Life Goes On

Tuesday August 15- It was a long night and we didn't get that much sleep. We got up, loaded up and headed for home. The sky outside was dark and gloomy. We didn't get too far before the rain came. It really poured. We got off the road for a while because we were having trouble seeing. It was a super long day. We pulled in to the campground around 1 o'clock. We unloaded all of our stuff and put everything away. Our pour Belle is really missing her sister. There was a spot where Soffee's bed was and Belle just lays on the couch and stares at that spot. We both knew Soffee was old and wouldn't live forever but, it is so quiet and lonely here. Still can't figure out how a little pup like that can hold such a big part in your heart. We really miss her jingling around. Even though she slept all the time we still miss hearing her loud snoring. She snored like an old man. This is really going to be hard.

Wednesday August 16- Slow to get started today. Have to admit it was nice to be in our own bed last night. Before we left on vacation the service engine soon light came on in the truck. Today Jeff called to see if he could get an appointment, they said come in today, in about 25 minutes. He got ready and took it in. It wasn't long before he was back. They gave him a ride. So now we have no transportation. They ended up keeping the truck overnight.

Thursday August 17- Another long day.....they had the truck all day. I made the mistake of trying to work on the quote for our broken window. Fed Ex is not very helpful in these matters. Somehow we seem to be responsible......

Friday August 18- Today we had transportation....really needed to get to the store for some groceries. We made a stop at Petsmart to get Belle a new toy. She really had fun on vacation playing with Noodles toys. She seems really lonely so we thought it might help. On the way back we stopped and picked up some meat at Billy Sims BBQ. We are going over to see Justin and Molly's new house tonight. When we got back to the campground we drove up to the 2nd loop. We needed to pick up our plant at Wanda's. While we were up there we spotted Jan and Jerry. That is Judy's sister, my best friend. They have recently purchased a new camper and they wanted to ask us some questions. We knew they were coming but not during the day. They unloaded and so did we. After a bit they walked down to our site and we did some visiting. We actually visited until time to go to Justin and Molly's. When we arrived Seth, Katie and the kids were there. They just got home from Colorado. We got a tour of the house, which is really nice. They actually have a lot done already. We got busy helping them do some little things around there. We also had supper. They still have quite a bit to do but they are really making it a top priority.

This is the indestructible toy we got Belle

Saturday August 19- Today after getting our jobs done we walked up to have coffee with Jan and Jerry. Seth had called and asked us if we were coming to Palo to watch him play kick ball. We missed the first game which they lost. I told him we would come. So at 1 o'clock we drove down the hill to watch. Must have been lucky because they won this one.

As soon as we got back we made our way up to the 2nd loop. Wanda had invited us to a family get together. It has been about a year since her husband Chuck passed away and today they are planting a tree in his memory. It was a beautiful day out and everyone there was so nice.

Well next we moved up the camp loop a few sites to Jan and Jetty's site. They had company come and we joined them for dinner. We sat around and watched Jerry grill lot's of vegies and then our meat. Everything turned out completely yummy. We sat around and talked some then Jeff and I made our way back home to check on Belle. We sure did have a busy full day. It kept my mind busy though.

Sunday August 20- A bit cloudy out there today with a side of sprinkles. We went to church today. It seems like we haven't been there forever. It felt good to be there. After church we came home and ate. Then we went over to Justin and Molly's. Jeff worked on the front door. I re-stuffed some of there couch cushions. Then I got busy filling nail holes and touching them up with paint. We ended hanging around there until 6 o'clock. Then home. Seth called to say Hailey wouldn't be spending the night tonight because she has open house at school tomorrow morning. Katie is going to take her and then bring her and Ashton out. Big day tomorrow it's eclipse day......We got a call tonight from Hailey telling us she lost not 1 but 2 of her teeth. Her front teeth.

Monday August 21- Well the weather doesn't seem like it's going to be cooperative for eclipse viewing. Katie brought the kids out and we decided to forage ahead and make a viewing box. So now all of my cereal is boxless. The kids did a good job and we were hopeful that the clouds would clear.

Well we had fun making the boxes, but the weather did not cooperate. The big eclipse was a bust in our area. Then a couple hours later it cleared and the sun came out...go figure. The kids and I decided to make a memory stone for Soffee. They got busy painting the rock and they did a really good job. They didn't even argue that much.

Had to take both kids in because Ashton had a doctor appointment. Then I took Hailey to gymnastics. It was a busy day. I dropped Hailey off at home and came home myself. Later that night Seth called to see if I could watch Hailey tomorrow. It is the last day of summer break and they forgot she didn't have daycare today. I said yep.

Tuesday August 22- I got up early because I knew Hailey would be here fairly early. When she arrived we made breakfast and she helped me clean the shower house. Jeff came up with an idea to celebrate the final day of summer. We decided to make a trip to Petland and check out the puppies. I wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not. There dogs are really cashy, and I'm really missing my baby girl. We also had lunch at Red Lobster. Hailey decided to have the crab legs to celebrate.

Well we left Petland with no pets but I would have brought this sweet baby home with me if the price was right....it was way expensive.

Wednesday August 23- Today we went back to Coralville to Best Buy. Jeff had an appointment to get the speakers in his truck replaced. He has been dealing with some issues with them, not working all the time. I thought I would do some shopping. I can tell I'm not really feeling myself, I couldn't find much I wanted. Jeff called me and told me he was at Scheel's looking at bikes. I met him there and he had me look at a Townie. It is a super simple bike. It has 3 speeds that are built into the hub. It is on sale because we think it was last years model. He took it for a test ride, and when he got back I did the same. I loved it, its super light and really easy to pedal. After thinking about it we decided to purchase. I think we are going to try and sell my electric assist bike. It's just not what I need. We asked them to hold the bike while we went to lunch. We went to The Olive Garden. Then back to pick up our new bike. On the way home we got to enjoy our new speakers. Jeff could notice the difference better than I.

Thursday August 24- Today we had set up dental appointments for both of us. We had found a coupon in a little magazine and thought we would give it a try. Our dentist retired and we haven't found one yet. We really need to get one. So we walked into the Dental Center with our paperwork in hand. Both of us were really impressed with everyone we dealt with. We were there quite a while with xrays, pictures, cleaning, flouride treatments. I have never had such a thorough dental exam. I can't believe they did all that for my $50.00 coupon price. That's the good news, the bad news is they found plenty of work we need to get done. It is probable our own fault for waiting so long. We really liked the Dentist, assistant and even the help at the desk. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. When we got home I made the mistake of calling Fed Ex again. Nothing has been done yet. Then Jeff called back and at least got someone to listen to him. He sent the information they wanted again. Now we will see if anything gets done...I don't have very high hopes. It's only been over 2 months.

Friday August 25- Today I took advantage of the apple tree we have at the park. We went and picked enough apples to make some apple crisp. It looked really good and smelled even better. Jeff was suppose to go over to Justin's and help him hook up his surround sound down in the basement. It was more complicated then they thought so it took a bit longer. They got it done though.

Saturday August 26- It was a nice cool morning so we enjoyed our coffee by the fire. It was a nice morning. We didn't have much planned today. We hung around the campground most of the day. Then we got changed and went over to Justin and Molly's. We are going out to get some supper. Then we were going to the night time farmers market before making our way to The Paramount to enjoy Joe Bonamassa. We decided to just get a bite downtown either at a restaurant or at the farmers market. Justin drove and since his work is downtown he can use the parking garage. That helped with finding a parking spot. We ate at a 21 Tap..it was just a bar but the food was great. Then we walked outside and saw the main stage. The music coming from the stage was quite unique. So we walked that way to take a listen. The band was called The Brazilian Twins. They were really good and quite entertaining. One of the twins played a electric violin and the other a ukulele. They also had a drummer and a bass player.

We stayed and listened as long as we could. Then we walked a few blocks to the Paramount. We got there plenty early and found our seats. The place filled up fast. Everyone got there beverage of choice and some popcorn. Now bring on Joe Bonamassa. He is very timely. We have seen him before and he is an amazing performer.

The show was awesome...he did not disappoint. The show got over a little after 10. Then we walked to White Star. It is a local restaurant/bar. Jarrod one of Justin's friends was playing there so we stopped for just a bit before calling it a night.

Sunday August 27- Today we had to get to church early because we are greeting today. It was nice to be there. The worship was especially good and so was the message. We came home and still had quite a few campers. With the holiday weekend coming up I'm sure we will have more campers than usual.