Fly or dump or....

Today was the day we had decided to take stuff to the dump and do some recycling. This plan was a good one until we checked to learn that the dump was only open on Friday through Sunday. What to do? Being stymied, we gave it a bit of thought and went flying. Arthur is a pilot, and he and his brother Donn (also a pilot) keep a plane here in Friday Harbor. I took the camera and got a few shots of the many islands. It was a beautiful sunny day in which to fly. The air was calm, and we took off into the wind.

I loved the whole thing. Arthur flew the plane up to over 2000 feet and we could see Victoria, British Columbia, Canada which is just a few miles from San Juan Island where Friday Harbor is located. We checked out Orca and Lopez Islands and could see ferries working their way to the various inhabited islands. At Friday Harbor one ferry was leaving and another arriving. We say Mount Baker whose snow-covered summit was shining in the sun. We even saw Mount Rainer in the distance over 100 miles away. Some of the tops of the Olympic Mountains were snow covered as well. Finally after a half hour of total bliss, we circled back and returned to Friday Harbor Airport.

Arthur called Foxy, and we all met for lunch at Vic's, a great hamburger and fish joint which has not changed decor in years. The food is still excellent, and we enjoyed clam strips among other items. Home again and I unpacked my stained glass collection and tools and got organized to start a new glass project. Happy travels.

We get better parked

The coach was left on a slope in the driveway which tilted in such a way that our heads were lower than our feet when we were sleeping. It did not stop anything like sleeping, but we decided to rearrange our parking in another area, which meant moving the coach closer to the garage. This was more level and worked much better. We hooked up to water and electricity and settled in. A couple of trips to town for groceries and a visit to the post office to mail our mail-in absentee ballots, and the day just flew by. The fresh apples in the stores were irresistible. We had some for lunch, and then Foxy made apple crisp for dinner for the three of us. A visit by a raccoon on the porch and some friendly attempts at poker games took care of the evening, and we fell into a level bed for a snooze. Happy travels.

Finally Friday Harbor

We got another early start and left out friendly KOA hosts and quickly covered the forty miles to the Portland area. We filled the coach with diesel and headed north on I-205 which connects to I-5, the main road north to Seattle. Traffic was heavy but moving quickly. In Olympia we passed the state capital, and then soon we were in Tacoma and noticed Route 16 which would take you to Bremerton where Tim and Kristy were once stationed. That road will take you over the famous Tacoma Narrows Bridge which has replaced "Galloping Gertie," the previous bridge which collapsed in the thirties. Onward and soon the Seattle skyline emerged including the Space Needle. Such a beautiful city. However, on this trip we planned to stop in Everett, a city a few miles north of Seattle. We had some business to do at CostCo. That concluded, we continued to head north and soon turned and headed toward Anacortes. This city is the terminus for the Alaskan oil pipeline and quite a busy port. It is also the place to catch the ferry boats for the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound.

We did not expect to be able to make a ferry boat for Friday Harbor and indeed expected to embark the next day. If we could not get passage, we planned to turn around and park for the night in a nearby campground. However, we were lucky. I quickly unhooked the car, and shortly the boat began the boarding process.

Once aboard, we left our vehicles and climbed the stairs to enjoy the view. How we love this part of the trip! The San Juan Islands are simply beautiful and the scenery spectacular. We had boat safety drills and one other stop at Lopez Island, and then Friday Harbor was in sight and we had to get downstairs to disembark.

We drove off the boat and into the town and remembered the way to Arthur's B & B, where we had spent many lovely months some years earlier. Of course, that was not exactly where we were supposed to go. Arthur also has a home on the golf course, and he wanted us to park the motor coach there. Foxy had learned this from a phone call from Arthur, and after turning around we quickly arrived. I backed the coach into his drive, and we joined Arthur for a dinner of steak and baked potato. Finally bed beckoned, and we settled in for a snooze. Happy travels indeed.

Oregon or bust

Foxy woke up early and could not get back to sleep, so once I woke up, we quickly packed up and hit the road. Again today, no squawking sensor. Yeah! We headed west and drove through farm land that depended upon irrigation for water. We drove along the Snake River and commented on the fact that there were so few trees. We stopped for lunch at a road rest stop and drove into Oregon. The road gradually rose until we dropped into the Columbia River watershed and followed this river west. This particular drive is one of my all time favorites, as this river is spectacular. At many points it seems as if the river is a mile wide. There are roads and trains on both sides, whether you travel the Oregon or the Washington route. Several years ago we stopped at an RV park in The Dalles but could not find it this trip, so we went on for about another forty miles to find a spot for the night at another KOA about 40 miles east of Portland.

Once parked we discovered that one of the protective awnings over a front slide had come loose and needed to be reattached. The joys of traveling in a motor home. Fortunately, I had learned how to do this when I rebuilt the slide back in the spring. Foxy cooked some Chicken Piccata for dinner, which was excellent and much enjoyed by me. Now a bit of TV and then bed. Happy travels.

No squawks on Sunday

Sunday dawned with the unasked question in the air, "Would the squawk return?" Sort of on edge, we began to drive up toward Salt Lake City along a route suggested by another person in the park where we had spent the night. His suggestions turned out to be excellent, and in no time we were driving along the western side of the Wasatch Mountains and passed through Provo and then Salt Lake City, where we spotted an Ikea store. Best of all, there was no squawking. Ikea has modern furniture with simple lines that is relatively inexpensive. We stopped there about 11:00 am and in a half hour the doors opened, if you wanted to visit their restaurant, which we did for a late breakfast. It was good and cheap. Breakfast over, we explored the store and found a great drop leaf table, very much the twin of the table that Gordon and Diana had purchased in Austin a few weeks back.

Back in the coach, with our table to be assembled in the back seat of the car, we went back on the road and headed for Idaho, where we stopped for the evening. We we got to the KOA and parked, I began the process of putting together the table we had purchased at Ikea. Chili for dinner, and we hit the sack. Happy travels.

On the road again

This morning we said good by to Ron, Julie and Byron. Byron helped us fill up our propane tank, and then we started down the road to Durango and then west to Cortez and finally into Utah. The coach behaved well until a sensor light came on to tell us that we were low on water. I checked the radiator and put in a small amount of water, and the light would not go off. We called Freightliner, and they finally suggested that we had a bad connection on the sensor and that we could jiggle that, and all would be well. This plan works only if you can find the sensor, which was not located where they told us it would be. So, we listened to the sensor squawk at us for miles, occasionally stopping only to get recharged and squawk some more. Finally after I had taken my hearing aids out, Foxy suggested ear plugs. They worked, and the sound could be ignored, mostly. We decided to find a Freightliner dealer and have him look for the sensor. About 40-50 miles from the dealer, it quit. Go figure. So we did not stop at the dealer but continued to Salina, Utah where we are parked for the night. What next you ask? We do, too!

I am considering a gun and shooting the motor coach if there is a next. Just kidding. Happy travels. The other unanswered question is will it squawk tomorrow? We will let you know.

We bid friends goodby at Sweeney"s

We had a few errands to run and also decided to visit a house owned by Susie and Al. We found the area but were not exactly sure which house was their house. It is in a nice section on the East side of Durango. On the way back we went by the new medical complex which includes a hospital and doctor offices, but in addition has an adjacent shopping and housing area. What a good idea, especially for retired folks, to have everything together within walking distance. Back in town we finished our errands and returned to Alpen Rose RV. Next on the agenda was laundry. Such fun. Not!

In the evening we met friends Byron, Ron and Julie, and Robin and Norm for a goodbye dinner at Sweeney's. This restaurant has been around for years, and in fact Sweeney died a few years ago, but his Aunt Migi decided to keep it open. The prime rib was excellent as was the calamari. At the end of the meal Byron decided to have desert, which was a huge piece of chocolate cake topped with ice cream. Several of us tried to help Byron, but most of it was left when we finally departed. Darrin, the kitchen manager and chef came by for a visit. He is new, but he has appreciated all the business sent to him by the Alpen Rose managers. We think he should do very well, if last night's meal was a good indication. Our waitress, Noel was excellent, too!

Byron, Robin, and Norm returned to the RV park but we, the intrepid four, returned to the Strater hoping for a return visit by the college student piano player. He did stick his head in the door but did not stay. We sampled several different martini drinks, and Foxy got acquainted with the folks at the next table. By the end of our stay she had become friends with Barb, Melissa, Monica, and others. Pictures were taken, and we were invited to park at their house when we next return to the area. Our Christmas list is growing. Foxy can make strangers into friends in an instant. What a talent. Happy travels.

Silverton

When we drove to Ouray the other day, we skipped visiting Silverton although the road goes there as well. Not wanting to miss any part of this lovely area we had to return to Silverton. It is an end point for the rail trip from Durango, as well as being an abandoned silver mine town. Now it is a tourist destination with fun stores to check out. When we arrived after passing through the aspen trees at their height in gorgeous colors and mountain tops crowned with new snow from last night's rain, we parked the car and immediately looked for a warm cup of coffee. Our waitress not only provided the necessary coffee but took pictures and explained the quilt collection on the walls featuring lots of Hallowe'en-themed pumpkins, black cats, and ghosts. We found out our waitress is named Pita, and she leaned over and said, "It means, 'Pain In The A.. .' " How we laughed.

With that fun beginning we carefully explored most of the stores except for the ones featuring candles, which can give me an instant headache. We found the Handlebar Restaurant, which has good hamburgers by reputation from several locals and visitors, and decided that was a good place for lunch. This time our waitress was Betty, and she brought us bison and elk burgers. The elk was the better of the two. With lunch satiating the hunger pains we wandered through any missed stores and stopped in a candy store for a treat. Then home.

Once back in Durango we discovered that a couple pulling a trailer was turning into this park when a biker tried to pass and got caught under the front corner of the trailer. He was not killed, but his bike was badly damaged. The campers had put on their turn signals, and we think that the biker was in their blind spot. How traumatic for all. Apparently there have been several accidents at this entrance, and the county will not put in a turn lane until there is a fatality. How stupid is that. The accident tied up traffic for quite awhile. I wonder how the biker is doing this morning. Maybe the office will know.

Ron and Julie found us watching the accident scene, and we all decided it was a perfect time to watch all of their recent pictures on a bigger screen than the computer. Ron used an HDMI cable to connect the computer to the television, which made for great viewing. Byron arrived to enjoy the show, too. While watching the slide show and talking non-stop as usual, we enjoyed several Lemon Drop Martinis, accompanied by Ron's smoked trout, pickled herring, and guacamole.

The evening was spent watching several new television shows and then off to bed. Happy travels.

Rain does not stop us

It rained, but not hard, and we decided to go downtown to Durango with Ron and Julie to look around in the stores and have lunch. Before lunch the ladies went to a couple of women's shops while Ron and I hit the sporting goods store. Lunch was at Old Tymer's, a Durango landmark. Foxy had posole, and I had a grilled Black Forest ham and pr0volone sandwich. Lunch was followed by more wandering through stores and galleries, and both Foxy and Julie found black felt hats at the Overland Sheepskin store. After a brief stop at WalMart, we headed back. We had decided to make Midwestern chili in the crock pot and were greeted with that lovely smell when we returned.

That evening we invited Ron and Julie and Byron over for chili and set up our folding white plastic work table which was big enough for the five of us to sit. It worked fairly well but we are still looking for the perfect table. We had seen a card table at Walmart that might be acceptable but have not made up our minds about that possibility.

Then about midnight it really rained and rained very hard. It woke me up although Foxy managed to sleep through it. When a small limb from a tree fell on the roof, I really jumped and wondered if there was any damage to the roof. Finally it slowed down and I drifted back to sleep. Happy travels.

Quest for a table

When we remodeled the coach we took out our the table and booth seats, thinking to replace this arrangement with a standing table and chairs. We have been looking for a drop leaf table and thought Rian in Kerrville would make us what we needed. His attempt came up short and was unacceptable since he did not follow the design we had suggested. We have also visited several antique stores in Kerrville and Albuquerque looking for the table that would work in our limited space.

Yesterday we explored downtown Durango and enjoyed the walk and decided to also explore some antique stores. We found several tables that might work but could not decide if any of them might be what we want. Foxy also has been exploring on line and found a table made by Stakmore of Owego, NY that might work, but we want to see it before we buy. We did locate some folding chairs on line and had them sent to us while still residing in Kerrville. Part of this quest has been finished but the quest for a table continues.

The rest of the day we took it easy, and we only visited Walmart in the afternoon for groceries. They have a very new and clean Walmart store here, and we enjoyed walking about and noticing all of the stuff you could purchase. Today it is supposed to be a heavy rain day, and by 6:00 am it was already sprinkling. Rain does not stop us from traveling about and exploring the area, and soon we will have some Midwestern chili cooking in the crock pot and get out and going. Happy travels.

Ouray or bust

Ouray is a very quaint mining town about 75 miles north of Durango. First you drive to Silverton, which is about 50 miles and then another 25 miles to your destination. We decided to head for Ouray and thoroughly enjoyed the lovely scenery along the way. You climb up several thousand feet just getting to Silverton. We kept stopping and taking pictures, since the Aspens were in full fall colors of yellow to golds. It was spectacular, especially the further north we went. Once we arrived in the outskirts of Silverton, Ron suggested that a potty break was a good idea and seconded by the rest of the travelers.

Onward toward Ouray, we drove by a State Route 14 which is a dirt logging or mining road. Our friend Byron suggested that we take this side road as it was a good roadm and we would enjoy the scenery. We turned the car around and drove back to the entrance and started up 14. It quickly wound up the mountainside, and we began to wonder exactly what we were getting into, but with few turn around places we kept proceding. There were no guard rails which was all right as long as we were in the trees. Soon we drove out of the trees and began a climb above the treeline. We finally stopped at an abandoned mine and stretched our legs and took more pictures, of course. By the time we drew near the top of the mountain we were at approximately 12,000 feet. By now the road, if you can call it that, was wide enough for only one vehicle. We did meet only one truck along the way in a wide spot, which was very lucky since no one had to back up to let the other by. The road degenerated into two ruts and lots of potholes. By now Byron's name was being taken in vain. We kept going.

The downhill trek was even more harried than getting to the top. At one point going up we almost did not make it since the car barely crept along and that was with the accelerator to the floor. The toughest part of going down was the "s" curves and the poor road combined. We kept going and finally came to the end of this road and rejoined the road to Ouray. All heaved a sigh of relief. We even thought about stopping and kissing the ground for arriving safely. By now Byron's name was mud or worse. We drove onward to Ouray, stopping for some roadwork where they were blasting dirt so that it would not cascade onto the road. In Ouray we stopped and walked about this cute town which is nearly at 10,000 foot elevation.

We had lunch at O'Briens Cafe and ate outside enjoying the Irish stew and fried pickles but especially Guinness Beer. We even looked up an art gallery where we had previously bought some good art. Finally with it threatening to rain, we headed back to Durango. On the way it rained, snowed and sleeted, and we were presented with thunder and lightening. Thank you, Byron. It was good to be home. Happy travels.

Mesa Verde

Today we four took a tour of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. It is a short drive to the west and then a drive to the top of the mesa. We thoroughly enjoyed taking Ron and Julie to show them these ruins. It was particularly sad to see the damage near the ruins caused by recent forest fires. Fortunately, most of the ruins escaped any damage. We finally got a bite to eat about 2:00 pm and then took the road back to the Alpen Rose.

About 5:30 we four got together with Byron and enjoyed a wonderful fish fry. Ron and Julie fish for walleye up at the Lake of the Woods, which straddles northern Minnesota and Canada. They also brought potatoes and beets they had grown in their garden. So we had a pleasant dinner and were visited by a couple that like to visit old mines with Byron and the couple that manage this RV resort. A fun evening for sure. Happy travels.

An unexpected evening

Once we got moved into our space at The Alpen Rose RV Park, we settled down for a good long visit with Julie. She had decided not to go into the mountains Jeep riding with Ron and Byron. The plan was to cook steaks on the grill when the men returned. They seemed to be taking their time to get back, when Julie got a phone call and discovered that they had stopped for dinner and would be another hour and a half getting home. We three decided to put the steaks back in the refrigerator and go back into Durango for dinner and fun.

We found the Ore House where Foxy and I had our first dinner after we were married and would have had a forty minute wait to be seated, or eat at the bar. Of course we decided to eat at the bar. We were waited on by the bartender who claimed his name was Trouble, but we later learned it was Mark. He is forty years old, hysterical, and a bit hyper as well, but a good bartender and waiter. He was in constant motion and only broke two glasses while we were there. He also is a skate and a snowboarder and seems to be quite fit. He served us shrimp scampi and scallops which were excellent. We finally departed the Ore House after also meeting a pleasant, young server, Katherine who is a political science major and loves to travel.
Onward and around the corner to the Strater for a nightcap at the piano bar. We quickly found seats upstairs overlooking all of the action and enjoyed the piano music. Best of all, there was a freshman college student who could really make the piano rock and roll, and he got to play several times during our stay. Foxy got him on video and may get it added to this blog. We tried Lemon Drop martinis, which were excellent. Finally it was time to go home and end our unexpectedly lovely evening. I hope Ron and Byron enjoyed their hamburgers as much as we enjoyed our eating out. Happy travels.

We arrive in Durango, Colorado

We left a day later than planned, but it was fun to stay one more day and have lunch with Susie and Al, and then Jerry and Marlene took us out for dinner. We have had our challenges, but the motor home got its engine oiled and other things replaced, as well as having the television upgraded. With all of these challenges behind us, we were ready to roll this morning. Jerry and Marlene made us breakfast, and then we snugged everything up, pulled in the slides, hooked up the car, and about 9:30 rolled out of their driveway. It was hard to leave, but we were looking forward to seeing Byron and Ron and Julie, our winter Texan buddies. The drive up from Albuquerque through Cuba to Bloomfield and Aztec was uneventful. The coach handled beautifully, and about four hours later we were in Durango.

We are staying at the Alpen Rose RV Park which is about 2 - 3 miles north of town. We got settled in and had a great visit with Julie, and soon Ron and Byron will return from their jeep trip into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Happy travels.

Chama River Brew Pub

Our wonderful kids treated us to dinner tonight at the Chama River Brew Pub here in Albuquerque. We had a great time and were well taken care of by Courtney. She brought us great beer to drink, good hors d'ouevers, and then our meals. Michelle and I shared or split a rack of baby back ribs, and Foxy had salad. The others tried other things on the menu, and we left the table filled and satiated. Would I go there again? Absolutely! It was a lovely evening, and I could hear what others were saying with my new hearing aids. They take care of background noise, and that is such a wonderful invention. Happy travels.

My new BFF were here for eight hours

I left to get hearing aids installed in my head, and Foxy had to visit with the technicians as they prepared to update our television system. I came home, hearing better, to discover that Frederick was still here and that our satellite system was not able to be updated. Frederick, who is now on the Christmas list, called in two of his workers to install system three or four and they were: "On the way." Well, "on the way" meant 4-5 hours during which Frederick talked and talked. The techs got here about six and left at quarter to eight. We now have the fourth system and can get HD television, including TIVO and something else I am sure like Vegas. I am kidding, we can only get the East and West Coast for regular television. This is poor if you want local news but acceptable if you want national news. Of course, this has not happened yet since we have to call the satellite company to get this amazing ability. And the good news is that it only cost $2250. The last time we updated the system it cost about the same, and apparently they sold us an older system than we thought we were buying. These other new techs seemed to know what they were doing and even left us with a hookup for a third television which is necessary in a motor home, since they are so huge inside. After all, in 400 square feet of space you certainly must need three television sets. If this scenario seems a bit odd to you just send money as we have to make up the hole in our check book where we paid for this new system. You can consider it a donation for the troubled and deserved poor who think that the world is better with more television and hearing aids to help you to hear all of the drivel spouted on the 200 plus channels that you could watch. I need help. Happy travels.

Travails of Travel

Help! When will this summer madness end? First the RV, then the new hearing aids for me (which seem to be working, thank goodness!), and now the RV satellite system! We thought we had it all set up to go with all of the necessary info, etc.... and we did! Only one little bitty problem... that darned TracVision dish could not be programmed with the satellite signals, even after buying a $150 update! Fortunately, the guy who is installing this whole thing (our new best friend forever Frederick) did not charge us since it didn't work, and he took back the new power cord for it, too. To make a long story short, as the coach is rocking from guys walking on the roof and drills are humming into our private space, we have now purchased (for many denaros) a new system called The Traveler, which SUPPOSEDLY will allow us to get coverage almost anywhere with the flick of a finger, complete with an East/West Coast feed, which means we can get the network programs and news (such as it is). Hmmmm... we'll see! Let's see, now... he has been here since 11:30 and it is now 6:30? Well, folks, this may be an ongoing saga that will have to be continued tomorrow! Meanwhile, we will be in Albuquerque for another day! Stay tuned!

Max has had a grand time here

Jerry and Marlene have two dogs, Shadow and Foolish by name. We were a bit concerned about how Max might fit in, but they have played and chased around the back yard and just gotten along beautifully. At night when we go home to sleep in our coach, Max even walks back with us and does not need to be on his leash. Foolish like to play with Max, and Shadow generally tolerates him. Shadow is much older and probably wishes the other two dogs would leave him alone. I told Max last night that he needs to get a bath today or tomorrow, so that he will be all spiffed up to see Trixie when we get to Colorado. Max and Trixie grew up together when Max was a puppy in Texas, and they get along very well, too. Trixie belongs to Byron who winters in Texas and work camps in Colorado in the summers.

We are planning to get together with Byron and another winter Texas couple, Julie and Ron, from Minnesota for this next week in Colorado. We always have such a good time with them. Besides, Ron is bringing fish he and Julie have caught this summer while home. A fish fry sounds terrific! Happy travels.

The motor home is back

We finally went to Freight Liner and picked up the coach just as rush hour go home traffic was happening. By the time we left this dealer we decided to risk taking the coach home by I 40 and then north on I 25. Traffic was slow in places but continued to move and the trip back to Jerry and Marlene's place was not too bad. The coach handled well and we hope that everything is now fixed and that we can soon be on the road. Jerry wanted us to stay one more day and we will do that and then head for Colorado on Saturday.

Today the satellite television people visit to hook up our system so that we can get the fall programs where ever we happen to be.

When we were picking up the coach the man (Scott) we had worked with in the service department told us of a recent find he had while attending a garage sale. He had found some fishing reels and lures when the man selling this told him of a piece of equipment he had bought years ago in India that was used to find longitude and latitude for ships. Scott decided to by this and took it home. In investigating the equipment he discovered that it had been made in England in the 1700's and upon further checking found that it was quite valuable. His $90 purchase is worth $10,000 to $30,000. He has not sold it yet but is quite delighted with his find. I guess that we must continue to go to estate sales and garage sales. We may yet find a valuable bargain like Scott did. Happy travels.

Family get togethers

We have thoroughly enjoyed getting together with family and friends. Sue, Mike and boys had us down for Sunday dinner after church. Then we met Arthur, Herb and Sue and other friends for dinner that same evening. The next evening was spent with Susie and Al over a lovely chicken dinner. We do miss getting together with our family and the week here seems to fly by.

The motor home saga continues, and we are trying to get everything updated mechanically. Hopefully we will get it back late Tuesday afternoon. Right now we are waiting for a phone call to go and get it. The bill will be horrendous, but all should be fixed and later travels smooth. Time will tell. There is always something to fix when it comes to the coach.

Yesterday I also had my hearing tested and Thursday about 5:00 pm will be fitted for hearing aids. My hearing has deteriorated significantly this past year, with more loss in the left ear than the right. I have been putting this off for some time and hope that the aids will truly be an aid. I always said that I would get them when I am old so, I guess old has arrived. Happy travels.

Maintenance needed on the coach

We went to a favorite restaurant for breakfast, Loyola's. We have been going there for at least twenty years and not only had good food but fun visiting with old friends, as well. After that we checked out our motor home problems with an RV repair place and discovered that we really need to take it to Freightliner, which is also located here. We drove there and will take the coach in for work on Monday or Tuesday morning early. They will look into the battery problem which could also be alternator or belts. Since the belts have never been changed, we will get that done and any other work that is necessary. Then we should be good to be on the road.

Having gotten all of these arrangements completed, we stopped for flu shots at Walgreen's and then groceries for dinner. Andy wanted his Grammy to make cheesy potatoes, and so, of course, she did. When you add steak and salad, you have a good meal. She also made a Key Lime pie for dessert. Kait came home from college for dinner. After we got cleaned up, mostly thanks to Michelle, we played several noisy card games and then headed home for bed. I had an allergy attack probably due to chamisa in the back yard. Happy travels.

We arrive in Albuquerque

By mid afternoon we arrived in Albuquerque, unhooked the car, and backed the coach into Jerry's large driveway. Several years ago he had installed electricity in the garage so that we could park in the drive and hook up. There is also water and sewer available. It makes for a great arrangement, and we can see kids and grands and then sleep in our own bed but not take someone else out of their bedroom.

On the way here from Carlsbad after about 70 miles the battery light again came on, so that problem has not been solved. We either have bad batteries that are not holding a charge or an alternator that is not charging correctly. This will have to be fixed before we move onward.

We also ran into a significant crosswind that kept me busy steering to stay on the road. The roads were good but boring, as generally they are straight and straighter. We did gradually climb up to about 6000 feet elevation and drove through the Tijeras Pass into Albuquerque. Weather here is pleasant and cooling off at night. No air conditioner needed.

Marlene cooked dinner with Jerry doing the honors on the grill. He had picked up our son Scott on the way home from work so it was good to see both boys. Andy and I made some attempts to play ping pong. It was quite fun as several dogs tried to shag balls and did not want to give them up. Max had a good time with their two dogs Shadow and Foolish. He was quite tired by evening and glad to sleep in his own bed. Max is not quite sure what is happening, but he does like to get up in my driver's seat and has only honked the horn twice. He did it once yesterday while I was getting diesel and washing windows. I didn't jump but wanted to. The guy next to me wanted to know if the dog did it and then laughed. Happy travels.

We are on our way

We have begun this stage of our travels. It was sprinkling as we hooked up but lightly, so it was really not a problem. We settled up our bills with the park and Rian and hooked up the car to the motor home and headed out with a fine mist keeping our windshield damp. A quick stop for diesel fuel, and then I-10 beckoned, and we headed west. I do not know about you, but when we are traveling I keep a mental picture of west or whatever direction, to insure that I do not get going in the wrong direction, which I have done on occasion. We stopped in Ft. Stockton only to discover that the usual place where we get diesel had been closed for good. However, we quickly found another place and filled up.

To keep things exciting a battery light popped on, and after a bit of research we started the generator to keep the batteries charging. This worked, but when we stopped in Carlsbad for the night, we fortunately were next to an RV repair shop, and the men there came over to our park and tested the batteries, noticing some significant corrosion on the terminals. Since we had not really moved the coach for two years, this was not a big surprise. Did you know that a small amount of Coca Cola will remove much of this corrosion? Makes you wonder what is in a Coke. We left the batteries getting a charge from our trickle charger and went back to town to Danny's for barbecue. The men at the RV repair place had recommended Danny's, and they were right. The sauce was a vinegar base and excellent. The meat was well trimmed and not fat at all. It was an excellent meal.

Home, showers, a bit of television, and bed beckoned. A good first day of traveling. We did follow the guide of not going faster than 65 miles per hour as recommended in the car's handbook. As we begin this period of traveling, we find that we are not in a hurry. Happy travels.

Saying good by

Yesterday was another day for saying goodbye to good friends. Gloria and Clayton hosted us and Clyde and Dori for a goodbye lunch at the Inn of the Hills. We spent a lovely hour and a half eating from their wonderful buffet. They even had brisket that was cooked properly, that is, not burned to a crisp like one of my recent efforts. Conversation flowed, and we learned that Clyde and Dori are still planning to go to the Dakota's for the beet harvest and then might travel to Tennessee or the Carolina's either to look for land or other work camping jobs. Clyde thinks that a work camping job should only last 4-6 months, which allows them to really see the area and then move on. I agree with this assessment.

Gloria and Clayton were perfect hosts and have become such good friends. We hate to leave them but know we will keep in touch. They are enjoying their latest grand baby and showed us very cute pictures. Dori and Clyde have a grand baby too, but they haven't seen it yet, as they were flying back here when the birth occurred.

Having eaten our way through the buffet, we then joined Lois and Dave for dinner at Mamacita's. This non-stop talking thing was continued, and time flew by with them, as well. We managed to eat, and wonder of wonders, I had gained some more pounds today. No one forced me to eat. I had better get back on my diet and quick. We will keep in touch with all of these friends through email, and who knows when our paths will cross again. Happy travels.

The American

Recently we went to see the movie The American starring George Clooney. I was expecting an action movie of the James Bond type and so began to wonder exactly what I was seeing. I then decided that it was more like the Le Carre spy novels that had many layers, and you were expected to be able to understand or peel back all of the layers. There was a love scene in the movie that was QUITE explicit in that the woman was there in ALL of her glory. George's character was in good shape for a man of 50 or so years. I should be so lucky. At the end, which I will not divulge to you, we were left quite surprised. As we exited from the movie, we began to talk about various parts of it. I was quite surprised to learn that the female in the movie was actually two females. Where was I? Apparently I noticed her physical attributes and never looked at clothing, when she had any on, or her hair, or....... Did I mention that she was in all of her glory? Go to see this movie knowing that it is more of a head thing, not so much action, and that there are two women in it, not one. You might want to go see this one, Ron, and Julie, you, too! Happy travels.

You might be a senior if .......

In the tradition of Jeff Foxworthy, I would like to comment occasionally on what it is like to be a senior citizen. I would appreciate all suggestions and additions. So please join in.

You might be a senior if you are slowly driving down the road, got passed by a man in a hurry who waved a finger, and you wondered if he was a member of the Woodcarvers of America since he apparently had only one finger left on that hand.

You might be a senior if you went into your living room, forgot what you were there for, and returned to the kitchen where you started and then forgot where you had been.

You might be a senior if you overheard something about the President died and you stopped to remember that FDR died and what you were doing when your learned of his death.

You might be a senior if you wonder why everyone mumbles. If they would only speak up and speak clearly these days, you could hear them, too. Oh well, just make up what you thought they said.

You might be a senior if you try to answer your new cell phone commenting, "How do you answer this thing?" and get the reply from your wife, "Try 'Hello!'' "

Hope you enjoyed these. If you send me some suggestions by email or comment on the blog, I will try to add more in the future. Thanks and happy travels.

La Gloria

We decided to drive back to San Antonio and head for the River Walk. We wondered if the new section of the river was open to the boats and whether we could travel up and back. Traffic was light, and we easily found a good parking spot just off St. Mary's Drive and walked back one block and entered the River Walk area. We quickly found a boat with only one other family on it and asked our questions, purchased tickets and headed north to the new extension. This part had been open for over a year, but we had not found the time to visit it. Under each bridge you pass is located some art work which was interesting. The huge fish hung on the I-35 bridge were fun and are lit from within at night. The boat drove into a lock, and we were quickly raised nine feet and then left the lock to travel onward. The natural flow of the river produces the necessary water with no pumps necessary unless it is a period of drought. The river is landscaped and has walking and biking paths which were being used as we traveled along. We stopped at the northern terminus and got off. Our boat turned around, and we waved as we left to explore the old Pearl Brewery, which is now home to restaurants and organizations like the Culinary Institute of America. This is the third location for this institute. Their main home is in Hyde Park, New York and the other in Napa Valley, California.

Right on the edge of the river is located La Gloria, a restaurant that specializes in interior Mexican street food. As you enter the building, you are given a menu or can read the menu board and decide what to order. You are then given a number, and the food once cooked is brought to your table. We decided to eat outside where it was quieter and found a table over looking the river. Shortly we were brought our lunch of tapas, fish tacos, and mole. Dos Equis beer finished the treat. The food was spicy but good and the atmosphere delightful.

We then explored a farmers market, which was closing up, and some stores before wandering back to the river and our return trip. While waiting for the boat to arrive, we met a couple from Fort Worth who were having a weekend vacation. We visited all the way back. Another entry on our Christmas list, I think. We will miss being able to visit San Antonio but plan to return in the future. Happy travels.

Rian finally arrives

Yesterday Rian, a cabinet maker, finally arrived with the trim for the repaired slide and our table. Not all went quite as expected. We wanted him to make us a drop leaf, gate legged table, cherry in color that would match our interior. Imagine our surprise when he appeared with a table that had only one leaf and no functioning gate leg. Instead, he had devised a leg that you insert into the table leaf. It was not at all what we had in mind, and finally we sent it back with him to at least get the second leaf generated and attached. The second problem was the color, which was a light cherry color, not at all the color of our decor, which he had stained to begin with when he made our floor cabinets across the slide.

Rian put up the trim which included crown molding and had troubles, since the frame is metal and only the surfaces are wood and thin plywood at that. His nail gun really did not do the job, and some of the trim will have to be remade and installed, as it is quite sloppy. The problem is that we are leaving Kerrville on Wednesday, and there is not enough time to get all of this fixed correctly. I guess when we return, Rian will have some repair work to complete. This renovation project has taken many months longer than we ever anticipated, thanks to Rian's delays, but someday it will get done. We may be quite old, though.

Other renovation projects remain to be completed like removing the television from over the front area and installing a new flat television behind our fireplace. Oh, the plans we have. I hope we live long enough. Enough whining! At least it is livable, although Foxy is not a happy camper, and when Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Amen to that. Happy travels.

Prognosis is rain

I woke up to more gentle rain. We need the moisture, and so this is good. Max finally got up and really did not seem to want to go outside but did. I think that rain interferes with his sniffing, so we are not quite finished with his morning oblations. Currently the rain has stopped, so maybe we can get back with the program.

I do wonder how Ike and Jewell are making out in the Carolinas and also Harper, Ashley and Tom are doing there as well. Hopefully the hurricane misses the East Coast and heads back out into the Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing wonderful about those winds and rain generated by such a storm. Happy travels.

Raindrops

Tonight we had a wonderful gentle rain. Since it has not rained much here, if at all, in quite a while, it was delightful to hear the patter of the rain on the roof of the motor home. It sounded so good that I had to go outside and sit under the awning to enjoy. I think I learned to like these soothing sounds when I first had a tent trailer that was put together from a kit that allowed our small family and three boys to go camping. What wonderful afternoons we had when the boys would quiet down for a rest/nap, and we would read out loud stories like Tolkin's Hobbit or Trilogy of the Rings. Best of all was the chance of an afternoon rainstorm and the rain on the canvas roof. What a magnificent sound and so restful. Happy travels.

Tamale Warehouse

Today we got treated to lunch at the Tamale Warehouse here in Kerrville by good friends Ron and Paula. We were going to another Mexican restaurant when both Foxy and Paula read about this one in the local paper. It features New Mexican cuisine with the chiles from Hatch, New Mexico, and very tasty. We even sampled green and red tamales. Conversation went non-stop, and the time flew. I do recommend if you like New Mexican cuisine and need a chile fix, this is worth trying. It was not too spicy, so if you really like it hot, picante, then you might be a bit disappointed. I do not feel the need to break out in beads of sweat by eating very hot food. I prefer tasty.

After lunch Ron and Paula gave us a ride to Ronnie Bock's RV dealership, where our car had been getting attention so that we could tow this car behind our motor home. With the base plate attached to the front of our car, we quickly drove home and plan to make sure it all connects correctly tomorrow. Once we finish our motor home update on the inside, maybe tomorrow, we will then be ready to depart. It has been quite a long time since we have actively traveled with the motor home, so some shake down may be necessary. Thanks, Ron and Paula, for a wonderful lunch and your continuing friendship. Happy travels.

Fish Grill

Yesterday while in San Antonio we decided to have lunch at a fish grill in the southeast shopping center at the intersection of 281 and the outer loop. As we walked in, Foxy wondered out loud, "What do you suppose they serve in there?" There was a bit of a pause and out came the answer, "Fish, maybe?" I can't help myself. By now Foxy is used to me and did not hit or murder me, although she has every right.

We had poor boys with fried oysters, salads, and shared some french fries. It was all washed down with Shiner Bock beer. No dinner for us that night. We love to eat a good lunch and then skip dinner or graze on leftovers or other snacks.

After a bit of more shopping we headed back to Kerrville. At one point we got a call from the business manager where we bought our Malibu. She had to redo some of the paperwork, and would we come in and sign the new papers. Our monthly payment would even go down a bit. When we arrived at the dealer's, we signed the paperwork and decided to shorten the time of the loan since the payments would only go up some. How nice of this person to work out the best possible deal for us. That is Kerrville for you. Happy travels.

September is here

How did it get to be September so quickly? This year we do not have to work the Labor Day party at Guadalupe. Too many people, the bands seems too loud to me and go on forever, and too many drink too much. I think I got too many too's in that last sentence. So it should be a quiet day for us as we get the finishing touches done here to leave on the ninth.

Yesterday we made a quick trip to San Antonio as we had some presents to get for new family arrivals. Two of my sister's boys are having or will have babies. One boy has already arrived, and another will do the same soon. My sis and her husband love being grandparents, as do we.

One daughter and family have arrived in Costa Rica and will live there for the next eight months as they get intensive Spanish language training. The other daughter and her family have arrived back in this country from Brazil, where they spent two weeks setting up an exchange program for her college clarinet students. Horizons are broadening here for both families. Traveling seems to be in the families' blood. Happy travels.