Just One More Day

Not only is there just one more day in April; there's just one more day until we are home! This morning we will head north, spending tonight on the road somewhere, most likely a WalMart.

We've had a good visit with Dan & Deb. They have been gracious hosts as always. The days were spent in our usual way – watching TV, cross stitching, and enjoying each other. Dan & Deb had things they needed to do, so Randy & I just hung out at the house.

Yesterday afternoon the four of us, with Tiffinie, Dan & Deb's daughter-in-law, and Skylar & Sylas, their grandkids, went to a local fair. There were food vendors, craftspeople, and rides. You know, your typical small town event. The weather was fabulous as often happens after a storm goes through. We wandered about. The kids went on a few rides. After a couple of hours, we were ready to come home.

I did take pictures, but don't have my cable to upload them. OOPS.

We came home to a very yummy dinner of spaghetti & meatballs. The sauce had been cooking all day in the crockpot and was absolutely delicious.

Yes, we've had a good visit, but it's time to get home.

Talk to you next time from Pennsylvania!

Traveling Play-by-Play

Okay, here you go; day by day:

Monday

We left Rainbow Plantation a little before 1pm which was about 2 hours later than expected. One of the inner back tires on the truck was losing air, so Randy went to a Goodyear shop first thing to have it checked. He got here before 7:30, the shop was open, but no “tire guy.” WHAT?? Uh, isn't this a GOODYEAR shop?? Oh, well. The tire guy showed up about 8:30.

We were going to breakfast with Dick & Pat that morning as a good-bye meal, so the three of us picked Randy up at the shop and we all went to breakfast. When we dropped Randy back off at the stop, the tire was fixed (for only $21.77!!). Dick, Pat & I went on back home, while Randy stopped to fuel up.

Once Randy was home, we started breaking camp. Finally, we were ready to roll. Thankfully, we were planning to “Wally-dock” in LaGrange, GA, so no need to to be concerned about getting to a reservation. However, we did have plans to have dinner with our good friends, Mike & Gerri. I hated to be late for that! But they were very flexible with their schedule and we arrived about 7pm.

We had a fabulous visit with Mike & Gerri, albeit too short. Isn't that always the way with good friends? But, it was still great to see them.

Tuesday

After a fairly decent night's sleep, we got ourselves on the road about 7:30 or so after Randy fueled up the truck. The plan was to travel about six or seven hours and spend the night somewhere near Florence, SC.

Well, somewhere just south of Florence, Randy got hit with an energized laser beam or something and announced that he wanted to keep going – all the way to Dan & Debbie's in Winterville, NC!! That was going to be another four hours of driving, after already being on the road for seven hours! I thought he had lost his mind. But, after a quick call to Dan to see if that would work for them, we found out their grandkids were spending the night and we didn't want to add to the chaos. Especially since we wouldn't arrive until 8:30 or 9pm.

So, we continued to do down the road, eventually stopping at a Flying J in Kenly, NC; just an hour away from Dan & Deb's.

Wednesday

Another fairly good night's sleep and we were up, ready to go by 7am. Hmmmm . . . how do we waste some time so we don't show up on Dan & Debbie's doorstep before they're awake???? :) We figured we would find somewhere to have breakfast along the way.

Now, you have to remember. At this point we are traveling off the interstate through small towns. Not a lot to choose from for breakfast. :) We stopped at McDonald's and that was fine. Actually, I like their sausage and egg biscuits, and Randy likes their egg mcmuffins, so we were happy.

Once we were done with breakfast, around 8:30!, I called Dan to see if we could arrive a little earlier than expected. Like, THREE hours earlier!! :) Of course, he said that was fine – not sure what else he could say, being the nice guy that he is. :)

We arrived about 9am, gathered some clothing and personal items from the rig and set up in their spare bedroom. Randy plugged the rig into the outside outlet and we were set.

Once Deb got home from work, we had a delicious meal of combined leftovers and got caught up with each other. We watched American Idol (Randy was watching something else in the bedroom) and then it was time for bed.

It's good to be settled for a few days. I was SOOOOOOO ready to be out of that truck. :) And it will be nice spending this time with Dan & Deb.

Now you are all caught up. Wasn't that exciting!?!?!?!!! :)

Not much planned for today. Both Dan & Deb have some things they need to do, so Randy & I will do what we normally do – watch TV and cross stitch. :) There is a chance for some severe weather, so I'm kinda glad we're in a stix & brix today.

That's it. Until the next time . . .

Traveling

A short post just to say we are in traveling mode. We left Alabama yesterday about 1pm (later than expected, more on that in another post). We got to WalMart in LaGrange, GA about 7pm. Mike & Gerri picked us up and we went to their new home for the evening. Lots of good conversation and a delicious dinner. You can read about our evening, complete with wonderfully flattering pictures (NOT!) here.

We are now making our way to North Carolina, with a stop for the night somewhere near Florence, SC.

I'll catch you up when we get to North Carolina.

Until the next time . . .

Easter Weekend

Friday and Saturday were pretty laid back. Randy continued to ready the outside of the rig for traveling; you know, putting things back in the basement that find their way out, checking tire pressure, etc. I continued making great progress on my cross stitch project.

Today we celebrate Resurrection Sunday!! This celebration is so very precious to me. I am so grateful that Jesus sacrificed the glories of Heaven to die on a cross to take on the sins of the world and then ROSE again to LIVE FOREVER!! HALLELUJAH!! HE IS RISEN and He is my Savior!

I hope that your Easter celebrations were every bit as wonderful for you!

After church, we came home and got ready for our neighborhood cookout next door at Bob & Pam's. I made mac & cheese. Everyone brought a delicious dish and we ate well. :) It was nice to spend this last afternoon with our friends here at the park.

This evening we attended a Baldwin Pops concert in Fairhope at the Bluff. The Bluff overlooks Mobile Bay and it is a beautiful setting, especially in the evening as the sun sets. This was Randy's last concert until next winter.

Tomorrow morning Randy is taking the truck to Goodyear to have the tire checked. Hopefully, it's a quick fix and we won't have to buy a tire. Guess we'll find out. We're also going to breakfast with Dick & Pat one last time. Then, we'll come home, hitch up, and get on the road.

So, that's it for our time in Alabama. Next stop, LaGrange, GA for dinner with Mike & Gerri. Then, we'll take a couple days to get to Winterville, NC where we'll spend a few days with Dan & Debbie. May 1st we'll be back home in Dover, PA for the summer.

Until the next time . . .

The Countdown Continues

Yesterday was pretty much a do nothing day. Well, it was for me. I went to Curves and the post office and that was it for my out-of-the-house activities. The rest of the day I spent cross stitching.

Randy, however, was busy. He finished washing the rig and the awning. It was a hot, humid day and I felt bad that he was out in it, but he wanted to get it done.

Dinner was tortillas chips and taco dip. Yum.

Today was our last music session with the Pickers until next winter. Another one of the our “last ofs.” It's hard saying good-bye, especially when folks seem genuinely sorry to see you go. We've forged some good relationships with this group of people; it's a good feeling.

We went out to lunch with Marvin & Linda and Jack & Jimmie. Usually, it's a bigger group that goes to lunch, and you don't really get to talk to everyone, so it was kinda nice to have some time with just these four.

After lunch we made the obligatory stop at WalMart for some grocery items and the monthly prescription run.

Back home about 2pm and I spent the afternoon lazing in the recliner; Randy was up in the bedroom. We were watching our respective DVR'd shows. :)

This evening we went to Maundy Thursday service at church. This is a very solemn service at which we partook of the Lord's Supper while reflecting on the supreme sacrifice Jesus made for us. It's a very moving service for me.

Not much on the agenda for tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

Until the next time . . .

A Day at the Hospital

Our good friend & neighbor, Dick, had gallbladder surgery this morning. Not wanting Pat to be alone while Dick was in surgery, I tagged along to keep her company. We left at 6:20 this morning and didn't get home until about 1:00 this afternoon.

In between 6:20am and 1:00pm, we sat. A little past 7am, Dick was taken back to be prepped for surgery. He was taken into surgery about 8:40am. By 9:30am it was over. Since this was outpatient surgery, we had to wait for Dick to recover enough to leave the hospital. And that was about 11:30 or so.

Amazing what medical technology can do these days, huh? Dick is home and resting (I assume) after what a surgical procedure that used to lay folks up for weeks.

While I was gone, Randy was busy matting and framing one of the cross stitch projects I've been talking about. (I'm sure he did other stuff, too.) Since neither Kevin nor Samantha read the blog, I decided to post a picture of the project. It's being mailed to them tomorrow. I sure hope they like it!

The rest of the afternoon and evening have been spent vegging in front of the TV. I'm really tired tonight. Glad there's nothing on the agenda for tomorrow. :)

Until the next time . . .

And So It Begins . . .

Each winter we hit the “last times.” You know – this is the last time we'll go to Pickers, or the last time I'll go to Bible study; or the last time we . . . (fill in the blank). And it is that time again.

Randy started his day very early, for him. He was out the door at 7am, taking the truck to the shop for its oil change and check up. He found that some brake pads needed replacing so that was done as well. Now the truck is ready for our travels east and north.

After Randy got home, we soon headed back out the door to go to Lambert's with Dick & Pat. We didn't go last year and Pat wanted to go this year before we left, so today was the day. The food is very good and waaaaaaaayyyy too much, really, for one meal. Although Randy never has a problem finishing his meal while the rest of us take home some of ours. :)

After making a stop at WalMart, we got home long enough for me to have about an hour or so before I had to head back out the door again to go to Bible study.

The women of the Bible study were so kind with their good-byes. This is a great group of people and I thoroughly enjoy studying God's Word with them. I will miss it. But, hopefully, will jump right in when we get back next winter. I will get a chance to say good-bye to some of them one more time at church on Sunday.

After Bible study, Robbin and I went out to dinner. Robbin is one of the women in the Bible study group and our friendship is growing into a precious relationship. We are going to make every effort to keep in touch over the summer and fall.

Tomorrow I am going with Dick & Pat to the hospital to wait with Pat while Dick has outpatient gallbladder surgery. It's going to be a long day as we're leaving before 6:30am. Hopefully, Dick will be able to have the surgery laproscopically so he can come tomorrow. We'll see what happens.

Our weather continues to be beautiful. I continue to pray for those around the country where the storms have left such devastation in their wake. I can't imagine.

Until the next time . . .

Catching Up – Again

The last few days have been very quiet, and so I haven't felt a need to post to the blog. I don't want to bore anyone with our mundane activities. :)

Thursday we went to Pickers for a music session and then hit WalMart for a few groceries. We spent the rest of the day at home.

Friday I went to Curves and that was the extent of activity for that day, other than walking Blackie.

Yesterday we never left the rig. Well, except for the mandatory Blackie-walking. :)

This morning we went to church, out to lunch with Jim & Susan and Bill & Cathy (another couple from church). We also went to Michael's to get a frame for Kevin & Sam's present. We didn't get home until 2:00. We've spent the rest of the day watching TV, taking Blackie for a couple of walks, and just relaxing.

See? Not much going on. On the health front, other than the occasional coughing spell from our colds, Randy & I are doing pretty good.

Tomorrow begins our last week in Alabama. These four months have gone quickly. The park is emptying out, with most folks headed north already. We will do the same next Monday. Well, we're headed east, then north. :)

Until the next time . . .

Not Much to Share

I haven't posted because I have nothing significant to share with you! Randy seems to be trying to get my cold so yesterday was a very lazy day.

Today I did get myself to Curves this morning for a Zumba session. Boy, was I wiped out by the time I got home. Between it being two weeks since I've been AND the cold, the exercise whipped me.

When I got home, I did clean the bathroom and then grabbed a shower. That was it for me.

Randy was much more industrious, in spite of the cold coming on. He got on the roof of the RV to clean it and then he washed both ends of the RV as well. With less than two weeks before we hit the road, he's feeling the push to get the RV cleaned up.

Tonight will be quiet as well. Just wanting this cold to move on! :)

Until the next time . . .

Busy Monday

I woke up this morning feeling much better than I did yesterday – not 100% by any stretch of the imagination, but better. And that was good because I had a couple of things to do today and wasn't sure I'd be able to, given how I felt yesterday.

My Tuesday morning dulcimer group, Jam 'N Folks, had a gig in Mobile this morning. It was what our leader, Mary Anne, likes to call an “eatin' meetin'.” :) The senior adults group of Dauphin Way Baptist Church invited us to their monthly gathering. After a good lunch and a short message from their pastor, we played for about 45 minutes or so. As usually happens at these events, our performance was well-received and the folks were very gracious in their praise. It's always nice to be appreciated and to be asked to come back year after year.

It was a little after 2pm when we got home and I was pretty beat. I headed to my recliner, watched some TV and eventually took a short nap. I woke up in time to get ready for Bible study.

I hadn't been sure if I'd make it to Bible study since I had gone to the gig this morning, but I was feeling okay and really hated to miss. We are doing a Beth Moore video series, so if you miss a session, you really miss the entire lesson. The homework is based on what you learned during the video. So, I went and am glad that I did. I only have one more week with the group and want to get as much as I can out of it.

While I was out this morning, Randy was very productive and mowed our lawn. I was a little surprised when I got home and saw that 'cause it was so warm and humid out. But, he said it needed to be done, so he did it. He didn't have much to do – just the bit of lawn that runs around the side of our rig. Our landlord, Ron, does the bulk of the lawnmowing on his rider mower. However, he can't get right up next to the rig with that, so Randy does the rest. It looks pretty good!

This evening we had something new for dinner; Crockpot Swiss Chicken. It was pretty tasty, but when I make it again, I'll either use more swiss cheese or another stronger tasting cheese, like pepper jack. You had to really dig to taste the cheese in the dish. But, it sure was an easy recipe to prepare, that's for sure. And I love crockpot recipes, especially when it is so warm outside. I hate heating up the inside of the rig by using the oven. So, a crockpot recipe is perfect!

Well, that's all I've got for today. Hope your week is off to a good start. Until the next time . . .

Catching Up and Some Random Pictures

Unfortunately, I brought home a souvenir from SD – a nasty cold! It hit hard Thursday night and isn't letting up. I rallyed a bit yesterday, but it came slamming back this morning. Ugh. Not a happy camper right now. So, I'll just give you a short synopsis of the last few days and share some pictures with you.

Friday was a very lazy day. The only thing we did, well Randy did, was take Blackie to the groomer. He is now ready for summer.

I did get myself over to the laundry room Saturday morning. Even though I wasn't feeling well, I sure didn't want to put that off. It was our big laundry week, where I do sheets and towels in addition to the regular laundry. I got it over with and brought breakfast home from the clubhouse by 8:30 or so. Then, I flopped in the recliner. I was beat. But then . . .

Pam came over about noon to invite us to an impromptu neighborhood jam session and cookout. I wasn't really feelin' it, but I knew I would be sorry if I didn't attempt to play. So, I got myself together and Randy & I went next door. We played for over TWO AND A HALF hours – I couldn't believe it!

The time just flew by. Then the food was brought out and we enjoyed a meal together. I was so glad I pushed myself to go. It was a fun afternoon.

This morning I woke up feeling worse than I have since I got this cold. YUCK! My ear hurts, my throat hurts, and I just feel cruddy. Needless to say we didn't go to church.

As I write this, Randy is at a Baldwin Pops concert. I was so bummed that I didn't feel up to going. But, he was understanding, as usual. Thankfully, he's got one more concert before we leave, so I'll be able to attend that one.

Here are the random pictures promised. Enjoy! :)

Princess Attitude 

Mississippi River from the air 

We found out where the Easter Bunny lives – in Sioux Falls, SD!! 

Sunrise at Sioux Falls Airport as we were flying out

We're BAAAAAAACCCCKK!!

Yes, we are home. Thanks be to GOD! I gotta tell you, I missed our home.

Flying is very convenient and fast. It serves a purpose. But, I would still rather travel by vehicle, if given a choice. Plus, I am spoiled – I like sleeping in our bed. And when your house travels with you, you have that luxury. :)

So, we went, we did, and we came back. And we have five years before we have to do it again. :)

Until the next time . . .

Sioux Falls, SD

or those of you who don't know, full-time RVers have the privilege of choosing the state which they want to claim as their “domicile.” The three states most chosen are Florida, South Dakota and Texas. Randy & I chose South Dakota; it has no state income tax and was fairly inexpensive to tag and insure our vehicles.

The only drawback to being South Dakota residents is that every five years we have to appear in person to renew our drivers' licenses. And this is that year. Knowing that we had to do that this year, we researched changing our domicile to Florida. That would be much more convenient since we spend most winters in Alabama. But, it was just too cost prohibitive – both insurance and registration of vehicles was very expensive compared to what we pay in South Dakota.

So, here we are in the Sioux Falls Super 8 Motel. We flew in this afternoon; will walk over to the licensing bureau tomorrow and renew our drivers' licenses; and will fly out early Thursday morning. Done for another five years!

Now, you may be wondering why the heck we flew to South Dakota when we could have traveled in our home. Two words – fuel prices!! Back in early February when we were confirming our plans to come to SD, we had decided to just drive up without the RV. It would be much cheaper, fuel-wise to do that. Then, I got to thinking. Yes, that is a very scary sentence I just wrote. However, it turned out okay this time. :)

I figured out the round trip mileage from Summerdale, AL to Sioux Falls, SD at about 2400 miles. Then I computed the approximate MPG we would get. I multiplied the MPG by $4 'cause I figured that would be the average diesel price by April. The total cost for fuel would have been about $750!!! Add to that, motel costs for about five or six nights and we were adding up the $$$.

That's when it hit me – check how much it would cost to fly to Sioux Falls! I am kinda shocked that I thought of it 'cause we never fly anywhere. Well, I found that flying would cost us just a little more than driving. It was a no-brainer. It really was going to cost us less when you figure that we wouldn't have as many nights in motels.

So, here we are. But, I gotta tell you. I miss my RV!! Randy & I feel so spoiled that we get to sleep in our own bed, sit in our own comfortable recliners; and eat our own food no matter where we go. And flying? Not high on my hit parade. It's boring, really. And the seats are not comfortable.

However, flying is convenient and fast. And that's what we needed at this time. It was nice to have the option. :)

Until the next time . . .

An Addition to Our Family

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Guiler!

Kevin and Samantha got married yesterday in Junction City, Kansas. Randy & I welcome Samantha to our family. And, we are also excited that we will add another member to our family in August when Kevin & Sam's first child, a daughter, will be born. Never a dull moment with our family!

We ask that, as you think of them, to pray for Kevin, Sam and their little one. We know that God has wonderful things in store for them and we can't wait to see His plan lived out.

Until the next time . . .

Festival Weekend

WHEW!! What a weekend we had – filled with music, laughter, and friendship. We attended the Jubilee Pickers' annual dulcimer festival.

Friday night we kicked off the festival with a potluck dinner and jam session. Some folks had been there during the day, just playing music all day, but we had our first-of-the-month errands to do so we couldn't get there until dinner time.

As is the usual case with potluck dinners, the food was plentiful and delicious. We all ate our fill, cleaned up and got out the instruments. For the next two hours, the building resounded with gospel tunes, folk music, country music, and singing. It was fabulous!

Saturday was the big day – long hours and lots of activity. Randy, Pat and I got to the festival site about 9:40 or so and prepared to stay for the rest of the day. There were small groups of folks gathered together playing music. Some of them were practicing for the main event that afternoon, Open Stage.

Open Stage is the focal point of our festival. It is an afternoon filled with people sharing their musical talents. Clubs perform, duos, trios, groups, and soloists take their turn on stage. Some of the performances are fun, while others show themselves to be consummate musicians. And some fall somewhere in-between. All who perform love music.

Both Randy & I performed several times. Randy performed with the Pickers and his psaltery group. I was so excited to see him step a bit out of his comfort zone and perform. He did great, too!

I performed with the Pickers, Jam 'N Folks, and solo. Each of the groups performed two songs and I was privileged enough to sing “White Cliffs of Dover” with Jam 'N Folks. I also performed “Shenandoah” as a solo. Such a beautiful song. And the crowd was nice enough to ask for a second song – how about that! So, I performed “Danny Boy” as well. Again, the crowd was very gracious.

In addition to performing, I had been asked to MC the afternoon's activities. The main thing in doing that is to keep things moving, something that is not always easy to do when you have 20 to 30 folks trying to set up and break down instruments as different performers try to get on stage. But, I did what I could to keep the crowd happy. We also drew for door prizes in between performances. That's always fun to see a big, brawny man get a pretty necklace!!

The day was again topped off with dinner provided by the Pickers. It is tradition to serve red beans and rice, salad, and corn bread. Let me tell you – the folks eat it up! (pun intended!)

After dinner, folks gathered together once again for a jam session. Randy, Pat & I were ready to go home by the time the remnants of dinner had been cleaned up. We left about 7:30, going on 8:00 and were glad to get home. It had been a great day, but it was time to be home.

This morning Randy, Pat & I again headed to the festival site for the hymn, praise & worship hour. We really enjoy this quiet time of the festival. It's a great way to thank God for His gift of music and the fellowship that is shared among us. It's always a small group that attends, but that's okay. The intimacy is part of what makes this event so special.

We had a midday dinner with Darrell & Judy and Dick & Pat at The Shrimp Basket. On Sundays, they offer all-you-can-eat fried shrimp dinners. And it is gooooooooooddddd!! It was also really nice for the six of us to have some time together. Between Dick & Pat, they've had some kind of illness most of the winter so we've not been able to do much.

Darrell & Judy will be leaving this Thursday, so it was a little bittersweet as this was the last meal we'll share this season. They will take us to the airport on Tuesday and we'll say our good-byes then. We'll sure miss having them right behind us – Randy & I have loved how our friendship with them has grown so much deeper this year. They are truly good friends.

Okay, I have rambled on enough for two posts! Hope you enjoy the pictures. If you're friends with me on Facebook, check out the video I uploaded of my performance. The quality isn't great, but it'll give you an idea.

And if you want to see more pictures, click here.

Until the next time . . .