tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200378222024-03-12T18:46:28.442-05:00Guiler TravelsRandy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.comBlogger1462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-4002611333367189462013-06-27T09:15:00.001-05:002013-06-27T09:15:42.368-05:00The Keys! Where are The Keys???<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Oh, yeah. They're hung up. Yes, after nine years of full-time RV living, we are hanging up the keys. We've decided it's time to get an apartment and live a “normal” life. HA! Actually, we've got a couple more months of living in our RV because the apartment won't be available until the first of September. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gfaFliEcSlA/UcxJB4uEhgI/AAAAAAAAIAk/k5i1tx1Sd8Q/s1600-h/Our%252520new%252520apartment%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Our new apartment!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Our new apartment!" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PExKSsuJD_U/UcxJCYu3DDI/AAAAAAAAIAs/QOqrfu0Fmqs/Our%252520new%252520apartment%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a>So, we'll spend the summer at Cedar Lake Campground in Dover, PA as usual. But, we'll be doing a lot of shopping – not my favorite thing! Our daughter, Lindsay, will be in charge of that. LOL</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n2vu7pWrtho/UcxJC1jXKcI/AAAAAAAAIA0/J4dvKRhHGwE/s1600-h/Apartment2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Apartment2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Apartment2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wJwCkRUI2aA/UcxJDUUsOPI/AAAAAAAAIA8/YAULmTK3Ho0/Apartment2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, what brought about this big change, you ask? A couple of things. I have been feeling the pull of settling down for about a year now, but figured I had a couple more full-timing years in me. And then, my mom and dad had some health issues this past winter that made me begin to rethink our lifestyle. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I have fabulous parents. They have loved me, my sister, and our families without reservation and unconditionally. I have thanked God regularly for giving me the parents He did. And now I need to give back to them. For the past nine years my sister, Paula, has gone the extra mile when one of our parents has been ill. She's taken off work; gone to doctors' appointments; you know, just been there. And never, <i>never</i> has she made me feel that I wasn't doing “my part.” So now? It's time for me to do my part. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">My parents will be 85 and 80 this year. I am fortunate to have them still with me. And I want to take advantage of the time I have left. I want to be able to jump in the car and be with them in a moment's notice. Yes, I know I can always fly home from wherever I am, but that isn't the same. I don't want to have to think, “should I go”? I want to be able to just go.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And that's the reason. I am grateful to have a husband who loves me and my parents enough to put aside his first choice and support me in this decision. Randy would RV 'til he dropped dead. Seriously, he would. But, he loves my parents and knows how important they are to me. So, he's fully on board. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">God gave me a huge gift when He gave me Randy as my husband. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We aren't giving up the RV. As a matter of fact, we already have a trip to Disney World scheduled for October! But, we don't anticipate traveling over the next year because we want to see what this living in a stix and brix is gonna cost us. 'Cause it's gonna be different. But, we do plan to travel as we can. We still haven't gotten to the Northwest and we want to do a big Northeast trip as well. So, that's in the future plans.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Keeping in touch with our RVing buddies as well as those friends we've made along the way will be a priority. I'm grateful for Facebook, blogs, and email. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Speaking of blogs, ours will go dormant with this last post. There's no reason to continue with “Guiler Travels” when the Guilers aren't traveling any more! :) So, please check in with us via email or Facebook. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until we meet again, enjoy the journey!</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-26558722599936687892013-06-23T15:38:00.001-05:002013-06-23T15:38:27.235-05:00Lots of Family Time<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We had a lovely time visiting with my folks. We didn't do a lot of “special” stuff, we just enjoyed being with them. Which was the whole point of being there, wasn't it.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">On Father's Day we ventured out to make a couple of visits. First, to my niece, Megan's. She recently added to our family in the form of one gorgeous baby girl, <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aBtscMu-eaA/UcdcthDW7mI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/amVmBKbaChg/s1600-h/McKenna%252520Blake%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="McKenna Blake" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="McKenna Blake" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qjL6pVl-QHE/UcdcuBrjUjI/AAAAAAAAH_c/ecWinV1oBHA/McKenna%252520Blake_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="209"></a>McKenna Blake. Even though McKenna had been born May 25, my folks had not been up to see her due to my dad's illness. And, of course, Randy & I hadn't seen her, either. Needless to say, McKenna has continued the McNeil grandbaby tradition of being adorable. :) </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">McKenna & her big sister, Ryleigh</font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EyTr_Fv2Wnk/UcdcuqT-QII/AAAAAAAAH_o/2BMBvIok3RQ/s1600-h/Ryleigh%252520%252526%252520McKenna2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ryleigh & McKenna2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Ryleigh & McKenna2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2MDllgcQySo/UcdcuywH8bI/AAAAAAAAH_w/5oQJRN3BNHM/Ryleigh%252520%252526%252520McKenna2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="198"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Great Grandma & McKenna</font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PavFhm2Y2-c/UcdcvT1NgWI/AAAAAAAAH_4/8h4qP0wLJ8k/s1600-h/Meeting%252520McKenna%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Meeting McKenna" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Meeting McKenna" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nazir4_aRmA/Ucdcv_79UGI/AAAAAAAAIAA/DPpi40ERGIY/Meeting%252520McKenna_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="228"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Our next stop was my sister's. Our other niece, LuAnn, and her family were down from New York.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5YUeouOBR5M/UcdcwMZeJcI/AAAAAAAAIAI/y3lgV9aNsnQ/s1600-h/Amelia%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Amelia" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Amelia" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PYUONuJdOX8/UcdcwvFuXlI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/7ia5UsZUuic/Amelia_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> LuAnn's little one, Amelia, had just turned one year old and we were celebrating her birthday. Again, Randy & I hadn't met Amelia yet because LuAnn's visits hadn't coincided with our being home. I was so glad we were finally able to spend some time with them. And Amelia is another adorable grandniece!! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Monday, June 17, was our last travel day for awhile. We left my folks' and had an easy 4.5 hour drive to our campground in Dover, PA.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're settled in for the summer. As always, we are enjoying time with Jason, Lindsay & Reagan. Already we've kept Reagan for the evening so that J and Lins could get out to a movie. We're looking forward to more of that. Right now, we're house- and dogsitting for them while they are on vacation. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This coming Tuesday <a href="http://wanderingamericawithdandj.blogspot.com/">Darrell & Judy</a> will be traveling through on their way to Maine. We'll get to spend the day with them. And that's always a good time. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">More news to come soon . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-46552759640119440172013-06-12T19:24:00.001-05:002013-06-12T19:24:11.029-05:00From Sea to Shining Sea<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Well, really from the bay to the ocean, but that doesn't have the same ring to it! :) </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We arrived at Breezy Point Campground in Maryland on Thursday after an easy six hour drive. Normally, six hours is just too long a drive, but it went fairly quickly that day. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SqQCYD5_fNs/UbkRDASbKeI/AAAAAAAAH9s/GAua22T1Wrs/s1600-h/Breezy%252520Point-site%25252015%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Breezy Point-site 15" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Breezy Point-site 15" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cuXJYIXTq5E/UbkRDv2gg-I/AAAAAAAAH90/2DGoakm7jJI/Breezy%252520Point-site%25252015_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a>We got ourselves set up with no problem and enjoyed our view. Let me tell you – these sites are <i>on the beach</i>! We settled ourselves in for the next five days. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HoHannv7ZDU/UbkREUspZ_I/AAAAAAAAH98/XHNgfwTmBHc/s1600-h/Great%252520view%252521%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Great view!!" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Great view!!" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lRX98kJO5Sc/UbkRE1F3t_I/AAAAAAAAH-E/rsG2le7CWv8/Great%252520view%252521%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">On Saturday we picked up Ginny and Tommy to stay with us for the night. Unfortunately, Chuck wasn't able to come because they were having vehicle issues and he needed to use the time to work on their truck. It was so good to have the kids with us. We didn't do much (and Tommy was as bored as a 14 year old could be!)<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3qwu8XHcJ5c/UbkRFjhTSyI/AAAAAAAAH-M/OhloJa1V34w/s1600-h/Tommy%25252C%252520Ginny%252520%252526%252520Randy%252520just%252520relaxing%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tommy, Ginny & Randy just relaxing" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tommy, Ginny & Randy just relaxing" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qcwZOGXKuL0/UbkRGGy6b4I/AAAAAAAAH-U/pMZnU5VBz0k/Tommy%25252C%252520Ginny%252520%252526%252520Randy%252520just%252520relaxing_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> but we enjoyed being together. The weather wasn't very cooperative at first, but the sun soon came out. And Sunday, Tommy finally joined with the folks next to us in hunting for “treasure” in the bay – sharks' teeth and such.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_PxSSNjso5Y/UbkRG9YCLoI/AAAAAAAAH-c/yOda9NuZCLk/s1600-h/Tommy%252520looking%252520for%252520treasure%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Tommy looking for treasure" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tommy looking for treasure" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M1UrSB22NO4/UbkRHfLt7HI/AAAAAAAAH-k/zNwEcElVvL4/Tommy%252520looking%252520for%252520treasure_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="240"></a></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">All too soon it was time to say good-bye. Sunday afternoon we met Chuck at Ledo Pizza for dinner, after which it was hugs good-bye. We're hoping to get together at least one more time before their big move to Colorado. We're gonna have kids strung out all over!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Sunday night and Monday were nasty weather days. We <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fw-pzHmNg-I/UbkRIIyYYZI/AAAAAAAAH-s/4lhfeUPITxg/s1600-h/Rainy%252520day%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Rainy day" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Rainy day" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l7YDmMdecbU/UbkRIgEU3AI/AAAAAAAAH-0/LRQoFsV9c1Y/Rainy%252520day_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>were fortunate we only had rain. Other areas in MD saw tornadoes touching down! That is not supposed to happen here! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tuesday dawned clear and it was time to break camp. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rDONnMNR24E/UbkRJoEJ2KI/AAAAAAAAH-8/k-5iTijVasI/s1600-h/Last%252520morning%252520at%252520Breezy%252520Point%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Last morning at Breezy Point" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Last morning at Breezy Point" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iIFlT5GzSwc/UbkRJx6C-YI/AAAAAAAAH_E/pQNcmXXfy_Y/Last%252520morning%252520at%252520Breezy%252520Point_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="173"></a>These sites are water and electric only, so the campground offers pump out service on Fridays and Tuesdays. Worked out perfectly for us! The service came at 6am; yeah, it was a bit early, but that meant we got on the road early. By 8:30am we were pulling out of the campground, heading to my parents' house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Again, God graced us with an easy travel day – and only 3.5 hours at that! We pulled up in front of my parents' house about 11:45am. Just in time for them to take us to lunch. How's that for timing! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Oh, my. How wonderful it was to hug on Daddy & Mommy! Daddy had been hospitalized last month for pneumonia and dehydration and then was sent home with oxygen 24/7, so I have been very concerned about him. He looks fabulous, though! Mommy is doing well, too. Although she's tired as she's been “on duty” since Daddy's been ill. Hopefully, we can take some of that off of her for a few days. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're looking forward to our visit here. We'll hit the road one last time on Monday when we head to PA. We'll have more news for you on our future plans later. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Such a tease, I know! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-67644505438969063002013-06-05T10:13:00.001-05:002013-06-05T10:13:55.706-05:00Spending Time with Good Friends<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We left Bonifay last Saturday about 10am. Had to stop and get a tire replaced on the RV before we could hit the road. So very grateful for Randy's vigilance in keeping our RV in good shape. He found out the tire was leaking so we could get it fixed/replaced before an incident could happen on the road. And we all know how ugly that can be!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">After two nights and three days on the road, we arrived in Winterville, NC on Monday. Our good friends, Dan & Debbie, live here and we're having a great time catching up. It's been a couple of years since we've seen each other, but our friendship is one of those that time apart means nothing. We share lots of history and always have a good time together. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday was a gorgeous day so we piled into Debbie's convertible and took off for Washington, NC. It's a little town that sits on the Pamlico River. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OjFYJVAX_0A/Ua9VkRjwrkI/AAAAAAAAH8U/RojJ874D_hc/s1600-h/004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="004" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HZ0C9pN78EE/Ua9Vk4-s1LI/AAAAAAAAH8c/7ABdgJev04s/004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>Lots of boutique-type shops (which hold no interest for me!). It's draw for us was the walk along the river. Very picturesque. And it has some beautiful historic homes, too.</font> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dkzvWM2K158/Ua9VmUT18pI/AAAAAAAAH8k/n5I4FhF9a6k/s1600-h/003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="003" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KLNVWlOsRfk/Ua9Vm8SNwGI/AAAAAAAAH8s/52krX0prUns/003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L0FFE5ZL1N0/Ua9VoKPXmzI/AAAAAAAAH80/ngrtO60kBn4/s1600-h/010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="010" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5Wgo7iJCKdw/Ua9Vo6MXt9I/AAAAAAAAH88/ScW4rhPy5l8/010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6U7Pw-FuC34/Ua9VqB920aI/AAAAAAAAH9E/qWleuq7DOt4/s1600-h/Historic%252520houses%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Historic houses" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Historic houses" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZJiaAB3n9-w/Ua9VqqC-Z8I/AAAAAAAAH9M/vi344tDR230/Historic%252520houses_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VF2eRLYIdxA/Ua9VsHIgLtI/AAAAAAAAH9U/22wQ1Vb1m7Q/s1600-h/017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gu6dH3w6aj8/Ua9VsgHoxBI/AAAAAAAAH9c/Xynf27cfazM/017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Today, Randy and I are gearing up for another travel day tomorrow. Doing laundry is the big item on the to-do list. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tomorrow we'll have about a six hour drive to southern MD to Breezy Point Campground in Chesapeake Beach. It's the closest campground to our eldest, Ginny and her family. We'll get to spend a few days with them before they make a big move to Colorado. Happy for them, a little sad for us. But, it just means we've got to get out there sometime!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-21852143675879468772013-05-31T22:27:00.001-05:002013-05-31T22:27:37.259-05:00… And We’re Done<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Today is our last day in Bonifay. Tomorrow morning we will hitch up and get on the road after living in one place since mid-October. That is the longest we've been in one location since we became full-timer Rvers just about nine years ago. Whew.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">But, it is with very bittersweet emotions that we leave. Bonifay has become another place we've called home. The people here have embraced us and made us feel like family. Our workamping at Florida Springs RV Resort was very good for us, financially and emotionally. Andy & Alicia, our employers, have become friends. God provided a church home for us in First Baptist, Bonifay and we found lifelong friends there, too.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, as excited as we are to be back on the road, heading toward family, it is hard to say “so long” to those we are leaving behind. Such is the life of the full-timer. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">However, we did our good-byes in style. Today is Randy's birthday as well as one of our friends, Becky. So, eight of us got together and went out to dinner to celebrate Randy and Becky in addition to it being our last time together. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Clockwise from “12:00": Tom, Robert, Betty, Randy, Earl, Becky & Carol</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NQrwNuPGgtU/UalqImc_QlI/AAAAAAAAH78/55rnOBK3ppI/s1600-h/Dinner%252520with%252520our%252520Bonifay%252520group%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dinner with our Bonifay group" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Dinner with our Bonifay group" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0fiBH2ZPAUw/UalqJ2VD87I/AAAAAAAAH8E/-SYHZ1bKjVM/Dinner%252520with%252520our%252520Bonifay%252520group_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">These people have loved us and we would go out to dinner after church every Sunday, so how else would we say good-bye!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We had a lovely dinner with great friends. And we carried on the conversation back at Tom & Carol's house. When it was time for our good-bye hugs, there were a few tears as well. We will miss these folks.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We pray that one day we'll get back here and renew these friendships. Until then, there's always Facebook, email, texting, and good old-fashioned telephone calls!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time – from the road!</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-13243206674676113172013-05-09T10:31:00.001-05:002013-05-09T10:31:08.086-05:00A Few Weeks???<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">My last post said I'd check back in a few weeks and that was April 3! Well, I guess four or five weeks qualifies as “a few.” </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I apologize to those folks who regularly check for an update on my blog. I haven't meant to disappoint you or leave you hanging, it's just there isn't much to write about when you're in a routine of doing a whole lot of not much! I work four days a week and Randy escorts our guests to their sites while also making sure the RV stays in shape. We go to church twice a week, going out to eat with friends afterward. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That's our routine. It doesn't change much. See why I haven't bored you with a blog post?</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">But, now we've only got three weeks before we hitch up the truck and begin our trek to PA. We are due in PA on June 17, but we're making a few significant stops along the way. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We are finally going to St. Augustine! I've wanted to explore that city for a long time and now we're going to have a day to do that. Then, we're stopping in NC to get a couple of days with good friends, Dan & Debbie. We haven't seen them in at least two years! Way too long. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're also gonna spend a few days in southern MD so we can get some time with our oldest grandchild, Tommy (and his parents!) before they move to CO this summer. Then, it's on to the Eastern Shore of MD to visit with my folks. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Whew! A whirlwind 17 days of good times. I am soooo ready to be with family. This is the longest we've sat in one place since we've been on the road. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Before that can happen, though, we've got three weeks left to enjoy our Bonifay family. We have made some wonderful friends here and will miss them.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Once we're back on the road, I'll be posting a bit more frequently. Thanks for checking in and staying with us!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . . </font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-50648432851692853712013-04-03T08:48:00.001-05:002013-04-03T08:48:41.698-05:00It’s April<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That's about all I got. :) We continue living the quiet life here in the Florida panhandle. And that's okay!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I was busy these past couple of weeks with rehearsals for our church's annual Easter Passion Play. For the past 31 years, the choir, along with lots of others, perform five times through Easter weekend. It's exhausting and exciting at the same time. By Sunday evening, I was beat. But, it was a fabulous weekend as we saw many people's lives changed because of the Gospel. That's what it's all about – seeing people understand their need for Jesus. Powerful.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy continues to handle the daily stuff of life in an RV while I work in the office of the park. He’s such a great guy!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, we begin our last two months in Florida. The weather is getting to be what we want in Florida – flip flops and t-shirts! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I'll check in again in a few weeks!</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-55455319656303536692013-03-12T19:28:00.001-05:002013-03-12T19:28:22.222-05:00It’s March!<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Actually, we're almost halfway through March and it's been almost a month since I last posted a blog entry. Sitting in one place for any length of time isn't good for blogging. I just don't have any incentive!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Once again, we haven't done much worth blogging. Just the same old, same old routine. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">However, last week we got out of our recliners and headed to Lower Alabama for a few days. We left Monday morning, pointed the truck westward, and off we went. We stopped at Cracker Barrel in Crestview, FL (just about an hour from Bonifay) to fortify us for the long drive ahead. Well, two and a half hours IS long when you've sat in one place for almost six months!!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Our next stop was Darrell & Judy's where we had a grand reunion with them, Mike & Peggy and Dick & Pat. Judy made her famous lasagna and Peggy and Pat contributed salad and dessert. It was a fabulous afternoon. Of course, it didn't any time to pick up right where we left off the last time we were together; whenever that was. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">After dinner we went to the Beacham Hotel, run by our friend, Robbin. Robbin is so gracious, she opens her home up to us whenever we want to visit, allowing us to come and go as we need. She is a great friend. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tuesday Randy lazed about at Robbin's while I got my nails done and met Robbin for lunch. Then, we both hung out at Robbin's for the afternoon until it was time for another meal at Jim & Ellie's. Once again there were a bunch of us and another good time was had by all. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Wednesday we met Darrell & Judy and Mike & Peggy in beautiful downtown Fairhope at Panini Pete's for some scrumptious muffaletta paninis. Have you noticed the trend of our eating whenever we get together with these folks??? We needed to get out of there before we couldn't fit in the truck for the drive home!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It was a great visit and we want to do it one more time before we head north in June.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Since we got back, I've been a bit under the weather with a nasty cold. It just won't let go. But, we're back in the groove (or is it a rut? Hmmmm . . .) of our routine. Hard to believe we have just about two and a half months before we hitch up and move on. This will be the longest we've sat in one place in our eight and a half years on the road. But, it's been good for the bank account!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Not sure when I'll check back in, but until then . . . Enjoy.</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-52153191387805384432013-02-21T09:51:00.001-06:002013-02-21T09:51:34.310-06:00Mid-Month Check-in<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I really don't have much to share, but figured I should post <i>something</i>. And you know when your mother points out that you haven't blogged lately, you gotta get to it.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, we've continued with the routine of life. But, yesterday we actually got out and took a drive. It was a pretty, sunny day; good for an outing. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We headed south on SR 77 toward Panama City. The idea was to get some breakfast and then ride around a bit. We'd been to Panama City Beach – yes, those are two different towns – but not to Panama City. We found breakfast at Golden Corral and enjoyed their buffet. Sufficiently stuffed, we continued our journey.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I realized that we were close to Bay Medical Center where one of our friends was hospitalized. Grady has been very ill since before Christmas with respiratory issues and, unfortunately, he was taken back to the hospital a couple of weeks ago with breathing problems and then one of his lungs collapsed. So, he's sedated while his lung heals. Belinda, his wife, is keeping vigil daily so I texted Belinda asking her if we could visit. She said yes, so that was our next stop. We spent a little less than an hour chatting with Belinda while Grady slept. :) Belinda is a strong woman and her faith in God and His plan for them is something to watch. We had a good visit.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">After we left the hospital, we didn't know what we wanted to do. We are not “beach people” so hanging out at the beach wasn't an option. I would take a chair and a book and sit at the edge of the water and enjoy, but that is <i>not</i> Randy's thing <i>at all</i>. So we decided to drive and see where the road took us. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The road took us through a beautiful neighborhood, lined with palm trees and Spanish moss. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ax7JE-jIfT4/USZCecmhqdI/AAAAAAAAH5o/gW-DJS_pfiw/s1600-h/Panama%252520City%252520drive%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Panama City drive" border="0" alt="Panama City drive" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0GuON1D1sgY/USZCfP5ezPI/AAAAAAAAH5w/zFhRpbiXTzw/Panama%252520City%252520drive_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="218" height="240"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G5ZNUneSfq0/USZCgU_oPMI/AAAAAAAAH54/bmW6YnQPDoI/s1600-h/Driving%252520in%252520Panama%252520City%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Driving in Panama City" border="0" alt="Driving in Panama City" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B68abvZ_xLs/USZChH2i1DI/AAAAAAAAH6A/xt0DuheWmEA/Driving%252520in%252520Panama%252520City_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="240"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The homes were an eclectic mix of large brick homes to small beachy bungalows. It was a lovely drive.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We got back home about 2pm, so it was a nice day out. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That's it from the Florida panhandle. Hope all is well in your world. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-8075968170341989812013-02-01T09:40:00.001-06:002013-02-01T09:40:37.897-06:00Another Month Gone By<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Welcome, February! It seemed to me that January was never going to end! It just dragged by. And, since it is a new month, I figured I'd gift you all with a blog entry! :) Also, for full disclosure, our daughter, Lindsay, informed me I had been slacking off in my blogging. LOL </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">To be honest, we haven't done anything “blog worthy.” Since I got back from MD, we've settled into our normal routine. And a routine is not very exciting to write about. I told Lindsay that if I was bored writing a blog entry, surely you all would be put to sleep reading it!!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">In the month ahead, we do have a couple of things in the works. Sometime in the next week or so Randy will be traveling to Kansas to welcome our Soldier home from Afghanistan. He'll be gone about a week to ten days. It's a two day drive to get there and he'll stay a few days to help Kevin settle in. Then, if the weather holds, he'll get back on the road to Florida. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We also want to get away for a couple of days to visit with friends in Lower Alabama. It's been way too long since we've seen them! So, hopefully in late February we'll be able to get there.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Okay, are you asleep yet? If not, you get the prize! I don't know what that prize is, but you get it! :) </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Now I'll get back to our exciting life of exercise (me), TV, working, and church! Don't be too jealous.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time (whenever that will be!) . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-81137280259781399022013-01-18T09:58:00.001-06:002013-01-18T09:58:11.712-06:00Back in Florida<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This past Monday I said good-bye to my folks and began my flight home to Randy. I am so grateful that I was able to extend my time in MD to help my folks. And I appreciate all of the prayers that were said for my mom and her recovery. She's doing much better.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It was <i>fabulous</i> walking off the plane in Florida and seeing Randy waiting for me! I had missed him and he says he missed me. :) It was good to be home. Randy had the place spotless and had even gone to the grocery to get a few things to get us through if we didn't get to the store right away. He's so good to me!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I took Tuesday and Wednesday to get back in the routine of being home. Alicia was gracious in allowing me that time before jumping back into work. And I enjoyed every minute of those two days.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday I started back and worked a split shift, 9am to 12n and then 3 to 8p. I gotta say it was good to get back to it. I enjoy my job! And we ended the evening sitting in the restaurant, after closing, with Andy & Alicia. Andy had cooked a couple of new dishes and invited Randy & I for a “tasting.” It was a wonderfully relaxing way to end the day.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, we're back into the routine. Randy is working now, too. He's doing groundskeeping a few hours three days a week, so that's new to the routine. But, as you all know, I love a routine!! :) It feels so good!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Hope life is good in your world. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-40041742897843023952013-01-09T09:29:00.001-06:002013-01-09T09:29:53.417-06:00Still Hanging with the Parents<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Well, my mom had her surgery on Monday, and I am very grateful to say that it went well, with no complications. She came home yesterday and, with the exception of feeling pretty washed out and moving slowly, she's doing great. And I figure, at 79, she's allowed to move slowly after surgery!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">There's nothing on the agenda today and I'm making sure it stays that way. The next couple of days are filled with doctor's appointments for both my folks, so I told them we were going nowhere today. I didn't get much of an argument, either!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy is glad to be home in Bonifay but says he misses me. What else is he gonna say??? :) And as much as I'm so ready to be home with him, I know that I'm where I need to be right now. Hopefully, the rest of the week will go well and I'll be on a plane flying home on Monday.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">A very big <font color="#ff0000">HAPPY BIRTHDAY</font> to our eldest, Ginny!! Enjoy your day, sweetheart.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That's it from the Eastern Shore of MD. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-13761154484194452922013-01-03T17:04:00.001-06:002013-01-03T17:04:11.593-06:00Getting the New Year Started<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We ended 2012 hanging out with Reagan while her parents went out to dinner with friends. It was a great way to end the year. :)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Reagan, the photographer</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qiCAtt9uoxE/UOYOYLlqdBI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/OK_qLTbGJj0/s1600-h/Getting%252520ready%252520to%252520go%252520out%252520for%252520NYE%2525202012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Getting ready to go out for NYE 2012" border="0" alt="Getting ready to go out for NYE 2012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YwLDvloOa4w/UOYOY4TAOpI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/oWTn9vSx4tc/Getting%252520ready%252520to%252520go%252520out%252520for%252520NYE%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We started 2013 with our last family gathering. Our eldest, Ginny and her husband, Chuck, and our grandson, Tommy, came up to Lindsay's for the afternoon. It was so good to see them. It had been far too long. We didn't do anything exciting, just hung out. We were glad they were able to make the two hour trip. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Chuck really isn't asleep – I just didn't get a great picture!</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zh2upeJwp_U/UOYOZwIP2iI/AAAAAAAAH4g/ijpCUoIKiQI/s1600-h/Chuck%25252C%252520Ginny%252520%252526%252520Tommy%252520Jan2013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Chuck, Ginny & Tommy Jan2013" border="0" alt="Chuck, Ginny & Tommy Jan2013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mezIysV23dQ/UOYOaqVkHnI/AAAAAAAAH4o/JCQ5X-gMKOg/Chuck%25252C%252520Ginny%252520%252526%252520Tommy%252520Jan2013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday was a day of good-byes. We loved and hugged on Reagan before we set out for doctor's appointments – blood pressure checks for both of us and I had an eye exam follow-up. Once those were out of the way, we said our good-byes to Jason & Lindsay and headed down the road to my parents'.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">“Good-bye” has become a nasty word in our house. :)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The alarm went off at 4:50 this morning. I know!! But, I had to get Randy to the airport for his 7am flight. It was tough letting him go! I won't be getting home until January 14 and we've never been apart this long in 29 years! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">About 10:00am I got a collect call from Randy and it scared me! He missed his connecting flight in Charlotte. The airline had changed the gate and made no announcement. UGH!! Since it was their fault, there was no charge for getting a different flight – thankfully. And we are grateful for our friends, Earl & Becky, who were picking Randy up. I called them immediately and, even though they were on their way already, they turned around and said they'd go back and get him at the later time. We are so blessed with good people around us.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">As I write this, I haven't heard from Randy yet, but I'm hoping he arrived safely and that the RV didn't suffer from our not being there. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I have settled in at my parents' and will be their faithful companion for the next several days. :) I am grateful to have the flexibility of being able to change plans at the last minute. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-35017381465855366532012-12-31T15:51:00.001-06:002012-12-31T15:51:25.427-06:00Year End Wrap-up<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy and I have been enjoying hanging out with family. The first few days were a bit crazy, but we've settled down some in the past couple of days.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We attended Christmas Eve service at my sister, Paula's, church then spent the night at her house. Christmas morning was quiet and we moved slow. Paula and Lou got themselves out the door fairly quickly so they <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F_pj-e5pROw/UOIItzHkD9I/AAAAAAAAH1Q/oXoDFTzq4jw/s1600-h/Ballerina%252520Ryleigh%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ballerina Ryleigh" border="0" alt="Ballerina Ryleigh" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kk_ou9QMBRw/UOIIumrYWuI/AAAAAAAAH1Y/NE2inOOOs8Y/Ballerina%252520Ryleigh_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>could do Christmas at her youngest, Megan's, house. My folks had spent the night there and they were all excited to watch Megan's little one, Ryleigh, open presents. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Christmas Day was spent at Megan's. We stayed until about 4:30p then we headed up the road to Jason & Lindsay's. They had spent the day with Lindsay's father's family so we didn't do our Christmas with them until that evening. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PH7DT0myOqo/UOIIvK6iRGI/AAAAAAAAH1g/wMPutn5dgQE/s1600-h/Reagan%252520opening%252520her%252520gifts%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Reagan opening her gifts" border="0" alt="Reagan opening her gifts" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pI5zxdnphXk/UOIIv7QsOAI/AAAAAAAAH1o/U0WHpX8uSfU/Reagan%252520opening%252520her%252520gifts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>They were very generous and bought me a Kindle! It's not something I would have bought for myself, but I find I am enjoying it more than I thought. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The day after Christmas was laid back. We had nowhere to go and that's was just fine. And we had snow!</font> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GcTUEXHriPI/UOIIwirLfNI/AAAAAAAAH1w/9am8-gMrGOw/s1600-h/Day%252520after%252520Christmas%252520snow%252521%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Day after Christmas snow!" border="0" alt="Day after Christmas snow!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j-_YclsObzk/UOIIxEzHoUI/AAAAAAAAH14/0U6NFzMvP-k/Day%252520after%252520Christmas%252520snow%252521_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wLYf1ut9V6g/UOIIxq_2-_I/AAAAAAAAH2A/4uSbbT7P89M/s1600-h/Sweep%25252C%252520sweep%25252C%252520sweep%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sweep, sweep, sweep" border="0" alt="Sweep, sweep, sweep" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OOxbI4V1gak/UOIIyODv6bI/AAAAAAAAH2I/wtAq1WhVANI/Sweep%25252C%252520sweep%25252C%252520sweep_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2T1RDRA_D24/UOIIyvJGFWI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/3nYo7o4yaYg/s1600-h/Reagan%252520had%252520to%252520go%252520out%252520-%252520for%252520a%252520few%252520minutes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Reagan had to go out - for a few minutes" border="0" alt="Reagan had to go out - for a few minutes" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P3N-Wh1MsB8/UOIIzJ03xLI/AAAAAAAAH2Y/nqWK4RZO4qA/Reagan%252520had%252520to%252520go%252520out%252520-%252520for%252520a%252520few%252520minutes_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">On Thursday, we had another family gathering so the cousins could all get together. And it finally felt like Christmas! Christmas Day was just too quiet and didn't feel like Christmas at all. But, Thursday? </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v0QI3VNHlAE/UOIIzgYmXeI/AAAAAAAAH2g/pJkNe1C1zJI/s1600-h/009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cxKM3tpZ9sU/UOII0EqV7FI/AAAAAAAAH2o/XKS_vpErFyU/009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--eRseqmnAvM/UOII0q_4nHI/AAAAAAAAH2w/V6dNH01Me9s/s1600-h/010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CGMsQLu8D74/UOII1DMT1xI/AAAAAAAAH24/YRI9mowXLT0/010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uQy4-pxrzQc/UOII1iFWZ-I/AAAAAAAAH3A/QYKXAm1rLLg/s1600-h/012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xu9wW4vdtYI/UOII2Kb1O-I/AAAAAAAAH3I/beKlMdPZ5Vs/012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yeah. Lots of laughter, talking, and noise. That's Christmas to me! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">My folks with their great grands minus three. </font> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZnxSeyz9_N4/UOII2qnkyCI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/MZNOSoW-ghw/s1600-h/Gma%25252C%252520DadDad%252520%252526%252520great%252520grands%2525202012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Gma, DadDad & great grands 2012" border="0" alt="Gma, DadDad & great grands 2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MJic9ijYUyg/UOII3N7tYEI/AAAAAAAAH3U/ynK3-A6h34M/Gma%25252C%252520DadDad%252520%252526%252520great%252520grands%2525202012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Saturday we had yet another Christmas celebration with our bonus family, James, Amita, Kelly & Kate. Kelly & Kate are like granddaughters to us and Christmas isn't complete without seeing them. It was a good afternoon. Unfortunately, I was having such a good time that I forgot to take pictures!! Duh.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Since then, we've just hung out at home, enjoying family. We have one more Christmas get together tomorrow with Chuck, Ginny & Tommy. They are coming to Lindsay's and it will be so good to see them. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Wish we could have spent some time with our Kansas crew. But, we've kept up with Sam and AubreyLynn through texting and FB. Kevin is keeping his head down and staying safe while deployed. And we're grateful for that.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We've got a couple of doctor's appointments on Wednesday morning then we'll be leaving PA and driving back to my folks' house in MD. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy leaves early Thursday morning to fly back to FL. Plans changed and I'll be staying until January 14. My mom is having surgery January 7 and my dad has a couple of doctor's appointments coming up and it's just best if I stay to help out. I'm grateful to Andy & Alicia for understanding that family comes first. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're looking forward to the blessings God has for us in 2013 and will meet head on any rough spots that come. Happy New Year to you all.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-7215985309056067032012-12-23T06:59:00.001-06:002012-12-23T06:59:17.159-06:00Family<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Gosh, I cannot believe it's been <i>three weeks</i> since I've posted! Just shows you we've not done anything blog-worthy! Our lives have really settled into a routine in Bonifay and we're enjoying it.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">However . . . </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Things got a little more exciting this past week! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Last Thursday we flew to MD for a two-week visit. I was so excited to be going home and seeing family. My family is very important to me and it is <i>the</i> main drawback to living the full-time RV lifestyle. But, on Thursday, I was on my way to getting a major fix.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We flew into a little airport in Salisbury, just 30 minutes from my parents', so they met us at the airport. They are so great; our flight wasn't due until about 9:40pm and that is late for them to be out running around. But, they didn't hesitate. We were a few minutes late getting in and it was fabulous to see them standing there waiting for us. The hugs were fabulous. But, it didn't end there.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We got our checked bag and headed to the van. As we got to it, the door slid open AND INSIDE WERE LINDSAY AND REAGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, for any of you who know me well, you know I squealed louder than ten pigs being chased by a butcher! Randy & I had absolutely no idea they would be there. My parents and Lindsay sure kept that a big secret. It was wonderful. I couldn't touch them enough. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">When we got back to the house, Lindsay got Reagan in bed (it was late!) and we adults sat up talking 'til after 1:00am! It was the best way to start my Christmas holiday, I'll tell you that!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Unfortunately, on Friday, my mom had to have a heart cath done to check for blockages. There weren't any, which was good; but, the docs still don't know what's causing some heart issues, which isn't so good. But, she's home and able to celebrate the holidays with us and that is good.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">While Daddy & Mommy were at the hospital, Randy & I enjoyed our time with Lindsay & Reagan. (I had wanted to go to the hospital, but Mommy wouldn't hear of it since the kids were here.) In the evening, we went to a Christmas light display the town has in a park. You ride a tram through the park and all the lights are great. Lots of different scenes, including the twelve days of Christmas and several fairy tales. Pretty cool.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Lindsay & Reagan left early Saturday morning as they had a function with Jason's family. It was wonderful to get that surprise and to have that time with them. </font> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YLP3J-uUuT8/UNcAH5dGS-I/AAAAAAAAHzY/zCmXAvcvlgM/s1600-h/Loving%252520my%252520girl%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Loving my girl" border="0" alt="Loving my girl" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mi-U_lJBjNk/UNcAI8PAh0I/AAAAAAAAHzg/2togSj0G7rM/Loving%252520my%252520girl_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We had another nice surprise on Saturday morning when Kevin called us! That was soooo unexpected. While we email with him often, it was so nice to hear his voice. Hopefully, he'll be coming home in just a couple of months.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We'll be at my parents' until tomorrow when the four of us will drive up to my sister's for Christmas Eve. We'll go to church with her and Randy & I will spend the night at her house while Daddy & Mommy spend the night at my niece, Megan's, house. Then, Christmas morning we'll all gather at Megan's. Lindsay & family won't be there as they'll spend Christmas day with her dad's family. Randy & I will drive up to her house Christmas night and spend the next week there. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">It will be a busy week and a half coming up. We get to see our eldest, Ginny and her family, too. Only ones missing are Kevin and AubreyLynn, which makes our holidays a little bittersweet. But, hopefully, we'll be able to Skype with them.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Like I said, my family is so very important to me. And I am grateful that God has given us this time to spend with them. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy & I hope that each of you will have a great celebration of your holidays. Merry Christmas to you all!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-55770334775250378002012-12-05T08:33:00.001-06:002012-12-05T08:34:57.328-06:00Living Life<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Well, November slipped away without me posting an end-of-the-month blog entry! Just shows you we're living life and nothing exciting is happening. And that's okay with us!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday we did actually get out of the house, get in the truck and go somewhere. I KNOW! Shocker, huh? :) With another workamping couple, Randy & Parker, we drove up to Dothan to pick up tobacco for my Randy and then go to dinner. We chose Red Lobster because none of us had been there for quite a while. It was delish and we really enjoyed the conversation. Parker exercises with me every morning, but we'd really not spent a lot of time together otherwise. And the four of us had never gotten together to just get to know each other. We really like them and are sad they will be leaving to go travel a couple of days after Christmas. But, they've been here for several months, so it's time for them to play.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Our ultimate goal for going out yesterday was to visit a drive-thru Christmas display in Enterprise, AL. Dothan is about 45 minutes north of us and Enterprise is 40 minutes west of Dothan. So, we were all over the place last night! The Christmas display was actually at someone's house. They'd turned their very large yard into a Christmas extravaganza! Every character and display you can think of was there. They even had a train ride, if you were so inclined. And all they ask for is a donation of some kind. Pretty cool.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Can't let this post end without a shout-out to our Soldier, Kevin. He’s 26 years old today. Unfortunately, he's celebrating in Afghanistan; but I hope his buddies do something special for him. We're proud of his service and are praying for his safe return home. Happy birthday, bud!</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0uPdGMIHcMQ/UL9bOFH4xYI/AAAAAAAAHyU/xFXa9rcvOmA/s1600-h/Kevin%252520at%252520work%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Kevin at work" border="0" alt="Kevin at work" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B9pXoetDfF0/UL9bPDdrFXI/AAAAAAAAHyc/YzdNoNOE1GA/Kevin%252520at%252520work_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="180"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-48333182544203889482012-11-22T18:09:00.001-06:002012-11-22T18:09:49.132-06:00The Requisite Thanksgiving Post :)<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We hope that our family and friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration today. It's hard not to be with family for holidays, but thru the miracle of technology, we've touched base in one way or another. We even got an email from our Soldier! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Our Thanksgiving celebration was here at the park. We had a potluck dinner with the other workampers and one couple who was camping with us last night and decided to stay another night when invited to join us for dinner. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tk3LjwAGz04/UK6-nY7tMKI/AAAAAAAAHwo/eHx_QJeoBfA/s1600-h/Chef%252520Cindy%252520taking%252520a%252520rest%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Chef Cindy taking a rest" border="0" alt="Chef Cindy taking a rest" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HVz877BfBGo/UK6-oJD5CyI/AAAAAAAAHww/n3qi2GHLYfI/Chef%252520Cindy%252520taking%252520a%252520rest_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a>One of the workampers, Cindy, was our super chef! She worked from 7am to cook the turkey and she also made two pumpkin pies. She took a well-deserved break right before we served dinner. ;)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">As usual, the food was fantastic and all had a great time sharing the meal.</font> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EUbeZMF8Orw/UK6-rZr7QrI/AAAAAAAAHw4/WsywPBehvWE/s1600-h/Carving%252520the%252520turkey%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Carving the turkey" border="0" alt="Carving the turkey" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FG1jqlnFeVw/UK6-sf5VXnI/AAAAAAAAHxA/kv-CJX-FfjQ/Carving%252520the%252520turkey_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="222"></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LNd87mXP7RU/UK6-umH0k7I/AAAAAAAAHxI/VB_k5WwZIrg/s1600-h/Quite%252520a%252520feast%252521%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Quite a feast!" border="0" alt="Quite a feast!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2XWQpCHTzaQ/UK6-vSuFj8I/AAAAAAAAHxQ/ERbcx81PHNY/Quite%252520a%252520feast%252521_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="222"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y3N4OSbg1-Y/UK6-xavS1tI/AAAAAAAAHxY/h6BYPkDPwjU/s1600-h/Enjoying%252520dinner%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Enjoying dinner" border="0" alt="Enjoying dinner" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nm8OM4Kr63E/UK6-yvNlAuI/AAAAAAAAHxg/NJ_rkuQ8cqc/Enjoying%252520dinner_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="222"></a></font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Randy & I have much to be grateful for; not the least of which are those of you who richly impact our life. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-33263683681713145012012-11-21T12:49:00.001-06:002012-11-21T12:49:49.527-06:00Team Verizon<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We have officially switched sides. For all of our married lives, we've been AT&T customers in one form or another; either with landlines, cell phones or both. As of today, no more.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">All of our wireless service is now provided by Verizon. Yesterday we migrated our cell phone numbers over and purchased a new iPhone 4S for me and a <i>very</i> basic phone for Randy (his choice!!). And today I cancelled our air card with AT&T that provided our internet service. What prompted all this, you might ask? Well, I'll tell you.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">While we were in KS workamping at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, we found that what little cell service we had usually came from “partner” towers. I knew that this could be a problem from our stay in KS a couple of years ago, so before we accepted the position, I checked AT&T's coverage map for that area. And it showed moderate coverage. Yay! No problem. Yeah, right.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">As soon as we arrived and set up, we realized we would have little to no coverage at our site. Oh, well, we'll deal. But, I found that I could get online with my phone even though the air card wouldn't connect. Good. At least I could do that. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Just a few days into our stay, I began getting emails from AT&T stating that I had gone over the courtesy “off network usage” limit. I immediately called and explained the situation, including my due diligence. Bottom line, this problem continued for the entire not-quite-three months we were there. Ultimately, AT&T restricted my usage to AT&T networks only and that was fine, I understood that and was able to access the internet and make calls when we were away from our site. No problem.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Skip to earlier this month when we got yet another email from AT&T stating that our off network usage was too high and to call them immediately. I was flummoxed. We hadn't been in KS for more than two weeks! So, I called. Much to my surprise, they told me that the restriction from using off network towers would be made permanent!! WHAT THE HECK!!?!?!! That meant that if I was on the phone, going down the road and the call pinged from an AT&T tower to a partner tower, my call would be dropped. I told the manager (yes, I asked to speak to a supervisor thinking I would get better customer service) that was totally unacceptable. He was sympathetic, of course, but basically, it was “Oh, well. Too bad. That's the way it is.” I voiced my great disappointment and disgust that AT&T would allow two months of high off network usage to cause them to lose a <i>good-paying</i> customer of such long standing. But, yep, they would.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">So, we are now Verizon customers. Of course, even though the early termination fees at AT&T were waived (wasn't that nice of them!), it still cost us to make this change. Before rebates, it was $300! After rebates, it's still $200. Because, of course, we couldn't use our same phones. But, I can trade my phone in and get almost that much for it. So, it will be close to a wash, eventually. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Folks, it's not our parents' world anymore.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-21396663880131688832012-11-12T10:26:00.001-06:002012-11-12T10:26:21.371-06:00Getting to Know Folks<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We've settled in nicely here in Bonifay. The work schedule is manageable and we're enjoying the beautiful weather in the panhandle.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're also getting to know some folks at church. In addition to my being in the choir, Randy and I are visiting the various Sunday School classes offered. So far, we've visited two and still haven't found one we “click” with. But, last night we went out with several couples after evening worship and had a blast! There was one couple there from a class we visited a week ago, but the others were in a class we haven't yet visited. And we're looking forward to getting know them better.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Nothing much else to share. We are having a park-wide Thanksgiving potluck. Not sure who will be attending just yet, but we wanted to give our guests the opportunity to socialize with one another. Especially those who don't have family nearby.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That's it! Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-21427986570827465562012-11-03T20:42:00.001-05:002012-11-03T20:42:15.578-05:00I DID IT!!!<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">What, you ask? What did Terry do now??? Well, since “they” say pictures say a thousand words, I'll just show you.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">TA DAAAAAAAAAA!!</font> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nfmvs0QYYOA/UJXHyjHFdGI/AAAAAAAAHvc/UxsLUNclzrI/s1600-h/New%252520hair%252520cut%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="New hair cut!" border="0" alt="New hair cut!" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fonqR6Q3LnU/UJXH1IrFpEI/AAAAAAAAHvk/CJLl5hq5GX0/New%252520hair%252520cut%252521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yep. I finally cut off my hair. For those of you who have only known me for the last couple of years, you've never seen me with short hair. But, that is actually how I wore my hair for <i>years</i>. That is, until I got tired of getting lousy haircuts while traveling. So in late 2009, I let my hair grow and permed it. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This past week I decided I either had<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jhVTEUUC-fM/UJXH5GxYxuI/AAAAAAAAHvs/VdEU6zXhjCE/s1600-h/2nd%252520pose%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2nd pose" border="0" alt="2nd pose" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6R3sEU_DCT8/UJXH8nXMHbI/AAAAAAAAHv0/8aoAxhN_q7M/2nd%252520pose_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240"></a> to get another perm or cut it off. And since Alicia is a hair stylist and I knew we'd be here for several months, I told her to cut it off! And it feels SOOOOO good. :) Thankfully, Randy prefers my hair short, so that wasn't an issue.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">You know it's been a slow few days when the big news is a hair cut. :)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We have settled into a routine and are enjoying life. Missing our kids and grandkids, but that's part of this life. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">And a shout out to my daddy, whose birthday is tomorrow. I love you, Daddy!! Happy birthday.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-52140868121345273452012-10-31T19:18:00.001-05:002012-10-31T19:18:56.222-05:00Life on the Panhandle<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We are settling in nicely to our life here in Bonifay. On Sunday we joined First Baptist Church of Bonifay, so we're officially Baptists again. :) We regularly attended this church last winter and I was part of a women's Bible study. The folks at the church were so welcoming and we felt very much at home. Gotta tell you, it feels good to be part of a local church family once again. I have missed that.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The past couple of days have been kinda busy. I have a bit more responsibility this year as Andy & Alicia asked me to be the office manager. So, I've been busy setting up office procedures, getting to know the other office workampers and talking with Alicia about how she wants things done. Randy is going to be more “on call” this year than he was last year. We have a couple of other outside workampers so Randy will be escorting guests to their sites (and yes, I've already said we're going to call it, “Randy's Escort Service!”), cleaning bathrooms a couple nights a week and provide support where needed.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're moving to our long-term site tomorrow. A little concerned as the site slopes downward a bit and Randy doesn't want the gooseneck way high. But, we'll do the best we can to level it and it will be what it will be. I'll just be glad to be there so that I can settle in. I want to put out my banners and awning and have that homey feel.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Oh! I did yoga for the first time today! One of the women in the park is a yoga instructor and she has been exercising with Alicia and I in the mornings. She asked if we'd like to try yoga (Alicia has done it before) and we figured why not. Dang! I stretched things in the my body that I didn't know were there!! But, it felt good, actually. Different, but good. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Not much else to share. We're enjoying sunny, but cool weather. And very grateful that our family on the East Coast made it through Hurricane Sandy unscathed for the most part. Lindsay has some leaks they'll need to have looked at, but that was it. My sister and bro-in-law live on the water and we're always concerned for them in storms, but the water only came up about 150 feet into their yard. No damage to their home. And my folks on the Eastern Shore of MD had no problems whatsoever. So, we've been praising God for His protection and continuing to pray for all those whose lives have been devastated by the storm.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Take care. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-33097760768389156802012-10-27T08:24:00.001-05:002012-10-27T08:24:18.241-05:00We're BAAaaacccckkk!<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday we pulled up stakes and once again got on the road, this time heading east – to <a href="http://www.floridaspringsrv.com">Florida Springs RV</a> in Bonifay, Florida which will be home for the next seven months. We'll be workamping here as we did last winter. Andy & Alicia, owners of the campground, greeted us so excitedly and it felt so good! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We are looking forward to settling in, getting into a routine and getting back to our church. While we love our friends and Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale, AL, we also love our community here in Bonifay. Isn't nice to have a couple of places to call “home!” </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Before we left the Plantation yesterday, we forced ourselves to have a couple more dining-out experiences. Yeah, it's been a rough week with not having to cook. But, I'm managing to persevere. :)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">On Thursday, Darrell & Judy picked us up and we led a two vehicle caravan with Jim & Ellie and JoAnn following us to Fairhope where we had a scrumptious lunch at Panini Pete's. They have such delicious sandwiches, of which the New Orleans style muffaletta is our favorite. It's a panini version of the muffaletta. But it is goooooooood. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">After lunch, the four of separated from Jim & Ellie and JoAnn and went back to Bass Pro to return the temperature gauge we'd bought on Wednesday. Randy just couldn't get it to work. We stopped to fuel up the truck and then, it was a stop at WalMart for D & J. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Friday morning, after getting the rig ready for travel, Darrell & Judy picked us up for our last meal together (at least for awhile). We were going to breakfast at the Foley Coffee Shop which we all like (and it's cheap!). Halfway there I realized we had no cash!! And the coffee shop doesn't take credit cards. DANG IT! So, we regrouped quickly and decided to go to Cracker Barrel. Oh, poor us. :) As usual, we had a good meal and even better company and conversation.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">All too soon we were back at the campground saying good-bye. But, the good thing is we'll only be two hours away from each other, so we plan to get together a few times over the winter. By 10:45am we were on our way to Bonifay. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tomorrow we'll go to church and catch up with other friends! Really looking forward to that. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-55477426605080550732012-10-24T18:53:00.001-05:002012-10-24T18:53:13.334-05:00Relaxing in Alabama<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We arrived at Rainbow Plantation in Summerdale, AL just before 12:30pm on Monday. It was an easy travel day from Florence, MS; just four hours on the road. A “normal” travel day, if that even exists. :)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">For most of our full-timing winters, we've spent quite a few months here in Summerdale. Last year was the first time we wintered at a different campground. So, it kinda felt like we were coming home when we pulled in. We got backed into a 50amp site right between <a href="http://here4now.typepad.com/here4now/">Paul & Margery</a> and <a href="http://justravelin.blogspot.com/">Jim & Ellie</a>! Nice to know your neighbors. And very soon after we began to set up, we saw <a href="http://wanderingamericawithdandj.blogspot.com/">Darrell & Judy</a> coming across the field to welcome us back. Oh, yeah. That felt good.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">About 2:30, after getting ourselves settled, we headed over to Darrell & Judy's for a travel day dinner. Judy made her world-famous lasagne, a salad and some bread and we ate it up. This is one of Randy's favorite dinners and he only gets it when Judy makes it 'cause I don't make lasagne! :) After stuffing ourselves, we relaxed outside and enjoyed being together again after so many months. Having friends like Darrell & Judy is one of the great gifts in life and we are grateful for them.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">With our tummies full and three days of travel behind us, I started feeling my jammies calling me home. So about 5:30 or so, Randy & I said our thank yous and walked home to flop in our recliners and watch the third presidential debate. (And if I wasn't sleepy before that, I sure was during and after!!)</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday we had a slow morning at home, which was nice. I met my friend, Robbin, for lunch so we could catch up. Robbin opens her home to us when we want to come back to this area when we're staying in Bonifay. She is a doll and I value her friendship. We had a nice visit and I'm looking forward to spending more time with her over the winter.</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">One thing Randy wanted to be sure to do while we were here is have a meal at Big Daddy's, a favorite local restaurant. So, last evening Darrell & Judy picked us up and we went there for dinner. Randy got his “Big Daddy's Burger” and I got blackened shrimp with a salad. Darrell & Judy both got grilled shrimp baskets. As usual, the food was yummy. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Today was errand day. Randy wanted to hit Camping World and Bass Pro Shop. We also visited with Jim & Susan, friends from Silverhill Covenant Church, which we attend when we're in Summerdale. We were going to just stop by and visit, but when I called to be sure they'd be home today, they invited us for lunch! I am really having a vacation this week – I haven't cooked since last Friday! So, we had a good visit with Jim & Susan. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Tomorrow we're heading to Fairhope with Darrell & Judy and Jim & Ellie and their friend, JoAnn, to have lunch at Panini Pete's, another local favorite. Panini Pete's was featured on the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and serves some yummy sandwiches. Yep, we're eating our way from Alabama to Florida! We also need to touch base with some other folks here at the park before we leave on Friday morning. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We're having a good time. Hope your week is going well, too! Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-13367068433651582122012-10-22T10:13:00.001-05:002012-10-22T14:02:15.246-05:00Continuing South<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">We are on our next-to-last leg of our journey southward. Today we'll settle in Summerdale, AL at Rainbow Plantation for a few days before finally arriving at our winter home in Bonifay, FL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">It's been a fairly uneventful trip thus far. I say “fairly” because we did have a bit of excitement Saturday evening. We had planned for a long driving day as we had about 18 hours and 3 days of driving in front of us to get to Summerdale. So, we figured we'd do a long day the first day and have a couple of easy days. Good plan, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">And you all know I love a plan. :) We were right on schedule, too. We stopped six and a half hours in for to fuel up – both the truck and us – in Russellville, AR at a Flying J. Then, we were back on the road, heading to MM198 on I-40E for an overnight at that rest stop. As my FB friends know, that's where things took a different turn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">There was road work going on right before our stop and, of course, this construction closed the rest stop at MM198!! Now, couldn't “they” have put up a sign stating that the rest stop was closed? No, that would be too easy. So, the scramble was on to find another place to overnight. At this point, it was after 6pm and we'd been traveling for about 9 hours. Randy was pretty much done. Thankfully, at MM233, there was a Love's Truck Stop. YAY! We found a spot, pulled in and heaved a sigh of relief. We could rest now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Or could we?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">We are not boondockers and do not have a generator. So, when we overnight somewhere “off the grid,” we rely on our RV batteries to provide light and heat, if needed. And they do a fine job of that for one night. Until Saturday night. For some reason, I checked the battery gauge – I never do that! I'm glad I did, though, because the batteries were showing only 10v and normally it's 12v. Needless to say, we didn't have much battery power, but hoped it would be enough to keep frig operating on propane. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">We went to bed. I got up about midnight and checked the frig and it was still on. YAY. Seems like we'd squeak by. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Or would we?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Out of a sound sleep, I sat up in bed at 3:30am. No sound woke me, but I knew I should get up. So, I did. (I've learned those “unexplained” nudges are usually God telling me to do something.) I checked the frig and the display read “C.” I've never seen that before! I figured we'd run out of battery juice. I debated whether to wake Randy or not, but it didn't take me long to decide. I woke him up about 3:45 and told him what was going on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">With both of us wide awake now, we figured we might as well get some coffee from the truck stop and hit the road. That would charge the batteries and we'd keep the frig on propane for awhile to get it cold again. And it worked. </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Sure, we were moving very early, but it was kinda nice actually. We'd gotten about five hours of sleep so we were awake. And at that time of day, there was hardly anyone else on the road! Very peaceful drive. We stopped about 6:30am at Cracker Barrel for a nice breakfast and then continued on our way to our next stop in Florence, MS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">We arrived at Wendy Oaks RV Resort just past 10:30am – probably our earliest arrival ever! Thankfully, we were able to get our site right away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Always an adventure! Grateful for God's provision and grace out here on the road. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;">Until the next time . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20037822.post-73171729826371882722012-10-20T12:37:00.001-05:002012-10-20T12:37:22.101-05:00Good-bye, Kansas<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Time went from crawling by in August, to flying by these past two months. Hard to believe we are leaving Kansas and heading south for the winter. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">I hate saying good-bye. Oh, I know that everyone says it's not good-bye, it's see you later, but, really? It's good-bye. Because you don't know if later will come. I don't mean to sound like Debbie Downer, but it's true. So I make sure those last hugs are long and strong. 'Cause you really never know . . .</font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">We had a good last visit with Sam, AubreyLynn and Sam's folks. As always, Steve and Donna welcomed us and fed us a very scrumptious dinner. We loved on AubreyLynn as much as she'd let us – she's a very busy girl, you know. And Sam and I chatted away, getting everything we wanted to say in before it was time to go. And, as usual, that time came all too fast. And, yes, there were tears as I walked to the truck. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Yesterday, we busied ourselves with the last minute things that need to be done before hitting the road. And then we just relaxed. We're very good at that. Too bad we can't get a workamping gig that calls for that skill! </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">This morning, at a little past 9am, we pulled out of our site at Hillsdale Lake Visitor Center and heading east, then south. We're on our way to a few days at the Plantation in Summerdale, AL before we arrive at our winter destination in Bonifay, FL. It's gonna be so good to spend some time with Darrell & Judy as well as some other friends there. </font> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Grateful for a sunny, clear day for traveling. Until the next time . . .</font></p> Randy and Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14288428144616594351noreply@blogger.com0