Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday, June 29, 2009

Sunday the 28th. we just headed into Urbana to see Mel. He had a good night and he had his procedure early in the day. By the time we arrived he was back to his old normal self. What a nice surprise that was. After we visited awhile we went shopping before heading back to Cisco.

We let Charley off her leash today. What a workout she got. She ran and ran like crazy - she just was loving life and all that goes with it. Of course when she would not come to us we had to resort to bribes, like dog treats and going for a ride. She did make us laugh with her antics. What a joy an animal can bring - and each day they make us smile at least once.

Monday found was wanting to play tourist. We sent into Springfield to see the state capitol and the Lincoln home. What can I say, I hated history when I was in school and now I enjoy touring state capitals and historic battlefields and presidential homes and museums. Live and learn. They are truly amazing, our National Parks Service does a wonderful job and all the states have history museums in their capital buildings. Very enjoyable day for us.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Saturday, June 26, 2009

Friday the 25th. we left Elkhart, In. early so to avoid the heat of the day. It was 8:30ish, and as we neared our turn we suddenly remembered that we needed gas....hey the gas station was right ahead, we turn in and it is not made for RV's to enter. We put some gas in the engine and try to leave. Nancy must ask the clerk to move her auto as we can not turn sharp enough to exit without breaking something. The clerk can't move her auto, she is the only one in the store, so we must unhook our auto....which we do then drive up the road aways and reconnect. Not an easy thing to do, but we managed.

We head into South Bend they way the GPS tells us to go, and we are in town and the dash starts lighting up and beeps away. We turn a corner and bring our long RV with auto attached to a stop and the Dash says STOP ASAP!!!!! We stop Tom gets out and heads for the engine upon which it is steaming away. Nothing we can do Nancy, we must get towed and find someone to look at the engine.

By now you would think we have our rv insurance on auto dial, but no Nancy must look up the number and ask for yet another tow. The truck arrives and it in no way can haul a motorhome, so the guy must go back and get another wrecker. Our call to the insurance company is at 9:22 a.m. Soon (11:30 a.m.) we are towed to the Ford dealership which happens to be able to service commercial trucks and RV's, lucky aren't we? The service tech tells us they might not be able to fix until Monday. Well, we have options, don't we? In the meantime it is HOT, so we must keep the car running so Charley does not overheat. It is like 1/2 mile from the bays where they fix the rv's to they write up the work orders, so we are getting a work-out.

We are recommended a nice little place 3 blocks away to eat. Yes, this is like a dream meal, fresh Lake Perch for Lake Michigan,mmmmm-good. But wait Charley is in the car must hurry and get out there and turn on the a/c again, give her more water and food. Poor puppy.

After our great meal we hurry back to the dealership and find out what happened is the clamp that Ford uses on the radiator is broke. They went to a spring clip a few years ago instead of the old clamps with a screw in them and they break. Well, lets get it fixed and maybe on the road again. Oh, wait Ford has a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty..well our motorhome is not quite 3 years old. Ford says the motorhome went into service on 4-6-06......wait we purchased it on 10-20-06. Calls to Ford would not recitfy the problem, but a call to Lazy Days where we purchased they had to get into the files and fix the problem, so by 4:30 Ford agreed to pay for the work done, and we could safely get on our way.

What started out as an early day to arrive in Cisco, Il. had us arriving at 10:30 edt or 9:30 cdt. A long day to be sure. We were exhausted but fine.

Saturday we awoke early, 6:00 cdt, and let Charley out. What fun to run in the cornfields. Scared Nancy as she wanted to chase a rabbit into the cornfield, and would not come back readily. So now she is on a long rope and has to content herself in that respect. She can still run, but only on the rope.

Early today Tom took Mel and Carol into Monticello for blood work for Mel. By the time they arrived home, the hospital called and wanted Mel to go into the hospital in Urbana. So, reluctenly Mel agree to go. Tom is taking them again so Carol won't have to drive by herself home and we are all sure Mel is going to be admitted. His level of something in the blood went up overnight instead of down and they are worried about internal bleeding. I am staying home doing the laundry and answering the phone. Cards are welcome as they let him know you are thinking of him.

Well, will try and update later but for now this is long enough.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

July 25,2009

Today was again another hot day. Tom, Flat Stanley and Nancy headed into Shipshewana to see what was new. Flat Stanley got to ride on a horse and buggy ride. Wow, what fun. Then Nancy went shopping. She shopped till she dropped! Then Tom found a neat restaurant in which to eat. So they had a lovely lunch. Afterwards, Nancy finished shopping and then it was back to the campsite.

We had a little soda and then we took Charley with us and headed into South Bend. We had never seen the campus of Notre Dame. Wow, is it ever nice. Yes, Flat Stanley did see touchdown Jesus and the football field. Anyhow after that we all went back to the campsite and relaxed. Yes, it was hot and humid and we were glad to be home with the A/C. Good day.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Hello All,
This morning we left early and headed to Elkhart, IN. We arrived about 1:00 p.m. We have a nice campsite and plan on looking the area over a little later. It is Really hot and the A/C is working to cool us down.

On Friday, June 19th. we went to Jeff & Amy's for his 40th. party. Really nice as it was just us Milton's. Jeff, Amy and girls, Greg, Lynn and girls and Tom and I. We all went out for dinner and had Jeff open his gifts.

Saturday was a little more hectic as Amy had invited neighbors and friends over for his 40th. So we were glad that we had the night before to celebrate. Yes, my daughter-in-law Lynn took pictures of me with all 5 grand-girls. At the end of the photo show, she told all the girls to give Grandma a kiss, what FUN!!!

Sunday found us at the Detroit Zoo for the memorial service with family for my Mother. What a grand day it was. Warm, but not to warm, a little overcast so the temperature was not bad, and all of us except for my niece's son Joel. What a fun day. We had asked the grand-children to think of something that reminded them of either Mom or Dad and to share it with us. It was wonderful to see all the family as I'm not sure when or if that will ever happen again. My brother-in-law Paul had his camera and took family photo's and grand-children photos. I'm sure between Lynn and Paul I will have some pretty good photos.

Monday found us getting new tires on the Saturn. We found out how bad they were and thought our life was more impotant that a few dollars for 4 new tires and a four wheel alignment. After that we headed out to Lexington, Mi. to see Peggy and Bill once again before we left Michigan. Peggy looked much better and seemed to be walking with the cane nicely. I don't feel bad about leaving them and heading out now that I think she is o.k.

Tuesday found us at Tom and Katrina's in Waterford, Mi. We had a lovely lunch and got to tease Tom about falling off the ladder. He is o.k., but extremely sore. If you want you can call and harass him at 248.618.7884. He might never speak to me again but I'm sure he would love to hear your voices.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Wednesday & Thursday June 17 & 18, 2009

Wednesday was a day for relaxing. Good thing as the heavens opened up and you would have thought we were in Florida for the tropical rainstorms. Wow, we had to just wait it out, but the rains did come.

Thursday we start out early. We are to pick up Katie in Perry, Mi. She has been visiting with her other grandma and grandpa. Perry is about halfway between their home and our campsite. But wait, our backseat is full of items from Mom's that I brought north. So, before we meet to get Katie we stop at my sister's in Owosso. We get there a little early and have a nice chat with sister, Marti. She works for K-mart and her store will be closing in September. She does not need to work, but is something to do. I think she will be a little lost when she is forced into retirement.

We leave Owosso and head south. We arrive at McDonald's. Katie and Sharon are waiting for us. Katie is so excited to tell us what she and Grandma Sharon did during her visit. She saw some cousins that she had never met before, went swimming and to the Disney store. After eating and then getting Katie's stuff in the car it was back to Jeff & Amy's.

We got on-line there as we do not get good connect speed at the motorhome. We did a few other things and then left back to Marysville.

I am writing this on Friday morning and I can't believe that today my oldest son, Jeff will be 40!!!! Wow, does time fly. This evening we will be at Jeff and Amy's home along with Greg (our youngest) and his family. Wow, three days with all of us together, how nice. Lynn has brought her camera and will try to get photo's of us all. I am hoping we can get a good shot of Grandma with all 5 grand-daughters. Anyhow I will add more this evening or sometime soon.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Today is wash day. We take it very easy and head out to the laundromat about 10:30. We go into Marysville and find it and start 5 loads of wash. Tom goes outside and just watches the comings and goings in the little shopping mall. Nancy sits inside and reads.

Next door they have taco Tuesdays. We think we should do lunch there so when the laundry is finished that is where we head. What a good lunch. Must remember this little place for future visits.

After lunch we go back and take the laundry in, put clean sheets on the bed, clean towels out and feel good about all that.

Next we head into town to sign the paperwork Nancy needs to sign to set up accts. for the distribution of part of the parents estate. While there we have the battery with us, we can't play the radio and some other things in the RV just don't seem to be doing things right. We have Walmart check the battery and guess what it don't take a charge and is really bad. We purchase a new battery and head back to camp. When we put the new battery in the motorhome wow, the radio now works. We sit around and have cocktails until it's time for supper. After a great meal we head to the clubhouse so we can research items and Nancy can do her blog. Have a great day everyone.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Today it is bright and sunny. We leave the motorhome early and head west then north. We are going to Bay City, then onto Saginaw. Arriving in Bay City we get off 1-75 and look at the old place at Bay Valley. Wow, have they ever added new condo's and updated to look of the place. We take a few photos of the old place and head on out to Essexville. When we get into the big city, we can't travel down Center Avenue. It is totally closed - they are re-doing the road. We find our way to St. Mary's Ct. and look at all the older homes. Not much has changed. Then it's onto Cornell St. Something is different, can't quite see what it is.....oh, my goodness those big old box elder trees are gone and the front of the house is in the sunshine.

Heading downtown we stop into Simmons and see David for a few minutes. Then it's off to Saginaw to visit with Bonnie and John. Bonnie is home when we arrive, but John is still on the golf course. We visit with Bonnie and when John arrives we head out to eat. Afterwards, Tom and John go on a golf cart around the course and I head into the Midland Road Office of the bank and visit with Shari and Keith. So much has changed but some things remain the same. All in all a good day....but we have to head out and return to the campsite before it gets to late. Nancy is so tired she falls asleep in the car on our return trip.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sunday, June 14, 2009
We need to get ahold of a few people. We should head north to Lexington, Mi. and see Peg and Bill, then Jack & Maud and maybe pick up a few items. Yes, it seems like we shop almost every day. The problem is we never manage to find all the items we want so, every time we head into a city, we shop.

We drive to Port Huron and find a shop so Tom can get some English wrenches. Then it is into a Mongolian Bar-b-que. From there we hed out to Peg and Bill's. Peg had hip replacement surgery about 10 days ago. She is doing fine, moving a little slow. Her Port Huron friends manage to keep them in food, but I think she is not feeling as well as she would like to be. Peg and Bill put there place up for sale. They are right on Lake Huron on a very deep lot with lots of trees. This place should sell for lots of $$$$'s. Their plan is to move into a condo so they have a condo at both ends of the states, Ft. Myers, and the Port Huron area.

After a nice visit we leave and head towards Marysville to visit with Jack & Maud. They know we are coming and so have invited us to dinner. We eat good old fashioned Michigan hot dogs. They are absolutely the best in the world. No fillers!!!! We have a great visit with them, Tom and Jack head back to the motorhome to get Charley. Then when they return Maud had fixed us all home-made strawberry shortcake. MMMMMMM, good .

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009

This morning we had to leave by 7:30 to reach the playing field where Maggie our 7 year old was playing softball. It was the end game and Maggie is one of the youngest girls on the team and one of the smallest. Maggie got three hits and two times scored. Way to go girlfriend. What a great day and a great way to start the day.

Afterwards the league had an awards ceremony. It was rainy and drizzly day so we headed back to the house, where sisters and other grandma were. We had a wonderful bar-b-que for lunch.

When Tom, Richard (other grandpa) and I were out on the deck, Grandma Sharon told us the girls were riding their bikes. Jeff was astonished and said "Maggie???" Yes, Sharon said all three were riding bikes. Jeff hurried to look, Maggie had not wanted to get on the bike and learn how to ride without the training wheels. She just deceided that she could ride a two wheeler and so she got on the bike and rode away. After that accomplishment she wanted to ride to the store with Dad, about a mile total ride. Up and down a hill both ways. She rode the whole way without problems. We were all so very proud of her.

After a dinner, Tom and I headed back to Thousand Trails. Our campsite is about 50 miles away from the kids so when we go we go for the day. We won't see the kids until next Thursday. We are planning on visiting with friends in the meantime.

Thursday, June 11,2009

Thursday the first day full day in Michigan. We find out that Katie will be having a graduation ceremony from Pee Wee Patch (day care) this evening. Of course, we will be there. So we head into Jeff and Amy's for the day. They are both at work, but Katy the nanny is there with Katie the grandchild. We read paperwork that my sister has sent to me and then head out the the store. Our shopping list in hand we find a Meijer's and the store is being re-modeled. Oh, do we have trouble finding some items on the list. But, we find most everything we want. Tom thinks we should get Katie some flowers for graduation, we find a nice mum and card for her.

We head back to the Milton household and find we are locked out. Katy the nanny has gone to pick Lindsay and Maggie up from school, and then code we were given to get in does not work. We call Jeff and Amy unable to reach either of them. It is raining so we sit in the car, and Katy and the grandchildren come home, lo and behold we can get in the house.

After a wonderful dinner we head out to the ceremony at Pee Wee Patch. Tom has forgetten to take his meds today so does not feel to well. He deceides that he will stay home and not go to the ceremony. His loss, cause wild horses would not keep this grandma away.

Katie is beaming, she marches in and takes her seat. They have a little ceremony and even give out certificates of graduation. Afterwards there is cake and coffee for all who attend. Then we all head out to the ice cream store. All the little girls love this. Well, tomorrow is a school day so we must get home so Lindsay and Maggie and get plenty of sleep for their last day of school.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wednesday, the 10th. Of June. We leave Willmington, Ohio and head north. It is a great day for traveling as it is raining. Well, not really great but it will keep us cooler than if the sun were out. We load our settings into the GPS and start down the road. We find a Bob Evans for lunch at the Cabala's exit off US 23 in Michigan. Wow, we are making good time. We should be at the campsite by 3:00 at the latest. Watch out Nancy & Tom don't make any predictions....they might not come true. Sure enough about 5 miles up the road BAM!!!! Pow, oh my goodness we have a blowout on the right front tire. Tom, being the expert driver he is, managed to get us over to the edge of the roadway without any mishap.

We call our insurance (maybe we should put that number on speed dial) and tell them just where we are. They locate a tow truck for us and golly they should be there in an hour. (haven't I heard that line just a couple of days ago?)

Golly me, in 48 minutes the tow truck was there. He took extra care in getting the RV secured to the tow truck. Where do we want to be pulled to? How about someplace where we might be able to get the tire replaced? O.k. Belle Tire on Carpenter Rd. in Ypsilanti. Off we go, Tom, Nancy and Charley following the RV that is being towed.

The guys at Belle Tire were really great. They jacked up the motorhome and changed the tire quite fast. We had called the campsite to tell them we may not make it today, but what the heck maybe we can after the fast repair. No, they could not repair the tire, remember that tire we hit a couple of days ago? Well, we must have had a hole put into the right front tire, cause when they went and looked at the tire the hole was the size of a golfball. No fixing that, we had to get a new tire.

O.k. So now it is rush hour traffic and we want to see if we can get to our campsite. We head out and then think of all the possible roads we could take. Call Jeff and Amy to find out what roads we should take and where all the road construction was. Finally after three calls we think heading to Flint and out I-69 is our best course. We encounter two long road delays but, traffic is moving nicely.

We arrive at the campgrounds about 7:30. We call the ranger to get into the park and he welcomes us and we think how lucky we have been today.

We set up camp and call Jeff & Amy and let them know we arrived and are all o.k. Charley is glad to be back in her camper and loves all the attention she is getting from friendly people here.

Temperature 57 degrees this a.m. Now we remember why we wanted throw rugs on the tile floor.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

This morning we were just going to sit and “veg” all day. Then Tom looked at the map and saw that Lebanon, Ohio was just down the road. For the last 30 to 35 years all I remember about Lebanon was Tom telling me that during one of his golf outings to this area about the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, Ohio. It is an Inn and Restaurant and the oldest continuous operating Inn and Restaurant in Ohio. There have been many notable historians that have been here. Of our presidents 10 have visited. If you goggle The Golden Lamb you can learn a little bit more about it.

We arrived in Lebanon just after noon with our hunger in tact. Wow, what a historic old building this Golden Lamb is in. Everything about it is fantastic, from the restaurant to the bar to the upstairs rooms where notables have slept. The food was great and we truly enjoyed our lunch. They have many dining rooms, but the one we ate in is the oldest. I took many pictures of the Golden Lamb. I sure see why all these years that Tom has raved about this Inn. If your even in the area, I sure urge you to look it up and enjoy a tasty meal there.

A special note, Barbara is you are reading this, they serve teas the third week-end of every month during the summer. Some of the dishes are so very old, I am sure you would really enjoy this place.

After touring the city – we found ourselves a Meijer's store and shopped for needed items

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

This morning we were just going to sit and “veg” all day. Then Tom looked at the map and saw that Lebanon, Ohio was just down the road. For the last 30 to 35 years all I remember about Lebanon was Tom telling me that during one of his golf outings to this area about the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, Ohio. It is an Inn and Restaurant and the oldest continuous operating Inn and Restaurant in Ohio. There have been many notable historians that have been here. Of our presidents 10 have visited. If you goggle The Golden Lamb you can learn a little bit more about it.

We arrived in Lebanon just after noon with our hunger in tact. Wow, what a historic old building this Golden Lamb is in. Everything about it is fantastic, from the restaurant to the bar to the upstairs rooms where notables have slept. The food was great and we truly enjoyed our lunch. They have many dining rooms, but the one we ate in is the oldest. I took many pictures of the Golden Lamb. I sure see why all these years that Tom has raved about this Inn. If your even in the area, I sure urge you to look it up and enjoy a tasty meal there.

A special note, Barbara is you are reading this, they serve teas the third week-end of every month during the summer. Some of the dishes are so very old, I am sure you would really enjoy this place.

After touring the city – we found ourselves a Meijer's store and shopped for needed items

Monday, June 8, 209

What a day. We awaken to big rigs taking off. We arise take Charley for a walk...then we head out. We leave and have a great day on the road. We are zipping right along. We don't travel fast, going about 60 mph, so we stay in the far right lane. We don't encounter many traffic delays.

Somewhere in Tennessee the truck ahead of us runs over a tire rememant, it flies towards us and we of course can't manuever out of it hitting us. It goes under the RV and under the auto. Next time we stop we look for damage. It appears the front of the RV had a little damage, but nothing under the RV or the car. Lucky us.

We arrive at Thosand Trails Wilmington (Ohio) at 5:00 and are off the road. What a lovely campground this is. We find our campsite and set up camp. Tuesday is a day of rest for us. Charley just loves the campsite, there are all sorts of kids to visit with her. They is a "Mr. Flaky" complete with albino rabbit that Charley gets to meet. She is not certain about the rabbit, but seems to put up with it. Mr. Flakey is quite the talker, we sit and listen to his life story and then head into the RV for the night. We are really, really tired.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Well, this was a great start. Today we move and head north. We pack up the RV and get our "toad" ready to move when Tom starts his usual routine of checking the basement and making sure it's locked. Then onto the tires, are they full of pressure. Oh, darn the outside rear passenger tire is FLAT!! Nancy, find the insurance info. We called the insurance company - we aren't going anyplace with a flat. Will she help us find a tow and perhaps someplace open to repair a tire on A Sunday? Our cell phone is going dead, we need to plug in...will she look and call us back in 15 minutes? Sure. In the meantime we continue to look for something to help us. We find a tow place in Haines City, they will come and help us. Yeah! Good thing as the insurance company can find no one in our area.

They arive in their 15 (?) minutes more like an hour and a half. The young kid fills the tire with air and it seems to be holding. Their is a GoodYear store just down the road and he will follow us to it. Saving us time and money. We only need to pay for the service call and air into the tire vs. a tow.

We arrive to find out that GoodYear will not fix tires on trucks and RV's. What to do we are blocking some of their service bays. One young man his brother in law works on trucks and RV's. We call and another hour and a half later he shows up. We have a self taping screw inbedded in the tire. He can fix it and so what started out as a day taking off at 8:30 instead turning into a day leaving at 12:30.

We wanted to get north of Atlanta so we drove until 10:00 that evening to arrive north of Atlanta. Not having a campsite we found a Walmart parking lot and stopped overnite there. What a day, glad it's over.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Friday, June 5, 2009

Ahhhh, the joys of starting vacation. Friday, June 5th. We left Estero heading for Orlando. The trip up was uneventful, except for the time our Evenbrake said STOP - ASAP!! We pulled over to the side of the road, could not figure out what was happening, so it got unplugged, we still had the taillights on the car working, but not the car brakes. Will have to look at today.

We thought “Old Town” on a Friday night was Old Car Nite/ Cruise In. What a bummer! The autos were NOT on the Old Town street, instead they were on the road that runs parallel to US 192. And old ? Cars, NOT. When we see 2 and 3 year old foreign autos, and a few old time US autos. Need I say more this was definitely a big disappointment.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Wednesday, June 3rd. 2009

Hello, today we are starting to pack the motorhome. Yesterday we had 4 men washing the outside of the RV so we would not be soooo very dirty. Have loaded food, and are getting ready the clothing. We need to take casual clothing, plus a couple of nicer pieces in case we go fancy somewhere. But things are happening. We look forward to the trip, but have lots to do before we go. Will add more later.