We're on the road!

We started the month of May off by using a Christmas present gift card and going to Cracker Barrel after church.  We both had the tilapia and they were the best meals we have ever had at a restaurant!   Since time was getting short until 'take off' time, I went into full gear to get everything cleaned and ready to go, washing the bedding, all the rugs, and the couch throws, cleaning out cabinets and cupboards and making sure we had everything we need for the trip  bought and put away.  We also made several trips to make sure the shed was packed and looking good by moving rock and putting skirting around the bottom.

Dawn surprised me by bringing an orchid over Sat. night before Mother’s Day so I could wear it to church. 

My beautiful orchid for Mother's Day from Dawn

I actually wore it four different times (three Sundays and to the Dr on Monday after Mother’s Day) because it still looked so good and I don’t get flowers very often so decided to take full advantage of it.  We met the family at Sweet Tomatoes after church and had a good time celebrating two mother’s.

Sunday May 15 we all went to Red Lobster’s to celebrate Vince’s birthday as well as our 'good-bye' party.  We took full advantage of the chiro while we could and went three times to see him before we left.

Vince's birthday cake at Red Lobster

                            

Bethany and Colby at Red Lobster

D day was the 19th of May and we would have had an early start if the fuse on the trailer hadn’t blown and finding a replacement set us back 45 minutes.  Fortunately our neighbor had one so we didn’t have to take the MH to Auto Zone after all.  We were trying to beat the predicted afternoon winds from Kingman, AZ to Pahrump,NV and mostly did.  Once we crossed the Spring mountains we did had to contend with cross winds but that was only 45 miles or so.  We did have some excitement soon after we entered Las Vegas as, fortunately Larry didn’t yell 'fire' just pulled over and said we lost a tire or brakes as we were smoking heavily from the passenger side of the trailer.  When he saw the tires were still OK he thought it was the brakes overheating from the long downhill and said we needed to get going to cool them off.  We didn’t have any more trouble and arrived at Preferred RV a little before 5 PM after first filling the diesel tank.  Preferred RV has added a new pool enclosure that opens and closes to accommodate the weather.

New pool enclosure in closed position

When Larry later checked the trailer tire he found the grease seal had let go and we had grease EVERYWHERE but the bearing was still good, thanks to the Amsoil grease and the good Lord. 

All the grease on the inside of the tire and wheel from when the grease seal let go

After Larry cleaned up the tire and wheel

While in Pahrump we spent an afternoon at FrontSight in their Pro shop and Larry picked up his free items.  We checked out the old Charleston Peak RV now Wine Ridge RV.  They have made some nice improvements but have taken three rows of RV sites and put in 30 cabins instead as well as added four two bedroom cabins in the front area where we used to park our trailer.  There is now a Holiday Inn beside what was Terrible’s Town and the Nugget, Lakeside and Terrible’s Town are now owned by a company called Golden and all the rules have changed.  The Nugget no longer has the two for one senior buffet and while we had coupons for the two times we went, the place was very empty with 20-25 folks only where it used to be packed with a long waiting line to get in!  The weather has been wonderful except for the wind but the heat is coming and we left just in time as today was to be 100º.  The nights are still cool though.  We will spend tonight near Gerlach, NV and it is 10º cooler than Pahrump and the night time temps. are still in the mid 50’s so it should be nice.  I’m hoping to see all the stars since there is no light pollution in Gerlach.  We are looking forward to returning to LaPine. OR!

Countdown to leaving

We started out the month of April by going to Chandler to purchase a winch large enough to pull our car trailer.  It is a monster!  We went nearly to Casa Grande and saw parts of AZ we had not visited before.  Then on the 2nd we went to the movie and saw “God is Not Dead-2” opening weekend.  I met the sister and parents of the producer of the movie and told them that explains why there were scenes in the movie from Phoenix.  We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie and went back the next day to see “Miracles from Heaven”.

The one flowering plant at our leased site, looking especially pretty since we are leaving! 

Larry was up at 6 AM several days the second week of April to get everything ready for our RV pad.  We ended up landscaping Dawn and Vince’s front yard for our turn around area but it looks great and Dawn and Vince are happy with it.

Our turn around area in Dawn and Vince's front yard

Our new RV pad

We had several doctor appointments during the month, trying to get everything done before we leave in May.  Larry had a colonoscopy and is getting knee braces for both knees.  He also had cortisone shots in both knees and hopefully the knee pain, using the braces and the shots, will not bother him while we are gone.

We spent several afternoons getting the area where we put the shed/trailer at the end of our RV pad ready and April 29 was 'the day' to move the shed from our leased spot to Dawn and Vince’s.  It was a slow, tedious process but it went well and the shed it now parked in its new home.

Pulling the shed out of our leased site

Out of the spot and ready to roll to our new location

Getting ready to drop the trailer so we can push it into its final resting place

Finally in place at the end of our RV pad

Larry adding rocks under the side door

We have less than three weeks to get everything else ready to leave and are looking forward to once again being “on the road”.  We missed traveling last summer!

Keeping busy

I started off March somehow hurting my back and have been to the chiro several times this month and am doing much better.  Larry also has been seeing my chiro to try to fix his knees and thumbs.  He has been having stomach problems and as a result has been to the VA several times for X-rays and a CT scan.  They have scheduled a colonoscopy for mid April but in the meantime have discovered he has gallstones.  He did a cleanse the chiro recommended and hopefully that will help.

We met another RVing couple at Valle Luna one Tues night and has a very nice time.  We were hoping to get together with them again before they left the Phoenix area but with our health problems, that didn't happen.

We were planning on purchasing trailer tires as soon as we returned to OR this summer to avoid the sales tax but when I called Klamath Falls to ask about them, Basin Tire suggested we upgrade to 17.5" tires.  That got Larry to thinking and he was able to find Goodyear 17.5" tires and aluminum rims similar to what we had for a good price delivered with no sales tax so we went ahead and ordered them so we wouldn't have to be concerned with tire troubles on the way to OR since the trailer tires are seven years old.  They arrived March 24 and Larry was able to get them mounted right away.

old tires off the trailer waiting for new one to arrive

March 20 we all met at Red Robin for Colby's birthday and then returned to Dawn and Vince's new house for ice cream and cake and so Colby and Krista could see the house finished.  We had a good time and enjoyed seeing how busy Dawn and Vince have both been getting the house 'settled'.  They still have a ways to go but Dawn is able to get her car in the garage now.  Larry helped put up the blinds in all the rooms and hung three mirrors in the dining room.  It is really starting to come together nicely.

Chairs I put together

Larry putting flip open tray under the kitchen sink

Colby and Krista at Red Robin

Bethany and Dawn at Red Robin

Birthday cake at the new house

Mirrors hung in the dining room

The house finished with all the stone on the front

I have been busy making reservations for our summer in OR and WA.  I have run into some problems but they seem to be working out OK.  God is good all the time!

They're in!

Dawn and Vince are in their new house!  They moved most of their things in yesterday (sleeping there last night) and finished up today with the final odds and ends.  Of course they still have to do a 'clean up' of the old house and the hard part of getting the new house organized and in place but they are finally 'in'.

New house sans completed stone on the front but it should be done by the end of the week.
Looks great!

Larry discovered when our mail arrived February 3 he was supposed to have jury duty in Klamath Falls starting February 1.  The notice was mailed December 31 but didn’t arrive until Feb 3!  I immediately called to explain we are in AZ for the winter and that the notice didn’t arrive in a timely manner.  The clerk said she put him down as excused and thanked me for calling.

Larry ordered two AGM starting batteries and put them in so we could take the MH for a spin to lubricate all the necessary parts and keep it in good working order.  On the 11th we went to Rock Springs, AZ stopping at the Rock Springs Cafe for pie. 

The wagon in front of Rock Springs Cafe

We each had a different lemon pie and decided we both liked the Meringue the best

Our motorhome parked at Rock Springs Cafe

The Rock Springs Cafe, Rock Springs, AZ

We stopped at Sam’s Club on the way back to fill the diesel tank which was nearly empty from running our Aqua Hot for heating for several months.  The price was $1.72 and the last time diesel was even close to that price was Sept 2003 in Seaside, OR!  Since then the price has come down even more!!

I did two Shooter’s World shops one February 18 and one February 25 (two different locations) and really enjoyed myself.  It is such fun to do something you enjoy and get paid to do it!  Both afternoons were fun for both of us but I won’t be able to do another shop there for 90 days and we will be gone by then.

We went to Red Lobster to celebrate Dawn and Vince 's new house passing its final inspection February 19.  We had a great meal and good conversation.

Dawn and Vince at Red Lobster

Larry had a VA appointment at the main VA on the 26th and we rode the bike.  It was a lovely day for riding and actually Larry got a lot accomplished and we were actually out of there almost an hour before his appointment!  (That has to be a first!!!)   He checked in over an hour early and they saw him right away.  We then rode up to the new house to give a hand to Vince and Dawn as the move in time was drawing close.

Fancy shower head in the master bath with six separate nozzles beside the main head

Monday February 29 Larry took the bike to BMW for its annual check up and then we went to Bell Optical where we both bought new glasses.  It will be the first time I have worn glasses since 1963 and never before have I had bifocals so this will be a new experience for me.  Last evening we took pizza to the new house and fed the 'kids' and their movers.  They were all tuckered out from a very long day but grateful for the food and drinks.

Interesting month

Our daughter, Dawn and Vince took Bethany, Colby and Krista to Disneyland for the first week of January to celebrate Dawn’s 50th birthday and we got to take care of their three cats while they were gone.  They had a fun time but unfortunately Colby got sick the last day and still is suffering a cough.  January 10 we met at Sweet Tomatoes so we could celebrate Dawn’s birthday.

Dawn's birthday cake at Sweet Tomatoes

Dawn was pleased with this gift, saying it would be great for her new living room

January 13 I did another burger shop at one of the best burger places in town and we enjoyed the evening meal with leftovers, always a nice thing.

We rarely go to the movies but Larry received movie passes for Christmas so we went to see “13 Hours” opening day.  It is a movie everyone of voting age in America should see!

January 19 Larry went to the VA to pick up his new hearing aids.  They are very cool as he can dial what he wants to hear, (cut out wind noise while driving, restaurants, and each ear is independently controlled by his cell phone), they work on bluetooth and he can hook up the TV to his hearing aids.  He is quite thrilled with them and said this is the best he has heard in many years.

On my birthday we met Cathy and Daryl Devers at Village Inn for brunch and had a great visit.  They are from our home town in IN and Cathy and I were next door neighbors.  Since it was Wednesday we all had free pie.  That evening I used my coupon from Dairy Queen for a free Blizzard so it was a good birthday.

Daryl and Cathy at Village Inn

The house is coming along nicely and the cabinets and countertops are in.  Vince enlisted the help of some friends and cleaned up the front yard.  It looks like an entirely different place!

Cleaned up front yard

What it looked like before clean up

Kitchen cabinets with the counter tops installed and the floor in place

Neat 'rug look' in the dining room

Sunday January 31 we again met at Sweet Tomatoes to celebrate, this time my birthday and Colby and Krista were able to attend.  We had a good evening and closed the place down, being just about the last patrons to leave.  We hadn’t been home long before a big front came in with 30 mph wind gusts and rain.  The temperature dropped 15º in an hour and the MH did some 'rocking and rolling'.  Fortunately Larry had had the foresight to bring all the awnings in as well as our flags before the 'big event' hit when our weather radio along with both cell phones went off warning of a severe thunderstorm with thunder and lightning and possible wind gusts of 60 mph and hail.

My birthday celebration at Sweet Tomatoes

Happy New Year 2016!

December went by quickly with lots of things happening.  We went to the property to mark exactly where we wanted our sewer line dug and that happened on Dec 8.  We did some negotiations and were able to get the price down some which is always good! 

along east side of the house where our MH will be parked, showing our new sewer line

Larry went to the VA to have his labs done before his annual appointment and discovered his 'new' doctor had quit!  So he had to re-schedule with another doctor for his annual.

Since we were having 'issues' with our micro/convection oven we decided to purchase a new one and ended up ordering a GE Profile from Home Depot since they would deliver it for free.  It arrived Saturday Dec 12 and Larry worked until midnight that night to get the old one out and the new one in. 

Old micro out and getting ready for the new one

New micro in using Larry's jack and stool to hold it up so we could get it in place

It has two shelves for the convection part and I used them for our Christmas dinner, cutting down on use time as I would not have been able to bake everything at the same time in the old one.  Also the ham I bought would have been too big to fit in the old one so God knew and had us purchase the new one even though the old one was still working.  I discovered upon reading the instructions for the new one that if something gets under the turntable, it can cause sparking and that is what was happening with the old one.

We had electrical problems with the pole and our energy system would not allow electricity through, although we were unaware of a problem until the generator tried to start!  (One disadvantage to having an inverter  that automatically switches over when shore power isn’t available)  Larry was able to get the generator started by using the 'booster switch' to connect both the chassis and house batteries.  That incident told us it is time to replace the chassis batteries as they are over five years old.  Larry then checked the breaker at the pole and discovered one side was bad so he replaced the breaker and we are back in business.

We also had a water main leak in our backyard and had a royal mess for several days after the plumbers came out to fix it.  They waited several days to make sure the leak was repaired before covering it all back up.

Water main leak in our backyard, waiting to see if it was stopped OK before covering it up

We both sang in the choir for our church’s Christmas Eve service and it was a lovely service.  It was really neat during the candlelight part to watch the darkened church slowly start 'glowing' as the candles were lit starting at the front and going to the back.

Christmas day we were again at grandson Colby and Krista’s new home and we had a wonderful time!  There were 11 of us and we played several games that were hilarious!  We didn’t get home until 11 PM.

Colby and Krista discovering their Christmas present was a week's trip to Disneyland (a surprise for Krista)

Dec 29 Larry had an audio appointment at the main VA in Phoenix and he is thrilled as he is getting two new hearing aids that will fit inside his helmet and are bluetooth enabled. They will also hook up to the TV.   Since we received a gift card to Valle Luna for Christmas we stopped on the way home from the VA (Tuesday is Senior 2 for 1 day) and enjoyed chimichangas.  Since it was still early we stopped at Sam’s Club to return something and as we were leaving ran into Tom and Adele Bearup from Alaska.  Seems we run into them at Sam’s quite often!  We sat down at the Snack tables and caught up with them for the next two hours.  It is always good to see old friends.

We ended the year by again going to the Marty Goetz concert with my friend Judy.  It was extra special this year (it was the 27th year for his New Year’s Eve concert) since his daughter sang with him.  What an awesome way to ring in the New Year!

Misha Goetz Holtz and her dad Marty Goetz

Marty Goetz at the piano

Let the party begin!

Well I was wrong about the timing of the stucco. The drywall has to go on first (the pounding on the walls could loosen the stucco) and the doors need to be in so the stucco can butt up to the door casings. The drywall is on and taped and yesterday the doors arrived so I think the next step is the stucco but I’m not sure.

Contractor, Rob, looking at new patio door he just delivered

Not much was done Thanksgiving week since it was a short week for most folks.

The beginning of November I did a sub shop on a rainy evening but the sandwiches were wonderful!

I have been having problems with my eyes so I have been to the ophthalmologist twice in November and the diagnosis is ocular migraines with glaucoma. I’m using eye drops in my left eye and trusting they will help.

Veteran’s Day we met Dawn, Vince and Bethany at Chili’s and the fellows had a free meal. We went at 4:30 PM and that was a great time as we were seated immediately. We had a great meal and Dawn and Vince came to our place for cheesecake for dessert.

November 15 after church we met at the new house for a 'first picnic'.

Dawn getting things ready for our "picnic" in the new house
 

Bethany and Vince getting ready to chow down at our picnic

It was the first time Colby and Krista had seen the house.  Our church had a Harvest Feast on Saturday November 21 and there was so much food left over everyone could have had another meal and there was still leftovers.  We had a fun time and met some new people.

Bethany, Colby and Krista at our 'picnic' in the new house with the drywall installed

November 19 we took the motorhome to Camping World in Avondale to 'rotate the tires' as sitting too long in not good for it. We had a good trip and made a couple of purchases so Larry could make a repair on our fresh water hose reel. He took it out and re-did it and re-plumbed it so it no longer leaks and the rusty bottom is all freshly painted. It looks great like usual as he does a great job!

Larry working in the fresh water bay repairing the hose reel (minus the hose)

Water bay with new hose installed on the repaired and re-plumbed hose reel

Our next door neighbor (84 years old) had a flat tire so Larry changed it for her and also repaired her kitchen faucet and since he wouldn’t take anything for it she gave him a Lemon Meringue Pie from Village Inn for Thanksgiving. It was really good and I like it because he shared with me even though he did the work.


November 22 we went to Colby and Krista’s new house for their Housewarming Party. Their house is really decorated nicely and even though there were 50 people at the party it did not seem crowded. Thanksgiving we were back at Colby and Krista’s and had a wonderful meal with 12 attending. The younger ones had fun playing a game on the TV while us 'older ones' had good conversation. The 'party' lasted six hours.

Colby and Krista's Housewarming Party

Thanksgiving dinner at Colby and Krista's  

Another shot of our Thanksgiving meal

November 29 we again had a meal at the church after the morning service to celebrate 'family'. We had pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans and cookies. They had a bounce house for the kids so they had a lot of fun even though the temperature was cool (60º).

In re-reading this it sounds like all we did was eat and party all month!