Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Summer Continues.........



Monday July 13- Had a big road trip planned today. We had Ashton stay all night and we had planned to go visit the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque Iowa. We wanted to leave early to get there early. Ashton was a bit hard to wake so we started a little later than we had planned. It took 1 1/2 to get there. It was suppose to be super hot and humid today so we thought the museum with air conditioning seemed like a great idea. Ashton had been there on a field trip with school so we let him be the tour guide. Not only were we going to  check out the museum but also the 4-D movie, the Titanic exhibit and some outside exhibits as well. First we checked out some of the inside stuff.




























We had to sign up for a certain time for the movie and the Titanic exhibit. When we went to the Titanic we each got a card with a passengers name on it. All of us survived the sinking.


While viewing the Titanic stuff you couldn't take any photos. While we were walking through Ashton touched one of the cases and a alarm went off. Never a dull moment with that boy. We went outside to see what we could find. They had a bald eagle on display with lots of boats and nautical displays.










































Ashton managed to have fun doing everything. That made it even more fun for us. After exploring outside awhile it was time to go to our movie. It was a 4-D movie that documented the events of James Cameron making the deepest solo dive to the deepest known place on earth. The Mariana Trench off the coast of Guam. The record breaking depth was 35,787 feet....now that's deep and creepy. After the movie we looked a little more before heading back out to go feed some fish in the river.





After a full day of looking we then headed out to go get some lunch before heading home.  Jeff and Ashton had a very special dinner to prepare...they were about to eat like kings. This has been something these 2 crazy guys think they need to do. They picked out some shrimp and crab legs to fix. I don't care for seafood so I had a steak. Ashton has expensive taste.






















On the ride home we noticed a sweet corn stand that we used last year a couple of times. It has the best sweet corn, its a bit expensive but so good. We got some of that to complete our dinner. It was a really really good day.



Tuesday July 14-It wasn't quite as hot and humid as yesterday but still hot. I got started with doing chores. Jeff and Ashton decided to take a bike ride. They took some of the trails and when they got back they both were very hot and sweaty. We had some lunch and Ashton was ready for another adventure. He brought his snorkel stuff and wanted to give it a try in the lake. He and I went down first and Jeff joined us later. Ashton did very good at snorkeling and seemed very comfortable.






















We had supper and Ashton fell asleep in my recliner. Jeff woke him up because he had talked about fishing. They went but weren't gone long Ashton had a head ache so they came home and he went to bed. A full day for sure.....


Wednesday July 15-Its a bit cooler and cloudy today. The guys tried fishing again but no luck there. We had breakfast for lunch. Went back to the lake but it was to cloudy and cool. We played some bags and just hung around the campground. An easier day today, I guess we needed to rest after our busy day yesterday.


Thursday July 16-Well today it was rainy. We have had about every kind of weather this week. We went into town to get a few groceries. We also dropped off one of our fogged up dual pane windows. Jeff found a place that said they could fix it, we'll see. Jeff and Ashton went to get a sandwich for lunch. The went to Firehouse Subs...they loved the sandwiches. We came on home and watched movies. We fixed some supper for Ashton to eat before going to hockey practice. We had chicken stir fry....it was yummy. We left a little early cause Jeff needed to pick up his prescriptions. After hockey we went by and picked up Noodles. We are watching there dog Noodles because they are heading to Chicago for the Blackhawk convention. Oh boy 3 dogs in bed tonight.



Friday July 17-Oh my my its pretty hot out there today. The 3 dogs in the bed didn't go that well. I think Noodles felt a bit out of place and she didn't settle. We decided to stick around here this weekend because of our babysitting job. Didn't want to trust 3 pups here alone. I did some cleaning around here today. It was super hot and the air conditioner had a hard time keeping up. We only have 30 amp service so we could only run one unit. We watched a movie and heard from the kids that they arrived in Chicago.



Saturday July 19- Another smoking hot day. You couldn't hardly step outside without melting. The kids called and they are having a great time in Chicago. They got to meet Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews. Even got autographs...they are pretty excited.




We didn't have such as exciting day. We watched movies and I did some quilting.


Sunday July 19-It had cooled off today so I got my walk in. We could even sit outside which was nice because the heat we've had hasn't allowed that. It was kind of a lazy day but I did walk Noodles around the loop a couple times. She walks better when its just her. We tried walking with all 3 dogs but it didn't really work. Seth came out and picked up Noodles around 4 o'clock. The good news is he brought me some carmel corn from Garretts....so good.




Monday July 20-Our house is back to our original 4. Jeff finally found a doctor that would except new patients and his appointment is today. I got an early start so I could clean and walk before going to town. If I don't walk in the morning its really hard to do in the afternoon. While I was filling up the humming bird feeders a guy walked by saying we met them at St Joe Peninsula. I remembered them. I stopped to talk to them because I noticed the Iowa plate with Linn county tags. They live real close to this park. They just got a new camper and are trying it out. Its really nice when you run into people that you have met along the road. That's a benefit of this life style. We headed to the doctors office , we drove right to it. The office was very friendly and we didn't wait either. The doctor was great too. She spent time talking and learning Jeff's situation. She didn't rush and really seemed concerned. The office help were very kind and considerate. I think its going be a good fit. Jeff has another appointment in a week to check his cholesterol. Then we will know more. After running some errands we headed back to the campground. They are mowing today so we moved some stuff to make it easier for them. It was nice enough that we could sit outside and enjoy. We are getting Hailey tomorrow so enjoying the quiet today.


Tuesday July 21-I did my cleaning and walking early again today. Its really nice outside today. I did the laundry and some cleaning. With Hailey coming out tonight I wont have time to do those kinds of things. When we have the kids we have learned to just focus on them. We can clean anytime. Since the weather was so great I decided to ride my bike to the beach. It started out nice but there was one loud obnoxious kid that ruined that peaceful atmosphere. I didn't stay too long. Came back and folded clothes and showered before going in to get Hailey. After we picked her up we had to stop at Walmart to get fabric. I promised Hailey that I would teach her to sew on the sewing machine. She knew exactly which fabric she wanted and then we were on are way home. After supper we got busy sewing. Hailey was very excited about the sewing and even more excited with the results. She told me I was just the best after we finished.





Wednesday July 22-It was really a nice day outside, a few more clouds but real pretty. Hailey didn't want me to go on my walk so we decide to take a walk together. It was a good walk. We saw ducks, rabbits, chipmunks and fish. We heard the birds singing and saw the butterflies  flying. It was a great walk.






















After we got back we had some lunch. Then Hailey asked papa if she could paint his toes. She and I had already painted ours. Of course papa said yes...it was pretty funny.



We also made cookies today. These kids really keep you busy. It is great. We walked around after supper and all the reservable spots are booked for tomorrow. Its because Ragbrai is coming through here tomorrow. We will be busy.



Thursday July 23- It was a busy day here. The campers started rolling in early. A lot of them had never been here before. They had lots of questions. Hailey and I stayed outside playing and answering questions. The Ragbrai riders rode through Palo and have an overnight stay in Hiawatha. For you that haven't heard of Ragbrai it a bike ride across Iowa. Its around 460 miles. Its a big thing around here. We had to take Hailey back today. We left early and it was a good thing we did. We tried to go the usual way but the road was completely full of riders. We turned around and went the long way. Hailey was suppose to have tumbling but it was cancelled, but Katie didn't know. They didn't let her know. We went to watch Ashton's hockey before heading home.
























Friday July 24-It was cloudy to start but I did get my walk in. The ragbrai riders left early and before I knew it the weekend campers are showing up. The bike riders definitely had some rain and wind to deal with today. Katie and the kids were suppose to come out to the beach today but the weather didn't clear up in time. Jeff and I decided at the last minute to go in and see Rod Stewart in concert. We called to make sure there was tickets before leaving. We went in and got our tickets then headed to eat supper. We went to White Star. It was really busy. They told us our wait would be an hour but we were seated in 1/2 hour. Our food was really good. We got a parking spot that was close to the restaurant and the concert. After eating we walked to the concert and found our seats. We were up in the nose bleed section but I wasn't complaining. The concert was good and we had never seen him before. he played a lot of songs that were big hits. I loved it.



Saturday July 25-Happy Birthday to my first born son. Seth is 36 today. I called to sing to him..my tradition. We decided to meet them for a late birthday lunch at Red Lobster. We were ready to get out of here. This campground is full, but somehow feels busier than usual. We left early to go to town. I wanted to make some stops before our 3 o'clock birthday lunch date. We had a yummy dinner at Red Lobster and then went to Seth and Katie's for ice cream birthday cake. That was really yummy. We thought we better get back and check on things since we are so full.


Sunday July 26- Its raining this morning. We were going in to watch the kids. Seth and Katie were suppose to go out in the boat. The weather didn't cooperate again. They still went out to eat and we watched the kids. I got to wash my bedding and use the dryer. Seth also had a project for me. He has a couple autographed jerseys he wants me to put in some frames. I worked on that while papa played with Hailey...playdoh.




Since the sun came out and the temperature heated up we made a trip to Orange Leaf and some frozen yogurt. When we got back Seth and Katie had gotten back. We loaded up and headed home. Wow what a difference, we have 2 campers now. Its so quiet and peaceful.......just like we like it. We had a couple busy weeks but very fun. We got to spend special time with our favorite kiddos.  Life is good.









































































































Friday, July 17, 2015

Good Bye June Hello July



Monday June 29-Good news its not raining today...Jeff had made an appointment to take the truck in because the DEF light came on again. Its still under warranty for a bit yet. I decided to stay back  and get some stuff done. It wasn't to long and here comes Jeff walking in the rig. They had a shuttle service and he couldn't believe they brought him all the way back to the park. It was good because it gave him the chance to get his walk and some other things done. I also got in a walk without the chance of getting wet. I did laundry and cleaned out the frig..one of my favorite things to do........not. They came and picked up Jeff when they finished with the truck, it was the oxygen sensor.


Tuesday June 30- Another sunny day, but we did have some storms roll through last night. They were quick and not to bad. Jeff got a hold of a doctors office today. Its really hard to find a doctor that will take new patients but it looks like he may have found one. Jeff set up an appointment for later in the month. That was one thing on the list of to dos.. I sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine a little and Jeff got the other slide cleaned. Our grass was cut this morning, one thing Jeff does not miss doing. All we have to do is move our stuff off of the grass and its mowed for us.


Wednesday July 1- OK this is the first of July but its cool outside today, its really good for walking. I walked all the way around to the other side of the park. I think its about a 2 1/2 mile walk round trip. It was so cool out I sat outside and quilted, I didn't get hot either. Weird weather. We had an invite to join Janie and John for dinner tonight. They are at Morgan Creek Campground so we headed over there around 4:30. When we arrived Janie told us we were her guinea pigs. She got a new dutch oven and she's trying it for the first time. She made a pot roast in there and it was yummy. The weather was perfect for that. We ate and then sat by the campfire and visited. She even got out her guitar and sang us a song. We left a bit earlier than we would have but our boys, Seth and Justin were playing there last hockey game tonight and we haven't seen any. Decided we would go and watch. You can bet they knew when I arrived...I'm a cheerleader and I was gonna cheer them on.
























 They got beat but it was still fun to watch. I think there was only 7 or 8 people there watching and we were the only ones yelling. I think the boys liked it........


Thursday July 2- Another cool day today. I wore a sweatshirt to walk. Went into town to wash the truck and run some errands. We stopped at the store to pick up some groceries for the 4th. Aldi's had sweet corn for 10 cents an ear. We came home and enjoyed the great weather. For supper we ate the corn and decided it was super good. We had to go back in to watch Ashton's hockey practice so we stopped and picked up 24 more ears of corn to freeze for later. We watched Ashton practice, playing 3 on 3. After they let the kids do a shoot out. Ashton didn't score but he looked really good. He showed a great deal of hustle tonight too.




Friday July 3- It sure is busy around here. It already seems like Saturday. We had planned to put the kayaks in the water but its really busy today. We will wait. Its so nice out its crazy! We are having a picnic here on the 4th. I got started on preparing the food for tomorrow. I want to be outside enjoying the day as well. Justin, Molly and Tammy, Molly's mom are coming out for lunch. Then we are taking the party to Justin's for supper. Seth and his family are on vacation in Colorado this week.




Saturday July 4- Happy 4th of July everyone! You could not have ordered a more perfect day...the weather was incredible. Not to hot, not to humid, just right with lots of sunshine. We fixed burgers on the grill. The food was really good and the company was fun. We sat and visited for a while. Then we ate, followed by a serious game of bags...












































After a fun afternoon, we moved this party to Justin's in town. We ate again this time we had chicken kabobs, and taters on the grill. We also ate whatever didn't get ate at lunch. We had thought we would walk to watch the fireworks downtown, but Justin's neighbors had a show instead. It was a great day.



Sunday July 5- It was a rest up kind of a day. Still really nice outside. We watched everyone pack up and move out. We didn't do much today. We ate all the leftovers today. We face timed with the grandkids, boy were they excited about all they've done. They are using the family condo at Copper Mountain. Boy have they added a lot since we've been out there. They are zip lining, rock wall climbing, jumping on the trampoline, hiking, go karts, bumper boats....I wanna go! I'm glad that Seth is continuing the family tradition.


Monday July 6- Well after such a nice weekend the rain showed up. Went to town and did some grocery shopping. We also made a trip to Menards. We found us our own game of bags...on sale. When the rain stopped the heat and humidity showed up.

Tuesday July 7- It was laundry day today. I also did a bit of cleaning. It wasn't a very productive day but that's ok...I'm retired. We did get the dogs walked, so the day wasn't a total loss.


Wednesday July 8- Alright this weather is just crazy..It's 69 degrees today....I walked with a hoodie on again. Its cloudy so it feels even cooler. I did a little quilting outside, but I'm having a problem getting into my quilting mode. We went to Justin's so Jeff could have his guitar lesson.


Thursday July 9- Its a nice day today. Our gas part on the hot water heater doesn't seem to be working right. We don't normally use the gas part, but because we only have 30 amp service here we use it a lot especially when the air conditioning is running. Jeff tried a few things and its working but he doesn't know for how long. Jeff did some weed spraying. Then after lunch we took the kayaks out on the lake. It warmed up pretty fast.























It was a very pretty day on the water. Jeff did some fishing I just enjoyed the sunshine. We spotted a couple muskies but they wouldn't jump on Jeff's hook.























Friday July 10- The last few days I have had to fill up my hummingbird feeders daily. They are super hungry, that's alright I love watching them. I went for my walk before it got to hot. I have been carrying a stick when I walk because the red winged blackbirds are very aggressive. Everyone says they are probably protecting there nest but I haven't seen a nest...I'm protecting myself with my stick. Today I didn't notice them so maybe they a have left the nest. It's a nice day so I thought I would go to the beach. It was really warm so I didn't last very long. Can't take the heat like I used to. I came back to the rig, cleaned up and fixed some homemade pizza for supper. My friend Judy is coming for the weekend and she arrived after supper. Needless to say we visited the rest of the evening.


Saturday July 11- Well it looks like rain and rain is what it did. Judy and I went into town to get stuff for supper. We also had a mission...finding some new curtains for Judy's house. She just painted it all and needs new curtains to match. Well it was successful, found just what she needed. We didn't get to wet. We came home and it cleared up so Judy and I went for a walk. It was a bit warm but it sure was nice walking with her again. It made the walk go by super fast. Then her and I played bags. That was fun too. After our friendly game of bags we ate supper. Ended the night with a movie and popcorn. That's what's so good about a visit from Judy...don't have to do anything and its still great fun.


Sunday July 12- Woke up this morning to lots of haze. It was really humid too. We stayed in and watched a movie. After the haze lifted we went outside. Judy and I went for another walk...boy was it hot. That's why I usually walk in the morning. The wind picked up a bit so with the awning out it was nice to sit outside. We talked some more then Judy had to head for home. Seth, Katie and the kids made it back so we made a trip in to town to see them. It's been a week and we wanted to hear about there vacation first hand. We all went to Orange Leaf for some frozen yogurt. When we came home we had an extra passenger. We brought Ashton home with us to stay for a few days. We had to make a stop at the store to get stuff for lunches and dinners. He and Jeff picked out some shrimp and crab legs...they say they are gonna eat like kings.....getting ready for a few busy days.....



So til next time....think sunshine!