August 31, 2015---OMC, Eugene, OR

The sun was shining this morning.  There was no forecast of rain for the day.  Oregon and Washington are still battling wild fires.  There is just no help from Mother Nature.

We went to Costco at about 11:00 this morning.  While Bill was getting gasoline for the Honda I went into the store to buy soft blankets.  I had seen them a couple of days ago.  I was glad they were still available.  I guess most people don’t wrap in a blanket all the time like I do.

After going to NW RV and not getting the parts we wanted, we went to the Duck Store at the stadium.  I think I am finished with my “Duck” shopping.  At wince, I saw a young, pregnant woman with a U of O t-shirt.  It said, “I’m not expecting a baby.  It’s a duck.”  There are lots of serious Duck fans out there!

I got a call this afternoon from Brent.  He had some good news.  On Friday, he had an MRI and today he went to see his brain doctor.  She said everything was the same, which is very good news.  Brent was happy because now that he has shared this information with us, we won’t send him five yappy puppies.  That is a long standing threat for those who don’t share important information with the family.  Brent and Willie are safe for the next six months!

August 30, 2015---OMC, Eugene, OR

We had planned to be out and about by 9:30 so we could be at Costco when they opened at 10:00.  Well, it didn’t work out that way.  We had some early morning phone calls that we needed to take time with, so we were didn’t leave the MH until 11:15.

Bill knew what he was going into Costco for, so it didn’t take him very long.  I stayed in the car, which made it even faster.  For several months, he has been looking for a dash cam for the MH.  We found one yesterday, so Bill read about it on the Internet last night and decided it sounded OK.  Today he bought it and spent time reading the instructions.

Our next stop was at Ben Franklin Craft Store.  I spent quite a few minutes looking at the displays.  It is really a good store.  Their bead selection is huge, but I resisted tempetation.  I need to put everything else on hold until I finish Brent’s quilt.

Just before I finished my shopping tour of Ben’s rain started to fall.  It was raining fairly hard for awhile, but it had slowed somewhat by the time I was ready to go to the car.

We ate lunch at Taco Bell before returning home for some rest time.  We went to Walmart for some basic food items and then we headed for home.

August 29, 2015---OMC, Eugene, OR

We actually had rain during the night.  And some lightening and thunder.  The rain was really needed.  This part of the country has been bone dry.

We moved the motorhome from Country Coach in Junction City to OMC in Eugene.  We were able to park the MH in anticipation of our air conditioner appointment on Tuesday.

We went to Costco for lunch and just a little bit of shopping.  By the time we got back home we were both very tired.  Naps helped
that situation.  I felt better after a snooze so I cut Bill’s hair.  He was in desperate need.  Sara might be asking him why he had girl hair.  When she was three she asked about a biker dude who had really long hair.  Brent was very glad the guy didn’t punch out his lights.  For those of you who know Sara, you know how hard it was to shut her up, and she really wanted to know...”why did he have girl hair?”  Oh, my!

We have several errands to go on tomorrow if there is enough energy between the two of us.  Lately, that’s a big IF!

August 28, 2015---Country Coach, Junction City, OR

We were up not long after 7:00, getting ready for the motorhome to go in the shop.  The oil sending unit wire had giggled loose and the batteries weren’t getting the message that it was time to charge...I think!  Some kinds of charging are easy and some kinds aren’t.

We went to McDonald’s for breakfast after the coach was safely in the shop.

We spent most of the morning in the waiting room.  Bill visited with other coach owners.  He also spent some time on his computer.  I was reading a mystery.  Now I have one more book to donate to Goodwill.

We had the service department order the two front air bags.  They will ship them to Loveland after they arrive in Junction City.

Bill was really tired when we got back to the MH.  All that talking can just wear a guy out, so after eating a quick lunch, we rested.

We drove into Eugene so I could get a haircut.  Now I have just a little more hair than the nearly bald guy who is my room mate.  I am getting ready for the Arizona desert.  Now my hat’s will fit better!

Before going back home we stopped at KFC for a chicken pot pie to share for dinner.

We have had predictions of rain for today, but it never did materialize.  Tonight, the moon looked different.  Oh, it still looked like a round piece of cheese, but there was some haze involved.  It might be smoke from some the fires in the area.  Most likely it is dust from the fields being plowed.  There is a lot of that going on around here.

August 27, 2015---Eugene Elks Lodge to Country Coach

This morning was spent getting our Dish problems taken care of.  I spent most of the time on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket, reading a book.

The young man, Lance, doing the work is 19.  He has been installing satellites since he was 12.  There are two business locations...Junction City that Lance runs, and Palm Springs that his dad (the owner of the company) runs that location.  I asked Lance if his dad taught him not to say “oops” if something went wrong.  He said that actually that was one of the things he learned over the years.

We went for a late lunch at McDonald’s.  When we got back to the motorhome, Lance was finished.  He had several changes in the new system that he went over with Bill.

We moved the MH to the back lot of Country Coach where there are several spots with hookups.  At 8:00 tomorrow morning, they will work on our oil sender.

Yesterday, as we were driving out toward Junction City, a small deer ran in front of us and leaped over a fence.  It was a thing of beauty and grace.

August 26, 2015---Springfield Elks Lodge to Eugene Elks Lodge

Bill went to McDonald’s this morning to get breakfast...pancakes and sausage.  As soon as we finished eating, we battened down the hatches, hoisted the anchor, and “set sail” for Eugene, just a few miles away.

We parked at the Eugene Elks Lodge.  After getting the MH settled in, we started our errands.  First we drove to Junction City to the “farm” where we had the coach worked on last year.  Although we won’t get any work done there this year, we did get to see several of the workers that we have known from the last couple of years.

We went to Country Coach to get an appointment to have the oil sending units changed out.  That work will be done on Friday.  We also made an appointment at Premier for the Dish to be worked on tomorrow. 

Our last stop before Taco Bell for lunch, was at OMC.  Our Tuesday appointment is set to get new air conditioner units installed.  Bill wanted to see if the units had arrived.  They haven’t, but we were assured that they will be here on time.  Keep your fingers crossed!

I did some book work while Bill did our laundry.  After everything was folded and put away it was time for naps.  Yea!  Bill woke me at 6:00...boo, hiss!...because he thought I might not be able to sleep tonight.  Ugh!

August 25, 2015---Oregon City to Springfield Elks CG

This morning, as we left the campground, Bill and I were both singing with Willie Nelson:  “On the road again...”  It was after 10:00.  It took a few minutes to say goodbye to Todd, Bonnie, and the two little dogs.  Both dogs have really taken a shine to Bill, especially little Maggie.  Anytime she had a chance to get into our motorhome, she was there to stay.  To get her out, Bonnie would have to bodily remove her.  I think they will really miss us being next door.

We drove south on I-5 and went to the Keizer Elks Campground.  They were full, so we went on south to the Springfield Elks Lodge and parked for the night.  We drove over to the Eugene Elks Lodge to see if they had any room.  They did so we will go there in the morning and see if there is still a spot for us.  It is a better location for the places we need to go.

We brought home Panda Express for dinner.

When we were at the Oregon City Elks Campground, our Dish wasn’t working.  We parked here in Springfield and it still wouldn’t work.  Tomorrow, we will have to do some searching for the answer to our problem.

August 24, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

I started the day with French Toast and a morning nap.  I was going to need the extra fortification.

We went to Costco.  The first thing Todd wanted to do was eat lunch.  Of course, none of the rest of us voted against him.  It had been awhile since I had a Polish hot dog at Costco.  That’s been a favorite of mine for many years.  I don’t know if my taste buds have changed, but it wasn’t as good as I remembered.  The bun wasn’t very fresh and the hotdog lacked the usual taste.  I think my “taster” is getting old...just like the rest of me.

Verizon was too busy, so we went to Bobby and Val’s house.  They are Todd and and Bonnie’s son and daughter-in-law.  Bobby was at work, but we got to see Val.  And her four month old granddaughter was there.  I had heard about how happy she was, and they hadn’t exaggerated.  She was all smiles.  It had been a long time since I had held a baby, and it was wonderful!  That was the best medicine for me.

We went to Fred Meyer for a few groceries and to Dollar Tree for some mango juice for me.  On our way back to the campground, we stopped at a produce place for peaches, plums, and bananas.  As soon as we got back to the MH, I took a nap.  I was way down on energy.

At 8:00, we went to Todd and Bonnie’s MH to visit and watch a TV program.  Tomorrow, we head south for work on the motorhome.  We have had a good visit with them, and with Dwight and Sheila, and Bobby and Val.  It was good for us to come back up here for this extra time while waiting for our MH appointment.

August 23, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

We got off to a late start this morning.  Dwight and Sheila came to bring us a funny DVD.  It was “The Pacifier,” and it was funny.  Todd and Bonnie came over to watch it with us.

Bonnie and I went to a dalilah farm right after lunch.  The flowers were beautiful.  We did a lot of walking.  I had my walker, but I only had to stop and sit to rest twice.

The smoke was heavier today.  We didn’t hear a fire report, but it seems to be much more smoke now.  When we get back in the Eugene area in a couple of days we will be able to use the satellite dish for local news.  We both have missed having the use of Dish.

The celebration here at the Elks Lodge ended last night.  Most of the RVs left this morning.  It is rather quite tonight.  Nice!

August 22, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

Bill did a repeat performance of yesterday...walk with Todd and come home for a nap.  Naps seem to do him a lot of good.  He made really good oatmeal for breakfast.

Dwight and Sheila called just before noon from Woodburn and wanted to come by for a visit if we were going to be home.  We were, so they came!  We sat outside and visited.  Todd and Bonnie plus the two dogs joined us.

Bill was showing Dwight our bug zapper.  Lexie was alarmed by the sound it made.  She took refuge on Sheila’s lap.  She felt very safe with her choice of protectors.

We spent quite a bit of time rehashing travel stories, mostly about our Mexico travels and conventions we have all gone to.  All of us are geocachers and there are wild stories about that, also.  I am having memory problems sometimes so Sheila has to prod my brain from time to time.

The air was smoky all day.  Bonnie reported that there were fires not too far from where we are parked.  We are back in the woods quite a bit, and it might be a chore to evacuate if that becomes  necessary.  Let’s hope for the best.

There were two different musical groups playing at the Elks gathering tonight.  We had a ringside seat for the whole program.

August 21, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

When I woke up at 8:30, Bill was taking a nap on the sofa.  He and Todd had already gone for an early morning walk.  I was cold, so I got back in my warm bed.  I didn’t wake up until 10:30.  I love retirement!

We were surprised by a visit from Jay and Marki, former racing buddies from Portland.  We hadn’t seen them for a long time.  They had bought a house in Seaside, but I think they sold it about the time we moved into our motorhome fulltime.  They have a house in the Chandler, AZ area.  Hopefully, we will see them this winter.

The Camby Fair is in progress now, so we went with Todd and Bonnie.  We had a really good time.  We went to the display of baked items, quilts, sewing projects, and paintings.  There were lots of food booths where we got snacks and listened to music while we ate.

Todd, Bill, and I found a shady place to rest while Bonnie went to the display of 4H things.  I walked around the area of the rides.  Every place was busy. 

We all met back at the shady place and decided it was perhaps time to go home.  Two of us aren’t use to that much walking.  A little bit of “fair” goes a long way with Bill.  I’m sure Bonnie would have liked to stay longer and see more displays, but she knew Todd and I had pushed ourselves to the limit.  The fair was a lot of fun.  Bill and I were very glad to have been able to go with Todd and Bonnie.

On the way home, we stopped at McDonald’s for ice cream.

At 6:00, we went to the Elks Lodge for hamburgers.  While we ate at a picnic table, we visited with people going by.  This is a very friendly group of people.

I doubt that I will have any trouble sleeping tonight.  I have done a lot of walking.

August 20, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

Not long after getting up and dressed, Dwight and Sheila called to see if we were going to be receiving guests this morning.  The answer was an immediate “yes.  Y’all come.”

We haven’t seen them for awhile.  They have been off on a geocaching adventure in the Seattle area.  They really do enjoy caching.  After leaving us at noon, they were heading for Salem to hunt for a special puzzle cache.

Todd and Bonnie went to meet friends in Washington.  They wanted to get together before T and B head for Yuma and the friends start traveling East.

Bonnie came to see if we would keep an eye on their pups.  After Dwight and Sheila left, Bill went to get the dogs to give them a potty break.  The feisty little one, Lexie, knew things were different and sat by Bill to try to figure out what was going on.  Maggie, who has a crush on Bill, ran around in front of the motorhomes for awhile.  When Bill told her is was time to go back inside, she went to our MH.  He had to redirect her several times.  She was really confused.

They were playing in the grass by the picnic table when Todd and Bonnie came home.  Lexie heard their car before any of the rest of us did and got excited.  Maggie didn’t have much of a clue as to what was happening.

After such a warm day yesterday, today it was cool...79° was the high.  That was a relief after yesterday’s 100°.  We must have had a cloud cover move in, because it was very dark at bedtime.  Usually there are lights or a moon or something to add a bit of light.

August 19, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

Bill, Todd, and little Lexie went for an early morning walk.  They took a carrot to the llama who lives down the road toward the highway.  The llama didn’t want to eat the carrot while Bill was standing there.  So Bill walked off, Todd put the carrot on a post, and the llama ate the carrot.  So if we are ever attacked by a herd of llamas, we need to be sure that Bill is there to protect us.

I went back to sleep and so did Bonnie.  That’s the best way to deal with a llama, eh!

We invited Todd, Bonnie, and the pups to dinner.  We fixed Chicken Enchiladas in the crock pot.  They were very good, but the crock pot really heated the house up.  The temp today was 100°.  Our one air conditioner was struggling to keep us cool.  We are glad that we have made the decision to have both ACs replaced.

Both dogs wanted a treat.  After a while, I asked them who wanted a treat.  Lexie started turning circles so I asked her where the threats were.  She stopped zooing around and looked at the drawer where I keep them.  She’s one smart little puppy.

As far as I know, we don’t have anything special to do tomorrow.  If it is hot again, I plan to stay inside in front of a fan, and do book work.

August 18, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

We decided we needed to do a few more errands today.  We meant to go back to Camby, but Bonnie suggested that we go to Clackamas Town Center.  It had been a long time since we had been there.

The area has continued to grow over the years.  New stores have been built around the outside of the main structure.  And the area across the street to the south has about quadrupled since we were here last.

We ate lunch at Panera Bread.  Bonnie and I both had soup and bread.  Bill and Todd had sandwiches...ham, turkey, bacon, and cheese.  The bread on Todd’s sandwich was so tough he had a hard time eating it.  Bill brought half of his sandwich home for me to have for supper.  (It was very dry...no mayo, etc.)

We drove across the street to Verizon.  I have been having some problems with my phone.  I am hoping they were able to solve my issues.  I have been thinking of getting a new phone, but I will see if this one can last a little while longer.

Bonnie went to PetSmart to get food for the dogs and I needed to go to US Bank to pay our VISA bill.  I am still having trouble getting online to take care of some of our business accounts.  On the way back to the RV Park, we stopped at Fred Meyer to get Todd’s Rx.

We were tired when we got home, but it was fun to have Todd and Bonnie to run around with.  They know the area much, much better than we do.  They lived here for years, and since going full-time, have spent the summer months here at various Elks camp grounds.

August 17, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

I was cold this morning.  That’s a good excuse to turn the electric blanket back on and stay in bed...as if I needed an excuse!

At 1:00, we went to Woodburn.  We had several things to do over there.  First was to eat lunch.  We went to Subway.  Bill and I shared our favorite...a meatball sub.  I couldn’t eat all of mine, but the part I did eat was really good.

After eating, Bonnie and I walked about a half block to the Dollar Tree.  It was a big one...in an old Safeway building...and well laid out.  Bill and Todd sat in the car and waited for us.  The plan was for them to drive down to get us.  But no-o-o-o-o!  They missed that part of the conversation.  With both of them it was “selective deafness.”  An there is no cure for that!

Our last stop in Woodburn was at Walmart.  I had an Rx to pick up, plus there were several grocery items to buy.

Bill wanted to go back to Camby via US 99.  Todd and Bonnie lived in Camby before they moved into their motorhome fulltime.  They have been on the road about the same length of time as we have.  Bonnie directed us to a thrift store.  The two of us went in to shop while the fellows stayed in the car. 

It wasn’t long before Bill came in to remind me that we had bought a container of ice cream at Walmart.  He can be such a spoil sport!

I think we all took naps.  At least Bill and I did.  We went to Todd and Bonnie’s MH to watch a show they had been telling us about.  It was a physical contest.  We found the program to be very interesting.  None of us were tempted to try to get on the program.  It’s not for wimps!

August 16, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

I was a little more “alive” today.  I got some tasks accomplished and it felt good to not be a total bum.

I had a stack of stuff that needed to be filed.  Now I can actually see the top of the desk.  Wow!

The weather today was nice.  However, I didn’t go outside the coach.  I did take an afternoon nap and for me, that usually takes two or three hours of my time.  I seem to be feeling better today than for the last week or so.

I talked to JP tonight.  He and Rosie had a good trip to Las Vegas.  JP said they had some great meals.  I said we had great meals at the wedding and it was time for me to count a calorie or two.  Vegas would have been my undoing.  We do, however, visit In-N-Out when we are there.  That isn’t such a novelty anymore, because they are adding a few around the western part of the country, but for “old times sake” we still like to go to one of the original (for us) ones.

August 15, 2015---Oregon City Elks CG

Today was a sleep day for me.

Bill fixed a really good breakfast this morning.  He had to wake me up to eat, but he said I could go back to sleep after I finished eating.  At that point, I was cold so I turned my electric blanket on to high, covered myself with a thick blanket, and crawled back into bed.  I don’t remember what time it was, but at 2:00, Bill woke me to tell me we had company.

Ardene and Bill are friends from Yuma who are from this area originally.  It was really good to see them.  We hadn’t seen them for nearly two years, because we didn’t get to go to Yuma last year.  I was too busy “entertaining” myself in the hospital.

We have known them for a long time.  Their grandson, Brandon. has been my special friend since he was about six.  He is now 14, and playing football in high school.  He has been getting older, but I haven’t.  How does that happen?

When Ardene and Bill left at 4:00, I took a nap on the sofa.  I did tell you it was a sleep day for me, didn’t I?

Tonight, we had dinner with Todd and Bonnie.  And of course, the pups were there.  I am enjoying having them around.  They are extra special pets...Lexie and Maggie.  Todd and Bonnie are special, too, but neither of them will let me scratch their tummies!  Imagine that!

August 14, 2015---Eugene Elks Lodge to Oregon City Elks CG

Bill went to do the laundry at 7:00.  I went back to bed, but didn’t go to sleep.  When Bill got back home, we folded clothes and got things “ready to roll.” 

After stopping at Walmart for a prescription (which wouldn’t be ready until mid afternoon), we took I-5 to the north toward Oregon City Elks Campground.  It is two weeks until we have to be back at OMC in Eugene for the air conditioner work. 

Todd and Bonnie are still parked there so it will be a fun place to spend our extra time.  And I’m sure I need a puppy fix.  I’ve been showing some signs of depression even though I am taking medication for it.  Their dogs always cheer me up.  I hope it works this time.

Maybe with some luck, we will get to do some geocaching.  We like to do it, but its not easy when I don’t feel well.

Friends Nancy and Bill came to the campground shortly after we drove in.  It was after 1:00, but none of us had eaten lunch.  We went to Shari’s.  The best thing was the pie.  The clam chowder was OK, but I had to really search to find any clams.

I took a nap when we got back home.  When I woke up, company had come...Bonnie and two very cute little dogs.  The dogs immediately started trying to remember where the treats were.
Yes, I am a “spoiler” of most of the dogs I run into.  That’s my mission in life.

Miles traveled today...111.

August 13, 2015---Rest Area, MM 790 CA to Eugene Elks Lodge

August 13, 2015---Rest Area, MM 790 CA to Eugene Elks Lodge

Super Driver said we were on the road at 6:25 this morning.  You couldn’t prove it by me.  I was still asleep.

It was a blue sky day when we went over the Siskiyous.  Bill honked when we went across the state line into Oregon.  I woke up long enough to yell a good “yahoo.”  State line celebrations can certainly mess up my nap time.

We stopped at Seven Feathers Casino to eat our breakfast and let Bill have a break from driving.  And then it was back on the road heading for Eugene.

We parked at The Eugene Elks Lodge.  After Bill took a short nap, we set off on errands, etc.  It was well past noon, so our first stop was at McDonald’s for lunch.

We drove toward Junction City, stopping at OMC on the way.  Bill had hoped we could get an earlier appointment for the new air conditioners for the Motorhome.  No such luck!  They did put us on the list in case something earlier comes open.

In Junction City, Bill checked at Country Coach to see about having the front air bags installed.  He has to measure the old ones to see if the new ones will fit.  If they are the size we need, the work can be done sometimes the last week of August.

Before returning home, we did a little bit of shopping at a.  We got quite a bit of fruit, plus some candy from their bulk section.

Today we drove 211 miles.

August 12, 2015---Corning to Rest Area, MM 790 CA

We didn’t get on the road until 9:20.  Most of the trucks were out of the parking lot by then, however, another Taylor Swift truck was there, making a total of three.  I wonder where her next concert is.  Since we won’t be going, I guess it doesn’t really matter.

We stopped for lunch at a Rest Area in the Lake Shasta area.  Mt. Shasta had very little snow left on it.   It looks very dry around here.  Hopefully they will get more snow this winter.  It is desperately needed.

Today was the day Connor was to go off to college.  He has really been looking forward to this day.  He is going to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

We stopped at the first Rest Area at Mile Marker 790 on I-5 in Northern Colorado.  It is our favorite Rest Area...large, with lots of green grass, and right on the Klamath River.  It is a peaceful place to stop and rest.

Miles traveled today, 160.

August 11, 2015---Camping World, to Rolling Hills Casino, Corning, CA

We left Camping World at 8:00.  I was still very sleepy so I lay on the couch and covered with a blanket.  When I awakened we were parked at Walmart, Bill had gone to Costco for gasoline for the Honda, and been into Walmart for a few groceries.  I was so surprised at how much more I had slept.  Bill correctly calls me a lazy bum!

We drove to Interstate 5 and turned north.  I don’t know if I have mentioned it or not, but we decided we needed to replace both air conditioners.  We want the work done at OMC in Eugene.  So here we go!

Bill needs to see Dr. Hunnicut, so as soon as the air conditioner work is finished, we will head east.  Just back and forth, back and forth!  That’s the story of our life and we still have fun at it.  

We had a really good time at JP and Rosie’s wedding.  And it was wonderful seeing our kids and one grandchild.  Today I have been kind of down in the dumps, missing everyone already.

We parked in back of the gas station at the casino.  There is a huge lot for trucks and motorhomes that want to dry camp.  While we were watching semis come in, two different trucks arrived.  They were both painted with pictures of Taylor Swift and words about her world tour.  I can’t remember ever seeing trucks like that, but we have seen lots of NASCAR haulers over the years.

270 miles traveled today.

August 10, 2015---FamCamp, Monterey to Camping World, San Martin, CA

At 8:30, Bill and I went to the rental house to give out “goodbye” hugs.  JP and Rosie came to join in the “hugfest.”  We had such a wonderful time.  It was a beautiful, fun event.

The wedding was yesterday, August 9.  I was playing catch up with my blog and couldn’t stay up to report on all the festivities.

So here goes...the bride came down the staircase at 3:00.  She had a beautiful, lace dress.  It was a simple design and suited Rosie perfectly.  The celebration lasted until 9:00.  That might have been difficult to handle if she had had yards and yards of lace and a train.  As it was, she was “comfortable” as well as beautiful throughout the night.

I told JP he cleaned up really nicely.  And he did.  He looked very handsome in his three piece suit.  You can tell that I was very proud of them both.

The five attendants wore full length light blue dresses.  They all looked beautiful and the groomsmen looked handsome in their suits.  Because we have had the privilege of being involved in JP’s life these last 25 years, we knew most of the groomsman.  It was kind of like a reunion.

After the ceremony, which was outdoors, the chairs were rearranged and tables set up. The small table was placed in the arbor which Rosie’s mother had decorated with a variety of flowers.  The weather was perfect and so was the setting.  We were served canapés, drinks, salad, slices of chicken and beef, with rice and garlic mashed potatoes.  It was all very elegant.  Dessert was wedding cake and the cupcakes that we had frosted.

There was recorded music.  We had told JP and Rosie some of our favorites.  Mine was “Misty.”  When it began to play, I looked at JP and he gave me a thumbs up.  That was a special moment between a grandma and her “oh so special” grandson. 

There was dancing.  The music was too loud, but we knew how to turn it down, which we had to do several times.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t up to dancing, but I enjoyed watching.  I know I may have omitted things and got others mixed up, because my memory is sketchy.  But I can tell you it was a beautiful wedding...

Bill and I left the campground at 12:00, went to Gilroy, ate lunch at In-N-Out, and parked at Camping World for the night.

August 9, 2015---Naval Base FamCamp, Monterey, CA.

Saturday morning was a busy day for us.  JP, Rosie, and Natalia came to the rental house where Meredith, Michelle, Connor, Dwaine, Brent, and Courtney were staying.  They had fixed a very good breakfast for all of us. 

With happy tummies, we started on a project.  JP and Rosie had made cupcake, which we frosted, some with chocolate frosting and some with vanilla frosting.  They were to be on the cake table in tiered holders.  There also was a three tiered cake decorated with a variety of fresh flowers.

We drove to Santa Cruz where Meredith and Dwaine had arranged for a boat ride.  There was a story connected to the boat trip...Meredith and Dwaine had a friend several years ago who was
dying of cancer.  He had no family and Meredith and Dwaine basically took care of his needs for quite a long time.  Yesterday, they took his ashes out onto the ocean about a mile off shore.  Meredith had some rose petals which she spread out on the water as Dwaine spread Ted’s ashes out to sea.  It was a very nice, peaceful thing to do.  I said I had never known Ted, I had heard about him and knew he was a wonderful person loved by many friends.  I was the only one who had things to say about Ted, so I was glad that I shared some things about him.

The boat took us a mile off shore and then went up the coast and back before going back to the landing.  It was a nice comforting thing to have happen and I was glad I could be a part of it.

We went back to the rent house to rest before going to the rehearsal dinner.  We were served several courses.  The first thing we were served was pretzels with a vegetable dip.  Next thing was a salad and then a main course of chicken and filet mignon.  Dessert was chocolate mousse. 

August 8, 2015---Naval Base FamCamp, Monterey, CA.

Today was a very long, but satisfying day.  I am too tired to even attempt to tell you all that happened.  I will catch up tomorrow.

August 7, 2015---Naval Base FamCamp, Monterey, CA.

We drove around the area for awhile before going to breakfast at a very nice restaurant.  We sat at an outside area with a view of the ocean.  It was so nice and relaxing.  And the food was great.

We continued our tour of the area after eating.  There are some very beautiful houses...and a lot of very rich people, obviously, living here.  We went to Carmel by the Sea.  Most of the group went for a walk on the beach.  Michelle and I sat at one of the observation decks and watched all of the activity.

We had planned to work on the cupcakes for the reception, but things kept disrupting us.  We will get serious about the project tomorrow morning.

JP, Rosie, and Natalia came mid afternoon.  We were having grilled skirt steak, roasted potatoes, stir fried vegetables from Michelle’s garden, and boysenberry pie with ice cream for dinner.  Everything was really good, as always, and we had a fun time sitting around the table.

One thing is for certain, none of us are going away hungry!

August 6, 2015---Elks Lodge, Watsonville, to Naval Base FamCamp, Monterey, CA.

Bill and I made quick work of our morning duties and drove into San Jose.  Colorado and Mississippi kids were flying in for JP and Rosie’s wedding.  Brent and Courtney surprised the Colorado group by flying into Denver and going on their same flight all together.

We met them all in San Jose at In-N-Out.  Dwaine’s mother, who lives in San Jose, met us, also.  We enjoyed lunch and visiting so much.  It was great to see all of our “youngens.”  Connor came also.  They have rented a house in the Monterey area.  We ate dinner over there and then Bill, Michelle, and I came back to the motorhome which is parked at a military famcamp operated by the Navy.

It has been a busy day for all of us, so our celebration didn’t last very long after dinner.

August 5, 2015---Camping World to Elks Lodge, Watsonville, CA

We decided, when we were greeted by a sunny day, that it would be a good day to geocache.  We started “on the hunt” at about 10:30.

Our first location was at a city tennis court park.  It involved going down a hill, crossing a flat area, and climbing up a steep grassy hill.  I was able to navigate that part of the cache.  We weren’t able, however, to find the “treasure” even though we searched for about 20 minutes.  Going back toward the car was a challenge.  I held onto Bill going down the steep part, but I was able to make it back to the car without more help.

The next cache was at the edge of a cemetery.  We parked about five feet from the cache.  Bill found it rather quickly.

Cache number three took us down a path to a rec. trail, where we had to walk about a quarter of a mile.  While Bill was signing the log book, I decided to go off the trail for just a few feet to pick wild blackberries.  Not too good of an idea.  My balance has deteriorated these last couple of weeks and it didn’t improve toady.  I came very near to falling in the bush.  My cane was what saved me from getting into that very “stickery” situation.  Super Hero came to my rescue at the last second.  I was kind of shaky after that adventure, and I still had to climb up the steep path to get back to the car.

We decided it was time to eat lunch.  That usually perks me up, but not today.  We decided to go home and rest.  That was a good choice.  We had pushed the limit further than we meant to.

August 4, 2015---Camping World to Elks Lodge, Watsonville, CA

Yesterday at Walmart, we remembered to get applesauce.  So that called for French Toast this morning.  Its a good combination.

After fueling at the truck stop south of Gilroy, we took Hwy. 121 to Watsonville.  It had been about five years since we had traveled that road.  There were lots of new strawberry fields, as well as raspberries under plastic covers. 

It was overcast here this morning.  There was a fog bank over the ocean.  We haven’t seen that in a long time.  Although we travel to beautiful, interesting place, I find that I miss the ocean.  Perhaps we will put Florida on our list for next year.  That is, if it hasn’t washed away by then!

We parked at the Elks Lodge in Watsonville.  We have stayed there on several occasions over the years, but since Michelle and her troops moved to Colorado, we haven’t been back to this area.  The secretary that Bill had made friends with over the years said she wondered where we had gone to.  She and Bill had news to catch up on when he checked us in at their camping area.

After lunch, Bill went to the laundromat.  We were in desperate need of some clean duds.  I had a few things to do around the MH.  When we had most things put away, we went to a Dollar Tree.  Both of us needed some supplies from one of our favorite stores.

While we were out, Bill wanted ice cream.  We went to Mickey D’s where we usually get cones.  This time we decided to get their $2.00 milkshake specials...vanilla for Bill and chocolate for me.  I am sorry to report that neither of us thought our shakes were very good.  We won’t get those again!

August 3, 2015---Elks Lodge, to Camping World

We got the house ready to roll and left Walnut Creek at 9:30 this morning.  An hour and a half later we parked at Camping World just off San Martin Road.

A blue sky day with temperature not quite 70°.  And no wind.  This is the kind of day we think is just about perfect.  After getting things squared away with the MH, we drove into Gilroy for lunch and some shopping at Walmart.

Of course, we just had to go to In-N-Out.  We know that all to soon we will be out of In-N-Out country.  That will be  hard to take.  We really do like being In-N-Out groupies.

After eating, we went to Walmart.  We didn’t have a list written out.  It was just in our heads.  Now, that is scary.  But it reminded me of a discussion Natalia and I had when she was about six.  She had a really good memory and I asked her how she did it.  She said she put sticky notes on her brain.  I tried to follow her example, but my glue was just too old, I guess.

It has stayed cool most of the day.  That is nice.  We really didn’t enjoy the 100° plus weather of a few days ago.

August 2, 2015---Elks Lodge, Walnut Creek, California

I got some extra sleep this morning...until Bill called me to breakfast.  He makes really good French toast.  I had to suffer this morning, though, because  we were out of apple sauce, but I survived.  (Insert sigh!)

Just as I was finishing breakfast and getting dressed, Lori and the pups arrived.  Tucker and Maddie rested for awhile, but woke up when I got treats out.  Refreshed from their naps and when snack time was over, they got frisky.  Our motorhome may be somewhat limited on space, but those two furry beasts got a good game of chase going.  They rolled and tumbled and even did a little growling when they tried to show the audience who was winning.

This puppy play went on for about 45 minutes.  They were so cute.  Tucker is usually a little to dignified to act that way, but he was really ready for a game this morning.  Maybe he knew we planned to go further south tomorrow and wanted to leave happy memories for us.  If that was the purpose, they were successful.

Bill and I watched the NASCAR race after they left.  I needed some more “shut eye.”  When I woke up, the race had just finished.  Shucks!  I didn’t get to see several drivers run out of gas...but not Jeff.  He finished third!

Mario invited us over for dinner.  Lori wasn’t there.  He made salad and grilled hamburgers.  We had a really good time visiting with him.  And the hamburgers were really good.  He mixed bleu cheese with the meat before cooking the the burgers.  They were so good.

August 1, 2015---Elks Lodge, Walnut Creek, California

This month started off with a pleasant temperature.  No clouds in the sky, and no wind blowing.

The Lodge was very busy, as usual.  Lots of people were going in, most of them were carrying large plates and pans of food.  We don’t know what the celebration was for. 

At noon, about 40 motorcycles came in.  They were using a different door.  I ask one of the drivers what was going on.  She said they were having a wake for one of their members, who was a member of this Lodge.

While they were waiting for the celebration to start, a priest went to each motorcycle, blessing it and sprinkling water on it.  This was something I had never seen before.  Hm-m-m-m-m!  Very interesting.

Bill took me to Lori’s.  She was going to a baby shower and there was a repairman scheduled to come fix her dryer.  So I hung around waiting for him.  He was finished with the repair job before she got back home.  The dogs were not happy about having a stranger in the house, but they survived.

When Lori got home, she took the dogs out for a quick walk.  Then we watched a movie, 5 Floors Up, and had popcorn, too.  Afterwards, we took Mexican take out back to the motorhome and ate dinner.

We were both tired after such a busy day, so we tried to get to bed early.  It worked for Bill, but not for me!