Wow!! It has been over 3 years since our last entry. SOOO much has happened in that time. Let's we if I can remember enough to recreate.
August - December 2011.
August - this was a very hard, sad month for me. We lost my mom on the 12th. She fell earlier in the summer and broke her hip. She was recovering nicely but was having some issues breathing so back to the hospital. We found out she had very advanced cancer. It was hard but I am so thankful that she was only sick for 12 days.
September - back in Wells Beech, ME at Weels Beech RV Resort.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, July 24, 2011
July 24, 2011
Another month has passed so quickly. We seem to be constantly on the run but not accomplishing nearly as much as we had planned!!
I spent a long weekend in TX for Mom's 95th birthday. So much fun and she is doing amazingly well. Got to see my kids and grandkids. Sure do miss them while we are out and about....do get to talk to them all the time tho.
Haven't really been able to do too much sightseeing this month because I used 4 of my days off to go to Texas. Tomorrow will be my first day off and here in the last 3 weeks. We are planning to go to Perkins Cove and maybe Boston again.
The weather has been another factor in our not getting much accomplished...103 degrees in Maine. I could stay in TX for that!!!! However, it does not last long and the nights cool off much more than at home. One of the problems here is AC. Very few places have central air (mostly window units). With so many people using power, we have lost electricity the last 2 days in the afternoon for several hours. Many people go off and leave pets in their RV's....thank goodness none of them perished.
I spent a long weekend in TX for Mom's 95th birthday. So much fun and she is doing amazingly well. Got to see my kids and grandkids. Sure do miss them while we are out and about....do get to talk to them all the time tho.
Haven't really been able to do too much sightseeing this month because I used 4 of my days off to go to Texas. Tomorrow will be my first day off and here in the last 3 weeks. We are planning to go to Perkins Cove and maybe Boston again.
The weather has been another factor in our not getting much accomplished...103 degrees in Maine. I could stay in TX for that!!!! However, it does not last long and the nights cool off much more than at home. One of the problems here is AC. Very few places have central air (mostly window units). With so many people using power, we have lost electricity the last 2 days in the afternoon for several hours. Many people go off and leave pets in their RV's....thank goodness none of them perished.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
June 25, 2011
Wow, how time flies when you are having fun!! We have seen several light houses and historic forts. So hard to realize some of these buildings have been here for 400 years. A quick trip to Boston on the Amtrak was fun. We toured "Old Ironsides", did a harbor tour and a trolley tour. Definitely a do again adventure as there is way too much to see in one day.
We asked for a cooler summer BUT maybe not this cool!!! We have had several beautiful days lately but yesterday and today stink!! COLD (at least to us - low 60's) and rainy. Doesn't seem to affect the campers. Several hardy Canadians out in tents and pop-ups. Warmer and SUNSHINE predicted for tomorrow!!!
So nice that we have a heated pool as the ocean temp is 58 degrees...way too cold for me!! Both Mike and I have been putting the exercise room to good use....think it will do any good? Hope so!!
My mom is slowly getting better. She has CHF and has been in and out of the hospital several times since going home after rehab. The fall, broken hip and hip replacement surgery went well but the complications afterwards are the issue. She has just started being able to stay alone. Up until this past Wednesday, she has had someone with her 24/7 except for one night. Hopefully, she is past the crisis point. I am flying home for her 95th birthday. Something both of us are looking forward to.
We asked for a cooler summer BUT maybe not this cool!!! We have had several beautiful days lately but yesterday and today stink!! COLD (at least to us - low 60's) and rainy. Doesn't seem to affect the campers. Several hardy Canadians out in tents and pop-ups. Warmer and SUNSHINE predicted for tomorrow!!!
So nice that we have a heated pool as the ocean temp is 58 degrees...way too cold for me!! Both Mike and I have been putting the exercise room to good use....think it will do any good? Hope so!!
My mom is slowly getting better. She has CHF and has been in and out of the hospital several times since going home after rehab. The fall, broken hip and hip replacement surgery went well but the complications afterwards are the issue. She has just started being able to stay alone. Up until this past Wednesday, she has had someone with her 24/7 except for one night. Hopefully, she is past the crisis point. I am flying home for her 95th birthday. Something both of us are looking forward to.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June 5, 2011
AHHHHH...a day off!!!! We walked down to the beach and stopped for a bowl of clam chowder before returning home. It was a really nice day to be outside. It is a little cool or rather COLD by TX standards. Running the fireplace every night! Tomorrow we are going to go up to Brunswick.
Last day off we went to York to see the Nubble Lighthouse. It is the most photographed lighthouse. Very pretty!!! Last week I worked 6 days....not scheduled for that many hours but felt I needed the training before being left on my own this week. So far things have been slow but they will pick up. The kids don't get out of school until the 24th. The end of July and the first of August will be extremely busy.....Canada has a construction shutdown. Not sure exactly what that means but we have almost all 250 sites reserved!!!! Oh well, another day...another dollar!!
That's basically all we have done since we've been here. We got here late on the 18th, Mom broke her hip on the 2oth and had total hip replacement on the 21st, I flew home on the 24th and returned on thee 28th. On the good news side....Mom is home! She was in the hospital for six days and the rehab facility for 9 days. AMAZING for anyone but even more so for someone 94 years old.
Last day off we went to York to see the Nubble Lighthouse. It is the most photographed lighthouse. Very pretty!!! Last week I worked 6 days....not scheduled for that many hours but felt I needed the training before being left on my own this week. So far things have been slow but they will pick up. The kids don't get out of school until the 24th. The end of July and the first of August will be extremely busy.....Canada has a construction shutdown. Not sure exactly what that means but we have almost all 250 sites reserved!!!! Oh well, another day...another dollar!!
That's basically all we have done since we've been here. We got here late on the 18th, Mom broke her hip on the 2oth and had total hip replacement on the 21st, I flew home on the 24th and returned on thee 28th. On the good news side....Mom is home! She was in the hospital for six days and the rehab facility for 9 days. AMAZING for anyone but even more so for someone 94 years old.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
May 21, 2011
This has been a very trying 2 days. My 94 year old mom fell and broke her hip. Thank goodness she had moved to a retirement complex a month ago....I think God was watching over her. Things would have been so much worse had she fallen while still living alone in Brackettville. I will be flying back to Austin for a few days to help get things settled.
So far, so good here in ME. We've met with Elaine and Shirley concerning our jobs here....nice ladies that will be easy to work with. We went to dinner with
Fran and Don, the other workamper couple. Have had some really great sea food....no lobster yet but great clam chowder. Now if we can get the weather to cooperate everything will be good!!!!
One funny (at least to us Central Texans) thing happened yesterday. My phone was giving me some problems so off we go to the Verizon store.....15/20 minutes away....in New Hampshire.....WOW!!! Another state????
So far, so good here in ME. We've met with Elaine and Shirley concerning our jobs here....nice ladies that will be easy to work with. We went to dinner with
Fran and Don, the other workamper couple. Have had some really great sea food....no lobster yet but great clam chowder. Now if we can get the weather to cooperate everything will be good!!!!
One funny (at least to us Central Texans) thing happened yesterday. My phone was giving me some problems so off we go to the Verizon store.....15/20 minutes away....in New Hampshire.....WOW!!! Another state????
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 18, 2011
We have arrived!!!! It has been a loooooong cold, wet trip to Maine. But we are here and set up for the next 5 months.
I tried to update this blog during our travels but each time I tried, the website was down.
After a very hard pull into Branson, MO, we spent 3 great days with some of Mike's "old" peeps!!! He had a great time catching up on their lives. It is always nice to see old friends. Branson had a lot of flooding a couple of weeks ago. We were worried our favorite campground would be under water as it sits right on Turkey Creek but they had it all cleaned up and open.
Friday morning (5/13) we traveled to Johnston City, IL to visit my brother and sister-in-law. We crossed the swollen mighty Mississippi at Cairo, IL....miles and miles of river....thank goodness we were on a high road!! It is always so much fun visiting with them. They took us to dinner Friday night, Saturday we visited their house to see Annie (their new puppy) and they came to our house for dinner Saturday night. Jamie, Nedra's daughter, came to dinner with them. She is a very pretty, sweet lady.
Sunday we said our goodbyes and hit the road for our looong trip to Maine. We drove in cold, wet, windy conditions the entire trip. Sunday (5/15) night we stayed in OH, Monday (5/16) night we stayed in PA and last night (5/27) we stayed in NY. Okay...4 more states on our map!!
That brings us to today!!! Here's to a great summer!!!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May 11, 2011
It is time to start our annual summer travels blog!!!! YEA....on the road again!!!!
First off...today is our beautiful, amazing granddaughter's 11th birthday. Happy Birthday Casey!!!!
We spent a great 6 months at Inks Lake State Park. As always, being with good friends and close to family is so much fun!!! We have been trying figure out what we did all winter...where did the time go.....did we accomplish any of our goals???
We settled in at Inks the first of November....Thanksgiving....football....trip to Brackettville to pick up Mom....okay busy month.
December....Christmas (celebrations x3)....Brackettville trip!
January....quiet month....John's birthday party and Mom at our house for several days prior to her doctor visit.
February....Birthdays and more birthdays, Tim (2), Zach (6), Mandy (14), Ryan (16)....Valentine's Day and anniversary celebration in New Orleans...wonderful food!!!
March....Spring break trip to Orlando. Super fun with kids and grandkids at Universal Studios. Tim's friend, Aiden, and her boys were able to join us. Also, had another trip to Brackettville to pick up Mom for doctor visit. While she was up here we met with an attorney and visited a retirement community. She is going to move closer...YEA!!!!
April....annual doctor visits for both of us...everything is good. Moved Mom to Parkwood Meadows (a retirement apartment community) in Round Rock. This involved yet another trip to Brackettville....loaded up my little jeep to overflowing! She is settled for now. Also, moved over to Belton COE park...friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis, joined us for a week at Inks and a week at Belton. Guess Bill wants me to mention the fact that the guys beat us at Hand & Foot by the biggest score EVER but we did win a couple of games!!! Always enjoy camping with them!!!!!
That brings us to May On May 2nd, Mike had Synvisc injections in his knees....not the optimal result this time...his knees swelled and he had a hard time walking...spend most of the rest of the week just hanging out with my invalid. On the Friday (6th) took Mom to the doctor and shopping, went to Casey's softball game and brought her home with us! Saturday (7th) took Casey to the movies, out to lunch and to her softball practice. Sunday for Mother's Day, we all went to the Salt Lick for lunch. Thanks family!! Finished up some chores at Mom's new apartment and said our goodbyes for the summer. Monday (9th)morning we left for this years adventure....Maine. Spent the night at Cheyenne Casino RV parking i Tulsa, OK. Tuesday morning (10th) continued to Branson, MO to attend the Navy PT Reunion....and here we are!!!.....WOW guess we did do some things this winter!
First off...today is our beautiful, amazing granddaughter's 11th birthday. Happy Birthday Casey!!!!
We spent a great 6 months at Inks Lake State Park. As always, being with good friends and close to family is so much fun!!! We have been trying figure out what we did all winter...where did the time go.....did we accomplish any of our goals???
We settled in at Inks the first of November....Thanksgiving....football....trip to Brackettville to pick up Mom....okay busy month.
December....Christmas (celebrations x3)....Brackettville trip!
January....quiet month....John's birthday party and Mom at our house for several days prior to her doctor visit.
February....Birthdays and more birthdays, Tim (2), Zach (6), Mandy (14), Ryan (16)....Valentine's Day and anniversary celebration in New Orleans...wonderful food!!!
March....Spring break trip to Orlando. Super fun with kids and grandkids at Universal Studios. Tim's friend, Aiden, and her boys were able to join us. Also, had another trip to Brackettville to pick up Mom for doctor visit. While she was up here we met with an attorney and visited a retirement community. She is going to move closer...YEA!!!!
April....annual doctor visits for both of us...everything is good. Moved Mom to Parkwood Meadows (a retirement apartment community) in Round Rock. This involved yet another trip to Brackettville....loaded up my little jeep to overflowing! She is settled for now. Also, moved over to Belton COE park...friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis, joined us for a week at Inks and a week at Belton. Guess Bill wants me to mention the fact that the guys beat us at Hand & Foot by the biggest score EVER but we did win a couple of games!!! Always enjoy camping with them!!!!!
That brings us to May On May 2nd, Mike had Synvisc injections in his knees....not the optimal result this time...his knees swelled and he had a hard time walking...spend most of the rest of the week just hanging out with my invalid. On the Friday (6th) took Mom to the doctor and shopping, went to Casey's softball game and brought her home with us! Saturday (7th) took Casey to the movies, out to lunch and to her softball practice. Sunday for Mother's Day, we all went to the Salt Lick for lunch. Thanks family!! Finished up some chores at Mom's new apartment and said our goodbyes for the summer. Monday (9th)morning we left for this years adventure....Maine. Spent the night at Cheyenne Casino RV parking i Tulsa, OK. Tuesday morning (10th) continued to Branson, MO to attend the Navy PT Reunion....and here we are!!!.....WOW guess we did do some things this winter!
Friday, January 28, 2011
January 28, 2011
Another fun filled week...busy and fun!! Tuesday we helped the TPWD biologist construct new fish beds. They have Inks Lake lowered for cleaning so this is a perfect time for working on fish habitat. Then on to Georgetown for dinner with Ryan....he got a Gold Pass at school so PaPa and Grammy celebrated with him.
Wednesday we helped host a going away luncheon for one of our rangers and his wife. Eric has accepted a new position at Eisenhower State Park. Good luck and best wishes Eric and Amanda.
The rest of the week was spent working on trails. Starting to gear up for the spring and summer season.
Thursday evening we had dinner with Casey and Mandy (poor Todd was home sick). Picked up mucho boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Hope all who ordered still want them....don't want to be forced to eat all those Thin Mints.
Tonight Mike is taking his motorcycle class. Even tho we only have a 250cc scooter in TX it requires a motorcycle license. To get the license, you have to take a motorcycle class....should be so much fun!!!
Wednesday we helped host a going away luncheon for one of our rangers and his wife. Eric has accepted a new position at Eisenhower State Park. Good luck and best wishes Eric and Amanda.
The rest of the week was spent working on trails. Starting to gear up for the spring and summer season.
Thursday evening we had dinner with Casey and Mandy (poor Todd was home sick). Picked up mucho boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Hope all who ordered still want them....don't want to be forced to eat all those Thin Mints.
Tonight Mike is taking his motorcycle class. Even tho we only have a 250cc scooter in TX it requires a motorcycle license. To get the license, you have to take a motorcycle class....should be so much fun!!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24, 2011
We are still at Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, TX. We were originally scheduled to be here 11/10 thru 2/11 but circumstances led us to extend our stay thru April. As always, this is a fun place to work with GREAT staff and other volunteers. So far this year we have been mainly working in maintenance. Mike has been an electrician and a carpenter, while I have been painting signs and "other duties as needed".
Being close to family is one of the main reasons for volunteering at Inks Lake. We got to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with the kids and grandkids. Tim made it home from Cuba for Christmas.....so very blessed!!! All of the grandkids and myself took off our shoes to see who is taller....1st place goes to Tyler (14). All 3 of the ten year olds will be taller than me before too long. Why do they think that is so funny. Also spent Christmas with most of the Lewis family...nice.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October 24, 2010
Wow, time really does fly when you are having fun!!!
Can't believe we have been gone from KY for almost 6 weeks. In that time we have gone from the Central Time Zone to Eastern TZ then back thru Central all the way to Pacific then back to Central, Whew...no wonder I can't keep up!!!
Our travels have taken us thru KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, LA and home to TX for a few days. We left the Rig at Inks Lake SP parked in our site for the next 4 months and headed for a SD by way of Las Vegas!!! I think retirement does something to the sense of direction. LOL We had so much fun in Vegas....found several $1,00 blackjack tables. Mike broke even for the week and I lost less than $20.00. Think that is good for an entire week!!!
Can't believe we have been gone from KY for almost 6 weeks. In that time we have gone from the Central Time Zone to Eastern TZ then back thru Central all the way to Pacific then back to Central, Whew...no wonder I can't keep up!!!
Our travels have taken us thru KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, LA and home to TX for a few days. We left the Rig at Inks Lake SP parked in our site for the next 4 months and headed for a SD by way of Las Vegas!!! I think retirement does something to the sense of direction. LOL We had so much fun in Vegas....found several $1,00 blackjack tables. Mike broke even for the week and I lost less than $20.00. Think that is good for an entire week!!!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
September 19, 2010
Okay, okay, okay!!!! Will start writing again.
After a HOT, HOT but very enjoyable summer at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, we are "on the road again". First stop is Pigeon Forge, TN home of Dollywood. We are traveling with our good friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis.
After arriving at Creekside RV Park on Wednesday, we looked around the town, ate at a local Mexican restaurant and came came home and crashed. Thursday... we did more touring of the area and played cards. Once again the guys won....but only by about 3,000 points!!! Friday....drove thru the Smokey Mtns National Park. Beautiful country. Very green!! Saturday....Walmart for groceries, then the guys decided to take a nap...Marilyn and I went to a bead store and once again, creative navigation on the way home!! We did make it back for dinner and to watch the TX game.....Hook 'Em Horns!!!
Today...laundry...Mike said he is out of clean undies...told him to go with out and I got "THE LOOK". Who said guys don't do that????? They were wrong!! So guess what we are doing today.
After a HOT, HOT but very enjoyable summer at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, we are "on the road again". First stop is Pigeon Forge, TN home of Dollywood. We are traveling with our good friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis.
After arriving at Creekside RV Park on Wednesday, we looked around the town, ate at a local Mexican restaurant and came came home and crashed. Thursday... we did more touring of the area and played cards. Once again the guys won....but only by about 3,000 points!!! Friday....drove thru the Smokey Mtns National Park. Beautiful country. Very green!! Saturday....Walmart for groceries, then the guys decided to take a nap...Marilyn and I went to a bead store and once again, creative navigation on the way home!! We did make it back for dinner and to watch the TX game.....Hook 'Em Horns!!!
Today...laundry...Mike said he is out of clean undies...told him to go with out and I got "THE LOOK". Who said guys don't do that????? They were wrong!! So guess what we are doing today.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
Wow...how time flies when you are having fun!!! There has been so much happening at the hatchery the last 2 weeks....getting ready for the Fishing Derby...the Derby (over 1500 kids)...then picking up Tyler and Zach for a couple of weeks stay. WHEW!!!!
Entertaining the boys has been a challenge. Tyler (14) is not as big a problem as Zach (10). We have visited the Corvette Museum, the Railroad Museum and toured the Wolf Creek Dam. Zach thinks we are doing too much walking and would like to stay home and watch TV. Not gonna happen!!!! So far Zach hasn't liked much of anything I have cooked. "NO" to pancakes, breakfast tacos, sweet rolls, hamburgers, hot dogs...just wants to go out to eat or eat snacks! This afternoon we are going to go play Frisbee golf???? Tomorrow we are going to Mammoth Cave. They both should like that!!!
Entertaining the boys has been a challenge. Tyler (14) is not as big a problem as Zach (10). We have visited the Corvette Museum, the Railroad Museum and toured the Wolf Creek Dam. Zach thinks we are doing too much walking and would like to stay home and watch TV. Not gonna happen!!!! So far Zach hasn't liked much of anything I have cooked. "NO" to pancakes, breakfast tacos, sweet rolls, hamburgers, hot dogs...just wants to go out to eat or eat snacks! This afternoon we are going to go play Frisbee golf???? Tomorrow we are going to Mammoth Cave. They both should like that!!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Busy week!!!!
Okay, it is only Wednesday and I am exhausted!!! Monday (day 0ff) I helped put together over 400 fishing poles. Then off to a 5 minute meeting....3 hours later...on my home.
Tuesday (day off) was the best day. Went on the fish distribution trip to Fort Knox. We took both fish trucks...about 8,500 4 to 5 inch trout. It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive to Fort Knox. The fish are released into a stocking pond on the fort where they will remain for another few months until they are about 9 inches long. Then they are released into the streams flowing thru the fort. It was an eventful trip...we got the little truck stuck both coming and going!!!
And today (day off) we had 119 8th graders at the Visitor Center. WHEW!!! They were excited to be out of school for the day but no so interested in learning anything about the hatchery....it was just a day away from school.
So far, that's been my week.....Mike worked 1/2 day Monday before he pulled a muscle in his back. He rested the rest of the day and was fine!!! Then he was off Tuesday and today so he worked on his "honey do" list.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
And the answer is........
We finally got the answer to the question...what is fish production....lots of work~!!! Cleaning the raceways, feeding the fish (several times a day), fish count, etc. Wednesday Mike helped deliver a load of fish to the Daniel Boone National Forrest. 3 hours of driving to the forrest, 2 hours unloading fish and 3 hours driving home. Doesn't sound like it but it is fun!!! Next week I am going on the fish run to Fort Knox.
We had a group of about 100 second graders visit the hatchery today. I love working with the kids...they have such a fun outlook on everything. The boys focused on the dead fish and the girls just wanted to feed the fish!!!
The VC has a descented skunk (Squirt)....so far, I have helped give him a bath and walk him around the VC. I have no problem with any of the creatures EXCEPT the snake...I don't do snakes!!!! As far as I am concerned, the only good snake is a dead snake.
We'll see what new adventures await us tomorrow!!!
We had a group of about 100 second graders visit the hatchery today. I love working with the kids...they have such a fun outlook on everything. The boys focused on the dead fish and the girls just wanted to feed the fish!!!
The VC has a descented skunk (Squirt)....so far, I have helped give him a bath and walk him around the VC. I have no problem with any of the creatures EXCEPT the snake...I don't do snakes!!!! As far as I am concerned, the only good snake is a dead snake.
We'll see what new adventures await us tomorrow!!!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On the road again.......
Haven't been keeping up with this blog.....thought our life was boring...as I look back over the last few months, I find we have had many adventures. Here goes!!!!
January was our normal TX winter. Cold, rain and not much fun; however, we were working at Inks Lake State Park with good friends. Pot luck dinners, camp fires and playing cards. Such a hard life!!!
In February we went to Puerta Vallarta with our good friends, Jim & Cathy Brockamp. Such a fun trip. Lots of relaxing around the pool and card playing. Touring the tequila factory was great fun....yummmmm!!
March was a very difficult month....my dad passed away March 9, 2010. I spent most of the month in Brackettville, TX with my mother. Daddy was 95 years old and in poor health but that doesn't make it any easier. He was my real life hero that gave me my love of horses, cattle and the great outdoors. Love you and miss you Daddy. The kids came down with their RVs for a few days. It wasn't the spring break we had planned but so thankful they were able to all be there.
April saw us leaving Inks Lake. We went to Belton, TX to be close to our son, Tim, for a few days before he left. He has a few schools to complete before deploying June 8th for a one year tour of duty in Cuba. Tim had a house fire a few weeks ago so Dad was able to help him with a few projects. Back to Brackettville to help Mom with a few projects at her house. Lucky to be able to spend some time with all of the kids before we leave for KY.
That brings us to May....after taking our beautiful granddaughter, Casey, to a movie and dinner for her birthday, it was time to leave TX for a few months. The trip from TX to KY was VERY stressful!!!! On Monday (5/3)we met our friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis, in Shreveport, LA. The best thing at the casino for us was dinner; however, it was quite profitable for Bill. Next stop was Arkadelphia, AR. on Tuessday. FUN stop....we met other TX friends, Bruce and Ann Shove, along with her brother and sister-in-law for dinner. Wednesday, the Theis' and us went to the Crater of Diamonds State Park to search for diamonds...no diamonds for us! Thursday is when all of the trouble started....we lost the U-joint on the truck climbing a steep hill into Branson, MO. YIKES!!!! The truck and 5th wheel were on a steep incline with no way to move. There was not a big wrecker in the area to pull both truck & 5th wheel. SO it was decided to unhook the 5th wheel....thank goodness our friends were there. Bill hooked onto the 5th wheel and pulled it to the RV park a few miles away. WHEW...made it safe and sound!!! Wrecker took the truck to the repair shop. Unfortunately, they had to order a part and it took several days to arrive. We were scheduled to leave Branson on Saturday (5/8) to arrive for work at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery on Monday (5/10). We finally left Branson Wednesday afternoon, arriving at WCNFH on Thursday afternoon. Amanda, the volunteer coordinator, was so sweet and had no problems with us arriving late. WE ARE HERE SAFE AND SOUND FOR THE NEXT 4 MONTHS!!! LOTS OF THINGS TO DO AND SEE.
January was our normal TX winter. Cold, rain and not much fun; however, we were working at Inks Lake State Park with good friends. Pot luck dinners, camp fires and playing cards. Such a hard life!!!
In February we went to Puerta Vallarta with our good friends, Jim & Cathy Brockamp. Such a fun trip. Lots of relaxing around the pool and card playing. Touring the tequila factory was great fun....yummmmm!!
March was a very difficult month....my dad passed away March 9, 2010. I spent most of the month in Brackettville, TX with my mother. Daddy was 95 years old and in poor health but that doesn't make it any easier. He was my real life hero that gave me my love of horses, cattle and the great outdoors. Love you and miss you Daddy. The kids came down with their RVs for a few days. It wasn't the spring break we had planned but so thankful they were able to all be there.
April saw us leaving Inks Lake. We went to Belton, TX to be close to our son, Tim, for a few days before he left. He has a few schools to complete before deploying June 8th for a one year tour of duty in Cuba. Tim had a house fire a few weeks ago so Dad was able to help him with a few projects. Back to Brackettville to help Mom with a few projects at her house. Lucky to be able to spend some time with all of the kids before we leave for KY.
That brings us to May....after taking our beautiful granddaughter, Casey, to a movie and dinner for her birthday, it was time to leave TX for a few months. The trip from TX to KY was VERY stressful!!!! On Monday (5/3)we met our friends, Bill & Marilyn Theis, in Shreveport, LA. The best thing at the casino for us was dinner; however, it was quite profitable for Bill. Next stop was Arkadelphia, AR. on Tuessday. FUN stop....we met other TX friends, Bruce and Ann Shove, along with her brother and sister-in-law for dinner. Wednesday, the Theis' and us went to the Crater of Diamonds State Park to search for diamonds...no diamonds for us! Thursday is when all of the trouble started....we lost the U-joint on the truck climbing a steep hill into Branson, MO. YIKES!!!! The truck and 5th wheel were on a steep incline with no way to move. There was not a big wrecker in the area to pull both truck & 5th wheel. SO it was decided to unhook the 5th wheel....thank goodness our friends were there. Bill hooked onto the 5th wheel and pulled it to the RV park a few miles away. WHEW...made it safe and sound!!! Wrecker took the truck to the repair shop. Unfortunately, they had to order a part and it took several days to arrive. We were scheduled to leave Branson on Saturday (5/8) to arrive for work at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery on Monday (5/10). We finally left Branson Wednesday afternoon, arriving at WCNFH on Thursday afternoon. Amanda, the volunteer coordinator, was so sweet and had no problems with us arriving late. WE ARE HERE SAFE AND SOUND FOR THE NEXT 4 MONTHS!!! LOTS OF THINGS TO DO AND SEE.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010
Okay, let's start this one more time in 2010.....didn't do good in '09. Since I started on FB, I am having a hard time blogging...no farm, no happy aquarium.
We are enjoying Inks Lake SP. The staff is great as are the other volunteers. Mike is working with the other guys in maintenance. I am updating the kiosks. Right now they are so boring, no one reads them so many of the programs are no well attended. I am trying to give some color and a different theme for each of the 10 kiosks. Wish me luck...have to work with no budget, within TPWD regs and park superintendent approval. It is fun work!!!
Will try to do a better job this year!!
We are enjoying Inks Lake SP. The staff is great as are the other volunteers. Mike is working with the other guys in maintenance. I am updating the kiosks. Right now they are so boring, no one reads them so many of the programs are no well attended. I am trying to give some color and a different theme for each of the 10 kiosks. Wish me luck...have to work with no budget, within TPWD regs and park superintendent approval. It is fun work!!!
Will try to do a better job this year!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
December 2, 2009
Yea!! We are settled at Inks Lake State Park for the next 3 months. Don't know for sure what we will be doing but it should be environmental education. Of course, it is WINTER so don't know how many kids will be here. There are 10 volunteer couples....good social environment. Camp fires, cards, eating out, pot lucks....fun, fun, fun!!!!
Have most of my Christmas presents purchased...now just need to get them wrapped, get the 5er decorated, bake and bake some more, etc. This is our kid's year with their other families Christmas Day, we will celebrate the 19th.
It is winter in TX. Supposedly, we are going to have snow Friday night....2 snow flakes and 1 icicle. The entire area will closed down under those circumstances. But I do love TX winters....20 degrees one day and 70 degrees....no long, long cold spells.
Have most of my Christmas presents purchased...now just need to get them wrapped, get the 5er decorated, bake and bake some more, etc. This is our kid's year with their other families Christmas Day, we will celebrate the 19th.
It is winter in TX. Supposedly, we are going to have snow Friday night....2 snow flakes and 1 icicle. The entire area will closed down under those circumstances. But I do love TX winters....20 degrees one day and 70 degrees....no long, long cold spells.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
November 28, 2009
It has been over a month since the last post.....so much has happened.
We have been to Brackettville to visit Mom & Dad...brought Mom back to the hospital in Georgetown because of severe dizzy spells. She is okay but they really need to be closer to family and in some sort of retirement community. The problem is convincing them of that fact. For now, they are back in Brackettville....hopefully we will be able to convince them soon before it is too late.
Then off for a 14 day Panama Canal cruise. The canal is amazing....to think all of the work was done by hand without today's technology and is still working!! We had several stops....Grand Cayman, Colombia, Costa Rica and 3 stops in Mexico. It was a great trip but is nice to be home.
We are at Todd's house until Monday when we go to Inks Lake State Park for the winter. We'll have our family Thanksgiving tomorrow...this year was our kid's time with their other families on Thursday. Tim will get the boys tonight so we will all be together. A great day to count our blessings!!!
We have been to Brackettville to visit Mom & Dad...brought Mom back to the hospital in Georgetown because of severe dizzy spells. She is okay but they really need to be closer to family and in some sort of retirement community. The problem is convincing them of that fact. For now, they are back in Brackettville....hopefully we will be able to convince them soon before it is too late.
Then off for a 14 day Panama Canal cruise. The canal is amazing....to think all of the work was done by hand without today's technology and is still working!! We had several stops....Grand Cayman, Colombia, Costa Rica and 3 stops in Mexico. It was a great trip but is nice to be home.
We are at Todd's house until Monday when we go to Inks Lake State Park for the winter. We'll have our family Thanksgiving tomorrow...this year was our kid's time with their other families on Thursday. Tim will get the boys tonight so we will all be together. A great day to count our blessings!!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
October 25, 2009
Another beautiful day in Central Texas!!! For the moment the sun is shinning, the wind is calm and it is in the 70's but......another storm is supposed to come in later tonight. Oh well, we still need the rain.
Yesterday was rodeo time at Todd's house....Beau was not in the mood to be ridden. He is the last colt out of Poezya (my Arabian mare). Beautiful horse but has not been ridden much. I gave him to Tanya but she did not ride him so he stood out in the pasture and "got stupid". He will take a strong rider to get him under control. Todd is a very good rider so if anyone can do it, he can.
We moved to Todd & Mandy's house on Thursday. It was still muddy but we were able to get the 5th wheel in and set up. They had over 5 inches of rain Wednesday so the creeks were up and parts of the road washed out. Mike & I had to come in different roads....CR 3500 was partially washed out so 5th wheel couldn't go that way and CR 2 had high water over the creeks so Mike didn't want me to try with the jeep....by Friday all the water had receded. All this rain does make for beautiful green grass and trees!!
Yesterday was rodeo time at Todd's house....Beau was not in the mood to be ridden. He is the last colt out of Poezya (my Arabian mare). Beautiful horse but has not been ridden much. I gave him to Tanya but she did not ride him so he stood out in the pasture and "got stupid". He will take a strong rider to get him under control. Todd is a very good rider so if anyone can do it, he can.
We moved to Todd & Mandy's house on Thursday. It was still muddy but we were able to get the 5th wheel in and set up. They had over 5 inches of rain Wednesday so the creeks were up and parts of the road washed out. Mike & I had to come in different roads....CR 3500 was partially washed out so 5th wheel couldn't go that way and CR 2 had high water over the creeks so Mike didn't want me to try with the jeep....by Friday all the water had receded. All this rain does make for beautiful green grass and trees!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October 21, 2009
After 28 months of drought, we should be happy to see the rain; however, I do wish it would hold off for a few days. We were supposed to move the 5th wheel to Todd & Mandy's today.....rain and mud. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day!
I think the drought is officially over. The lake levels are rising, most of the stock tanks are full and all the grass is green. We had planned to do some dredging on our cove while the lake level was down but alas, we brought the rain back with us. The burn ban has been lifted so at least we can burn the 2 year old brush piles!!
I think the drought is officially over. The lake levels are rising, most of the stock tanks are full and all the grass is green. We had planned to do some dredging on our cove while the lake level was down but alas, we brought the rain back with us. The burn ban has been lifted so at least we can burn the 2 year old brush piles!!
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