After a week of rainy, cold, grey weather - enough to give a "right jolly old elf" depression - the sun arrived in the UP.
Saturday was a beautiful day and we spend much of it outside. Mostly around the campground. Around 3:30 we went to the races. TM found on the internet there were, I think, stock car races nearby, so off we went. After missing the sign the first time by, we found it the second time. We were surprised that it didn't turn out to be a dirt road, way out in the fields. Of course all the parking was dirt. The track itself is paved, but no such luck for anyone else. We had taken some chairs just in case, but there was plenty of seating in the bleachers. Yeah, right. After just a short time of the sun beating down on us, we were over it. At least TD and I were. The poor pup was really hot so I took him over to the shade trees. He was much happier in just a few minutes. Shortly thereafter, TM decided he should try the shade. Yep he liked it, so he went to the truck and got our chairs. Made everything more enjoyable. Next time, however we will take a cooler!
Church service on Sunday was really good. Really like this preacher. We had gone Wed. night also. As we were leaving a couple of the men went to shake my hand, but I ignored them. Told them I am a hugger and got some nice hugs. Really great group of people. The congregation was started when KI Sawyer AFB was here. When it closed in the '90s, cut the congregation by at least half. It is wonderful that they are still thriving. Not a large crowd, but doing really good.
The preachers mother was severely injured in an auto wreck 2 or 3 weeks ago. She is now in rehab and is doing better than they expected by this time. If you are a praying person, please remember Anne Larson and family.
It was so pretty on Sunday the TM washed the trailer! Really, I would not lie about that. He didn't get to the truck, but, hey, it is a big trailer.
The truck goes to the dealer tomorrow. Yep, the "check engine" light is on again. Hope it is an easy (and inexpensive) fix. Otherwise all is well.
God Bless.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
U.P.
We are set up at Gitchegumme for our month near Marquette, MI. Campground did not quite live up to the internet pics, but isn't too bad. Our closest neighbors happen to be from Clarksville, Tn and have been full-timing for about a year. Nice folks.
We left St. Ignace under partly cloudy skies with predictions of rain by the time we arrived here. Happily we did not get rain. As we got closer to the campground on the shores of Lake Superior there was fog rolling in. Was really pretty.
The campsite we were to get was really too small for our trailer, so we opted for another one without a view of the lake. This site is more per month than the other, think there is something fishy?
We have the satillite set up, the scooter out of the hauler, and TM's "man cave" set up. Have already done some rearranging of the cabinets and getting things more the way we want them.
This afternoon we walked across road to the lake. It was about 63 degrees and we both had on jackets. However there were people on the beach wearing just their swimsuits. Maybe us Southerners are just wusses, but I think we are just smarter.
Traveling Dog seems to be settling in and enjoying all the new stuff.
God Bless
We left St. Ignace under partly cloudy skies with predictions of rain by the time we arrived here. Happily we did not get rain. As we got closer to the campground on the shores of Lake Superior there was fog rolling in. Was really pretty.
The campsite we were to get was really too small for our trailer, so we opted for another one without a view of the lake. This site is more per month than the other, think there is something fishy?
We have the satillite set up, the scooter out of the hauler, and TM's "man cave" set up. Have already done some rearranging of the cabinets and getting things more the way we want them.
This afternoon we walked across road to the lake. It was about 63 degrees and we both had on jackets. However there were people on the beach wearing just their swimsuits. Maybe us Southerners are just wusses, but I think we are just smarter.
Traveling Dog seems to be settling in and enjoying all the new stuff.
God Bless
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Mackinac
Here we are in the Straits State Park, St. Ignace, MI. A beautiful park, but fairly empty right now - midweek. We arrived here on Monday. Tuesday we went to Mackinac Island.
Was such a great trip! We didn't get up too early since we wanted to catch the 10a ferry. We arrived at the slip around 9:15 since we had to pick up our tickets. (We saved $28 by ordering on-line.) Roamed around in the gift shop for a bit and then overheard the clerks talking about Ooltewah, TN. Can you believe it? You are just never far from home.
The ferry was not crowded and was a smooth ride. Their season up here doesn't really start til around July 1. That was fine with us since we don't much like fighting the crowds. That also meant the island was not crowded and we could stroll and enjoy the scenery.
In case you don't know, Mackinac does not allow autos; all travel is done by horse or bicycle. Hundreds of bicycles for rent. Also you can rent horses. Unless you ask (and pay) for a guide, they just give you a map and let you go. Pretty cool. Saw more people renting more bikes than horses though. And, yes Apryl, they have tandem bikes for rent.
Since we had bought a package, we took a carriage tour. Saw historical sites, the horse barn and the carriage museum on the 1st part of the tour. The carriage held 24 people - 6 rows of 4 - and it was full At the museum, we changed to a larger carriage which was not crowded. In fact we had a bench for 5 to ourselves. This took us thru the woods to Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac. At the fort, we left the carriage to tour the fort. The fort was built by the British in 1780 and all buildings are original. It is quite large. We spent a few minutes talking with one of the "soldiers" and learning more about the place. Then we went on the "People of Mackinac" tour. The time period is 1880's when there was peace in the nation and the area had become a summer resort area. Each of the 7 "soldiers" gave us a bit of what it was like to live in the fort at that time. There was a woman who portrayed an officer's wife and told us what a great duty station that was. In 1875 Mackinac became a national park as well as an army base. Pretty easy duty and probably sort of fun. When the fort closed in 1895 the land was given to the state of Michigan and became (still is) a state park.
By the time we finished all of this, it was time for lunch. We ate at the Pink Pony and had a table outside overlooking the port. It was so beautiful and relaxing.
It was a great day and the weather was absolutely perfect for our time there.
God Bless
Was such a great trip! We didn't get up too early since we wanted to catch the 10a ferry. We arrived at the slip around 9:15 since we had to pick up our tickets. (We saved $28 by ordering on-line.) Roamed around in the gift shop for a bit and then overheard the clerks talking about Ooltewah, TN. Can you believe it? You are just never far from home.
The ferry was not crowded and was a smooth ride. Their season up here doesn't really start til around July 1. That was fine with us since we don't much like fighting the crowds. That also meant the island was not crowded and we could stroll and enjoy the scenery.
In case you don't know, Mackinac does not allow autos; all travel is done by horse or bicycle. Hundreds of bicycles for rent. Also you can rent horses. Unless you ask (and pay) for a guide, they just give you a map and let you go. Pretty cool. Saw more people renting more bikes than horses though. And, yes Apryl, they have tandem bikes for rent.
Since we had bought a package, we took a carriage tour. Saw historical sites, the horse barn and the carriage museum on the 1st part of the tour. The carriage held 24 people - 6 rows of 4 - and it was full At the museum, we changed to a larger carriage which was not crowded. In fact we had a bench for 5 to ourselves. This took us thru the woods to Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac. At the fort, we left the carriage to tour the fort. The fort was built by the British in 1780 and all buildings are original. It is quite large. We spent a few minutes talking with one of the "soldiers" and learning more about the place. Then we went on the "People of Mackinac" tour. The time period is 1880's when there was peace in the nation and the area had become a summer resort area. Each of the 7 "soldiers" gave us a bit of what it was like to live in the fort at that time. There was a woman who portrayed an officer's wife and told us what a great duty station that was. In 1875 Mackinac became a national park as well as an army base. Pretty easy duty and probably sort of fun. When the fort closed in 1895 the land was given to the state of Michigan and became (still is) a state park.
By the time we finished all of this, it was time for lunch. We ate at the Pink Pony and had a table outside overlooking the port. It was so beautiful and relaxing.
It was a great day and the weather was absolutely perfect for our time there.
God Bless
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Back on the road
Truck all fixed! Got it back late Monday. We spent an extra day in Dayton; not only to have more time to get all things ready, but we went to visit the Packard museum. Really interesting and we enjoyed our time a lot.
Wed. we left for Linden, MI and the Hideaway campground. Our friends from FL, the Clarks, are there and we were looking forward to a visit with them. After traveling out to the middle of where ever on dirt roads, we found them! Some of the dirt roads were better than the paved, potholed roads. We got down to the registration for the campground and Chet was right there to meet us. We should have stayed up on the hill instead of driving on down to registration. Traveling Man, of course, did a great job of getting turned around and headed back up the hill. Chet gave him some guidance, but everyone was impressed.
Chet and Rosemary had BLT sandwiches for us for supper and they were so good. Been a while since had had a BLT. Then later we had banana splits (of course my was sans the banana). Went home around 9:30 with full bellies. Anyway while we were chatting I mentioned having a black cherry smoothie at Panera. Rosemary had seen a Panera but didn't know what they had. Poor Rosemary, so deprived. Want to guess where we went to lunch the next day? Yummy! They got a Mypanera card and now Rosemary has a free smoothie waiting on her next time she goes. Wonder what Chet gets?
We had fun playing Yatzee that evening. Something more we had not done in a while. Need to do that more often. Such a great visit with friends, we enjoyed them so much.
Friday morning we were off to Standish in the rain. No big hurry for us since we were only going around 100 miles. It was not actually raining when we got here, but we had barely gotten set up when the rain started. It was a really raw afternoon. This is a really nice campground and we got a good site.
It has been a good week. Hope yours was.
God bless
Wed. we left for Linden, MI and the Hideaway campground. Our friends from FL, the Clarks, are there and we were looking forward to a visit with them. After traveling out to the middle of where ever on dirt roads, we found them! Some of the dirt roads were better than the paved, potholed roads. We got down to the registration for the campground and Chet was right there to meet us. We should have stayed up on the hill instead of driving on down to registration. Traveling Man, of course, did a great job of getting turned around and headed back up the hill. Chet gave him some guidance, but everyone was impressed.
Chet and Rosemary had BLT sandwiches for us for supper and they were so good. Been a while since had had a BLT. Then later we had banana splits (of course my was sans the banana). Went home around 9:30 with full bellies. Anyway while we were chatting I mentioned having a black cherry smoothie at Panera. Rosemary had seen a Panera but didn't know what they had. Poor Rosemary, so deprived. Want to guess where we went to lunch the next day? Yummy! They got a Mypanera card and now Rosemary has a free smoothie waiting on her next time she goes. Wonder what Chet gets?
We had fun playing Yatzee that evening. Something more we had not done in a while. Need to do that more often. Such a great visit with friends, we enjoyed them so much.
Friday morning we were off to Standish in the rain. No big hurry for us since we were only going around 100 miles. It was not actually raining when we got here, but we had barely gotten set up when the rain started. It was a really raw afternoon. This is a really nice campground and we got a good site.
It has been a good week. Hope yours was.
God bless
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Rolling again
We said good-by to Apryl and Jeremy on Monday night, as we knew we might not see them on Tuesday.
Tuesday morning while TM went to get tires on the truck, I did the last minute cleaning up and packing. I got nearly everything together and put it in the garage for TM when he came home. He was gone all morning because they had to wait on FedEx to deliver 2 of the tires. Basically he got home just as I left to go to lunch.
Had a wonderful lunch at Copper Cellar with my good friend. Copper Cellar now has a smaller version of their wonderful strawberry shortcake; which is good since we don't have to stuff ourselves so much. (not that we would overeat). Received some great birthday presents. Thank you so much Brenda.
TM was leaving the house on the scooter just as I arrived back (I was driving the suburban). He had packed nearly everything in the truck so that I could just grab Traveling Dog and be on my way. Since the suburban has no a/c, I did take a little time to cool off before being on my way.
Our friends Patti and David were to come by the trailer when I got done with lunch. I called them about noon and asked it they would mind waiting until around 5p and then we would go to supper. So glad they agreed, as we had a lot to do. Had a good time with them.
TM's sister and family came by about 7:45 to check out our new living quarters. We had a good visit with them too.
Wednesday morning we were up at 7:30 to finish up. Our friends, Doug and Glo, came by around 9a and we had a good visit with them even as we were finishing hitching up. We actually did get out at our target time- 9:30.
The trip was uneventful and we arrived at Wright Patterson AFB around 4p. Setup went well and we are comfy here at site 13.
Thursday we went to the BX and commissary. While we were driving there the "check engine" light came on in the truck. Had it at the dealers 1st thing Friday morning. They called us shortly after noon to say they had reset the computer since they could not duplicate the problem. When we picked it up, I was driving to Walgreens while TM went home on the scooter. I had barely left the dealers when the light was on again. Called TM and managed to get him before he got on the scooter to head home. Took the truck back to the dealer. we were there about an hour before they came to tell us that the turbo is bad. (don't ask, I don't know). They have one in stock (most unusual), but can't have the truck ready until sometime Monday. Oh well, can't change it so roll with it. Glad it happened when it did rather than us in the middle of wherever and no place to camp.
We plan on leaving here Tues. morning if all continues to go well.
God bless.
Tuesday morning while TM went to get tires on the truck, I did the last minute cleaning up and packing. I got nearly everything together and put it in the garage for TM when he came home. He was gone all morning because they had to wait on FedEx to deliver 2 of the tires. Basically he got home just as I left to go to lunch.
Had a wonderful lunch at Copper Cellar with my good friend. Copper Cellar now has a smaller version of their wonderful strawberry shortcake; which is good since we don't have to stuff ourselves so much. (not that we would overeat). Received some great birthday presents. Thank you so much Brenda.
TM was leaving the house on the scooter just as I arrived back (I was driving the suburban). He had packed nearly everything in the truck so that I could just grab Traveling Dog and be on my way. Since the suburban has no a/c, I did take a little time to cool off before being on my way.
Our friends Patti and David were to come by the trailer when I got done with lunch. I called them about noon and asked it they would mind waiting until around 5p and then we would go to supper. So glad they agreed, as we had a lot to do. Had a good time with them.
TM's sister and family came by about 7:45 to check out our new living quarters. We had a good visit with them too.
Wednesday morning we were up at 7:30 to finish up. Our friends, Doug and Glo, came by around 9a and we had a good visit with them even as we were finishing hitching up. We actually did get out at our target time- 9:30.
The trip was uneventful and we arrived at Wright Patterson AFB around 4p. Setup went well and we are comfy here at site 13.
Thursday we went to the BX and commissary. While we were driving there the "check engine" light came on in the truck. Had it at the dealers 1st thing Friday morning. They called us shortly after noon to say they had reset the computer since they could not duplicate the problem. When we picked it up, I was driving to Walgreens while TM went home on the scooter. I had barely left the dealers when the light was on again. Called TM and managed to get him before he got on the scooter to head home. Took the truck back to the dealer. we were there about an hour before they came to tell us that the turbo is bad. (don't ask, I don't know). They have one in stock (most unusual), but can't have the truck ready until sometime Monday. Oh well, can't change it so roll with it. Glad it happened when it did rather than us in the middle of wherever and no place to camp.
We plan on leaving here Tues. morning if all continues to go well.
God bless.
Monday, May 30, 2011
My birthday
was Sunday (May 29) and I had a delightful day. We went to church services at Laurel where we were able to see a number of friends. Then we ate at Panera, came back to Apryl's to change clothes, and went to the trailer. Figured we needed to shift some more stuff. Not sure that we are being really productive, but we are moving stuff around a lot. The "garage" is ready for the scooter, but TM loses access to his computer once the scooter is in. Guess what will be the last thing packed.
We came back to Apryl's and had lasagna for supper. Then Jeremy and Apryl fixed a wonderful dessert for us. It was all I could to not to ask for seconds!
Today has been a little slower. Glad for the holiday that I could spend more time with Apryl. We did some shopping - I got a pair of Sketchers for $20.00! They were on 1/2 price and I got another discount for presenting my military ID.
Now we are getting ready to grill steaks for supper. Yum! Got a caramel apple pie from Perkins-I had a coupon. more yum!
Tuesday starts the serious work getting the odds and ends stashed away so that nothing decides to fly while we are traveling down the road.
Thanks for reading. God Bless
We came back to Apryl's and had lasagna for supper. Then Jeremy and Apryl fixed a wonderful dessert for us. It was all I could to not to ask for seconds!
Today has been a little slower. Glad for the holiday that I could spend more time with Apryl. We did some shopping - I got a pair of Sketchers for $20.00! They were on 1/2 price and I got another discount for presenting my military ID.
Now we are getting ready to grill steaks for supper. Yum! Got a caramel apple pie from Perkins-I had a coupon. more yum!
Tuesday starts the serious work getting the odds and ends stashed away so that nothing decides to fly while we are traveling down the road.
Thanks for reading. God Bless
Friday, May 27, 2011
Still keeping busy
But I think we have it about ready to travel. Not organized - but things arranged so we can quickly close up and travel. TM got the tie-downs fixed (one had broken), with Jeremy's help. So it looks like the scooter will travel ok.
Saturday night we saw our nephew, Brandon, graduate from Farragut HS. Then went out to eat with them. He seemed genuinely happy that we came. Also knew 2 other graduates, so that was neat to see.
Sunday we were able to go to Rogersville and visit with Uncle Bill and Aunt Jean and Monte and Joan. Bill and Jean seem to be doing well, especially considering they are 90 and 91. So glad they do not suffer from dementia or alzhiemers. Monte and Joan are so good with them, even tho I know that some days must get very wearing. Kudos to you two.
Made time on Tuesday to have dinner with friends Liz and Nita. Brenda was unable to join us after all. Planning to see her again before we leave tho. Then today I was able to see Pam for lunch. She looks good and seems to feel pretty good. So glad to see that.
Had lunch with our friends, Doug and Glo and their granddaughter yesterday. Went to Ruby Tuesdays so I could get my free birthday hamburger. Wasn't going to miss that. If you go, the Boston Bleu is wonderful. Not to mention the yummy red velvet cupcake.
Since you don't want a moment-by-moment description of us working on the trailer, guess there isn't a whole lot to say. We are still deciding where to put some things, but as I said things will evolve into the place they fit best.
God Bless
Saturday night we saw our nephew, Brandon, graduate from Farragut HS. Then went out to eat with them. He seemed genuinely happy that we came. Also knew 2 other graduates, so that was neat to see.
Sunday we were able to go to Rogersville and visit with Uncle Bill and Aunt Jean and Monte and Joan. Bill and Jean seem to be doing well, especially considering they are 90 and 91. So glad they do not suffer from dementia or alzhiemers. Monte and Joan are so good with them, even tho I know that some days must get very wearing. Kudos to you two.
Made time on Tuesday to have dinner with friends Liz and Nita. Brenda was unable to join us after all. Planning to see her again before we leave tho. Then today I was able to see Pam for lunch. She looks good and seems to feel pretty good. So glad to see that.
Had lunch with our friends, Doug and Glo and their granddaughter yesterday. Went to Ruby Tuesdays so I could get my free birthday hamburger. Wasn't going to miss that. If you go, the Boston Bleu is wonderful. Not to mention the yummy red velvet cupcake.
Since you don't want a moment-by-moment description of us working on the trailer, guess there isn't a whole lot to say. We are still deciding where to put some things, but as I said things will evolve into the place they fit best.
God Bless
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