Year ONE Living in our RV

Its hard to believe that on Oct 10th we will begin year two of our life in an RV. I would say after one full year of living and traveling in a 5th Wheel we have figured out quite a bit about this lifestyle.

First of all we have no regrets about choosing this way of life. It does present its challenges, but the flexibility and freedom far out weigh any hassles. We feel we chose the right truck and 5th wheel and are very comfortable in the Cameo as it has become our home.

The truck has performed well and pulls and stops the Cameo with ease. The true test was when in April after leaving Hot Springs, Arkansas I decided to take Scenic route 7 to Branson, MO. I have driven on many mountain roads across this country and this one was at the top of the list as far as inclines, descents and switchbacks. The truck was totally impressive on this terrain and did its job well, although I don't recommend to take this route while towing. Next time I will definitely take the long way around.

We towed the Cameo a total of 4810 miles and put 10,650 miles combined towing and driving on the truck. We averaged 12.47 miles per gallon combined. The truck gets around 19 to 20 on the highway when not towing driving at 60 to 65mph.

We visited 12 states and camped in 8 of them in 31 different campgrounds. We spent the Winter in Florida, a little over 4 months traveling as far south as Curry Hammock State Park in the middle of the Keys. We made our way back up the west coast and along the panhandle spending 2 weeks in each State Park until exiting Florida on April 1. On the trek back north we spent time in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and landed in Cedar Rapids, IA to spend the Summer months with the Family.

We have really enjoyed our time here in the Cedar Rapids area for the last five months. We have been able to spend lots of time with the Kids and Grandkids.  We met some new friends here who are Full Timers as well and have learned a lot by reading there blog: http://flamingoonastick.blogspot.com/visiting and visiting with them as they are just starting there 4th year.

Florida Keys Dec. 2012

Lake Manatee, FL  Feb. 2013

Stephen Foster State Park, FL  Nov.2012

Florida Skyway  Feb. 2013

Dade City Wild Things  Feb. 2013

Rainbow Springs, FL  2-2013



Rainbow Springs, FL Feb. 2013

St Joe Peninsula, FL Mar. 2013

St George Island, FL 3-2013

St Joe, FL 3-2013

Lake Bistineau State Park, LA  4-2013



Lake Ouachita Arkansas  4-2013

Pleasant Creek State Park, IA 6-2013

Cherry Hill Pool Cedar Rapids, IA  8-2013

We will be beginning our journey south here in a couple of weeks. Our planned route will take us through the smokies over to the Carolinas with planned stops around Charleston, SC and Savannah, Ga. Also plan on a stop at the Cumberland Island area before making our way back to Florida. This year we have 6 weeks in the Keys with 2 wks at Bahia Honda, 2wks at Curry Hammock and 2wks at Pennecamp before making our way back up the west coast as we did last year.

Some may wonder why Florida again this year? We just loved it so much last winter we just had to do it again!

Stay tuned for the winter of 2014/2015 as we change direction and head for the great southwest.

Hi Ho Hi Ho Across The Town We Go......

Tuesday September 3rd we got ready to make the trek across town. It was another pretty day. As we were leaving our friends were pulling in. It's so nice doing this crazy thing you meet so many nice people. We arrived without problems which is always a good thing. The spot on the top of the hill was vacant so we backed her in. Across the road was another Cameo, he came over and talked a bit before they pulled out. We had talked to them before, they talked to us about joining the Iowa chapter of the Carriage Club. I spent the day catching up on laundry....(fun) then headed to the store to stock up. A very productive day.

Wednesday started the day with coffee and a campfire, not a bad way to start the day. Then I went into town to cut off this hair. I thought I would try to grow it out but I couldn't take it anymore. That's more work then I want to do. After all the hassle I still didn't like the way it looked and I needed to comb it, what's the fun in that?

Thursday the 5th is our Grandsons birthday. He turned 8 today which is crazy, I can't believe he is 8 already. He already had his party but we met them for supper. Of course I had to sing to him.? How can those grand kids have such an effect on your heart... That's a powerful love for sure.

Friday was a nice day, went for a walk and then after getting a bunch of new DVD's I put them in alphabetical order....I know I'm silly like that. Then I got started on Hailey's princess dress. She has a birthday in October and she wants a princess dress so that's what I'll make.

Saturday it got hot again and I'm one that likes summer but really this steaming hot weather is getting old. I worked a lot on Hailey's dress. Since the weather is so hot I thought we'd do some summer dishes. I made some  potato salad, and fresh green beans for supper. Then we headed downtown to watch our son Justin play at White Star. It was acoustic show and we enjoyed it once we found a place to park.

Sunday we downloaded a message from a church we visited in Florida, we watched it on TV and it was great. We stayed here all day. I actually finished Haileys dress and I love it sooo much I can't wait to give it to her. I had to wrap it up so I wouldn't give it to her early. It did sprinkle a little today.

Monday another scorcher. I cut Jeff's hair and colored mine. Another bonus with short hair easier to color. Did some cleaning inside, also did some phone calls. Then we had plans to go into town and meet for dinner with our new friends, John  & Janie. We met up at Granite City and had a great time. The food was good too.

Tuesday I worked on a photo book on line. Had a coupon for a free book so I couldn't resist that. Then I decided to make a scrapbook for a friend that had a baby. Went into town to purchase some things for that. To finish off the night we met Seth & Ashton at the ice arena to watch the opening preseason game of the Rough Riders. We won!!!

Wednesday September 11th always a day that causes people to stop and think.  You can't help feeling a bit sad on this day. It's one of those things that you always remember we're you were at and what you were doing...

We watched a movie today. Then I got started cutting fabric for a new quilt. It was a bit cooler today...yeah!

Thursday....perfect weather went for a walk. Jeff worked on washing and waxing the truck. I worked on my quilt. I also made spaghetti bread for supper.

Friday the 13th.... Yikes!! We had a campfire this morning cause the weathers so nice.  I sewed cause once I start a project I can't quit. Went in to a movie (2 Guns) it was ok.

Saturday we went in to Seth's cause Ashton had a fire safety project and wanted Papas help. Katie had made some copies of there new family pictures. So I replaced them when we got home. We watched some  TV to end our Saturday night .

Sunday listened to another message from Bayside.  Did some sewing.I got a phone call from a friend of mine and had a great conversation. Such a nice surprise. After supper we had a visitor...Seth brought over there dog Noodles, we are dog sitting for a couple days.

Monday three dogs to take care. We walked them and they are getting along very good. We visited with a couple from Keokuk. Just hung around here today. We put some things away for our move tomorrow. I got stated on that scrapbook. Watched the season premier of Dancing with the Stars.

Tuesday was moving day. We had an extra dog so instead of leaving 3 dogs in the truck we tied Noodles outside while we were hitching up. We had a little glitch with our water pump loosing its prime. When I looked over at Noodles I was shocked!!!!! Her whole face was one big matted burr mess. You couldn't even see one eye. I was in tears.. I called Katie and warned her I might have to cut all those burrs out but.. I worked very hard and long to get every one of those burrs out. I didn't even have to cut out one. So it ended with a happy ending. Yeah!!!!

Morgan Creek again....

We moved on Tuesday August. 20th. We had a passenger in the backseat,Ashton was with us for the move. As we were pulling in our friends John & Janie were rolling out. We set up on site #6. We have always wanted that spot but it was always taken. I went into get Ashton's bike and do some laundry. Gonna get the bird feeders and hummingbird feeder out cause there are lots of birds. It didn't take long for them to partake at our buffet. So many hummingbirds flying around, we really enjoy them. There is one that keeps coming back and he sits on the perch and fluffs his feathers and kinda sits crooked. Our hummingbird feeder sticks on the window so we have a birds eye view.

Wednesday morning Ashton arrived around 6:45, we have him everyday this week cause his day camp is over and schools not in yet. Started the morning with waffles and sausage. Took a short bike ride cause the heat is rising. Went into Walmart and got some groceries then came back and had lunch. I started making cookies and the boys got out the wii. Our younger son had given us some attachments to put on the controllers. There was a golf club, tennis racket, and a baseball bat. They were taking turns at playing with all of them. Then they got started on the baseball, Ashton was pitching and Jeff was at bat. All of the sudden I heard a horrible thud... Then I look up and see this sick look on Ashton's face and hear Jeff ...... The nerf bat had come off the controller and thru the TV.  It didn't actually shatter the TV but it looked like a stained glass window. It was definitely ruined no doubt!!  Ashton starts crying and runs to hide in the bedroom, Jeff did really good but just kept saying he couldn't believe that, and that he was just SICK!!!! So I went to watch Ashton play hockey and Jeff went shopping for a TV. When I got home Jeff had purchased a new TV. Now the process of putting it back on the wall. Of course nothing is easy. We ended up having to move the wall brace to get the TV up, but after a few adjustments  SUCCESS...oh boy what a day.

Thursday was not nearly as exciting as yesterday... Except for when Ashton dumped a pitcher of warm syrup on the carpet.. Now that was a mess to clean up. He's kinda known as a spillasaurus. It's kinda cloudy and spitting rain so we decided on making it science day. We blew up lots of ziplock baggies with baking soda and vinegar. Also put a bar of ivory soap in the microwave and watched it grow. Then crumbled it up with a bit of water and food coloring to make trout soap.(with cookie cutters)

Friday, big day have both kids today. We were up and ready and kept waiting, waiting and I finally called. They had to meet Ashton's teacher today and they forgot to tell me. I had to run to there house cause they forgot Sissy's scooter and Ashton's trunks. The biggest problem was they took off without giving us a car seat. Seth brought one over on his lunch hour. We had to have a car seat cause we were taking the kids to the pool. So after our lunch we packed up and headed to Cherry Hill Pool. It was a real nice day for swimming. Sissy was all about Papa so Papa had a really busy afternoon. She didn't really care if I was there or not so I got some chair time. Ashton had fun showing us all his tricks. We stayed til about 3:30 and we thought Sissy would be tired but she didn't want to leave. Headed to the HOW and thought we'd put on a movie so they could rest a bit...well we put in the movie but I'm not sure there was any resting going on. Katie picked them up after work and then we did some resting. Good news there was no spills today!

Saturday..HOT HOT HOT we went to Coralville Mall with our oldest son to get Ashton's birthday gift.  Sissy was with us. Katie and Ashton were in Davenport at a color me rad run. They had fun. I came home and made cupcakes. I started talking to our neighbors who are in a tent and find out they are sleeping on an airless air mattress (no pump) so we told them to bring it over and we'd pump it up. Then found out they have no fan and in this weather that's a big problem. We set them up with a fan and a fluffy mattress. I think we made there day for sure. It's just so hot you can't even stand to be outside.

Sunday, another scorcher. I sat outside for a bit in the morning and here comes are neighbors with flowers for us. I guess that fan really helped. These were young people and they were very grateful and polite. Something so easy to do really made there camping bearable. So hot it seemed like a perfect movie day so that's what we did. It was a good one. Didn't have much supper, to hot to eat. We were still full of popcorn.

Another week and I'm just gonna start this out that it was smoking hot all week long, Sunday a cool front came to town. When I say hot one day tied the record at 100 degrees.

Monday we had Ashton his last day of summer vacation. Had a movie for him to watch and went out for lunch.

Tuesday it's was pretty quiet around here so I got busy. I did laundry, cleaned, and quilted. I even had time to paint my toes Hawkeyes style for the kick off this weekend. We rented some movies to watch.

Wednesday Jeff helped me with blowing up a Blackhawk picture for Ashton's birthday cake. I make there birthday cakes every year and they pick what kind they want. Ashton picked the Blackhawks logo. So I think I got that figured out.(relief)

Thursday Jeff was getting cabin fever and so he decided he needed a road trip. He headed to North Branch to the Herbert Hoover Museum, me well not so much so he dropped me off at the mall. Jeff loved the museum and I enjoyed myself at the mall.

Friday I finished Hailey's quilt!!!  I made Ashton's cake and put in the freezer. We went to the ice rink to watch Seth, Justin and Ashton do stick time. Which means they skated around with all that stuff on hitting pucks. After to Justin's to watch a movie.

Saturday the last day of the month we headed south to our hometown of Keokuk to do some visiting first and then the annual fireman's picnic. We were almost the first to arrive and almost the last to leave. They presented Jeff with a fireman's ax to acknowledge his years of service. It was nice to see everyone.

A new month and its starting off good you can feel the weather changing. I didn't do much. I made Ashton's birthday cupcakes and they took forever to frost and I wasn't even excited on how they turned out.

Monday... Labor Day and the day of Ashton's birthday party. So the first thing I did was get started on frosting his cake. It took awhile to finish but he loved it and that's all that matters. The weather was perfect temps in the 70's so nice and welcomed. The party was a success and we spent the afternoon playing with all of Ashton's gifts. Such a fun day! Tomorrow we will be heading across town. I can't believe how fast the 2 weeks fly by.

Back to Squaw Creek

Tuesday August 6th was are moving day.   Very wet and foggy so we waited for it to clear. The trip back was uneventful which is alright with us.  Pulled into Squaw Creek and tried a new site #45B, it's a pull through and really private. It's getting really hot again. Didn't have much planned to do but catch up on laundry which was hard cause its so humid that nothing would dry. It was also nice to have some TV again.

Wednesday .....HUMP DAY!!!! It's not quite as hot today, we saw a mama turkey and babies, I scared them cause they flew away. I didn't think they could fly. Then went to our grandsons hockey to finish off our day.

The rest of the week we just hung out at the campground. The weather is really nice and without humidity. Saturday I went in and did some shopping at the fabric store. Sunday went to church and over to see our granddaughter cause we haven't seen her since we got back.

Week 2 started off by getting grocerys and some pictures developed that I've had on my camera forever. Talked to my best friend and she's coming up this weekend, that's good news.

Tuesday we did some cleaning and laundry. We had plans to go into town with our son Justin to hear a band at The Chrome Horse Saloon. The band was called Helferstout. The lead singer was on American Idol for awhile. It was outside and I actually had to take a sweatshirt. Lots of bikers there and in the back parking lot. There were also a lot of  fancy cars. Saw the coolest coral T-bird.....sweet! We stayed for a couple hours but needed to get over and pick up Hailey our granddaughter to come  spend the night and Wednesday with us.

Wednesday was all about Hailey so we went for a walk, read books watched her favorite movies, you know everything a 2 year old likes. Took her to hockey practice and gave her back.

Thursday seemed really quiet and so I cut up fruit and made mini cheesecakes. Getting stuff ready for our weekend visitor.

Friday went to Menards to get some more bird food cause the gold finches here are really hungry. We also had a ruby throated hummingbird come to dine today. My friend Judy made it and she only had one little glitch. So we spent the night visiting and catching up.

Saturday...funday! Went into the Cedar Rapids farmers market and it was awesome. It wasn't smoking hot and there was plenty to see. We got sweet corn, green beans, seasoning, bread, olive oil, and Judy even bought a rock....really?. Stopped by Justin's then went to Noodles & Co. for lunch. It was really good never been there before and we were pleasantly surprised. Headed back to the campground. Then after visiting a bit we took off for a movie "The Butler" it was really good...3 thumbs up. Came back to the HOW and prepared dinner with some of our purchases at the farmers market. Everything tasted great. Went to bed fairly early, all tuckered out from all the running today.

Sunday we did not do much. I took Judy for a bike ride around the campground. We sat outside awhile its starting to warm up again. Went to the store to get stuff for lunch. Hung around until time for Judy to take off. She followed us to her exit toward home and we continued on to Seth's house. We had to pick up Ashton cause he's done with day camp and school doesn't start for a week. So we are his daycare for the week.

Monday we started packing up the bikes and kayaks. We also played some frisbee,trackball and I even challenged my grandson to a game of twister...I won! Our plans are to head over to Morgan Creek in the morning.

Something different....Decorah here we come!

Tuesday July 30th we had everything packed up for a trip up north to Decorah, IA  We have been hopping back and forth between Squaw and Morgan Creek so kinda excited about something different. We have been here before and loved it so we knew what to expect. The trip wasn't to bad, the roads a bit bumpy. We left fairly early cause there was a chance of rain. It just sprinkled a bit and was gray a lot. The park was pretty full when we pulled in, they suggested a site but after going there we knew that wasn't gonna happen. They gave us a different spot and that one was successful. Site #23. The day stayed gray and cloudy so after setting up we just walked around the campground. Pulpit Rock Park is a city park and does not take reservations. It's all first come first serve. It has lots of trees, a stream running through it, is very clean and also has a great bike path right there. The city of Decorah is so nice, it's got lots of restaurants and shops. Its really clean, quaint and friendly. We love it.

Wednesday we got up and still cloudy. The temperature was nice but not what you would expect for the end of July. We rode our bikes into town for breakfast at T-Boks. We had heard they have good pancakes, so pancakes is what we got. They call them plate cakes and now I know why, they cover the plate, you can't even see the plate. They were tasty but a bit more than I could eat. We just wandered around town looking in the shops. Later in the afternoon we rode our bikes back into town to the farmers market. Found some sweet corn, green beans and purple green beans. I know that sounds weird but they were deep purple and very petite, after you cook them they are green and sooo good. I wish I would have gotten more.

Thursday was a big day. We planned a trip down the upper Iowa river. We dropped Jeff's bike off at our pull out spot and continued to Bluffton. We got our kayaks in the water and away we went. The water was running good we thought (it was our 1st time) The weather is unbelievable blue sky, warm, not hot and sunny. The scenery was very nice. Bluffs, trees, waterfalls and wildlife. There were a couple of bald eagles flying over and we even spotted and heard one in a tree...I got photos. Another thing we thought that was awesome is we didn't see one other boat all day so we had the river all to ourselves. The trip was longer then we thought  (about 11 miles on the water)  but still great. Jeff lead the trip and he got stuck a couple times but no wipeouts. Well until we got out and I was trying to take out my kayak. It was grassy and a hill and I slipped and fell in the river. The funniest thing was I had no idea how deep it was...(only about a foot) I was laughing...(no photos)

I waited with the boats while Jeff rode his bike 8 miles to get the truck. He made it back and we loaded  up and headed back to the campground. I was glad I decided to leave our wiener dog at home.

Friday we had decided to do the bike path around the city, the last time we were here the bike path wasn't finished so we wanted to see the finished result. Another beautiful day. The bike path was great, they really did it right. You really get to see a bit of everything, Iowa never looked so good. For dinner we went to the restaurant up the road," McCaffeys". We had ate there last time and liked it.

Saturday went back into town for the farmers market riding our bikes. We got corn, bread, and ever berries. Another reason we love it here, very bike friendly. 

A friend had said we should visit a town Lanesboro,MN only 30 miles north. We jumped in the truck and away we went. A very pretty ride but what a surprise when we arrived.... Normally the city is very quiet but it just happened to be Buffalo Bill Days....yikes it was crazy. We talked to the lady at the visitor center so she explained what was going on. Not the norm so we just looked around. It was very unique that's for sure. Neat shops and very pretty. They actually have a bike path that's 60 miles long, we didn't do that. Just drove there to explore but we got more than we bargained for. It was fun just too busy for us.

Sunday, since this August weather is crazy and cool we had a morning campfire. We watched everyone packing up to leave. We thought this place was busy when we got here, over the weekend it was crazy packed.

Monday we did some cleaning and headed back into town to check out the shops and eat lunch at a local pizza place that's been around for 60 years.  We know why Mabe's Pizza has been in business all those years, our Pizza was excellent and prices are reasonable. And after lunch we found a little bakery that sold crispys....YUM!!!!!

Tuesday was our moving day and woke up to foggy weather so we waited for that to lift. We had planned to head north for a couple weeks but Jeff's ears are bothering him and we think we might be rushed. Didn't have any reservations so we aren't locked  into anything. One reason for heading north is relief from the heat but that isn't the case, so decided to head back to our base camp. Squaw Creek/ Morgan Creek- Cedar Rapids here we come...

Squaw Creek - Chicago Trip

Monday July 22 we traveled across town again. He had packed most of the stuff ahead of time so we made good time. We timed it just right as we were pulling a big 5th wheel was coming out of the park, jokingly I said we are gonna take there spot and I actually think we did. We had the 1st spot on the left , we had it before and liked it cause its close to the showers, the dump station, etc, its handy lets say that. I did up some  laundry and we had some odor issues so we worked on that. Went to town for supper and when we got back the weather looked a bit scary luckily it missed us... yeah!

Tuesday the weather had changed it was really nice in the upper 70's. I decided to make good use of the weather, first a walk then when I got back I brought all the screens out and washed them. So when I put them back inside I had to clean the windows and the sills. Funny how one thing leads to another. Jeff was busy outside washing the roof. I also managed to give our schnauzer (Belle) a haircut.

Wednesday another lovely day and another great walk. I saw 3 baby deer and 2 big turkeys. Today I worked on cleaning all the a.c. vents, fans, and anything else I could find dusty. Jeff did some waxing on the HOW.  We had supper and I started to get things together for my weekend away. We went across town to watch Ashton play hockey. He always seems happy that we come, you can tell by his face.

Thursday July 25th my oldest sons birthday...he's 34!! I kinda have a tradition I like to call them 1st thing in the morning and sing to them... They say they hate it but secretly I think they like it. We had planned to meet them at Red Lobster for supper. I brought him a cheesecake. Supper was tasty and everyone left full. I went home with Seth and Katie, Jeff left with Ashton. Now my weekend was completely different then Jeff's. Jeff was at the HOW with the dogs and Ashton. Me, I spent the weekend in downtown Chicago with my boys and daughter in law. We took off toward Chicago around 7am. We stopped at the outlet mall, it was a bit rainy but nothing we couldn't handle. We had a room at the Hilton. It was a nice place but as we arrived the place was packed. Full of people in red. I forgot to tell you that we were in Chicago to attend the Blackhawk convention. We waited in line to check in, at least they were quick. The boys went down to check out the convention and the opening ceremonies. Katie and I went to check out Michigan Avenue. We met at PF Changs for dinner. Then by the time we got back everyone was exhausted. Katie and I walked all over town... My dogs were barking!

Saturday Seth was up so early you would have thought it was Christmas morning. They headed to all the festivities of the convention. Us girls headed for breakfast and then to check out the Chicago bean before all the people woke up. Both of us really liked it, better when it's not so crowded. The weather was so weird, remember its the end of July and I don't think it hit ..70 degrees. Not complaining its better than 90's and humid. Kt and I walked all over Chicago. We met the boys for lunch, oh yeah they are having fun too. More shopping and of course when in Chicago you have to get caramel corn at Garret's. Met up for supper then back to the room. Was gonna hit the hot tub & pool but was too tired.

Sunday up, dressed and headed out to beat traffic and we did. Stopped at Ihop for breakfast. Stopped at a hockey store to get Ashton a new stick. Then our last stop before heading home....IKEA, love that store. We kept getting phone calls from Ashton wondering when we were gonna be home. I think he was excited about the surprises Mom and Dad were bringing.

Ashton and PaPa had a great 3 days together. After spending the night on Thursday we got up early Friday for a 5 mile bike ride around the park. Later we headed to Prairie Park Fisherie for some fishing fun.. Ashton caught 14 fish of all kinds. A half dozen catfish, a couple of stripers and a few blue gill and perch. He really had a good time . Later in the afternoon we went to Pancheros for a late lunch-early supper and after that we headed to the Collins Road Theater for Iron Man 3.  I would say we most definitely had a full day of activities and both of us were tired at the end of the day. 

We started Saturday with another bike ride and some Geocaching. After we  logged a couple of caches we made our way to the playground so Ashton could climb and swing on the equipment. I asked him what he wanted to do in the afternoon and he told me he wanted to go to the Play Station. This is a kids indoor jungle gym with slides, tunnels, ball pits and other apparatus for kids to play on. He of course had a good time while I watched from the spectator area. In the evening we stayed in and watched the movie Captain Ron.

Sunday we just hung out around the campground and played some Frisbee horseshoes and some trac ball. Ashton was excited for his Mom and Dad to get home because they had told him he was getting some surprises.

We had planned to leave for Decorah on Monday but I had lots to do so we waited one more day.

Monday was a busy one for me, I did laundry, defrosted the freezer, hit the grocery store and filled up the gas tank. 

Bounce back to Morgan Creek

Monday July 8th we were packed up and on the road by 9 A.M. We backed into spot #12. I think it was good we were so early cause its really hot &. humid. Jeff has been dealing with some ringing in his ears so he decided to call his Dr. He can see him on Thursday so he also called our dentist to check if there were openings on Thursday. Yes it's a go. I got the laundry done today and to finish off the day we met some friends for dinner. We went to a new place called Parlor City, it was very good but the company was better. Jeff liked it cause they had lots of different beer on tap. He found one he really liked and stayed with it...I had Pepsi.

Tuesday it's so so hot...it rained a lot so Jeff took me over to clean my younger sons house.

When we woke up on Wednesday we had a surprise the humidity had dropped, it was wonderful. We went for a nice walk and since the weather is nice I thought I would sit outside. We got a call from our daughter in-law telling us our grand daughter is sick so we got to babysit. I hate that she doesn't feel good but she's so snugly and loving when she doesn't feel well. It's Wednesday night so we watched Ashton's hockey.

Thursday morning we had to make our last reservation in Florida but we didn't get what we had hoped for. That made us almost late to get Jeff to his Dr. Appointment. It was close but we made it on time. While we were in town we got to visit with friends we haven't seen in awhile. Had lunch with my best friend. Jeff got to stop at the fire station and catch up there. For supper we made plans to get together with Porters some of the nicest people we know. The dinner was good too. The only bad thing we talked so much we ended up driving back in the dark, something we don't like to do.

Friday a beauty of a day, got to talking to the campground host and shot most of the morning but it was worth it. We enjoyed the rest of the day and even had frozen yogurt from orange leaf....yum !!

Saturday we got up and decided to surprise our grand kids so we hopped on our bikes and rode to there house. It's not that far away but the main road is fairly busy and not much shoulder to escape to. So we went around another way. It was cloudy and it sprinkled a bit. Our daughter in law was in Des Moines running in a color run. Sissy and I decided to support her with a chalk drawing in the driveway.

We came back to the campground and decided to take a rode trip. We drove to the Amana Colonies. Did a little shopping, they have lots of homemade items. Fudge shops, ice cream, coffee, pastry,need I say more. They even had a quilt store...yeah! We came back home again and the weather still wasn't that great so we went to a movie (The Heat) so funny. What a full day that was.

Sunday went to church and then our younger son came over for pizza. Visited with some neighbors and that was about it. Kinda boring considering our Saturday schedule. Did have a little excitement though our power went off.... Really like having electricity, it definitely makes life easier.

Monday I'm not sure what got in to me, I started cleaning and it was so contagious. I cleaned out everything, the cabinets, drawers, medicine cabinet, closets you name it i cleaned it. I even got rid of a lot of stuff. Then to finish the day I even got my laundry done.

Tuesday we had the grand kids for the day. So to start it off we had pancakes. The bad thing was it was so hot. We went for a walk. Then went to the store. Well Walmart... Sissy and I had a big decision to make....what color of tulle to get for her princess dress, she picked purple. Since it was so hot we watched a movie and made cupcakes. I even got to paint Sissy's toes. Sissy went home but Ashton stayed all night.

Another scorcher on Wednesday. Ashton picked waffles for breakfast and let me know how good they were. We went on a bike ride which was horrible cause it was so hot. Ashton rested up cause he has hockey tonight.

Thursday was smoking hot again. Didn't do much just trying to stay cool. We did have another visitor, Barkley the wonder dog came to spend a few nights with us. Three dogs might be pushing it a bit, I kinda thought I might want another dog but after watching Barkley I've decided that 2 dogs are plenty. Friday was a bit cooler but still pretty warm. We just tried to keep the dogs separated. It takes awhile for them to get used to each other. It's only the 2 weenie dogs that have problems.

Saturday we headed to the farmers market in downtown Cedar Rapids. We went with our daughter in law and grand kids. I have to say that this farmers market is one of the best ones. They have everything, from produce to crafts. It's really busy though. We got a few things, well Jeff did. He likes the honey and got some maple syrup. We had the kids come out around supper time. The kids had a wedding so we got the gifts.(grand kids) Went to Godfathers for pizza, then home for a movie. They picked them up that night.

Sunday Justin picked up Barkley so it was really quiet here at the HOW! I decided to do some baking, one of my favorite things to do. Jeff went to a movie and I started piecing together a quilt. Going to hit the road tomorrow back across town for a  week before heading north.