Today was a settle in day - laundry, Vacuum, Publix and Tractor Supply where Bill found himself a "whanger" or demolition tool - a cousin to Jim Leonard's tool that was a huge help in taking the porch apart! Tonight we are going over to the main clubhouse for dinner with the Grizillos and Paynes. There are new managers there and the word is out that the food is good.
We left Big Canoe on Wednesday for the trip down - got off around 10 am and had slow going through the suburbs south of Atlanta and a 15 mile back up between Tifton and Valdosta. Fortunately the Paynes were traveling ahead of us and we were able to jump off and take US 41 until the congestion had ended. We caught up with the Paynes at Lee's campground which about 1/2 mile east of I-75 and one exit above I-10. They had a great parking area in a field where we could just "pull through" and not even unhook.
Thursday we got rolling around 8:30 and pulled in here at Fawn Ridge around 12:40. We had a number of friends hanging out at the office so a great welcome committee was there for the four of us. We did have a fun time trying to find the new road that opened last Spring just as we were leaving that runs parallel to US 27 but we could not remember the route number of this new toll road. We could have accessed it from the Turnpike but again we had hopped off because of a traffic tie up and headed east on US 50. The GPS had us turning right - but we saw it too late so ended up circling through a gas station with our rig and with the Paynes right behind! Must have made a funny picture. The route is 429 and is still very empty - a big change and a welcome relief from US 27. As we arrived here we had lots of new construction just north of us - a new Target, Staples, Dick's and who knows what else will be opening this spring between our location and I-4.
Smokey was a pretty good traveler - never actually freaked out but did lots of "singing". Both days we gave him half of a tranquilizing pill so we didn't stress him out too much. He never slept on Wednesday but yesterday he went to sleep. He might just get used to this and hopefully will travel well without his pill.
We are in shorts and tee shirts - hope this weather continues but know it won't.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
What A Fun Day!
Yesterday was a fun day! We departed Big Canoe for some shopping and then met Anne for lunch at PF Changs. She was tired from all the costume sewing into the wee hours but had the job done. A little caffeine helped. We then went over to Anne's home and cleaned out the pumpkins and had them ready for carving.
The kids are growing up fast - they were all able to cut out their pumpkin designs - even the twins. We used the Dremel tool to speed up the hole making but they could handle the rest.
Anne made some pumpkin pies and frogmore stew for dinner and we all sang Happy Birthday to Ginger (their dog) who has turned four.
Big Helen and I made a quick run to Stein Mart to hunt down Halloween sweaters - hopefully on sale. I had success and got one whose pumpkins lit up and sparkled! My sweater was 50% off and Helen is going back today to get hers at 75% off!
The Trick and Treaters were slow to start and it seemed weird to have not turned back the clocks so the door bell would start ringing at 6pm. In spite of the delayed start the crowds appeared and all the excitement had quieted down by 8:30 when the four grandparents slipped away for home.
The kids are growing up fast - they were all able to cut out their pumpkin designs - even the twins. We used the Dremel tool to speed up the hole making but they could handle the rest.
Anne made some pumpkin pies and frogmore stew for dinner and we all sang Happy Birthday to Ginger (their dog) who has turned four.
Big Helen and I made a quick run to Stein Mart to hunt down Halloween sweaters - hopefully on sale. I had success and got one whose pumpkins lit up and sparkled! My sweater was 50% off and Helen is going back today to get hers at 75% off!
The Trick and Treaters were slow to start and it seemed weird to have not turned back the clocks so the door bell would start ringing at 6pm. In spite of the delayed start the crowds appeared and all the excitement had quieted down by 8:30 when the four grandparents slipped away for home.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Safely Back in Big Canoe
We arrived back in Big Canoe yesterday afternoon just in time for a meeting - fortunately, since I arrived late, everyone was busy socializing and I didn't miss anything.
We had the fresh water hose spring a tiny leak while we were in Lake Lure, NC and the stretch vinyl repair tape worked just great but we then discovered that there were bulges all along the hose - guess it decided to go bad the whole way.
This morning Bill replaced the hose with another one we had on hand so hopefully this one will work - it is a larger diameter but a new clamp seemed to be holding it. We will find out for sure when we head down to Seaside for Thanksgiving week.
We expect to be here at home until November 16th.
We had the fresh water hose spring a tiny leak while we were in Lake Lure, NC and the stretch vinyl repair tape worked just great but we then discovered that there were bulges all along the hose - guess it decided to go bad the whole way.
This morning Bill replaced the hose with another one we had on hand so hopefully this one will work - it is a larger diameter but a new clamp seemed to be holding it. We will find out for sure when we head down to Seaside for Thanksgiving week.
We expect to be here at home until November 16th.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Busy time in Greensboro
Looks like the Monaco Corporation brought the rain from Oregon to North Carolina. We have been parked at the convention center and fortunately we are on asphalt and not mud.
The entertainment for the last three night has been great music from the 50's - the Diamonds on Tuesday night, the New Odyssey on Wednesday night and tonight the Platters. Great dancing and singing music - and we know the words!
On Tuesday we were asked to be the Waggonmasters for the March 2009 Monaco International Rally that proceeds the FMCA International Convention. This means hosting 400 - 600 motor coaches (800 to 1200 people)- a BIG job. After talking about the responsibilities with others that have done it before and those that might help us, we accepted the job and have spend the past two days in getting committee chairmen lined up and other volunteers. We have had enthusiastic support and almost all of our important jobs are filed - a big relief! We will need to attend the Rally that will proceed our rally in Minnesota in July to learn all we can learn! We actually had planned on attending but will now go in early with the staff and shadow them.
Tomorrow we will head to Apple Valley, NC for two nights and be home on Sunday afternoon.
The entertainment for the last three night has been great music from the 50's - the Diamonds on Tuesday night, the New Odyssey on Wednesday night and tonight the Platters. Great dancing and singing music - and we know the words!
On Tuesday we were asked to be the Waggonmasters for the March 2009 Monaco International Rally that proceeds the FMCA International Convention. This means hosting 400 - 600 motor coaches (800 to 1200 people)- a BIG job. After talking about the responsibilities with others that have done it before and those that might help us, we accepted the job and have spend the past two days in getting committee chairmen lined up and other volunteers. We have had enthusiastic support and almost all of our important jobs are filed - a big relief! We will need to attend the Rally that will proceed our rally in Minnesota in July to learn all we can learn! We actually had planned on attending but will now go in early with the staff and shadow them.
Tomorrow we will head to Apple Valley, NC for two nights and be home on Sunday afternoon.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Safely in Greensboro, NC
We arrived here early this afternoon and have been having fun seeing friends and laughing at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz early 1950's movie, "A Long Long Trailer".
Yesterday morning we departed Rochester around 7:30 am and headed south on 390 which has replaced route 15 for part of the way - then route 15 to I- 81 and then stopped for the night around 4pm at the Endless Caverns just above Harrisonburg, VA. We stayed in the same campground in July and would like to return for more time in the area. We went flying pass the exits for Garen and Chris but unfortunately had no extra time to stop and get here in time today for our volunteer assignments. We are "Sheriffs at this rally and have black vests and gold badges. Our job will be to keep people out of the dining room be ore they are allowed in to place their cards to reserve places for dinner.
The trip yesterday and today were very pretty with lots of sunshine and blue skies but the leaf color was much better near Rochester and very little color change here in North Carolina. But in a few weeks it will have traveled further south to be sure.
We already have had 2 stone nicks in the windshield repaired - and we should be getting our replacement sun screens installed tomorrow. The others mush have been tossed out in the debris from the fallen ceiling and water damage at the house. We had placed them in front of Bill's work bench to make room in the coach for the rally.
Yesterday morning we departed Rochester around 7:30 am and headed south on 390 which has replaced route 15 for part of the way - then route 15 to I- 81 and then stopped for the night around 4pm at the Endless Caverns just above Harrisonburg, VA. We stayed in the same campground in July and would like to return for more time in the area. We went flying pass the exits for Garen and Chris but unfortunately had no extra time to stop and get here in time today for our volunteer assignments. We are "Sheriffs at this rally and have black vests and gold badges. Our job will be to keep people out of the dining room be ore they are allowed in to place their cards to reserve places for dinner.
The trip yesterday and today were very pretty with lots of sunshine and blue skies but the leaf color was much better near Rochester and very little color change here in North Carolina. But in a few weeks it will have traveled further south to be sure.
We already have had 2 stone nicks in the windshield repaired - and we should be getting our replacement sun screens installed tomorrow. The others mush have been tossed out in the debris from the fallen ceiling and water damage at the house. We had placed them in front of Bill's work bench to make room in the coach for the rally.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Heading South With Wqarm Hearts and Greqat Memories
This is now Sunday morning and we have departed Rochester and we are headed to the Monaco Come Home Rallly.
Friday at the U of R was a busy day and the highpoint was the Class of 57 receiving their Alumni Medations during a ceremony in the Interfaith Chapel which was followed by the Presiden't Reception and then old friends gathering at the RV for visiting and chatting into the night.
Saturday morning we attending the speech given by Colin Powell and he was awesome! Spoke for an hour without notes and with a sence of humor. He had many standing ovations which surprised us since as we approached the Palestra, there were protestors outside with signs and yelling. I wished that the administration had placed speakers blasting his speech for the protestors!Luch was then served in tents that protected us from the rain and wind.
The football game started in the rain but the sun had come out before we departed for Sarbucks to meet Shiellee and Carl (Susan's Godparents) for some coffee and updating. We last saw them last year in New Mexico. Their talented daughter, Teri, has done some spectaular art work for a piece of Steuban Glass sculpture.
Last night the Class of 57 had its Reunion Dinner at the Genessee Valley Club. This is where Katherine Miller had been the business manager for over 20 years. We were haning out with Ed Morrison and Judy (Ed had bee one of Bill's grooomsmen) Bill and Ed had been part of the Yellow Jackets singing group which exists today and they were included with the group for the singing of Melioria our Alma Mater song - they even did great with the words!
With warm hearts we climbed into bed last night. It had been a great weekend with many of our friends and memories of many who are no longer with us.
Friday at the U of R was a busy day and the highpoint was the Class of 57 receiving their Alumni Medations during a ceremony in the Interfaith Chapel which was followed by the Presiden't Reception and then old friends gathering at the RV for visiting and chatting into the night.
Saturday morning we attending the speech given by Colin Powell and he was awesome! Spoke for an hour without notes and with a sence of humor. He had many standing ovations which surprised us since as we approached the Palestra, there were protestors outside with signs and yelling. I wished that the administration had placed speakers blasting his speech for the protestors!Luch was then served in tents that protected us from the rain and wind.
The football game started in the rain but the sun had come out before we departed for Sarbucks to meet Shiellee and Carl (Susan's Godparents) for some coffee and updating. We last saw them last year in New Mexico. Their talented daughter, Teri, has done some spectaular art work for a piece of Steuban Glass sculpture.
Last night the Class of 57 had its Reunion Dinner at the Genessee Valley Club. This is where Katherine Miller had been the business manager for over 20 years. We were haning out with Ed Morrison and Judy (Ed had bee one of Bill's grooomsmen) Bill and Ed had been part of the Yellow Jackets singing group which exists today and they were included with the group for the singing of Melioria our Alma Mater song - they even did great with the words!
With warm hearts we climbed into bed last night. It had been a great weekend with many of our friends and memories of many who are no longer with us.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Yesterday we met up with Sharrol and Don Garrett and after visiting in the RV we toured their town and had a great time enjoying dinner and memories together. Don and Bill attended elementary school and high school together and they had lots of laughs about growing up together. Don is a retired Presbyterian minister and was going a sermon at a nursing home together - at dinner last night he decided to talk about Bill and what friendship meant. Pretty cool!
This morning we drove the rest of the way to Rochester and we are parked behind the new Alumni Center and have a very private parking lot south of the campus and across the Erie Canal. This is an area that has been connected via a bridge that crosses over the canal and a new expressway I-390. Lots and lots of growth to the medical center and the campus. The U of R is now the largest employer in Rochester!
Lunch today was in the neighborhood where Bill grew up and we ate at a little cafe about 3 blocks from 11 Cayuga Street with Dave Halter. Dave was our Best Man and it was great to visit with him again. Dave had cancer of one of his kidneys about 15 months ago and the next day threw a blood clot and the end result was he has had his left leg amputated above the knee. In spite of the medical problems, Dave was the most positive we have seen him = in many years!
We stopped by Mt. Hope Cemetary on the way back to campus and visited the graves of many of Bill's relatives including his mother, Aunts, and Uncles, and his Miller grandparents. His father is burried in the military section of another cemetary north or town.
This evening we attended a reception and then dinner of the Class of 57 and Bill was amoung a handful of those with full heads of hair! He looked just great amoung all those old men!!! Ed Morrison, one of our ushers, was there and we look forward to being with him tomorrow. Of Bill's class - about one third have died. Of those still living - about half have made the trip.
Bill is watching the Rutgers = South Florida football game - looks like the polls will have some more changes this coming week!
This morning we drove the rest of the way to Rochester and we are parked behind the new Alumni Center and have a very private parking lot south of the campus and across the Erie Canal. This is an area that has been connected via a bridge that crosses over the canal and a new expressway I-390. Lots and lots of growth to the medical center and the campus. The U of R is now the largest employer in Rochester!
Lunch today was in the neighborhood where Bill grew up and we ate at a little cafe about 3 blocks from 11 Cayuga Street with Dave Halter. Dave was our Best Man and it was great to visit with him again. Dave had cancer of one of his kidneys about 15 months ago and the next day threw a blood clot and the end result was he has had his left leg amputated above the knee. In spite of the medical problems, Dave was the most positive we have seen him = in many years!
We stopped by Mt. Hope Cemetary on the way back to campus and visited the graves of many of Bill's relatives including his mother, Aunts, and Uncles, and his Miller grandparents. His father is burried in the military section of another cemetary north or town.
This evening we attended a reception and then dinner of the Class of 57 and Bill was amoung a handful of those with full heads of hair! He looked just great amoung all those old men!!! Ed Morrison, one of our ushers, was there and we look forward to being with him tomorrow. Of Bill's class - about one third have died. Of those still living - about half have made the trip.
Bill is watching the Rutgers = South Florida football game - looks like the polls will have some more changes this coming week!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
On The Road Again - to Bill's 50th Reunion at the University of Rochester
Good morning!
Yesterday we departed Big Canoe at 7:30 am and headed to Cincinnati, Ohio. We stopped at the FMCA location on Roundbottom Road in Newton - where we had a pediatrician many years ago. We went over to the Mariemont Inn for dinner - which we have done before and enjoy. We had hoped that Larry Ezzel could have joined us but no luck this time.
This morning we started off and have had a light fog which has stopped us from enjoying the brilliance of the tree leaf colors but has not stopped Bill from cruising past the Ohio State University 's Stadium - the Horseshoe. Was fun to see it on the week that they are #1 - wonder how long that will last? Know Jack and Betty hope it will be a short stay there so LSU can regain their ranking.
Today we plan on crossing Ohio and picking up I-90 and ending up east of Buffalo for the night. We will be in a campground near one of Bill's highschool and basketball playing buddies, Don Garrett. We will be with Don and Sharon for the evening.
Yesterday we departed Big Canoe at 7:30 am and headed to Cincinnati, Ohio. We stopped at the FMCA location on Roundbottom Road in Newton - where we had a pediatrician many years ago. We went over to the Mariemont Inn for dinner - which we have done before and enjoy. We had hoped that Larry Ezzel could have joined us but no luck this time.
This morning we started off and have had a light fog which has stopped us from enjoying the brilliance of the tree leaf colors but has not stopped Bill from cruising past the Ohio State University 's Stadium - the Horseshoe. Was fun to see it on the week that they are #1 - wonder how long that will last? Know Jack and Betty hope it will be a short stay there so LSU can regain their ranking.
Today we plan on crossing Ohio and picking up I-90 and ending up east of Buffalo for the night. We will be in a campground near one of Bill's highschool and basketball playing buddies, Don Garrett. We will be with Don and Sharon for the evening.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Home Again!
We have just returned from a trip to Mom's in North Carolina yesterday afternoon where we had a great time and we had a Phase 10 card game going on - of course Mom and Bill allowed me to be the Grand Winner after four evenings of card playing!
We left for Mom's just after a few days at home - when I had planned on updating the blog after editing the pictures. I finally went through the many pictures at Mom's but have decided to give you a link to Rita Ham's blog - they had their computer along and were able to upload the photos and travels as they happened. There are several pictures of Bill in their blog so here is the link to their travels - we did the same things with the big difference the traveling to and from Atlanta while they headed to Yuma, Arizona! http://ritastravels.blogspot.com and she also has her picture scrapbook available by clicking on the front page. To complete the whole trip you need to also click several times on the previous entries since the blog starts at the end and not the beginning!
We left for Mom's just after a few days at home - when I had planned on updating the blog after editing the pictures. I finally went through the many pictures at Mom's but have decided to give you a link to Rita Ham's blog - they had their computer along and were able to upload the photos and travels as they happened. There are several pictures of Bill in their blog so here is the link to their travels - we did the same things with the big difference the traveling to and from Atlanta while they headed to Yuma, Arizona! http://ritastravels.blogspot.com and she also has her picture scrapbook available by clicking on the front page. To complete the whole trip you need to also click several times on the previous entries since the blog starts at the end and not the beginning!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The feet are worn out!
Last night after writing to you/ the rug salesman came and got us and took us to a Turkish dinner show = Bill had volunteered to pay and it was twice the amount that we expected and then since it was after 11pm they would not take our VISA card so off we went to the teller maching to get more Turkish lire/ We highly suspect that the salesman did not want us to pay via VISA since then he would not get his cut! But we did have fun and the belly dancers were not only talented but beautiful!
Today we started out by visiting and walking around and through the Grand Bizar = my eyes were getting worn out just looking. We then returned to the rug shop to pick up the phone charger that the salesman had gone out and obtained for me during the night. We then walked down the street to the Hippidrome/ Blue Mosque/ Sophia whatever/Topkapi Palace with the Haram and then the Palace Cisterns. All very interesting but the cobblestones and the uneven pavement have my feet very tired. I am sure glad that I wore my sneakers today.
Today was the first day of Romaden (don/t know how to spell it) so much extra activity and banners and flags.
This keyboard is still a mystery to me = have found a few more missing letters. Our ship is now docked and we could see it across the GoldenHorn or Bhosporus. Tomorrow morning we have Turkish baths and massages scheduled then check out and board the big boat!
Today we started out by visiting and walking around and through the Grand Bizar = my eyes were getting worn out just looking. We then returned to the rug shop to pick up the phone charger that the salesman had gone out and obtained for me during the night. We then walked down the street to the Hippidrome/ Blue Mosque/ Sophia whatever/Topkapi Palace with the Haram and then the Palace Cisterns. All very interesting but the cobblestones and the uneven pavement have my feet very tired. I am sure glad that I wore my sneakers today.
Today was the first day of Romaden (don/t know how to spell it) so much extra activity and banners and flags.
This keyboard is still a mystery to me = have found a few more missing letters. Our ship is now docked and we could see it across the GoldenHorn or Bhosporus. Tomorrow morning we have Turkish baths and massages scheduled then check out and board the big boat!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In Istanbul
Monday\s travels
Our trip to Atlanta airport was made easy = Anne dropped us off at the Marta station and we arrived at the airport with a number of hours to spare = which we used to ready/ play cards and explore/ Our flights were on time and we were not affected by Gabrielle which others in our group were since we flew directly to Paris and then changed planes there/ Those flying into Kennedy experienced delays with connecting flights and one couple still does not have their luggage/
Tuesday we joined two other couples for private touring and cruising up the \bosphorus/ The Dolmabahchi Palace was as opulent as any we have ever seen.
After arriving back at our hotel at 5pm we wandered up the street and found ourselves in a rug store and guess who ended up with two rugs. The bargaining was fun and who knows if the new rugs are a good price or a rip=off.
This keyboard has some might strange characters on it and I cannot figure how to find the correct ones I want.
All the instructions are in Turkish so I am having a fun time guess what I am doing.
Our trip to Atlanta airport was made easy = Anne dropped us off at the Marta station and we arrived at the airport with a number of hours to spare = which we used to ready/ play cards and explore/ Our flights were on time and we were not affected by Gabrielle which others in our group were since we flew directly to Paris and then changed planes there/ Those flying into Kennedy experienced delays with connecting flights and one couple still does not have their luggage/
Tuesday we joined two other couples for private touring and cruising up the \bosphorus/ The Dolmabahchi Palace was as opulent as any we have ever seen.
After arriving back at our hotel at 5pm we wandered up the street and found ourselves in a rug store and guess who ended up with two rugs. The bargaining was fun and who knows if the new rugs are a good price or a rip=off.
This keyboard has some might strange characters on it and I cannot figure how to find the correct ones I want.
All the instructions are in Turkish so I am having a fun time guess what I am doing.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Another day and more activity
Today the packers arrived again and now the "PODS" to hold all the stuff and furnature that need to be moved so the flooring can be replaced! The men doing the replacement of the drywall finished yesterday but will returned to finish the painting after the flooring people finish.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
No more Swiss cheese
Yesterday a huge amount was accomplished here at the house with all the holes filled with sheetrock and seamed and covered with the first lawyers of "mud".
Today they have started painting and we have six women here packing up most of the house so they can store most everything before moving the "stuff" into other rooms or PODS that will be placed on the driveway to hold everything.
This place is quite a mess - to say the least! More than half the house is being torn up while the other half is being used to store the furnature etc. so the flooring can be replaced.
Today they have started painting and we have six women here packing up most of the house so they can store most everything before moving the "stuff" into other rooms or PODS that will be placed on the driveway to hold everything.
This place is quite a mess - to say the least! More than half the house is being torn up while the other half is being used to store the furnature etc. so the flooring can be replaced.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
They have departed
Yesterday morning we were expecting the workmen at 9am and we waited and waited - nothing happened and we finally found out that we had sent the kids home about 14 hours too early!
We are to have the foreman of the job here this morning at 9am and the drywall man starting at 8 - 9am tomorrow. Of course, seeing is believing!
We are to have the foreman of the job here this morning at 9am and the drywall man starting at 8 - 9am tomorrow. Of course, seeing is believing!
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