Let the Travel Begin

2007-03-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

She really did wash the dises...she got all the food off and everything...of course Papa made sure they were really clean...look at that concentration...Aunt Mimi would be proud...

Then it was time for a story...Papa read her a story about what happened when the "Little Boy Called Wolf"...she hung on every word...what a great memory for her and him...OK, me too...Izzy loves being in Mema & Papa's Coach...

Check this out..................................................

2007-03-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well she finally got the bubbles to stay on her face ...as you can see...I'm takin these pice through the mirror that is behind the sink...that's why you see the frosted decorative lines...

Here Papa is getting containers for the food that needs to go in the frig...Izzy keeps washing...

It was so fun to watch her wash dishes at about 2 years and 8 months old... When she is 10 to 12 years old we'll have to "hog-tie" her to get her to do the dishes...

This pot just about got the best of her...she said that it was heavy...but she got it into the other sink OK...Look at that face...

2007-03-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

This was taken of Papa and Jackson...Papa was Watchin' "AI" and Jackson was watching Papa, I was watching them both....I had just put Autumn to bed...we were babysitting on Tuesday Night...Mommy went to play Bunko and Daddy was" working outta' town...so we got to play...

Jackson was surely gonna recognize his Papa the next time he sees him, he sure was studying him...

Then there's my new "Pink Flamingos"...wha-da-ya-think???

I love them...I think they make our yard look really RV Parky...don't you???

2007-03-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

These first two pictures were taken right our the gate of Lake Menden...There are many orchards around here this one is for walnuts...I took a few liberties wirh the second shot ...love to experiment...

Itturned our kinda cool doncha think???

The trees are so beautiful and right now you can see all the branches...after they leaf out you will loose this view of them...The wild mustard is just wonderful under the trees...
This ia a field of flowers that we saw at the base of the Sutter Buttes...it was so pretty out today...we went for a long drive...

As you can see I took a few liberties with this first ont of the field of flowers too...

Well today marked the 6th month on the road...so-to-speak...we don't really feel too much like we've been on the road all that much since we keep somming back to the Sacto area so often but we have been...

I must say that this has been a challenge, it has been fun, it has been an adventure, and it has been a learning experience...in every area...from the "Coach issues", to the routhing issues, to the issues of getting things all in their right places in the coach...well...thast's an "on-going problem"...to learning to live together in these close quarters...to keeping Halle from barking...to replacing floors, tires, etc...

I have to say that it has been GREAT...for the most part...We almost froze in Oregon, after a great September and October of exploring Longbeach, Wa...and being close to the younger Harris family...you know, Tom, Suzanne and Kaley.

But starting November 1st when we moved to the KOA in Hammond, just across the Colombia River from WA. into OR. The rain started and the temperatures plumeted...we had a flood and got snowed/iced in and generally had a very undesireable November...No more Novembers in the Beautiful Pacific North West...

After a wonderfulThanksgiving at the Alsup's and the Nutcracker where we saw Kaley dance, was over...we headed South to the Sacto Area (Lake Menden TT & the Loomis RV Park) for Christmas and the birth of Jackson David (12/22/06) and to wait 'till time to go to Quartsite, AZ for our "Escapee", "Class of '06" Ralley in Jan...

We've met some wonderful people while we have traveled these past 6 months...

We always heard that you meet the nicest people while camping or RVing...and I am here to tell you that it's true...We have met friends that will be ours for a lifetime...people that we will meet down the road many many times...sometimes planned meetings and sometimes chance meetings...but no matter, there will be a big hugs, good meals, maybe a Blue Margarita or two, and a great time of visiting and catching up on each others travels...

Keeping in touch through the internet has been great...we have met many people right here on the "net" and then meeting them in person is great...you feel like you've already known them and have so much in common...and so much to talk about...

We are at Lake Menden Thousand Trails right now...we are looking forward to seeing some great friends this next week that we met right here on the "net" about a year and a half ago...met in person in Blythe, CA and traveled over to Quartsite with and got to get to know even better during our rally there...so you see we do run into people all the time...

We hope to travel to Florida starting in a couple of weeks...and hope to catch up with another couple that we have grown to love along the way...they will be traveling in the same parts of the country so when we get out there...we will see...we WILL see them...I am sure of that...

You know ... the world is really small and our lives in this world are very short...but when you start a new "lifestyle" like this one, you feel that you are getting the best of both...we are using our maturity to give us the intuition and the patience and the love and care for others that is undenighably only for those of us that have come through atleast 50 or 60 years of life or more...when you are younger...your strength and abilities are spent on earnig a living and raising a family...now, Thank God...all you have to do is get along with each other and learn to love others that come into your path...Oh yes...I think we learned that in Kindegarten...didn't we...oh...I can't remember...that too is a blessing...

We just can't remember life any better than now!!! But as long as we can remember what Highway we are suppose to be on and where we are suppose to spend the night, whether it be at Wal Mart or where ever...I guess we will be OK...

We are looking forward to the next 6 months and atleast the next 20 years on the road...

Hope you have enjoyed the "ride" with us...(via our blog)

My salutation on the "Escapee's Discussion Forum" is:

"Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful RIDE..."

That's a line from a Country song...good salutation for one who is exploring the Country one "ride" at a time!!!

'Till next time....................................

2007-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the new floor guys...didn't he do a good job?????

Matches like we ordered it that way!!!

Shiney too!!!

2007-02-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Look at my mouth...is this the mouth of an "OREO" eater...???

Almost a "see-food" picture...

This is "IZZY"...I got the cookin finally eaten...and not without a mess!!! But it was

"YUMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

2007-02-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well now..."is it nap time yet"? (look at those eyes) I got them together again...but my eyes are gettin ready to shut...I sure hope I get these eaten before I crash...

Maybe if I turn around and face the window..,I won't be too sleepy to eat the cookie...WOW, now I need to examine it again...,Yep...it is really good lookin...

If I put my foot up on Papa and brace myself...I think I'll make it!!! I won't slow down again...I gotta eat this cookie...

2007-02-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

HOW TO EAT AN "OREO" this is "Miss Isabelle" at "Mel's Diner" in Roseville...giving us all a lesson in the eating of the "OREO"...

First the examination...take it apart...check the cream and the cookie..."Looks OK, to me"
I'll just take a bite of the both of them and see...I am all proped up here on my "booster chair"...bare feet and all...can't get better than this...

Just let me lick some of that creme off..."now that's what I'm talkin' about"!

Then I'll just try to put them back together again...how do ya like the tattoos??? I get them from going potty on the potty...how about you??? Do you have tattoos???

Check out my chocolate mouth!!!

2007-02-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

I got all three of them in this one...including Auntie Miimi...Seth and his Mommie and family were all sick and couldn't come over...we sure missed them a lot...
These are just pics that I couldn't resist putting put there...he really is cute...don-cha think???

These eyes are just too much...very intense!!!

2007-02-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

The girls are having lots of fun in Izzy's play room..."so much stuff...so little time"!!!

I wonder if she could be a horse???? Maybe not!!! "Pirate Ship", "Little Mermaid" kitchen..."Wiggles" table and chairs, "McDonald's" Drive-up window... and many, many other things too numerous to mention...

The Mema with the Jackson baby...is he cut or what??? Looks just like his daddy!!!
And here is the Autumn Blossom...way too cute...

2007-02-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

Sunset at the CA Fairgrounds...We have had some big storms...this is one of the great parts of them...the sunsets...
Well...I gotta say that I did see a geek...I think he helped...but I gotta get where I have a good WIFI signal to really try it all out...cute car hugh???

"Put you face over here Big Boy, here I'll help you"...squish...

I love my little cousin, Jackson...

This is "Oscar Night"...we saw more of the kids than the Oscars...but it was really fun...

They are my Oscars...every time I see our grandkids...each and every one of them is an Oscar to me!

Can't get better than that!!!

2007-02-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

Here you see Matt and his "intended"(wedding in April)... checking out the catalog...after trying out the products...he then had to order a few things that he couldn't live without...He is quite the cook...

It was suggested that he give a Papmered Chef party for guys in the Spring and demo all the BBQ stuff...I think that would be a great party...

I bet the guys would buy more than we girls do!!!

Haley and Isabelle playing in Izzy's Pirate Ship...they weren't much interested in the Demo or the products...............

But they did have fun playing..........

When they weren't fighting over who should stear and who should look through the spy glass...typical 2 and 3 year olds...

2007-02-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken night-before-last at Marilee's First Pampered Chef Party or Cooking Show...She did really well there were 6 attendees and we all enjoyed her demo and the pizza that she made...we all ordered things that we just couldn't live without!!!

In this first picture you see from right to left: Matt Marilee's neighbor, Marilee's Aunt Mimi, April and Wendy neighbors, as well. The person in the blue pants is Marilee's Aunt Patti...I don't really know how I missed her in this pic...

Here we see Marilee doin' her Demo...and the Pizza almost ready for the oven.

She really did do a good job.

Then Matt...tried his hand with the products.

In the background you see Izzy's Playroom...

2007-02-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

The Lake...ir really is pretty...

The Sunset...with "TAD" in the foreground...

The Coots in the lake...

And Isabelle in all her glory...on her way to take a shower last night...she looks like Pocahantas...

That's her little doxie "Bella"...Bella ran away on Saturday but she came home by night...what a idoit dog...she only weighs about 4 pounds and just loves to get outta the yard and run loose...I just don't get, that she doesn't get, how dangerous that is for such a little thing like her...Oh well...Izzy is cute...hugh????

2007-02-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

How dare you bother the princess in her video showing room???? Now there's a "look"...

Well I got her dressed and her hair done and she and Papa went for a walk...Papa took the camera and caught some great pictures of her...

She is very interested in the little bear with the fish on his head...

But the fish was attached...she couldn't get it off...

That evening we walked out by the lake and I took these pics...The Park is on the landing path of Sactamento International Air Port...had to get another plane...

2007-02-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

Still on her attack...with both Jenn and I trying to get in the middle of it...

Now you see Autumn won that round... But Izzy held on to the swing for a little longer...

Mommy is saying now Autumn you get out of that swing...you know that it's Jackson's...look at that sweet innocent face...how can you keep from just sqeezin those cute little pink cheeks...

Fast forward to the next morning...Izzy is in Mema and Papa's bed with Dora and her "Chocolate Mikkel"...she's always said Chocolate right but Milk came out "Mikkel" ...watching videos...

2007-02-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

Then there is the horsey...his name is, "I can't remember...", when Mike get's back from walkin' Halle I'll ask him...I'm sure that he'll remember...

She sure loved the little horse though...

Now you have the two girls in their respective carseats and ready for the trip to Autumn's house "by-the-way-of", "Mickey D's " ...you'll remember that Autumn has to have all her babies...well...I can hardly see her over them...are they cute or what???

Mike's back now and the name of the horsey is, of course..."Flicka"...how could I have forgotten that?!?

I sure hope they stay awake 'till lunch...I'm not posative that they'll make it...Izzy looks like she is half way there already...that good ole' fresh air and sunshine will do it to ya'...

Well, we made it to lunch and they ate really good...then we trekked on to Auburn...

This is Autumn...finding Isabelle in Jackson's swing sucking on Jackson's "binkie"...now that just won't do...So Autumn proceeds to get the "binkie' and then hopefully secure the swing as well...

2007-02-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Now after getting them fed...and dressed and their hair done...at about 11:00AM...I sent them all out to play so I coul get ready so we could go to lunch and take Autumn "Blossom" ("Blossom", is my little middle nick name for Autumn...) home. There they go...to the play yard...

Here they are at the play yard...(you can see "TAD" in the back ground) they loved the swings and had to take turns on the baby swing...and with Papa holding them in the other one... I'm not at all sure which one they liked the best...???...

In the next picture you see Izzy in the baby swing...the good part of the baby swing is that Mema pushes you really HIGH...and they really like that too!!!

This last picture is the beginning of the trek back to the Coach to get ready for the drive to Lincoln...and "Mickey "'D's" for their Chucken Nuggets...

It is about a 30 minute drive to Lincoln and another 40 minutes to Autumn's house in Auburn...Lake Menden is really in "The Middle of Nowhere"!!!

2007-02-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Now for the baby overnighters...

Here you see Autumn Blossom with her Papa...now is that the look of a happy baby, or what??? You notice that she has all her babies in her arms...she always has ALL of them whenever and wherever...There is a baby doll, a bear, a frog and a bunny...if they are "all together" she is a happy camper!!!

We went for a ride to get some gas for the Jetta and this is the view from the front window... another "Snowy Egret" they are so lonely looking...always seen alone...

Then in the morning...Isabelle came to stay the day, as well...this is the breakfast table...

Now just what do you think she's thinkin'? I'm sure I don't know but I sure wish I did... Maybe it's: "Papa, you take another picture of me with my hair all a mess..."to the moon Papa"..."to the moon"...

A breakfast of eggs scrambeled with bacon and cheese and toast with jelly and cantelope...they ate a little but not much...

I think they were having too much fun playng to think too long about eating...

2007-02-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

More pretty bird pics...Now that is a Majestic Goose...wouldn't you say???
This is a "Coot"...there are several here at the lake...

Mike thought they were baby Geese....go figure...he takes good pictures but as far as knowing his "wild foul"...
I just don't know...LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Now these are not just good pictures...they are GREAT pictures...and yep...Mike took them...I am so jealous...but stilll glad that we have them!!!
He was out walking Halle and Izzy...and got these BUTES!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

Another pic of the inside of the "Old Spaghetti Factory"...
This is Shirley and Dianne...beside an old fashioned mode of transportation...Much like the people came here to California in...

This is a BIRD...we saw him on the way through Lincoln the other day...It looks like a "Sandhill Crane"...don't really know but that is as close as I can come with my trusty little bird book.

Funny thing about Cranes and Egrets...they don't seem to travel or reside in flocks like lots of other birds do!!!

Just and observation.........

Now I know that these are Canadian Geese...they are hangin' around here at Lake Menden. there are just 4 of them and we have watched them chase off any and all intruders...I think they must have eggs layed somewhere close...They are sure pretty.....Mike took some of these bird shots...starting with this one...

Not bad for a husband's photo....LOLOLOLOL

2007-02-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

This quilt was great...Juanita...thought you's like to see these...

I couldn't pass this up.......... WET & DRY...and usually the only difference that is apparent is that in the WET season, is that you don't have to irrigate... The weathet has beeh fairly good whild we have been here...this past week was great but it is suppose to start raining again...Monday...oving Day...we wil be moving to Cal-Expo...for the last 7 or 8 mdays that we are here in Northern CA...

This us the "OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY " On "J" Street in Down Town Sacramento... Dianne, Shirley and I had lunch there after our trip to the museum.

It is an old train station and is really great looking inside...the food is good too...

This was taken just behind where we sat for lunch. There are many great looking mirrors, lamp shades, and hanging lamps as well as stained glass windows around, all of which are beautiful

Sacramento is a great place to be a tourist...I have just lived here so long that I forgot all the things that are worth looking at and experiencing...

2007-02-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Well, Well, Well.....I am one UN-HAPPY Old LADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We bought a new Computer and I can't work it...Now I can't even get my e-mail!!!

OH well...I hope to get tutored by the "Geek Squad" sometime this week to remedy the problem... 'till then I will be using Mike's e-mail address...I think his works...

Anyway here is an update on our blog...we have been really busy since we got here to Lake Menden...

But here is a Hawk...he was sitting on a pile of gravel out by HWY 99 purrusing his options for lunch...
'

I took Tuesday off and went to the California State History Museum...the following are some of the things that we saw...I went with Dianne and Shirley...

The ancient quilts were really pretty and some of them were really unsual...

This is just a picture of some of the fabtrics that they had arranged in one of the displays.

Notice those prints...I just love those old prints...

2007-02-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

And we celebrated Jerritt's birthday...that cake was so good...a "Baskin-Robins" with dark chocolate cake and dark chocolate rock-road ice cream....I couldn't believe it!!!Soooooooooooooo Good ... Is he cute or what???
Here's Papa telling Izzy good-bye for the nite...she and mommy and daddy are gonna go back in the hall with Jenn, Jerritt, Kathie and Autumn, as well as many others for the "dance"...I heard that the girls had a ball and that they "tripped-the-light-fandango"!!! And kept everyone entertained...

2007-02-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Now just look at that little girl...have you ever seen such confidence in a 20 month old??? Daddy knows it too...

Here you see Izzy giving a "thumbs-up ", for the crab???? I don't think so...but, by-the-way, the crab was the best ever... on Izzy's right you see her mommy getting something...probably a "baby-wipe"...In the forground you see the back of Jenn.

Here you see an almost empty bowl of crab legs...they just keep bringing it...bowl by bowl...Kathie, Marilee and Jenn are really enjoying it...we all did...even Mike ate some...I really don't know if he liked it but he ate it...he likes the chowder and salad and garlic bread though and he eats lots of that...

Bibs and all, Mike, Sally and Dave...It really is a fun time...

Again...we ate too much...."go figure"!!!!!

2007-02-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Well....after I read my last section of this post I saw that the reading material beside Autumn's picture doesn't make any sense, at all...so I will say it again...we were getting ready to go to the Grassvalley Sportsman's Club Annual Crab Feed...we are at Jenn and Jerrit's house and we are getting or watching, I should say, Jenn get the two kids ready for the event...

This is of course...Isabelle and Autumn...I have no idea what has caught their eye...but something did...

Izzy with her Papa's "Kangol" hat on...in her carseat, in the "Vetta"...she's ready for "whatever"...maybe a little nap for the 45 minute drive to Grassvalley... I doubt it...

Now we are at the "Vetren's Memorial Hall" in Grassvalley... and they have passed out the salad, clam chowder & garlic French bread.

YUMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

In the middle on the right you see Dave...Autumn's grandpa holding and her grandma on their right...Sally.

Now here is Jackson, enjoying the Crab Feed...I suppose you are wondering why "HE" has a pink blanket on...well it was borrowed from Auntie Marilee and he got Izzy's blanket.........

2007-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Guess what...a sunset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This taken from the I-5 between Lake Menden and the Elverta Turn-off on our way to Suzanne and Louis' house ...over a rice patty...it is really near the Sactamento International Air Port as you can see in the next picture...

We were going to go out for dinner to celebrate Suzanne's Birthday. We got to meet Louis' parents and his two children...Niko and Bebe (Nicholas and Alisa) 4 and 2 years old, respectivly...now I know you guys aren't gonna believe this...but...I didn't even take one picture..."Senior Moment", Brain F**t, or whatever...but I am so mad at myself...so I'll just have to have another photo opportunity before I leave...

I laughed so hard while taking ths picture because a big truck got in my way just the click before this one...and he really P****d me off...but I showed him...I still got a great picture!!!

These next pictures were taken at the Sportsmans Club of Grassvalley, in Grassvalley ... We went to Jennifer's house first so that we all could go up together...here's the picture by picture event...

This is little Jackson David...he is almost 6 weeks old...(born on 12/22/06)...Mommy had just bathed him and now Auntie Marilee was having a turn with him...is he cute or what???

Here is Autumn getting her picture taken in her dress that G'ma Kathie got her...I just love her in a hat...

2007-02-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Let the Travel BeginWell guys, you haven't heard from us in a while...well that's because we have been really, really busy...

Since we got here to Lake Menden we have had 4 dental appointments, 2 eye Doctor's appointments, 1 lab appointment and one Doctor's appointment...and an appointment with the saled dept. of 1,000 Trails to up date our membership...that took half a day???!!! Very interesting though...I must say thank you to Mom and Dad again for the gift of the membership in the first place...it will prove to be the greatest asset we have while traveling...as far as space rent is concerned...

By the way ... Doctor's gave us a clean bill of health, oretty much...of course I have to loose weight??? And get my blood pressure down...which go hand 'n' hand...other than that, we are just fine...no problems at all...

Then there were two birthdays to be celebrated...and we did go out to dinner and to the show for a "date" one evening...

The evening that we got home we went to Marilee and Dan's for dinner...Izzy was so glad to see her Papa!!! Me too but Papa is the favored one in all of their lives...He is really good with them all...

Mike has a cold now...it has been going around the family...so today we will stay home...hurray!!!! I'm sorry he's sick but I'm so glad to stay home for one day...I am taking Aunt Mimi to dinner and the show tonight though...but I do have the whole day to catch up on stuff...like my BLOG!!!

2007-02-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

This is the view from our front window on Monday morning...at the "Flying "J" in Ripon, CA on our way home from San Diego...

Lots and lots of trucks...

And then we had to drive in the fog...it was cold...and not at all pretty...

2007-01-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Just one more...Nighty Night

2007-01-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but this one is so cool!!! Sometimes I really surprise myself...they sure don't look like this when I take them .............

Now I have pictures from Washington State clear down to Mexico...

I am such a sucker for sunsets...but that is the beautiful color of what God has done...we can never see or take pictures of anything this beautiful unless it it created by Him first!!!!!!!

Thank you God............. Check out these waves...

2007-01-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

This is the boat house...now a eatery...

Then the sunset, Oh my gosh....it was beautiful...Dom took us to a parking lot next to the beach...so I could take pictures...I think I took 50 or more...but I'll just share a few with you...aren't you glad???

This is looking South, the pier you see is in Mexico...that's how far South we were!!!

2007-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Now...what can I say??? this is me taking a picture of me in the mirror...Oh Well...

This is a picture of the bay wiht a Navy ship coming in and the Cityscape behind it with the harbor at Coronado Island in the forground...and across the bridge to the Island we go!!!!

You can see the redroof of the
Hotel Del Coronado ... it is so pretty on the island...it truly seems like another country...

More of the Hotel ... I want to stay there sometime...but I really don't think they have a parking place for our coach...

Can you imagine how grand it was..."Back-in-the-day"?

2007-01-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

This is an amphibious vehicle...it goes on the road and over the water as well...It was so cool...I want to go back to SD and be a tourist again and do all these things that we saw and didn't do...no time in one day!!!
This is just a Cityscape...This is one of my favorite pics...
Now this is a piece of history that most of us will remember...this is the bar/cafe from the movie "Top Gun" they are celebrating their 20 year anniversary...can you believe it has already been 20 years...that tells me that Tom Cruise is gettin' old!!!!LOLOLOLOL

Another Cityscape...I love the reflection in the mirrored windows...it was a great picture day...

2007-01-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Bet you can't tell who this is!?!?!?!?! I was going into a music-box shop...while Mike and Dom waited...Mike just couldn't resist!!!LOLOLOLOLOLOL

"Duck-Crossing" ... Too cool!!!

These were really pretty ducks...it almost seemed like they were put there on purpose...
There were two of these horse drawn carriages...they were so pretty...almost looked like they belonged at Disneyland...

2007-01-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is the 27th...Dominic's 38th birthday...so what will we do today...???...Well first, Dom took me to WallyWorld, while Mike did the laundry.

Then we went sight seeing...First to Rubio's for Lunch...I had grilled salmon salad....Yum-O...and it was on a bed of lettuce! Hallelujah!!!

Then we went down to the warf and over to "Seaport Village "...These pictures are of the City of San Diego...

This is of the bridge over to Coronado Island from Seaport Village...
This is the "Met Life" blimp...it was flying over SeaportVillage...we did do a little shopping, not much though...it was a beautiful day...the afternoon was very nice and warm but as the day wore onit got a little chilly...so we decided to go driving around a bit...

2007-01-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

The waiters and waitresses dance and act really "kookie"... They play 50's music, really loud...and the food is awesome...I had a hot turkey sandwich...with mashed potatoes and gravy...Too much food...again...Ice cream for dessert...Oh my goodness...That wasn't on a bed of lettuce either..."oh well tomorrow is another day"...

Here you see Dominic...he had his dessert with dinner...a "Coke-Float"...it was really good...I know...

One of the last dance the wait staff did before we left was the "Chicken-Dance" they had almost the complete bottom floor dancing with them...

What a "kick in the pants"...

2007-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Look at this...can you believe this ...how does that happen??? It is very interesting...very interesting...

Well we finally made it to San Diego...we parked at a Passport America Park in LeMesa, just outside of San Diego ...our nephew Dominic met us there... It was so nice to see him! He has just been home from the "Sand Country" for 2 weeks.

We went to dinner at one of our favorite places in "SD"...The "Corvette Diner". It is a really great place to go and have fun while haveing dinner...this is a florscent enhanced mural that is on one of the walls...

I took this one because it was done my a person with the name of "Breedlove"...this is the name of a couple that are good friends of Marilee & Dan...

This is another one, This place is really cool..........

2007-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Look at these sand dunes...this is outside Yuma going toward San Diego...so pretty...still another sight that I just loved...

Here is a bike rider at the top of a dune... I just think these pictures are so great...It kind'a makes you think, that they think, that they are on top of the world...that must be really cool!!!!!

Then the scenery turns to "Rock Mountains"...it looks like the rocks have, at one time, had a life of their own and just stacked themselve there...I can't imagine it happening any other way...it is just too interesting how they are all just stacked into the huge mountains that they are...

As we drove we ended up atabout 4500 feet...looking back to where we had come from was awesome...

2007-01-28T19:16:00.000-08:00

This is for Arlin...I took this from the 95 HWY...so you could see the "Q" from my camera.
This is the road...HWY 95 outta town...this is Friday Morning...When we left, there were about 7 rigs left...each and every one of us with an agenda...some more complex than others but we we're all headin' out to a new adventure of some kind.
Further down the road toward Yuma...you come upon this lush farm land...I couldn't believe it...they were growing all sorts of things in the richest looking dirt...what a contradiction in sights...the dessert won't grow anything but cacti and rocks...now we see lush farming goin' on...very, very interesting...

It looked like they were growing greens or something like it...some of it looked like radishes...but the point is they were all very green and very lush...

Then the greatest..."Cracker Barrell", my favorite...I had Catfish, Hush-puppies, with french fries...again...I ate too much...it wasn't on a bed of lettuce either...Oh well tomorrow is another day........it was "YUM-O"............

2007-01-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Here's Coiera eating her cereal...none of that fancy stuff for her...she is all ready to go horseback ridding today with her mom and dad...Have fun guys!!!!!!!!!!!
These next few pics are just of the folks finishing up breakfast...we had some of the most wonderful entrees...we really need to make an "on-line '06 cookbook"...I think I'll start a thread...But then everyone has to add their recepies...so we all can share in the goodies...

This is Mike, Dave, Barb & Stan

This is Shirley, Gene, Shelly & Bobby

This is a Steel Dinosaur that is on the road out of town ("Q")
I took this for you Seth...Show him the dinosaur we saw, Suzanne...he'll love it!!!

2007-01-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well...now this was a kick in the B***...we played the Chinese Christmas Present game...as I told you before...well the next morning Mike had me make a sign that said "FOR SALE OR TRADE" ...so he put the "Neck Stretching Machine, on a chair with the sign in front of our coach...well...lo-and-behold...there was a fellow '06er thathad needed that very apparatus and had did not have hers on her coach...so a "TRADE" happened...so I got the 12v "Slow Cooker", I didn'tneed that either so out on the chair it went...When we woke up hte next morning...the "Slow Cooker" was gone and I had the "Hair Cutting Umbrella"...that was after others saw mw cut Shirley's hair and Mikes buzz job...I like the "Umbrella"...I will take a picture of it the next time I cut hair...Thanks, Maureen...enjoy the "Slow Cooker"!!!!!!!!

On the last morning of our gethering we had a "Brunch" at 10:00AM...I'll tell you what...I'm gonna have to get away from food after this last 2 weeks...if it isn't served on a bed of lettuce or some kind of veggies...I won't eat it!!!!!!!!!! We have some of the best cooks around in this "'06" group.............So here we are lining up again to strap on the "Feed-Bag"...what fun it was though!!!
Everyone milled around and enjpyed our final offical event...Unfortunately Gordon and Juanita had to leave early so we were left our own devices to get this final meal done...we made it...but we did miss them....

2007-01-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the fire...
Here is the Graduation Certificate...is that nice or what???

Then it was time for "Somores"... Ciera and Shirley were getting set up...

Success is the uooey gooey marshmallow, on top od the great chocolate and topped with the graham cracker...then Bon a Peite!!!

Now we're all done...Nighty Night...More to come tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Rick got "BINOCULARS"...what's up with that????I'm still stuck with the ... youknow don't you? Yep, the "Neck Traction Thingy"....LOLOLOL

Now we are at the bonfire...THE BONFIRE...

We got our Graduation Certificates which were graciously made by Dave and Barb. They are really nice...

We also got commerative house mortgages... burned them to ashes...now we are totally free from any encomberances...of the home owner world...Hallwlujah!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Shelly setting hers and Robert's mortgage...You know, it was truly a freeing feeling...kind of a "right-of-passage" thing...we are truly "Full Timers" now.......

Here is Jeff...with Suzaznne taking a picture in the background...they are free too...and we all are on the road to bigger and better things, where ever and when ever they choose to occur...

2007-01-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Now this is a good "white elephant"...Pot-Luck" trays for your food...I liked that one!!! Still couldn't get rid of my "Neck Traction Thingy"

Here you see Ciera helping Carol with the distrbution of the presents as the numbers were called...

Ciera's daddy opening a "fishey spinner thingy..." I really liked that one too... still stuck with my "Neck Traction Thingy" .... boohoo!!!

Ciera is a great 8 year old!

This is Ciera's mom...they are people that I haven't gotten to know yet...hope to tomorrow...I'll make a point...

2007-01-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

We all watched and waited...waited for our number to be called, it was lots of fun...we all had a great time with this game...I kept trying to give my Neck Traction thingy away but no one wanted it...I just don't understand...LOLOLOL

I think this was the third time Terry had to open a present...I think she got to keep this one...

Sherry got my quilt...but she didn't keep it long...I really don't know who ended up with it...I think Carol did but I really don't know!!!

Jeff got some dvd...and an audio tape that he tried to get rid of the other night as prizes for another game...what a hoot............

2007-01-24T19:35:00.000-08:00

After dinner and before the game I caught a few of the ladies checking out the books in our book exchange area...that has been a great addition to our activities...all of you bookies...with all of your already read books got a chance to swap them out with new ones...good readin' folks...

It was Carol, Maureen, & Diane...

Now the game...It was moderated by Carol and we opened, kept stole and swapped gifts...you know those "white elephants"...we all got rid of some and took others home...

Most people got good stuff...you know, stuff that you could actually use...like this lovely box of really nice candles...

Now.... I got...a "Over the Door Head Traction Set"...now tell me...what I will ever need that for...That will be my next "white elephant".... LOLOLOLOL...so you guys beware..."I'll get you my little pretties"...oh yes there was even a book about the "Wicked Witch of the West"!!!

2007-01-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

Here we see some full people...after dinner laughing and kickin around...
This was the length of the table...from this end it looks like a country mile...The weather today and this evening was great!

As you can see the sun was still shinning during dinner...very little wind...just like I have been wanting since September 3rd...it is finally here!!!

We're gettin' ready for the Chinese Christmas Present Game with "white elephants"...well, I bet y'all are wonderin' how we got "white elephants" in our rigs....LOLOLOL...Very Carefully...

You know you always think that in 3 or 4 days you will get to know everyone, atleast a little bit...but as I look at these pictures and write about them I know that I have not gotten to know near enough of the "great class of '06".

One more event, tomorrow morning...then some will go and some will stay...we'll see how many more I get to meet and get to know just a little...

2007-01-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well...I have to tell the "Good", the "Bad" and the "Ugly"...the good is: We had a great "Pot-Luck"...

You know people always show the beautiful table before the folks "Dig In"...well...here is the result of a great pot-luck...

Way after the folks dug in... I am tellin' you...we have had the best food on this trip...there is not a restraunt that could hold a light to this group of cooks...and coming from all parts of the county we got the best of all "time zones"...You see here the remains of the dessert table...Oh My Goodness..............

Here we have several kinds of casseroles, bread and a watermelon salad that was outa' this world. There were a couple of apple salads...KFC now where did that come from???

Here you have red beans and rice...a sausage, potato, cabbage dish, Lazagna, Turkey and other things that I can't remember...but what I do remember...is that it was all good ...

Here we have a strogonoff, a Jumbylia (sp??), a tatertot casserole with cheese and meat Oh my goodness...it was all there...no matter what you like you could eat and eat all you want...

There was pleanty left-over to have another pot-luck...Maybe tomorrow night...???

2007-01-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

I think that I posted this picture before but someone has asked to see who we are...so I will post again...This is Mike and Charlie...alond with grandson Seth...he was getting ready to go on his first ride in Mema and Papa's "Coach House" ...

Here are couple of new piocs that I got from our daughter Harmony...in FLA...of our grandson Lukas...

I think this one must have been taken at daycare...He is becoming quiet a little man... He sure is lookin' like his Mommy...

This is the group of Class of "'06" that has met at Quartzsite, AZ...

2007-01-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

Let the Travel BeginOh...my goodness...It did publish...Sorry for the repeats...

2007-01-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well...I have tried to post this issue of our blog for ...well, I think this is the fourth time...sure hope it takes this time... We are still here in "Q" enjoying " our New Friends as well as some that we have met along the way. Here we have Arlin and Linda that we met back in April in Chico, CA at the SKP's Escapade...sorry if I have told you that info. before,.but when you are over 60 you can do that...LOLOLOL

Here is their little "Beau"...he is a very sweet very well mannered Cocker.

As we were visiting with Arlin and Linda, there was emergency at the "Big Tent", this is the Life Flight helicopter.

And on our way back home I got this picture of the back row of our "06" rigs...

2007-01-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

How many SKPs does it take to start a fire??? Well this one was a "booger bear"...but they finally got it started with John's "fire starter brick"...sure felt good though...

Our resident 8 year old...Ciera...and her daddy...

Adding fuel to the fire...Maureen at the helm...

coatson now under blankets and sitting by the fire...it is getting chilly...but what a nice day we have had...very little wind and lots of sun...I think it got up to 68 today...

2007-01-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Filled their plates ands bowls and found their seats and started to munch...
See the crowd....I don't know how many of us there were but there were alot...I'd say 50 or 60 people...

The line just kept going, and going, and going...

Some were even eating in line...feature that from a group like this....manners???????????LOLOLOL

2007-01-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

This is "Beau", Arlin and LInda's"pooch"...he is a darling and very well mannered...how could you not love that face???

On our way home I took this picture of the back of our coaches...at least the ones on this side...

Then the "HOBO STEW"...we had four pots and they were all wonderful... I am sure that no one went away hungry...Dan...this is your pot it is full of stew...thanks for letting me use it!!!

They all lined up...and got bread, butter corn bread, chips,m rice and of course STEW!!!

2007-01-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

Arlin & Linda...our friends fron Paradise,CA...now from where ever the coach parks...right now it is here in "Q"...aren't they a cut couple...???...they are really nice too....thanks to them for a good visit this afternoon... Great monogramon their coach, doncha think??? Great for "Fulltimers"...at least that's what our families think we are.....PLUM CRAZY

There was an "Air Flite" pick up at the back of the big tent today while we were at Linda and Arlins...sure hope the ailing person is OK...

2007-01-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Now we get down to business...snacking for dinner and our little drikie poos...We had such good food...no one had to go home and fix dinner...as you can see, we have a little person with us...she is 8 years old...very nice little girl...traveling fulltime with her mommy and daddy...home-schooler... what a great way to live and grow up...
Get in that chow line and help your self...Good...Good...Good...

Now we're all nesteled and snug in our chairs...chompin and chompin...

Then Jeff called Betty and Jim...our founders of our class...who unfortunately are not with us...we sent thm a bug YAAAAAAAHOOOOOOO, Texas style...as you can see here by Suzanne's demonstration...What a group...What Fun...

I will send out more info. later...

Gordon is suppose to take individual Rig/Couple pics today so he will be getting those to you I am sure...you guys will love meeting all these wonderful people...even if it is "long distance"....

2007-01-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is a great picture of the planning stages of the Snack party. Just where should we put the tables so that we are outta' the wind????? As you can see...we are still in COLD weather...lots of sun thank Heavens but very cold...

Here are some of the rigs...I think they said that there are 25 + of us here...I think that is a great turn out...but if you aren't here with us ...we miss you...

Some more of the rigs

and still more...

people are just getting to know each other...and really enjoying the opportunity to share the stories of how they got to this place out in the middle of the desert...

Everyone of the stories is great...I think we should make a thread on the forum sometime to tell each and every story...we could probably sell it...it would be so good...

2007-01-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

The desert is amazing...It takes on so many different faces during the day...this is mid-day...

This is of one of the vendors...I just love these things...I just gotta get me one, one of these days...

This is in the evening...............

I know this has been long...but I didn't have internet for a few days...so bear with me...and I'll try to keep up better from now on...

2007-01-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

From Left to Right: "Reb" & Shirley, Me and Mike, Gordon and Juanita and the lovely HuseNet dish that is making my blogging possable!!! Thank you Gordon...

The group...I think we have about 19 coaches now...

"Here's Your Sign "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And here's some people...

It was so cold, and has been sence we got here that it has made socializing in the large group almost impossable...but today they say it will get better...I hope!!!

2007-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is the road to the parking area for the
"Class of '06"...HUMMMMM?????

We made it there...there are about 10 rigs already here...I am so excited...

A man flying HIGH!!! Right over the top of our coaches...

Here is a rear view of our parking places....

2007-01-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

These are some shots I took on the way in of all the rigs...

This, of course, is the "BIG TENT"...I guess it has everything you could ever imagine in it...I will go there sometime this week...

Vendors, vendors and more vendors.............

and in the background rigs, rigs and more rigs...

2007-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Is this cool or what??? These are metal sculptures...but this shows me that there are alot more people than "Full timers here...Where would you put something like a horse like that in your coach...LOLOLOLOL They are beautiful though.............

Just a sign...

"Reb" and Shirley's Montana going down the road to the spot to park our coaches...

The line of cars and coaches going to parking places, etc...

2007-01-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

We went in to town and this is what we saw...(we had our fry bread too)...

Lots of people...lots of vendors, lots of cars and lots of fun looking at all the "stuff"...
Very picturesque...

2007-01-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

These next pictures show you the beging of the vendors and the sign advertising the "Big Tent Event"...by the way the wind was blowing so hard yesterday that it blew part of the "Big Tent" down so they closed the show for the day...Mike, Shirley and "Reb" went over there again this morning...I stayed home to do my blogging...It has beeh very cold too...I loeft a glass of ice water on the table last night and it still had ice in it this morning when I got up...it was 37 outside at 8:00AM...But the weather says that it will be getting warmer and the wind will stop blowing...Hallelujah!!!

It is just like a big...big...big...big...flea market...We had some "Indian Fry Bread Tacos" yesterday that were unbelieveable...wish I had one rignt now!!!

There are cars, RVs, and vendors as far as the eye can see...

2007-01-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

If you look really close you can see little white specks that might appear to be snow in the little valley ahead...that is a small sampleing of the million and a half or so RVers that are in "Q"...

This picture is just of the landscape...the desert is pretty but you wouldn't wanta live here...to barren for me...

We're here...first glempse of the emense gethering of RVers...

I don't know if these pictures will bring to you the vastness of all of this but just think it goes for miles and miles long and wide...almost covers this whole valley...I wonder what the "Horney Toads" think??? If I was younger I would catch one for Seth...he would love it...maybe I'll try...LOLOL

You gotta know that as we entered this township...I was in tears...never thinking that we would be here...with such nice friends...living "THE AMERICAN DREAM"...the one we dreamed is happening...."Thanks be to God" and His faithfulness...

2007-01-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

After "Happy Hour "...by the way...we did get "HAPPY"... as you can tell from the looks on "Reb" & Shirley's faces...we went to "Reb" & Shirley's house for the main part of dinner...Gordon BBQed delicious pork tenderloin, Shirley made "delacious" mashed potatoes, and I made my friend Dianne's corn salad...good...good...good...

Then we went to our house for a triple berry crumble for dessert...

Guess what...none of us are on a diet?!?!?!?!?!?!
Can't be there is just too much good food...
This us the Colombia River at sunrise...I am standing out in front of our coach in my robe, freezing to death, to get this picture, at 6:15AM
Here you see us at about 9:00AM lioneing up at the dump station before we leave Hidden Beaches for Quartzsite...I can't believe we are on our way to the last leg of this trip...to our graduation party...for the "Class of '06"!!!
We're-Off.......Goin down the road...you see what we see...Reb and Shirley in their "Montana" and in the lead you have Gordon and Juanita in their "Sunny Brook"...we're pulling up the rear...

2007-01-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here you see Gordon...taking a picture of me taking a picture...Also Juanita and "Reb" & Shirley as well... This seems so natural...like we have been doing this for ever...new friends that seem like we have known forever...What a great way to spend the days of our retirement...

Now here is the Colorado River...this is the view from our front window...

Can you believe it??? I can't...The beauty of this Earth is awesome...

We went to Gordon and Juanita's house for "Happy Hour"...Bodie was not impressed...he just had to sleep from all the excitememt...

Gordon and Juanita shared some of "The Bubbly" to christen our meeting and our future as friends...what a nice gesture...good snacks too...

2007-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

When we got to Hidden Beaches there was a gereat welcoming committee...They were just so proud of the ir little place...Halle didn't even chase them and I gave her enough rope to but she just went over and sniffed them and they let her for a split second...I really douldn't believeit...

This Picture is of the front of "TAD" and the back of Gordon & Juanita's rig (sorry, I can't remember his name)

Here we see Shirley backing Gene into their spot...you know...I really can't believe the friends that we have met...this was orchestrated by"someone bigger than the both of us"...We could never have imagined before we started what was ahead...if we could have wewould have never been able to stand the wait!!!!

Behind her you see the Colorado River...I just couldn't believe that we were parking right beside the Colorado River...what a beautiful site!!!

After we all got set up we started getting toKnow Gordon and Juanita...just asw I thought...GREAT PEOPLE... now there are 6 of us traveling together...we couldn't have hand picked better people to travel with...

Here you see Gordon and Juanita kicking back at our house...Shirley and "Reb" are there too, you just can't see them in thispic...

"LET THE FUN BEGIN"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

I thought that there were these windmills only in NoCAL...but we have seen lots of t hem...so I had to take some pictures of it...

Then we passed by the Bob Hope Open...here is the blimp and hte next picture is the tent...

It was really kind of neat seeing all this stuff!!!!!

Then we got to Hidden Beaches... This is where we will meet up with Gordon and Juanita...

2007-01-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

OK guys ... you're gonna have to bear with me here. I haven't been able to get on line for a few days now and lots of good stuff has happened that I want you all to see...so here goes...

This first picture is of Gene (Reb) & Shirley's Mintana leaving Meadowbrook RV Park in Perris, CA...we are on our way to Blythe,CA to catch-up with Gordon and Juanita... and from there we will head out to Quartzsite...

This is the Historic Perris Train Station...

The next pic is of the landscape that we are seeing going down the road. Very interesting...

This is of a Casino...you could see this tower from miles back...

2007-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

We walked around the planes and the boys seemed to really enjoy this part of the day the most...it must be a "MAN THING"...I enjoy seeing them...but I don't have to see each and every one inside and out...

Shirley and I talked alot and got to know each other more...it is amazing that there are people out there that have had similar lives...It "just -goes-to-show-you" that there is really "nothing new under the sun", and that as you trek through this life there really are others that are walking the same or atleast very similar steps as you are... In a way of it's own, that kmowledge is comforting...

Then, "low-and-behold" there was a blue bird...on the fence...too cute...He/she wouldn't show me theoir face and then when they did my picture came out blurry...OH WELL...Sure is pretty though...

2007-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

I took a oicture of this because that's where my dad started his carreer in the Air Force...the US Army Air Corps...They had many many things...memorabilia, pictures and artifacts from the First World War on up through Desert Storm...it was very intersting...

I am so proud of the individuals in our family that have served our country n the Military forces...and when you go to the museums like these you really see the sacrifices that are made on our behalf...

We all were amazed by this plane the "Black Bird"...still to this day it is the fastest plane in the air and it was manufactured in 70s...

This is just a picture taken of the Air Control Tower...across the base from where the Museum is...it was a very large Air Force Base...In a beautiful setting...there not many beautiful settings here in the desert of CA...But this one with the mountains behind it was pretty nice...As we sat here on a small set of bleachers we wished that they were having an air show...we had the best seats in the house, "so-to-speak"!

2007-01-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here we are at March Field Air Museum...located in Hemit, CA where the Formerly known, March Air Force Base is...We went for a day of site seeing with Gene ("Reb") & Shirley...New friends that have become good friends that we feel that we have almost kown forever.

That's what this life is all about...Seeing New Places and New Faces...enjoying the "Good Life"...I thank God always that we are able to do this...that we have health enough to do this and that we as a coulple couldn't be happier...

Check out ther inseginia on the aitrplane ... "Problem Child ", an approperiate sign for these three...of course Shirley took a photo with me in it...we are quite a team...We like the same music (Country)...the same food (lots-a-Mexican) and we love to visit, visit, visit...

Just outside the door to the Museum they have a Heritage Court, all of these tiles have someone's name and rank on them...purchased in memory of them...It was really beautiful.

The weather was really nice today...it got up to the low 60s and the low last night was only in the 40s...when you were not in the wind...you could get nice and toasty...not HOT but just right...

2007-01-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

Blue Margaritas, Carne Asada Tacos, Refried Black Beans with lime, Avacado Salsa, and Brownies for dessert. Oh my goodness...what a good time we are having...

Too much food...but the stories all around and the getting to know each other has been a great experience...Gene and Shirley are wonderful folks to spend time with!!!

Aren't those Margaritas beautiful?!??!?!?!?!?

Shirley taking a picture of Mike taking a picture of us...

Our coach doesn't lend it's self to a comfortable dining experience for more than two, so I cooked at my house and had snacks with Shirley's blue Margaritas and then transported the food nextdoor and we ate at Gene and Shirley's...it worked out really nicely!!

Arent they a cute couple????

Tomorrow we are going to go to the March AFB Museum...should be fun...we are really looking forward to it...

It is still very cold outside...today was nice as long as you didn't get out into the wind...but the wind felt like it was coming right off a snow bank...cold, cold, cold...

Today, we went to see Cousin "Do", in Sun City...we had a great visit with her and saw a lot of the remodeling she has been doing...sure is lookin' good...It was great to visit for a while...

2007-01-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

This picture is taken at the Palmdale Fair Grounds. There were lots of dirt bikers there...it looked like they were having so much fun...

This beautiful photo was taken as we were just entering and the Imperial Valley...

Today I will get some pictures of the Passport America Park, here in Perris,CA, that we are staying at until the 18th.

Pictures of our "new friends Gene & Shirley...we will be traveling to Blythe, CA to meet up with others that are on their way to "Q" too.

Then we all will trek into "Q" on the 20th...we will be there until the 25th and then start back home again...

Just a side note...our nephew Dominic has made it home from Bahgdad...for the last time...Thanks be to God!!! Talked to him yesterday and he sounds great...

2007-01-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well guys...we are on the road...on our way to9 Quartsite, AZ for the "Class of '06 Rally " ... we really thought this day would never come...but ...lo-and-behold, here we are...

Night-before-last we stayed in a WalMart parking lot with about 7 other RVers and a couple of truckers in Bakersfield on HWY 58... it was OK...but it was cold...and using the generator was OK but we didn't want to disturb other sleepers so we were about 40 degrees inside the coach when we got up in the morning ... BURRRRRRRRRRR!

Then we proceeded from Bakersfield to Perris, CA...these pictures are of what we saw along the way....the hillsides and other topography were very interesting...we hadn't been on this road since the last time we went to Mexicali, Mexico...a long time ago!!! so everything looked different...

The arid desert is so different than anyplace we have been since we started in September...very dry...but very COLD!!!

The windmill hills were interesting...they are seen in Nor. Cal. too but they always impress me!!!

The vistas are dynamic...with the cold windy weather the views were great...

2007-01-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

The California sun setting over a rice field...just after I took the bird pictures...still another rice field...I guess there is no telling why the birds choose one field over another...some are so crowded that you can't believer that another bird could fit at all then still others have no birds at all, like this one.
This is the Eastern Sky with the clouds building up over the Sierra Foothills...beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...

One more day 'till "Lift-Off"...Arizona, Here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here you can see the two different types of geese that are in this one particular rice fieldthe white ones are "Snow Geese and the dark brown and black ones are called "Bean Geese"...can't really tell you why but that is the name...I get the "Snow Geese" one but the "Bean Geese" one really is strange...they don't look like berans to me...Oh Well...They all are really cool to watch...we were only about 50 feet from these...

Here you see some of the "Snow Geese" in flight ...you can see that if all of them flew at once there would be a great specticle...we have seen them flying in formation way up high...there must be missions of them.

These that you see sitting are more of the "Swans ", it seemed to go on forever...they were in adjoining field...the "Swans"weren't mixed with the "Goose" variety...I wonder why???

I took lots of pictures...but just wanted to show you a few...

It was almost sunset and the light was wonderful...

2007-01-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Now here's some pics of Wild Birds...This first picture is of some Snow Geese...the white ones...and the brown, black and white ones are called "Bean Geese"...well, as you can see they have taken over this rice field...that has been partially flooded...

These are hunting preserves out here so I am sure that do this to luer the birds in...and it really works...there are birds everywhere...sometimes the sky can look like a road map with all the birds in flite.

I love this picture...I try so hard sometimes to get them taking off or landing and to get this one was a real prize to me...they were takin' off because they heard us...

2007-01-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Well...our days at Menden Lake, Nicolas, CA are numbered to two now...We will leave Saturday Morning Early...we will trek to Elk Grove first for Breakfast with Dianne and Joe and then off to Bakersfield and then to Perris, CA...to meet up with a couple (the Schaffers) from the "Class of '06" at a Passport America Park...then we will depart there on the 18th to trek over to Blythe to meet up with more '06ers and make our way to Quartzsite for the big "Class of 06" Reunion Rally on the 20th...I just know that it is gonna be a hoot!!! We can't wait to meet-up with all the folks that we have been corresponding with for over a year now!!!

These pictures are of the Sunrise this morning...can you believe it??? I was up for Sunrise...I can't imagine why I was up...but since I was I had to get a sunrise picture and a beautiful sunrise it was...

These two pictures I took yesterday of the Swans...I love the first one...that swan in almost the middle of the picture was just landing...I couldn't even tell if I got the shot,he was too far away...but as you can see I got him...

This one is of a "Snowy Igret" (which I have been calling "Cranes) and two "Mallard Ducks" that ewere sharing some of the waters with the "Swans "...this area is all surrounded by rice fields that are flooded right now...the planting having just been done so it makes a great feeding ground for all kinds of bird-life!

I found out that the "Cranes" were "Snowy Igrets" because our daughter, Harmony...you know the one that's in the Air Force, stationed at Patrick AFB, FLA"...well she sent me a "bird book"...she had no idea that I had put three things on my list after Christmas of things that I wanted...one was a "bird book"!!! So thank you honey...I love it!!!

We have had a wonderful tme here in the Central Valley of CA...visiting with our kids, grandkids, other relatives and friends has been really nice...Now we are ready to see what comes next...the people and places that lay ahead of us this year beckon us...

We will see all of the most Southern States of our country: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Lousiana, Mississippi, Alabama. Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklamoma...and all that before we get back to the West Coast by the middle of June...then we are headed for Winchester Bay, Oregon, Astoria, Oregon, Vancouver, BC, Alaska (on a Cruise) then Victoria, BC and then whatever comes next...

2007-01-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos that our friend Bobbette took out in front of her home in Lincoln...the little kid is our grandson Seth...he was gonna go for a ride in Mema and Papoa's "Coach House"...and spend the nite...

2007-01-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pics from the dinner...a geed dinner was had by all here you see Wayne, Shirley, Howard, and Bobbette...
Shirley is counting the $$$ so we could get outta there!!!

We had Prok Fried Rice, Chow Mein, Hong Kong Style, Candied walnut Chicken, Sweet and Sour Shrimp/Chicken...Steamed Rice, Kung Pow Beef, General's Chicken, and Orand Fortune Cookies..."Yummmmm O"

2007-01-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

We went to Suzanne's for dinner last night and the kids had a great time...Suzanne made Chicken Enchalads with Spanish rice and I made salad and Marilee made Brownie Sundaes for dessert...So much for dieting...

Here is Seth...he spent the night with Mema and Papa in the "Coach House" last night...he loved rideing in it...he got to ride with us when we came from Lincoln back to Menden Lake...

I was trying to take a picture of Isabelle playing with the toys in the dry tub and she would do nothing but squint her eyes...Oh Well..that's a 2 year old for you!!!

Here is the race track...I think Mike and Suzanne had more fun than the kids...

Anyway guys that's it for this time new, news soon!!!

2007-01-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well...here we are atr Prairie View Lane...our old neighborhood...What a "hoot"...we took "TAH" over to meet our old, wonderful friends at Del Webb in Lincoln, CA...we stayed the night on the street ther and visited and vistied and visited...

First you have
Mike, to his left is Joe and Terry...on the right you have Bobbette & Joann...we are parked in front of Bobbette's home...

Here you see, to your left Shirley... then on her right you have another Joann...in the back is Delores and Dianne... You know there is nothing better than good friends...
There was also Ione, Howard, Mike and I...so you see...we had a great party

After a couple of adult beverages we went to pur favorite Chinese eatery and had dinner...returned to the Coach for a great "PORT" and some delicious dark chocolate...
Here is a good picture...taken by Mike...by the way of "TAD" across the lake...

2007-01-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is the third of Jan. 2007...we are still at the Loomis RV Park...we will be here until Friday...when we will return to the 1,000 Trails in Nicoolas. In my last blog you saw all of the New Year's Day Festivities...but since then we have really settled down...We had Izzy overnight the first and Mommy came and brought us lunch from "Chic-Filet" ... and took her home with her...We really enjoyed having her and we "all" slept 12 hours straight...

Today Mike had to go to a Funeral for one of the guys he worked with for many years...so he was gone much of the day...You know those things are sad to see but it is really good to see all of the other people that have attended the event...all guys and gals that he has worked with for the past 35 years. Of course all 0f them wanted to know how we were doing in our "new found" Lifestyle ... Mike was very happy to pass our our "cards" and tell everyone all about it!!!

These Swan Pictures were taken the other day over in Nicolas where the 1,000 Trails RV park is...I forgot to show them to y'all...I really couldn't believe that they were swans...but there are 1,000s of them out there in all of the flooded rice fields around that area...

The ones that you can't see their long gracefull necks and lovely heads are under water gleening what they can...they stay down a long time...
This last picture is of the Office here at Loomis RV Park...it looked very Christmasey!!!!!!!! I want the palm tree...

2007-01-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

A "Concherto by Three "...a little loud...but Georgeous at the same time !

Then it was...take the Coach back to the Loomis RV Park 'till Friday...We brought "IZZY" home for an "overnighter"...hope Mommy survives...

We will have Seth overnight on Friday and then Autumn next Tuesday...It is really fun having them for a little sleep-over...

Check this out...Sacramento Sky Scape...It was truly a great day and a wonderful way to start the New Year!!!!!!!!!!

Hope and Pray that you all had a Good Start too...

2007-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here we see Jerritt and his little boy, Jackson...with GreatGrandma lookin' on...checking the kid out for the first time!!! Pictures say a million words and are worth a million dollars...

From the oldest to the youngest!!! What a blessing these times are!!!!!!!!!!!

This was just too cute...and overwhelming at the same time...Such a wonderful GreatGrandma...and such a beautiful GreatGranddaughter...

I believe that we have been blessed with very beautiful and talented grandchildren and so very blessed that their Great Grandparents get to see and enjoy them too...not to mention what that means to the Great grandchildren too...

Special, Special times...........................

2007-01-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

And here is "IZZY" arriving at the party...was she "stylin" or what??? This is the day that Granny passed, 2 years ago...so it can sometimes seem hard to get through...but I I have to tell you, these little ones really help to soothe the pain of the losses in your life...

Here is little Seth...for 2 years he was the only boy...now her has two boy cousins: Lukas 7 months old and Jackson 11 days old... Is he cute or what???? Papa was takin' this picture...can you see the love in those eyes???

Now here is the youngest...Jackson David...He is growing in size and strength...he is cute as button...............and the center of attention, I might add...

Now we get to see Mike's Mom and dad in our coach for the first time...They loved it...We are so happy that they were abole to come and see us, the new baby and our coach today...it made it truly a Happy New Year...

2007-01-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day 2007...We left our friend's Joe and Dianne's home at about 11:00AM...we had a great New Year's Eve with them...Joe smoked a "briskit"...man was it good...There were 7 of us for dinner and the evening...I did not take a picture one??????

Oh Well, You'll just have to trust me...we had a great time and great food and drink all evening and into the early minutes of 2007...Actually we didn't retire untill after 2:00AM, although I was asleep from about 12:15 on...they said I didn't snore too much!LOLOL

This first picture is of the "Sierra Nevadas"...they are about 100 miles away, but on a clear beautiful day like today you almost think you can see the skiiers on the slopes...It was truly a beauti9ful day slight winds that made it feel really cold, but beautiful...

We were on our way to Auburn...we went to "Jumbo Chinese" in Lincoln first for the "Take-Out"...Two husge boxes of GREAT FOOD...so much infact, that we all ate and took all we wanted home and there was still lots left for leaving at Jenn & Jerritt's house...

We proceeded to enjoy the kids for "Kid's Christmas" and a visit from Mike's Mom and Dad to see our coach and the New Grandson...Jackson who is 11 days old today! The first picture is of Autumn, Jackson's big sister!!!

2006-12-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

New project I worked on for a couple of friends for Christmas..."Jewelery Trees "...These pictures aren't the greatest...but maybe you can get the idea...

They were really fun to make, but more time consuming than I had Imagined...

They are about 12" high and the base is about 4" ...
Lots-a-glue, lots-a-old jewlery...

It did keep me busy for a couple of days too...made Mike Happy...........

Happy, Happy New Year to all who come here to view our blog...

We will be experiencing our first New Year's Eve as we did Christmas in our new lifestyle...We have enjoyed it very much...taking your oun bed/home everywhere you go is quite a nice thing...You can go home anytime you want...

"2007 brings us closer to Heaven"...that's our motto for this year...We are looking forward to exploring and experiencing more of our "Heaven-on-Earth", as we travel and meet all of you nice people out there and see just what God has created in this Country of ours and to see what He has in store for us as "Full-Time-RVers"...

Remember..."Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful RIDE"......

2006-12-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

More floor time... you know it soesn't take much to make a child happy............
The perfect end to a perfect day...saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa...

2006-12-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Here we see Jennifer toond Mikey.... erritt's friend Mike's boy and Autumn hangin' out with Grandma Sally...

On the left is Becky Mike's Wife and the babysitter for Autumn and Jackson.

Now Isabelle wants to shoot some hoops with Uncle Jerritt I just don't know where these children get all the energy...I know that as others before me have said, if we could bottle it we would be millionaires...

Uncle Jason is gving Autumn some "floor time"...she was just luvin' it!!!!!!!!!! The evening was winding down...We had a great ham dinner...it ewas all so good...dessert was Chocolate Fondu with pineapple, bananas and pound cake to be dipped in coconut or slivered roasted almonds, pumpkin pie and Banana Cream pie made by my friend Janice...she is the best pie maker this side of heaven!!!

2006-12-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Now we are at Jennifer, Jerritt, Autumn and Jackson's house...I am so glad that Jackson made it before Christmas...it sure made Christmas complete. Here you see Autumn, my little "Autumn Blossom"...Opening presents was the agenda for the day...I really didn't thing that it would ever be over...the presents just kept flowing...

Here you see...Jerritt (Autumn and Jackson's daddy) and Grandma Kathie...she has a much nicer camera than mine...but whose checking???LOLOL

Here is Marilee, she is enjoying that little Jackson boy... He is really cute and a very good baby!!!

Now "THE GROUP" at Jenn and Jerritt's house;
from left to right: Mike, one of Jerritt's friends, Jason and Jenn, Jerritt's brother and girlfriend, Dan, Marilee's Husband in the blue shirt and Jerritt in the white "T" shirt then you also see Grandma Sally and Auntie Lee Lee (Marilee).

2006-12-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

This is "Grammy" The Matriarch of Mike's Family...the most lovely woman I have ever met...she is fingering the down slippers that Grampy got her for Christmas...

Now here we have Auntie Mimi...she is the oldest living sibling of Mike's family...she is opening a gift from us...

Well you know there is a gift that is given, gotten, or gotten by someone else that that just "trips the light fantastic"...well here it is for this year!!!

Can you believe that this is a throw...it is a portrait of her three great- granddaughters that is woven into the threads of this blanket that she will use while having dylasis...You can see the perspective with Izzy standing in fron of it...she , Izzy was amazed to see herself so big...

Grampy had this made for Grammy...he is a prince...

2006-12-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

Now we couldn't have Christmas without our four legged kids...here we have our little girl "Halle", and her 1/2 sister "Bella", who belongs to Izzy. "Halle" is almost 6 years old and "Bella" is almost 5.

All dressed up and ready for the rest of the day...next stop Grammy and Grampy's house...

Looks like she needs a nap already!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know I do!!!!!
Helping Aunt Patti taking the "loot" into Grammy and Grampy's house...........

Tjis ids Grammy and Grampy's house and their tree...it is fiberoptic..."I don' know what that is but I won't one"...

Thar's Izzy's picture on the tree...

See all the owls...Grammy collects them...she must have over a 1,000...I know that I tried to count them about 17 years ago and I got up to 500 or so, so.........who knows????

2006-12-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

Izzy is shaveing...with some kind of little lighted whirly gig thingy... Cute or what??? She has her Christmas jammies on...appropriate , don-cha think???

Here we see the staircase and the tree in the livingroom... I think they decorated really nicely...don't you???

Now we have Marilee making breakfast...she is a great cook...

Now who the heck is "Dora"?????? I can't tell you but all the toddler set cannot live without her...She is cute and she speaks English and Spanish...this particular one is computer programable...she will know Izzy's name, her age her favorite color her favorite food, her favorite toy & Etc....WHO-DA-THUNK-IT????? Not me!!!!!!!!!

2006-12-26T17:15:00.000-08:00

Izzy got up...9:00AM...that'll be the last year for that... This is at Izzy's house...our old "Stick-House"...it is a beautiful home!

Papa got huggs even before the presents got opened...You know...thete is nothing greater than the love of a child...totally unconditional...just pure love...

But then reality had to set in...there was a "Mermaid" kitchen, a " Dora, Pirate Ship" with costumes, and a "Barbie" quad... among miriads of other things...You know, kids get so "overwhelmed" (I hate that word, but here, it fits...) on Christmas...they don't even know what they got until about Spring...

Here is one of Izzy's trees...this pone has lots of her ornaments on it...the tree skirt was crocheted by her
Great Grandmother, "Grammy" ...

By the way...I want that Flamingo ornament!!!

This Christmas was very different for us as I am sure that it was for all of our new-found friends that have chosen "Full Time RVING" as a lifestyle...It was bitter sweet...No one does it like I did it...and that is probably a good thing...It is just really different...We had breakfast at Marilee, Dan and Izzy's...Marilee made a great breakfast casserole...I'm getting the recepie so I can try it out on some of you "down the road"...

2006-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

As you might suspect I took many, many pictures...the first half are on Jerritt's Camera...I couldn't understand why ai had no view on my screen for the longest time...well...I hate to admit it but I had the "lens cover on"... Oh well there were only three of us in there taking pictures...infact there were Crandma Kathie, Auntie Brooke, Auntie Marilee, Grandma Sally, The Doctor and a nurse, Jenn, Jerritt, and me, the Mema all in there for the birthing...Auntie Marilee, Auntie Brooke & Grandma Kathie assisted Jenn in the delivery...it was fast...less than 5 minutes...no one could believe it, not even the DR...I tell you, once she get's started she takes care of business and in a marvelous way...seeing the babies born is such an amazing thing...There has to be a GOD,people...no one else could have ever invented this process...or created such a joyful occasion...

The above picture is Mommy, Daddy and Grandma Sally...Is that Momma and Daddy proud, or what??? Jackson David will be the "Man" to carry the Price name for the next generation, Jerritt being the only "Price" Son and Grandson...now Jackson is the and will be the only great-grandson...The "Price" family is elated...We are too ofcourse...that goes without saying...He is our 6 grandchild and we are proud as punch...we now have three girls and 3 boys...........

I just love little babies...I could just sqeezt them...such a miracle...and to get to observe this miracle is such an honor...my thanks to Jenn and Jerritt for encluding us all in this wonderful event..............

Here you see Papa Mike, a very happy and gloating Mommy and Daddy just mesmerized by that little Jackson David...

The PROUD..........................

We moved yesterday morning before we went to the Hospital...We will be here at the Loomis RV Park for just a week then we will return to the 1,000 Trails for the duration of our stay...There is a big difference between $250 a week and FREE...........Even if I do have to go to the lodge for WIFI!!! I'd rather spend that $$$ playing, wouldn't you???

Well Merry Christmas if I don't get back in here before then...enjoy every minute and everyone no matter where you are or who you are with...I know some of you are spending it with newly found friends and neighbors so have a blast..................

2006-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

Well...now we have had a couple of VERRRRRY busy days...Thursday was to be our "Kids Christmas", that was to be held at Jennifer & Jerritt's home...well we went up to take care of Autumn for Jenn (remember...she is 9 months pregnant, expecting Little Jackson any minute) because she had a Dr.s appt...well they decided to keep her...she had enough issues goin' on that they wanted to enduce labor and get this little guy here before Christmas, he really wasn't due 'till Jan. 3rd... So needless to say we canceled "Kid's Christmas "till further notice...And Jackson David Price was born on December 22 at around 10:45PM, he weighed in at 7/14.8 and 20 & 1/2 inches long. Mommy, Baby, Daddy and all are doing fine...He's so cute...Mommy and Daddy did a really good job...

This first picture was taken in Downtoewn Roseville of their old theatere...Oh "by-the-way" ... I am using a very old digital camera as I left my good one at Jenn and Jerritt's on Tuesday...NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So bear with me, please...

This next one is of the sunset over Roseville...

And the little sliver of a moon ... over the sunset, over Roseville..........