to the motel. Stayed in the same motel with Sigrid, Sherri and Judi – almost like a slumber party but we go to bed much earlier now!
Judi arrived well before we had to be at dinner so we went into the Dairy Queen for a cone. It’s still the same DQ – no inside seating – just walk up to the window and order.
On the way back on the 31st, I stopped at Stringtown Grocery to stock up on my herbs, spices, baking supplies and dehydrated vegetables. Had an initial moment of panic when I saw the “road closed” sign at the intersection where I needed to turn to get to the grocery. After a few not-so-nice words and a minor “temper tantrum” I decided to head into Kalona and go to the bakery and pick up a few things – just so the side trip wouldn’t be wasted. About a mile or two from where I had planned on turning there was a detour sign, “Detour Stringtown Grocery.” Like a sign from heaven. Of course it took me over about 5 miles of good ol’ Iowa dusty gravel roads, but I made it to the grocery and picked up my supplies. Love that store! It was a great trip -- and best of all, my Li'lBit was absolutely DELIGHTED to see me!
So ends August – September is here and I’m headed south September 7th. Time to toss out the junk and pack up what’s left. Oh, I’m such a pack rat!
Had planned on making a road trip on Tuesday, but a band of red and orange from the Minnesota border to the Missouri border popped up on the weather radar. Definitely not a day to hit the road so I spent another terrific afternoon with Li'lBit outside. Could have probably made the road trip since the storm kinda ‘fizzled’ before it got here. I may get through that book on Marie Antoinette yet! Thought it was going to be some kind of historical novel easy fun read, ends up closely resembling a history book with all of the ins and outs of the French Revolution making up the biggest part of the book. Not the easy read I thought, but interesting and I soaked up every word!
Another nice day Wednesday the 17th and dinner with Jim and Kathy at Montana Mikes in Newton. As the week went on, the temps and humidity kept going up! Not my favorite weather – and the pollen, the allergies – oh, heavens! I think this is why I originally left Iowa!! The golden rod, ragweed, Spanish needle are all in full bloom and blowing!
It's another beautiful day in the "trailer-hood!" Special on chicken wings at the market - guess what went on the grill. Another day of reading outside and enjoying Li'lBit!
Friday nite stock races are going full speed ahead -- a train just went down the tracks -- all music to my ears! Love those sounds. I usually plan on going to bed early on Friday nites just so I can listen to them. just listen to them!
Oh, I love the sound of a train -- maybe I traveled the rails in another life! Lots of RV parks are near tracks and most folks really don't like it -- but as long as it doesn't derail into my RV, I love the train – and then add the roar from the race track on top of that! Now that makes sleepin' good!
This retired life is a rough life! Sunday Brunch with Bea and gathering up my book, my ice tea, my dog and it's another day doing nothing outside! Don't know how much more of this I can handle! I had fresh from the field Iowa sweet corn for supper -- that's all - just 3 ears of sweet corn! By the way - I did finish the book on Marie Antoinette and now I'm involved in the Green River Murders. Can't say I'm narrowed in my reading choices!
22nd eye doc appointment. Still off my glaucoma meds! YIPPEE! Now if the allergies would just leave my eye alone! He did give me some sample drops that might help with the allergies and the dry eye. If they work, he also gave me an RX that I will be able to fill.
Tuesday: What I learned with my visit with Sandy: 3 hours is not enough time to catch up on 50 years! Facebook can be a wonderful thing – but I sometimes think I’m addicted and I don’t even play the games – but I did “run into” a friend from my church camp days many many years ago! Sandy was from Dubuque, 30+ miles up the road from where I lived in Maquoketa – we both went to church camp in Clear Lake IA and then in Indianola IA for many years. How terrific to be able to make contact with her again and have time to visit! But three hours is just not enough.
Bea and I went to Des Moines with my taste buds ready for some Hawaiian food at the Hawaiian Grill – closed on Sunday! Ended up at Okoboji Grill for rib-eye steak sandwich with sautéed mushrooms and onion rings. Oh, it’s rough being retired!
Applebee’s with Jim and Kathy on Monday and then took the tour of the reconstruction of their home. Their house was severely damaged during the storm here last month. Not only their home, but their beautiful yard. They had so many trees, you couldn’t see their house from the road. Well, you can see it now. But construction and repairs are coming along.
Headed to Maquoketa on the 30th. The planning committee for our 50th class reunion (next summer) had a dinner meeting at the country club. Although I won’t be in Iowa to help with the planning, I ‘crashed’ the dinner meeting to visit with those classmates that were there. Then stopped by Janet's for some more memory-sharing, then back to the motel. Stayed in the same motel with Sigrid, Sherri and Judi – almost like a slumber party but we go to bed much earlier now!
Judi arrived well before we had to be at dinner so we went into the Dairy Queen for a cone. It’s still the same DQ – no inside seating – just walk up to the window and order.
On the way back on the 31st, I stopped at Stringtown Grocery to stock up on my herbs, spices, baking supplies and dehydrated vegetables. Had an initial moment of panic when I saw the “road closed” sign at the intersection where I needed to turn to get to the grocery. After a few not-so-nice words and a minor “temper tantrum” I decided to head into Kalona and go to the bakery and pick up a few things – just so the side trip wouldn’t be wasted. About a mile or two from where I had planned on turning there was a detour sign, “Detour Stringtown Grocery.” Like a sign from heaven. Of course it took me over about 5 miles of good ol’ Iowa dusty gravel roads, but I made it to the grocery and picked up my supplies. Love that store! It was a great trip -- and best of all, my Li'lBit was absolutely DELIGHTED to see me!
So ends August – September is here and I’m headed south September 7th. Time to toss out the junk and pack up what’s left. Oh, I’m such a pack rat!
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