RV Travels of Ed, Kay & Sam the cat

Home

2010-07-15T06:23:00.002-05:00

Been very busy since getting back to the Rockford area. We have a final walk through next Friday and then close on a condo in Roscoe on the 26th. Kay has been busy getting stuff out of storage and sorting it, keep and garage sale, and shopping for furnishings. We're are staying in the RV at Scott's and Robins. I started playing softball (old geezers league) again. Doing terrible so far, 3 year layoff having it's effect. I've been helping Scott with the scrap metal and we've both been catching up on visiting and having lunch with children. Kay has been doing very well until last night. We're having supper at Golden Corral and she reached for her purse and her right shoulder made popping sound and it has been very sore and tender since. Weather has been terrible, HOT and muggy. Just enough rain in area to keep the humidity unreal plus we are having much warmer weather as usual like a lot of the country. We were able to take advantage of the economic recover on the purchase of the Condo. Qualified for the Home Start program and using that instead of the VA Loan. Less out of pocket money and will have about $4,000 of the loan dismissed if we keep the condo for 10 years. 3% of the loan is a separate loan with no interest and discharged in 10 years if we still own the condo. Haven't contacted all of family and friends yet, but will as we can, after we get settled in our new home for sure.

Ed, Kay and Sam(fatcat) in Poplar Grove, IL

Lost Valley Lake

2010-06-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

Arrived at Lost Valley Lake RV Park north of Owensville, MO. Long trip, rough roads at the end. No rain on trip which is always good. Will be here until Monday then just two more stops before home on Wednesday

Sallisaw, Oklahoma

2010-06-12T14:39:00.001-05:00

We made it to Sallisaw, Ok today. After hearing of the trajedy in Arkansas, feeling blessed that we decided to go this way instead of through Arkansas to I55. We would not have been at that campground, but might have been at Murfreesboro about this time as we were thinking of stopping at the diamond fields. Going on to Branson, Mo area on Sunday. Kay doing very well so far after this longer trip.

Lake Tecoma

2010-06-09T01:15:00.002-05:00

We made it to Lake Texoma today. Day late getting here, Kay couldn't travel yesterday. Were coming back from shopping Sunday on county road which was terribly rough. Doing about 20 and hit pot hole that wrenched Kay's back and she couldn't travel yesterday. Scheduled to be here until Friday and then into Oklahoma.

Lake Tawakoni

2010-06-06T09:57:00.001-05:00

We made it to Lake Tawakoni yesterday. Tomorrow on up to Lake Texoma for couple days then north again. Kay doing pretty well, considering. Still taking a lot out of her. Hurting lot last night from the trip. Mid 90s doesn't help any at all. Be glad when we get north of this miserable heat.

Finally another post.

2010-05-29T12:19:00.002-05:00

We are at Castaways RV on Lake Conroe just west of Willis, Tx. Got here Thursday and will be leaving 6/4 or 6/5. Perhaps starting our last fulltime trip. Going back to Illinois to look for a place to stay for awhile. May put RV in storage and use for trips and vacations and such. Not sure yet. Hopefully can find nice place in our price range.

COCKROACHES WIN

2009-06-04T19:31:00.002-05:00

The cockroaches win, we are leaving here tomorrow. Tropic Winds Resort is infested with German Cockroaches. Can't keep them out and they are driving Kay crazy. They fly, so can enter anywhere they can get in. Kay nor Sam got any sleep last night, so we have rescheduled our stay and will be in Medina Lake RV Resort tomorrow. We were suppose to be here until June 10th, but cannot take the roaches that long. We hate to leave so soon, as Kay wanted to spend a day or two swimming in the Gulf. Would stay in a motel, but from what we found on the web, most of the motels and hotels down here are infested with bedbugs. That would be even worse. !!!!
Ed, Kay, and Sam(fatcat) on the run from the Roaches.

Traveling Again

2009-06-01T00:16:00.004-05:00

We are back traveling again. Two weeks ago, in San Antonio and went on the river walk with Brother Pat. Last week we were in Rockport, Tx and went on the USS Lexington which was very interesting to Kay, as I had served on an aircraft carrier during my Navy stint. Saw the Iwo Jima memorial in Harlingen, Tx today. They have the working model of the memorial that is at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Also had quite a bit of memorabilia in the little museum. One of the Marines who raised the second flaf is buried at the site.
Had to take the truck in for repairs on Sat. Haven't gotten it back yet. Wouldn't start once it had been driven for a while. Would have to wait about an hour before it would start.
Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat) at the Tropic Winds Resort in Harlingen, Texas.

SUNDAY

2008-11-02T09:35:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated the 27th anniversary of Pat and Jan Ealem here in San Angelo at the beautiful Cactus Hotel. They also renewed their vows. The hotel was the the fourth hotel built by Conrad Hilton. It isn't used as a hotel any longer, but for office space, banquets, weddings, etc. We were in the ball room which is magnificent.
The meal was great, everyone seemed to enjoy the get together. There were some chocolate covered strawberries that were absolutely the most delicious.

We're having lunch today at Jan's aunts house and then get ready to travel back to Thousand Trails Medina Lake RV Resort tomorrow.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (FatCat)

Thursday

2008-10-30T22:42:00.002-06:00

Was up early and did some fishing this am. Only caught small ones and it was a bit cold, especially when the wind started blowing. Did get a nice sunrise picture with the phone camera.

Did some last minute shopping to get ready for Pat and Jan's vow renewal this Saturday. Haven't seen them yet, but should see them tomorrow.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (FatCat)

San Angelo

2008-10-29T23:26:00.003-06:00

We are at Goodfellow Air Force FamCamp now. Got in today. We got here in time to get the last space available, just 30a electric and water. Will only be here five days and bathrooms and showers are just across the street. We are on Lake Nosworthy. Hope to get in some fishing while here. We spent one night in Junction on way here. They have very few spaces here right now, as most of the park is dug up while putting in 50 amp service.
Couple pictures taken at Medina Lake. Another one of the bucks there and one of their large rabbits.

Ed, Kay and Sam (fatcat)

Medina Lake

2008-10-27T23:47:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow we leave Medina Lake TT RV Resort on our way to San Angelo. Tomorrow night will stay at a KOA in Junction, Texas. Then the next day on to San Angelo. Still lots of deer here, although they look in much better shape than they did when we were here in May. A few 8 point bucks around. There are also some Jack Rabbits.

Cold front coming in tonight. Suppose to get down to about 30 here tonight. Quite a sudden change. Last week in the high 80s and low 90s for highs and then only in 60s today with a low of 30 tonight.

Sam is finally starting to mellow out. Now spends some time on the couch with his head on Kays lap. Tonight he is laying next to her on the couch keeping her warm.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (fatcat)

Oct 24

2008-10-24T13:49:00.006-05:00

We are at TT Colorado River RV Resort. Got here yesterday and will be going on to Medina Lake just west of San Antonio tomorrow. Lots of ants here and also has some deer. Spaces are pretty close together and only 30 amp. They have pecan trees here, but we are to late. You can have whatever you find. We are on the Colorado River.
We had the RV serviced last week. They found the grease seals on the passenger side had blown and had grease all over the brakes on that side. Glad we took it in for sure.
We were driving around waiting on the RV and saw a moving sight. Rolling Thunder (motorcycle group) going though Conroe trailing the wall replica. Must have been 50 or more, escorted by just about every law enforcement agency there in Conroe. A lot of the motorcycle had two or three flag staffs on the back of their bikes. They had the US flag, MIA flag, and a patriotic group flag. Was quite a site. Interesting thing also was that all the opposite direction traffic stopped for the motorcade.
Here is a picture that I took while in San Francisco when we were there last with the fog flowing over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Weather is finally starting to cool off some here. Was down into the 40s last night and only got up to about 70 during our move yesterday. Sure was a lot nicer setting breaking down and then setting up versus the hight 80s and 90s for our last few moves.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat)

Tuesday 7th

2008-10-07T17:17:00.002-05:00

Not much happening since last post. Saw Beverly Hills Chihuahua yesterday. Was funny and not to bad. We both liked it. Dinner at Cracker Barrel after. Did the puzzle down to just one pin again.
Sure be glad when the elections are over. Tired of all the (so called) experts trying to tell me what I heard or taking things out of context and hunting for things to find on the candidates. Hasn't been a candidate that I have really liked since Ronald Reagen.
Now we are having to pay because congress allowed those ARMs.
Speaking of that, didn't Pelosi promise all kinds of things that were going to happen two years ago when she was elected speaker of the house. Really bad part, is that for a couple accidents she could be president. (woe to us all if that happens).
This sunset was taken at Lake Whitney SW of Dallas. Click on the picture to see a larger better image.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat)

Lake Conroe

2008-10-03T18:11:00.003-05:00

We are back at Lake Conroe until Oct 23. Did not see that much damage from Ike. Trees down here and there, and one building destroyed. It was on the lake and the pier and building were destroyed. There was one big tree here at Lake Conroe TT that was down. This is a picture of that tree in the background taken last November. Some of the site storage people had minor damage to their RVs, but didn't see anything serious. The ponds here are definitely full. Many of the trees that we did see were uprooted and there didn't appear to be very strong roots and others were hollow.
We were able to find one of the good sites this time with 50 amp service w/o surcharge. Not to far from the dumpsters or lodge and adjacent to one of the fish ponds.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat)

Lake Whitney

2008-10-02T00:21:00.003-05:00

We leave here (Lake Whitney TT) Oct 2 and go back to Lake Conroe TT. Will be there for three weeks. Quite wooded here, lots of cedars and others. Most of campsite have cedar trees around each site. They have a swing here hanging from one of the trees.
I sat up tripod and also took a picture of Kay and I together on the swing. Swing brought back many memories of my youth. We had swing like this in our yard in Arkansas. GG McKnelly also had one at her house, although hers wasn't hung from a tree, but on a stand.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat)

Texas State Fair

2008-10-02T00:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we went to the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Was a little disappointed, was not all that I expected. No livestock here yet, as was only fourth day of the fair. Was not as big as I expected, but did get chance to see the Cotton Bowl. Fair is around it. There was one animal there at least. Biggest Boar I have ever seen. Sign said he was 1212 pounds and was from Iowa.

Ed, Kay, and Sam (the fatcat)

Back Again

2008-06-21T20:45:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone.
I am back again. Hopefully do better job of keeping uptodate. We are at Castaways resort on Lake Conroe, Texas, about 4 miles west of Willis, Texas. We will be going back to TT Lake Conroe next Tuesday and staying there for three weeks.
Kay starts therapy for her back next Monday which will be my last day for therapy on my neck. We were over to TT Medina Lake last month for a while. Did get in to see The Alamo and was well worth the trip. The guide there was extremely impressive. TT Medina Lake has a ton of deer. A couple times I counted as many as 40 deer in the space next to us. Eveyone puts out corn for them there.

We also got new hats while we were in San Antonio. I got a Stetson
And Kay also got one, a little different style. We're in Texas now Partner.

Later, Ed, Kay, and Sam the Cat

IT'S A BOY

2008-02-01T14:08:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone. IT'S A BOY. Yesterday evening 31 January 2008 Kay became a Great Grandmother. Adam Chase Hermann was born to Timothy and Stephanie. He weighed 7 lbs and was 21" long. All are doing fine. New Grandmother Robin has sent some pictures. Here is one of Timothy, Adam, and Stephanie.
I have one more picture up on my website at the time and will post more there as soon as the "GRANDMOTHER" sends me some. Email me for the URL for the website with other pictures. Congratulations to both the proud parents, grandparents and great grandmother.

Back to Work

2008-01-27T01:26:00.000-06:00

Stopped by Wal-Mart yesterday and turned my limited duty slip. Will be going back to work on 1/31 as a door greeter. Hopefully back to being cashier on 3/1 as the weight limit is only until 2/28. Had the 30,000 mile service for the truck... WOW...$500.
Both of us went for a long walk today and didn't do much else. Played some Wii Tennis for exercise and that was about it. Here is a picture of one of the bears that Kay made for the bear show.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Doctor

2008-01-25T00:42:00.000-06:00

Went back for my first post op visit today. Dr. was satisfied with the healing. Going to be better than I planned. I will be able to lift up to 35 pounds starting next Weds, 1/30. Got a note from the Doc saying I can go back to work on the 31st but cannot lift over 35 pounds. Get that turned in tomorrow and see what they may have for me. Probably door greeter, ugh.
Got word today that Kay may be a great grand mommy pretty soon and that Robin may soon be an old grandma.
Some relief today, just some sprinkles. May not last long that way. More predicted.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Birthday

2008-01-23T16:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Kay's birthday. Went to post office and got the bears in the mail for the January 30th show on Bearpaths.com. Then we drove down to Woodlands and picked up a new shower head we had ordered. It increases the pressure coming out of the nozzle. It worked this morning. Some of the RV Parks don't have great water pressure and then we also must keep the pressure on the line down because of the water hoses. Have a 40# outlet reducer on the faucet to protect the hoses.
Then we went on down to Spring, Texas to have late lunch at Olive Garden. Had been quite a while since we were at one and Kay likes them so we went there for her birthday.
Rather gloomy day as is today. Looks like drizzle or rain pretty much through the next week.
While we were out, Kay received got a song greeting from her brother Pat and from SIL Jan and the children. Both were very nice thought.

Ed, Kay, and Sam

King of the RV

2008-01-20T18:33:00.000-06:00

Went for couple walks today. Was chilly out. On first walk, just after leaving RV, saw large white bird down by the pond. First glance, thought it might be an Egret, but then saw that it was much larger. Headed back to get the camera and it started flying, but only flew to other end of pond up on the dike. Got camera and just as got out the door, couple came walking along rode and spooked it and it flew off. Only got long distance shot of it flying. Believe it was a large white crane.
You can tell who is well treated around here, his highness Sam the Cat.
Had a great meal this evening. Kay fixed a roast today and was normal delicious. Did this while working on her bears and trying to beat the deadline. Took another walk after and now watching the Packers-Giants game.
Thought water line was frozen when got up this am, but after investigating found the inlet filter to the RV was clogged with brown frozen debris. Cleaned that and worked fine. It was down into the mid 20s last night. Way to cold for my way of thinking :-).

Ed, Kay, and Royal Sam

Day 10

2008-01-18T20:49:00.000-06:00

Getting back to normal with the stomach. Kay fixed ham, potatoes and beans this evening and was great. Tasted great and was able to get down quite a bit without any problems, other than discomfort of stomach being so full :-).
Haven't did any walking though. Been raining quite a bit her last couple of days. Did have to get the LP tank filled today though. Somewhat of a hassle as I'm still under the 8lb weight restriction. Empty doesn't weigh that much, but the full one sure does. The ranger that filled it put it in the truck for me when I ask him and told him why. Then he insisted that I come back up to the RV and he would follow and put it in and hook it up for me. The staff here at Lake Conroe is the best. They have been absolutely super the whole time we have been here.
Kay has been busy trying to get the bears ready for shipment next week. Will have to ship them express on Tuesday to get them there in time. Her digestive problems, my surgery and illness have taken up a lot of her time. Then yesterday had to stop working because of strong back pain from setting and working to long.

Ed, Kay, & Sam the Cat.

Day 7

2008-01-15T17:31:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone. Missed yesterday, but glad to be able today. I think I came down with what Kay had yesterday. Did not feel real great Sunday, but yesterday was worse. Did not feel good all day. After laundry, Kay suggested that I go up and lay down for a while. I did for a while, but then had a gut wrenching experience. Down on hands and knees paying homage to the throne. I could not imagine one stomach could possible hold so much liquid. All night up and empty, back for a short nap and then back again. The first time was the most painful experience I think I have ever had. Not only the pain from retching, but it was like someone had taken a molten knife and ripped me from lower abdomen up to my chest. Shook Kay up when she heard me scream. But since then, have not had much pain from the operation. Poor Kay, recovering from her own bout and having to baby me during mine. It was the first illness that I have had in 7 or 8 years and the first time I have had such an upset stomach. Have no idea what it was, but Kay and I both had basically the same symptoms. Fortunately we both didn't come down at the same time.
Kay is much better today and working on her bears again. I've been up twice now, some jello and 7up both times. Feeling stronger this time up. May have some soup or something later. Still very weak, but stomach is more settled.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Day 5

2008-01-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

Morning. Last night was not good night. Kay has come down with something, upset stomach, aching, etc., plus her hip and shoulder were hurting. Somewhat better this morning, but not much.
On the other side, I'm feeling better. Still had to take pain med this am, but not near the pain. Most of swelling is down. Took a good walk, walked at close to normal speed and felt good. Little tiring, but that will come back with more walking. Did wake up every couple hours though. They really pumped the liquids into me during my stay. Weighed for the first time today since the surgery, and I'm 7 pounds heavier (that screen must be really heavy) LOL. Haven't eaten that much, so must be water gain.
Nice here today. About 60°, sunny with slight breeze. Very good day for a walk.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Evening

2008-01-12T23:06:00.000-06:00

Rained couple times today. Once in afternoon and then tonight. Went for a walk down to the clubhouse. Nice day until the rain. Took the bandage off tonight, looks okay to me.
Kay isn't feeling well, nauseous, etc. We had chili for supper, didn't agree with me very well either. Kay got more work done on the bears for the show. I mostly played on the computer and did some Wii bowling and messed with the blog and paid some online bills.
This afternoon, Kay was taking a nap and Sam crawled up on the couch at the end, placed his paw and head on her leg and went to sleep there.
Watched the Green Bay Seattle football game until the weather was so bad was obvious that GB would win. Wasn't an Ice Bowl this time, just a snow storm.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Morning Day 4

2008-01-12T11:12:00.000-06:00

Didn't get to bed til around 3 because of late nap yesterday, but woke up around 8 feeling good. Then got out of bed :-). After getting up pain decided to take pain meds. Ate breakfast and feeling good, walked around the "block" that we are on. Felt really good, could feel the ab muscles working, but no pain. Temp around 60° F and sunny. Was very pleasant walk, with about 20 vultures circling overhead, some high were just specs. They must have found a thermal and everyone showed up. . Either that or I am in worse shape than I know. LOL.
Swelling was down today. Think I should do more walking or lying down and less setting. Think that will help with that. Sam's pacing, doesn't know what to do with both of us around all day. Arguing with Kay right now wanting her to play with him. She's talked him into going into his homeless (large box) shelter and lying down. He usually sleeps the day when I'm not here.
Life is Great. Later

Ed, Kay, and Sam°

NOTE: I have decided to allow some google ads to my sight. Would really appreciate any comments on this. Can email me, leave a comment on the post or even leave an anonymous comment to the post. I would truly like to hear what your opinion is.
Ed

EVENING

2008-01-11T22:14:00.000-06:00

Today has gone pretty well. We had breakfast at Micky D's and then to post office. Went back to hospital to pick up cellphone charger. Again they were just absolutely great when Kay went to pick it up. Then went to Wal-Mart to do some shopping. Finally rode in one of the motorized shopping carts.
Think I may have did to much to soon. Was some swelling after eating dinner. Put on some ice and then slept for about 3 hours. Swelling is down and now and less pain now than earlier with the pain medication. Think will take a short nap for a few days to slow down and get some rest. Dr. did tell me to do walking and climbing stairs, but maybe just a little to much to early. Actually the ride in the cart seemed to bother me more than the walking.
Kay did get some work done on her bears for the show later this month. Sam has been anxious to play football each time we have come home.

Ed, Kay, and Sam

Morning Day 3

2008-01-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

Morning everyone. Not near as much pain as expected. Got out of bed with no pain at all. Otherwise some burning when doing certain things. Was able to take shower and went for a short walk with no problem. Wasn't a fast walk for sure :-). Getting ready for Kay to drive us to the post office and then stop at Micky D's for breakfast. Frost on the ground this morning.

Ed

HOME!!!

2008-01-10T19:12:00.000-06:00

Been a long while, but back. Medical updates. Kay's shoulder is doing great. She has not had to go to rehab for the shoulder because of the Wii. Her surgeon said he now has a new method of rehab for his surgery patients. It still catches now and again, and don't think that will go away until and if she does shoulder replacement surgery. When we saw the Nurse Practitioner she said they are starting to develop procedure for injection for the shoulder like they do for the knee and hips.
I made it home today. Surgery was successful and I am recuperating at home. I had hernia surgery lower left side. Dr. put in a screen to strengthen it. Can't lift more than equivalent to a gallon of milk for three weeks. Have to go back to see the Dr. in two weeks. After the three weeks, will be allowed to lift 10 to 15 pounds and then after that Dr. said there would be no limitations.
The hospital personnel here at Conroe are absolutely tremendous. All three times they have been the best. Friendly, helpful, courteous, concerned, etc. We couldn't have been in a better place for our medical problems. It was great fortune to find Dr. Scarborough. If I had taken my annual physical in the summer like I normally do, would not have found out about my hernia until it was much worse.
Last week another of Kay's bears at BearPaths sold. She also received an order and invitation to make more bears for show later this month, so she is being kept busy getting bears ready for that. Lost couple days work with the surgery yesterday and waiting all day at the hospital for the doctor to release me.
Weather has been up and down here. Days of being in the 70s during the day and 50s and 60s at night to days of being in the 50s during the day and 20s and 30s at night. Has been very windy quite a few days also. But not as bad as it has recently been back home and in Chico. Tornadoes in IL and 80 mph wind gusts in Chico.
Sam has been his normal crazy self. Loves chasing a small football (that we got at Lowe's family day last summer) with his head in the plastic bag which came off 12 pack of water. Really comical.
Now will be off for a while, will try to be more diligent with the blog.

Ed, Kay, and crazy Sam

Kay

2007-12-12T01:40:00.000-06:00

Had to take Kay to the Dr. this morning and they admitted her to the hospital for overnight observation. They believe she has some type of GI infection. They are treating her for dehydration and GI inflammation.
Her should has been coming along very nicely. Has the post surgery appointment with the Nurse Practitioner last Friday. She was very happy with Kay's progress. So much so that Kay may not have to go to rehabilitation. The shoulder if pretty limber because Kay dutifully did her exercise and played Golf on the WII. She has to go back in three weeks and if all is still going well, she won't have to go to rehab.
I had a physical the day after Kay's surgery and then went to see a specialist this last Friday. Dr. found a small hernia area during the physical and the specialist confirmed it. He said that eventually it will get bad enough that I will have to have surgery, but can get by without that for now.
Kay had a very successful bear show online couple weeks ago. She sent in 6 bears and last look, four of them had been sold at BearPaths.com.
Other than that, we have been working and playing Golf and Bowling on the WII.

Ed, Kay, & Sam the cat

Operation

2007-11-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

Kay had arthroscopic surgery on her left shoulder Wednesday. Surgery went well and Dr was able to clean out the socket as expected. She has two torn ligaments for who knows how long. Two Dr. before had been treating her for arthritis in the shoulder. Dr Scarborough diagnosed it as possible torn ligaments and MRI proved this out. What the MRI did not show was that the cartilage covering the bone in the socket is gone. Dr. said that if it was a knee or hip that it would have been replaced long before this.
She is doing well, except for the pain. Medication is helping, but not taking care of all the pain. She is to go back for follow-up next Friday.
I have an appointment with Dr. on Friday also for consultation on a hernia.
Weather has been nice here, back up into the 70s today. Suppose to be mid to high 70s next couple days and then back into the 60/70 range. Possible rain in couple days. It did get cold here end of last week though with the low down into the high 30s and low 40s.

Ed, Kay, and Sam the Cat

Wind

2007-11-17T23:24:00.000-06:00

Was able to get in another hour or so of fly fishing Wednesday. This time I caught an 7½" bluegill. Wasn't that big, just long.
Looked to me almost like a cross between a bream and a perch. Does any recognize it??
We had a big wind storm later Weds night. Really make the awning groan and flop. The noise kept Kay up and Sam was really on edge all night. Was Thursday afternoon before it finally stopped. I had cleaned it off Weds afternoon. So I rolled it up after I got home Thurs night. Think it will stay up rest of the winter. It is on the north side anyway so doesn't shade very much, but does provide rain protection by the door and on the ground mat.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Bass Fishing

2007-11-16T23:27:00.000-06:00

Things about the same around here. Kay has finished her bears for the show and they were mailed Tuesday and have arrived in Cleveland for the show, well, five bears and a rabbit. I've been working five days a week, 37 to 40 hours a week.
Was off Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Got in an hour or so of fly fishing in the pond near our RV. Caught a bass this time on a bee fly. This one was 11 inches and about half pound. Now that it is getting cooler there is much more action about dusk. You can hear the bass going after the minnows or bluegill in the reeds. The bluegill are also much more lively now when hooked. The pictures of the bass were taken with the phone camera. Here is one with it in front of the lure box for comparison.

Ed, Kay, & Sam the cat

Surgery

2007-11-05T22:34:00.000-06:00

Kay was to the orthopedic surgeon last Monday. His recommendation was for arthroscopic surgery to clean out the joint. She is to have the surgery on November 28. He believes that cleaning the joint will alleviate the pain and give her movement of her shoulder again. He said she would have a sling to go home, but then the next day to start moving her arm and should as much as normal as possible.
We did do some decorating of the RV for Halloween. Part of it is fall orientated and will leave up until Thanksgiving, and then will probably replace with Christmas lighting and decorations.
Kay has been busy on her bears while I am at work. Here is a picture of four that she has ready for the Christmas Internet show.
Weather here hasn't been to bad. In the high 70s or low 80s but only suppose to be about 65 tomorrow with 30% chance of rain. Ground here is still very very dry. Still has cracks in some places and the ponds and lake levels are down.
Ed, Kay, & Sam

2007-10-24T01:55:00.000-05:00

Been a long time since I have posted here. Working 37 to 40 hours per week. Had bad thunderstorms and winds yesterday and last Monday with heavy rain last Monday. Has cooled way down here. Only got up to the 50s yesterday and the low 60s today. Finally had to wear long pants. Received our associate cards today, so now we can get 10% off on our Wal-Mart purchases other than food. Think one of my hard drives is going out, taking a long long time to populate the window explorer when I open it and then takes long time when I change directories. Received first check last Thursday (one week). Have been having Monday and Tuesday off, but will have Monday and Thursday off the first week of November. Kay called the Dr office last Friday and they had somehow not informed her that her MRI results were back. Went to the Dr. yesterday. They did not see anything wrong with her hip, but she has a couple torn ligaments in her right shoulder. (told her that would happen if she didn't stop landing hay makers on my chin LOL). Said there was a also a cyst where the ligaments were torn. Have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon next Monday. Hopefully will know more after seeing him.

We had a very large spider weave its web on the awning support arms.

Sam has a new cave. Ordered some things from CamperWorld and Sam confiscated the box for his. Even has a door for privacy. He sleeps in it the most of the time, but tonight he did take over Kay's chair for a nap.

Ed, Kay, & Sam at Lake Conroe

2007-10-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

Worked alone second night and tonight. Not to bad, not to many mistakes. Not getting used to the 8 hours on my feet yet. Not after 2 years of retirement. Night is getting pretty long by the time my eight hours are up. Should get better as time goes on.
Was going to order trailer tires from Wal-Mart online, but found out I can't order them because I am in Texas. Still available for delivery in Louisiana, but not in Texas. Will have to pay more and get them some place else, but won't need before April now. Will wait til Feb or March to get them.

Ed, Kay, & Sam at Lake Conroe, Tx

Lake Conroe

2007-10-09T23:29:00.001-05:00

We are back at Lake Conroe. Different location. Also at a metered site so that when we start extended stay in 3 weeks, won't have to move. Not to far from the other pond here.
Worked my first day Sunday. Very busy in early part of day. Most of it comes back, but there are differences in the way they do things here, plus Wal-Mart has changed some procedures. They have a new checking system now where you give the check back to the customer and they sign a receipt that you keep. The signature prints out on some credit cards, but not on others.
Kay had her MRI this am. Should have results by the end of the week. The med taken for the MRI knocked her for a loop. But then we have both been dragging this evening. Been extremely humid here last couple days. Yesterday evening humidity was 97% and right now at 11:40 pm it is 81%.
Back to work tomorrow. Will be working every day until next Monday & Tuesday. Will be same for the following week. Different start and end times each day.
Saw the Cowboys Bills game last night. What a game. Could not believe the ending.

From Lake Conroe RV Resort
Ed, Kay, & Sam (da cat)

Oaie '

2007-10-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

Orientation

2007-10-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today was orientation day. Spent most of the day on the computer doing training modules. Go on the floor tomorrow and start retraining on the registers. A few things have changed, but not a whole lot since 2005. Texas has a new law that I like. Earlier this year they changed the law for checking anyone you thought was under 40 to checking everyone before making a purchase. Makes it easier for me. Customer can't be upset with me for requiring an ID. Well, they can get upset, but nothing I can do.
Had real rain today. Had a few thunderstorms and some heavy rain. Kay wasn't happy with the thunderstorms after Abita Springs. Nothing was close, just in the distance.
Have to be in at 8 in the morning so early to bed again. That is the worst part of working, getting up early. :-) After training, think I will be coming in at more reasonable time, hopefully anyway.

Ed, Kay, & Sam at Castaways Resort

Wally World

2007-10-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

Kay has been sleeping a lot more with the meds she got at the Dr on Monday. Has helped the pain and allowed her to sleep. Hopefully the MRI on Tuesday will help the Dr to diagnose the problem.
Received a call from Wal-Mart. The results are back and I go in for indoctrination tomorrow from 9 to 5.
Had a smattering of rain today. We were in Conroe and ate at the Texas Roadhouse and when we came out it was starting to sprinkle. Had to turn the wipers on for a while, but when we got back here to the RV park, had not rained, but was just sprinkling a few drops. Sure could use some. Area right behind the RV is starting to get some pretty big cracks. Wellllll, we will be moving Monday, so should be gone before they get large enough to swallow the RV. LOL.

Ed, Kay, & Sam at Castaways RV Resort

2007-10-05T00:50:00.000-05:00

Kay has an MRI scheduled for next Tuesday morning. Got a PO box today for our stay here in the area. Scheduled us for extended stay at Lake Conroe Resort until April 1. Hopefully get all our medical things straightened out by then. Our address while here will be PO Box 2150, Willis, TX, 77378.
Kay is going to start making bears again. Last couple days been gathering materials for the next web show in Nov or Dec. Deadline for submission is around middle of November.
Found out earlier this week that Pecans stain the same as Walnuts. They have some pecan trees here in the park. At first thought they were walnuts, then saw couple on the tree, and they weren't the right shape. Decided they must be pecans, so took the hull off one of them to see if it was. Fingers turned pecan brown. . Would have been worse if hadn't rushed in and washed my hands.
Still haven't heard from Wal-Mart on the test results or background check. Maybe tomorrow. :-(

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Job

2007-10-03T01:04:00.000-05:00

Had my interview at Wal-Mart this am. Went good, took the drug test today and awaiting that results and background check, of which I am not worried about either. Will start full time after those come back acceptable. They only had full time position available and were not concerned that I would be leaving at the end of March.
Dr office called this am and Kay has MRI scheduled for next Tuesday. Hopefully will be able to discern the problem so can start working to relieve the pain.
This Wal-Mart looks very good. Place was clean and looking new. They said was opened about 2002 or 2003. Kay and I both liked the personnel that we saw. Friendly and helpful and the interviewers I liked their attitude. They have changed the Wal-Mart uniform though. No more smocks, but have gone to dark blue shirt/blouse with tan pants. Not as distinctive, but looks good. Not sure if that is just this area, or all the Wal-Marts. The only downside to this store is that it is about 15 miles away. But the extra hours being full time will take care of the extra fuel. Will be starting at $8.35 which is $1 more than was making when I left Belvidere in 2005. Now to find and decide where we will be doing extended stay for the period. Will most likely be Lake Conroe TT park if they have openings. Kay will feel more secure there and we like the park and the people there. This Wal-Mart also has diesel at the Murphy's gas station which will mean 3¢ a gallon savings on fuel.
Weather still the same, 90s and hot and humid. {sigh}.

Ed, Kay, & Sam on Lake Conroe

October

2007-10-01T23:33:00.000-05:00

October already. Still in the 90s and no rain since we got here to speak of. Lake Conroe is down about 18" and ground is cracking in some areas. Above normal for rain, but all came earlier.
Got my flu shot today and got Kay to see the Dr. that I saw last week. I'm impressed with him and Kay likes him also. Took ex-rays of her hips today to try to find the reason for the hip soreness and pain and is scheduling and MRI of lower back and shoulder to see what is the problems there. Gave her new med to get her through until can find the reason for the pain and stiffness. Some nights she gets very little sleep because of the pain.
I have an interview with Wal-Mart tomorrow. Hoping to get on as cashier and build up our purse for our trip next summer. Going to stay in this area, so might as well do something profitable until we head west and north next spring.
Had an interesting experience last evening. We were going for a walk and had to come back to the RV for Kay's glasses because the sun had came out. Stepped inside the RV and the noise was overpowering. The Propane alarm was going off. Stopped the alarm and went up on roof to get the fan vent open to air and went off again while there. Kay stopped it and this time didn't come on again and had a green light. Searching for the manual, while Kay searched online. Found out there are many things that will set off the Propane alarm. One of them was hair spray and Kay remembered that she had used a new hair spay just before we left the RV. Has not gone off since then, so feel confident that was the problem. Poor Sam. Was for sure a blessing that we came back for the glasses or Sam would have been locked in here with that piercing alarm going.

Ed, Kay, & Sam on Lake Conroe

Castaway RV Resort

2007-09-25T00:41:00.000-05:00

We are at our new location or datastorm URL. Just click on either or both links. We are at coordinates W 30.450132 N 95.551880, about 8 miles from our last location. Will leave here in two weeks to go back to Lake Conroe RV Preserve.
Stop by Camperland to get an estimate to repair the damage to the RV caused by the thrown tire tread last month in Alabama.
We have changed our plans somewhat. We are considering staying in this area for the winter. Today I applied for member worker position at Lake Conroe, assistant to the recreation coordinator and some ranger and maintenance work. If accepted will be here until next March at least.
They do have some strange bugs at Lake Conroe though.
Was very hot and humid which took a lot out of each of us. Sam is doing lots better though. I had been putting campho phenique on mosquito bites on my legs which worked very well stopping the itching. Sam had been rather lethargic while there and spent almost all day in his "cave" under the chair. Had alsp been rather jumpy when out. Used calamide lotion one day and Sam was out more. Next day with campho Phenique was back under the chair. So used the calamide again yesterday and he was out more again. Didn't use anything today and he has been very active and his old self since we have gotten here. Think the ducks under the RV was making him jumpy.
Site here isn't to bad, although this isn't one of the better RV campgrounds we have been in. No fishing here as they don't have a pond on the site. They have shoreline on Lake Conroe, but would have to buy out of state fishing license to fish here. At least we have 50 amp service here.

Ed, Kay, & Sam in the only state which had presidents before becoming a state.

2007-09-24T00:11:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we move to a new location. We will be going about 8 miles to the north side of Lake Conroe to Castaways RV Park, an ROD park. Will be there three weeks. Haven't done much here, been in the 90s most days. A little fishing each night about sundown. Caught 2 bass and 2 bluegills on the fly rod this evening.
Will be taking the Rv to RV shop to get estimate on the repairs from the thrown tread on the way to Castaways.
We have a daily visitor to the pond here near the RV.
I see it about every day. Got close enough to get couple nice pictures. Our spiny back spider is now a different one or has changed colors.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Friday 9/7

2007-09-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

Went to a "meet the manager" meeting Thurs. am. Was an informing and helpful meeting. Night and Day difference than the one in Indian Lakes few weeks ago. Went into Conroe yesterday for some banking and groceries and meds from Wal-Mart. Went fly fishing in small pond by RV again late in evening. Caught couple small bluegills, then just as it was getting almost to dark to see the fly, I had a near miss on what I thought was a bigger bluegill. It was bigger also. Couple more tosses and it hit this time. Was pretty sure it wasn't a bluegill as it was putting up a lot better fight. Turned out to be a bass. About 8 or 9 inches. Took picture with the phone, but the light from the phone prevented it from being very good. Went for walk around the park earlier and took this pic.
Had dinner at the park cafe this evening. Chicken fried steak with three sides and drink for $6.50. Then we had thunderstorms going through again. Heavy thunder and some lightening. After it was over, went out close to dusk again with the fly rod. I either caught the same bass, or one close to the same size. This time brought it up to the RV for Kay to take a picture. Went back to the pond to release it, and decided to make a couple more casts. Got a big hit. Put up a real good fight on the light fly rod. Had to tire it down to try to get it up the bank. The bank is about 3 or 4 feet above the water. Finally worked it out of the water and was trying to slide it up the bank in the dark. Looked to be pretty good size when suddenly the pole sprang back and the fish went back into the pond. Thought I had broken my line, but found the hook still on the line. Now I have to catch it again just to prove it exists. :-)
Ed

Weds 9/5

2007-09-06T00:15:00.000-05:00

Satellite set up yesterday. Noticed yesterday morning DC lights were dim. Neighbor let me use battery charger and charged the RV battery. Discovered what the noise was above Sam's throne. Coverter. Had turned it off Friday because of the noise. Have some weird ducks here as well, one of them has a feather crest on its head. Also have the weirdest spiders I have ever seen. Have a pretty nice slot here, small pond just behind us. Caught about half dozen small bluegills yesterday just before and after the thunderstorm on the flyrod.
After the battery was charged, we turned the converter back on and it is charging, but not overcharging. Apparently it is behind the electrical panel in the restroom.
They have the best stocked trading post (store) here that I have seen in any of the RV parks we have been in so far. Better than some RV dealers and repair facilities.
Didn't rain today, first day in few days. There were a few drops, but no thunder or lightening.
Ed, Kay, & Sam

Lake Conroe

2007-09-03T18:12:00.000-05:00

Battery worked great. Got underway without any problems. Had clear sailing until after Beaumont, TX. Ran into heavy downpour before Houston. Got to the Park and got pretty much set up before the thunderstorm hit. Have a pretty nice site, little pond behind that is suppose to have fish in it. Think I will have clear shot with the dish. I am on the park wifi right now. Not real strong, but adequate. Speed isn't to hot though. We will be here 3 weeks.
Our location is N30.396016 W95.533702 and you can see the area from:
http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral or http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=2777 on the datastorm users website. More and mayhap some pictures tomorrow.
Our mailing address while here is General Delivery, Willis, TX 77813
Ed, Kay, & Sam

Vinton, LA

2007-09-02T21:30:00.001-05:00

Been a long day. The Lightning got more than I thought. I knew the remote temp battery had gone out Thurs, but didn't think much about it. Well, the RV battery was not able to operate the jacks and slideouts this am. Took a while but got it done. Move slide outs a little, wait for battery to charge, move, charge, move. Got to Vinton and the battery still had not charged. Would not even operate the front jacks. Also after AC was turned off, found the battery in the CO monitor was bad. Drove 15 miles back to almost Lake Charles and got a battery from Wal-Mart. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart supercenters. Where else was going to be able to get a marine/rv deep charge battery on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend.
Could not find my jumper cables to jump the rv battery to get slides out. Fortunately the gentleman running the park had a set and loaned them to me.
Noticed that Hurricane Felix went all the way up to Category 5 today. Watching that now as it could have an effect on the weather at Conroe. We will be about 45 miles north of Houston. 40 to 50% chance of rain every day this week there already. Might get a wee bit soggy if Felix heads that way also. :-(
Kay was not to happy with Lake Charles and me. Took the I 110 bypass around Lake Charles which has a high bridge over the lake itself. Leaving I 110 we ended up going East on I 10. That has a high bridge on it over the lake. After turning around and going back, we ended up going over three high bridges and Kay doesn't like hardly any bridges.
We have a level concrete pad here at the Vinton RV park and would not have had to unhook if not for the RV battery(couldn't get slide outs out). I used the hand crank to raise the RV on the front jacks high enough to get out from under the rv and turn around so could use the truck to jump the Rv battery.
Tomorrow hopefully will be in Conroe, TX. Tonight we are at 30.185752/93.572218 in Venton, LA and can be found online at http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral
or on the datastorm map at http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=2777.
Til tomorrow
Ed, Kay, & Sam the cat

Lightning Strike

2007-09-01T18:18:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the last week at my son's, staying with my GKs while he was on assignment. Had a great time, always fun to be with my GKs, played games, watched sports, etc.
Kay had a very exciting event Thursday during a thunderstorm. Lightning struck a tall pine tree about 40 feet behind the RV. Took some chunks out of the tree as there are small chunks of pine wood scattered around the lot on both sides of the RV. She didn't hear any of them hit the RV or the satellite. She did lose electrical power. She called and we got most of it going. Later found out she was the only one who lost power. The breaker at the connection was not tripped, and none of the breakers inside the RV were tripped, but she lost electric. The fan which when shut off at the wall switch comes back on when the wall switch is turned back on. This time it didn't, she had to pull the chain to get it started. She did find circuit breaker button on the kitchen outlet with the voltage meter was tripped.
Then Friday morning she did not have hot water. The water heater breaker was tripped and when she would reset it, it would trip again. Did same when I got here. Turned off and got the propane going so have hot water again. Then later when I tried to connect to the Internet from my PC, could not get a connection. Pc could not find the modem. After switching with the cable for her laptop and nothing changed, assume the network card in my PC is on the fritz. I have a wireless USB device which I am using now.
I suspect that the water heater and the network card without anything else seeming to be affected, wonder if it wasn't EMF (Electromagnetic Force) that got just those two.
We are still here at Abita Springs. They allowed us to stay couple extra days. Could not find a park with vacancy for today. Did find one west of Lake Charles for Sunday night and then I have reservation at Lake Conroe in Texas for three weeks starting this Monday. Then we will move around to the other side of the lake for two weeks. Not sure, but may start movement west after that. Depending upon how the weather is misbehaving. :-)
Going back over the causeway (worlds longest bridge at about 26 miles) could see thunderstorm over New Orleans so took picture with phone. Feel a little itchy every time I go across. Bridge that long and was hit by Katrina two years ago and the bridge in Minneapolis collapsing??????
Ed

Monday New Orleans

2007-08-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

Went over to Mike's yesterday. Watched movies and sports with the GKs. Big thunderstorm went through in the afternoon. Electricity out for few minutes. Back to the RV for part of day, took trailer tire to Goodyear to replace with better one. Had anniversary breakfast with Kay(2 years now). Not near as hot today, only suppose to get to about 89.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Saturday Abita Springs

2007-08-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

Went to Outback this evening for our anniversary dinner. Excellent steak again and there potato soup is out of this world. Did shopping and laundry to get ready to go to Mike's tomorrow. Received permission to stay here one more day. So won't leave here until Saturday, Sep 1. Expect to be at Lake Conroe by Sep 3, Labor Day.

Friday Abita Springs

2007-08-25T00:53:00.000-05:00

Did some fly fishing on Tuesday. Caught about 15 or so sunfish in about 2 hours. Only two or three were big enough to call fish. Wednesday got another tire to replace the one that blew the tread. Almost $200 with mounting and everything. Picked up a 3 ton floor jack so I can change them myself if need be. Was very hot and tiring putting on the new one. Will take it and get another one for it. After this incident, going to replace the one that had the flat tire. Eventually going to replace two more. The Goodyear Marathon trailer tire I got does have one more ply than the ones on the RV. Got this one at Goodyear. The ones that came with the RV were made in China.
Had supper at the lodge tonight. Pork chops, beans on rice, cornbread, and salad for just $6. Again more than plenty. Almost finished all of it this time. The lady here at this park is an excellent cook and the quantity is huge. Finally got around to scanning picture of my nephew Dalton's third birthday picture.
Received some sad news this week. My cousin Estelee who we visited in Missouri on our way to Rockford this last spring went home to Heaven earlier this month. She had fallen in the bathtub back in June and never recovered. Some of you may remember her picture here on the blog. Our sympathy and prayers go out to Cousin Helen and her family.

Sunday going to Belle Chasse to babysit the grandchildren for a week. After that we will be getting back on the road. Most likely on our way to Lake Conroe north of Houston. Saw on the online Rockford paper they are having flooding in that area. The Kishwaukee river where we were camping is suppose to crest at about 8 feet over flood level. Weird when you think about it. We came down here were really concerned about Hurricane Dean and felt no affect from it, but remainder of tropical storm Erin affecting the area we were in this summer. ???
Congratulations to Scott and Robin on their wedding anniversary today.
Ed, Kay, & Sam

Ducks and Turtles

2007-08-20T01:30:00.000-05:00

Not much going on today. Tried to find where the water was coming from on the aft air conditioning unit yesterday, but couldn't get it to repeat today. We did go for a walk later in the day. Walked down to the lake and watched the ducks, geese, turtles, and fish. They have some really strange ducks here. There is quite a variety in the coloring and patterns. Seems to have been a mixture of mallard and domestic ducks.

There were quite a few sunfish in the water near the foot bridge. One of the ladies here has been feeding them. There were also a few turtles. One of them looked like it had been attacked or in a fight of some kind as it only had one front flipper as you can see in the photo. This one was also a different species also.
This is a nice park. Good gravel roads, what I think are lodge pole pines and a number of ponds. A couple of them are full of lily pads. Staff are very friendly and I really like the accent of the lady who does the cooking. One of those wonderful Cajun accents.
Ed, Kay, & Sam

Saturday Abita Springs

2007-08-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

Very humid this morning. Mike, GKs, and Freya came out for a visit today. Had a good time, was good to see them again. It did cool down some in the afternoon.
Went shopping at Wal-Mart in Covington afterwards and we got our daily shower there. Kay was ecstatic upon here find at Wal-Mart today. She found her long sought after Peter Pan Peanut Butter.
Cancelled our reservations for Rockport and Lake Medina near San Antonio. Not sure direction and when we will leave here. Will probably head for northern Texas and spend a month or so there and then head across to Arizona. Rockport and San Antonio have gotten lots of rain from Tropical Storm Erin and if Dean doesn't change course, it will probably dump more.
Ed

Abita Springs Resort

2007-08-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

Saw our first rain today since leaving Indiana. We drove through a downpour for about a mile on I12 on the way here. Then a thunderstorm struck just as we were checking in here. Finally got partially set up and then went to Chicken dinner at the lodge here on sight. Only $6 and more food than either of us could eat. Was deliciousc but was enough for a football player. Definitely was muggy afterwards though. Nice park here, but is not the easiest one to get to. Construction in middle of Abita Springs and then the road out here is a rought narrow road. Then the long entrance here is tree lined and very close.
Have a nice back in slot here (209). Have a lilypad covered pond right next to us. They do have 3 alligators sometime present in the big lake here. All lakes and ponds here are resort owned so we can fish without having a LA fishing license.
Mike and the GKs are suppose to come out tomorrow. Will be nice to see them again as haven't seen them since just before we started on our RV travels. At the time they were still in limbo because of Hurrican Katrina, whose 2nd anniversary is the end of the month.
Our location here is N 30.496 W 90.001 and can be found online at http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral or http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=2777
We are at Abita Springs Resort
24150 Highway 435
Abita Springs, LA
For emergencies, 905-590-3926

Ed, Kay and Sam

Alabama Petro Service (NOT)

2007-08-17T22:28:00.000-05:00

We are here, how long, not sure. We will be here until Aug 31 unless Hurricane Dean should change our minds. Have already decided we are not going to Rockville, Tx to see the hummingbirds. They have probably all become water logged anyway. :-) We didn't get into Toomsuba, MS until 7:30 last night. We sat on I59/I20 for three hours waiting on service truck. At about the 65 to 66 mile marker we blew a tire on the RV. Called the insurance company about 1:22. They started calling and trying to find a business in Tuscaloosa, AL to come out and change the tire. They called back and could only find one person in Tuscaloosa who could change a tire on a 5th wheel RV. That person would only do it for cash, no checks, no debit card, etc. Only cold hard cash. Well, I don't carry $250 in cash with me when traveling. May have to rethink that for sure. They finally did find some one. A Petro truck center up close to Birmingham who could do it. They wouldn't take the purchase order from them, so I had to pay them and then be reimbursed by the ins co. They could not take the card at the site, so after getting the tire changed, had to drive back to the Petro, pay them and then on the road again. Had to go to Exit 62 to turn around and drive back to the Petro at Exit 100. To make matters even worse, it took them and hour and half to get there. After the ins co called them, they called me and got information. Said they would be right on their way. Hour passed and still no one. Called them. THEY HAD NOT LEFT YET.. So would be on way right away. Told them hoped it would not be like the "right way" like the one an hour ago. To them with the temp in the high 90s I was getting even hotter setting there because they had not left or even bothered to call me. On top of all that, when the tire blew, it damaged the RV. Not suppose to be a bare spot over where the blown tire is. Now not only do I need to get another tire, but need to find a repair shop to get the RV repaired. I think will wait until we leave here to get the damages repaired. Don't want it in the shop if Dean should decide to start this way, which I am afraid that he might. Will definite try to find tire as soon as I can so I won't have to evacuate without a spare.

Wednesday Hidden Cove

2007-08-15T22:50:00.000-05:00

Went into Cullman to pick up meds, and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. Was going to the Rickwood Caverns, but was getting late so checked out possible route for tomorrow. Didn't like some of the roads for the shorter way so will be going back to I65 and take that down to I20 on to Toomsuba, MS. Few miles before Meridian, MS.
Starting to get concerned about Tropical Storm Dean. Won't be any trouble if continues on predicted path, but had convinced us to wait until another time to stop in Rockport, TX and see the hummingbirds. Erin will probably soak the area tomorrow and then possible Dean again next week. Think that after we leave N.O. area will heat towards Houston and up to Lake Conroe and then make stop few weeks at some of the more northern 1000 trails parks and then head towards Arizona.
Was hot here again today. Fortunately we do have 50 amp here so are able to run both air conditioners and give the main one some relief.
May not be a post tomorrow as will not put up the dish for one night. If they have wifi I might, otherwise will be Friday from Abita Springs.

Ed, Kay, & Sam

Hidden Cove in Alabama

2007-08-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

We made it to Hidden Cove RV Resort with no problems. Except for the last mile or so was very impressed with Alabama roads. Even the county roads we traveled over are in better shape than the interstate highways in some states. Lots of up and down though as northern Alabama is definitely hilly. We stopped at the rest stop for few minutes after entering Alabama. Very impressive, even the astronauts stop here for a rest, see the picture.

We are located at N34.054088 W87.143682 or you can find us on the google map at http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral
Will be here until Thursday. Again, basically no phone service here. We've turned the phones off as they keep switching from service to no service and about the only thing that gets accomplished is the battery gets used up. Planning on going to another cave tomorrow.
Called Tricare today and found out why the problems with my prescriptions, they transferred me over to Express Script. Their solution to the problem, have the pharmacist call them every time because they are programed to reject them. Express Script, what a joke. Now 2 days without one of my ADHD meds. Hope to get it tomorrow in Cullman after visiting the Cave.
Til tomorrow.
Ed, Kay, & Sam

Monday Natchez Trace

2007-08-13T22:36:00.000-05:00

Most aggravating part of Military retirement health benefits is dealing with Tricare. Tricare West had not problem filling both of my adhd medications. Went to have them filled in tricare north, didn't want to do it because it was a duplication. Explained to pharmacist and he called Tricare north and was able to fill. Went into Hohenwald today to fill my Concerta prescription. Tricare south said can't do as it is a duplication. Didn't bother with having pharmacist call them as they were out anyway. If they were out, why in the H did they notify Tricare South anyway???? Express Script mail order filled both of them... DUHHHHHH.
Picked up some chicken, fried okra, potatoes and gravy and macaroni and cheese at Wal-Mart deli and stopped at the Merriweather Lewis State Park and had a picnic on the way back. It is one the Natchez Trace Pathway. The Trace is over 400 miles of two lane road running between Nashville, TN and Natchez, MS. No stop signs, no traffic lights, speed limit 50 miles an hour and is closed to commercial vehicles. It shadows the old Natchez Trace. Lewis was on his way to Washington with his records and accounts of the Lewis & Clark expidition. He stopped at Grinders Place on the Trace and was mysteriously shot and killed on the night of Oct 11, 1809.
The park contains the cemetery where he is buried. They have erected a monument over his grave site. There is also a marker about him and the park. Lewis county was named after him.
Another hot one here, although there was a breeze which helped some. Yesterday was a record for Hohenwald for that day, 102.
Tomorrow suppose to be around 101 here again. Bad news is that it is suppose to be 103 in Arley tomorrow. Hopefully we will have 50 amp there so can run both a/c's. Tomorrow we will be moving to Hidden Cove RV Resort southeast of Arley, AL. It isn't to far into Alabama and 10 or 15 miles off of I65, about 140 to 150 mile trip. May not put up dish there and if I don't, probably won't be another blog until Friday when we arrive at Abita Springs, just north of New Orleans.

Ed

Davy Crockett Festival

2007-08-12T23:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went into Lawrenceburg, TN and the David Crockett State Park. They had a David Crockett festival there for three days. All kinds of tents set up with lots of period items from cooking utensils to long rifles. Most of the exhibits were in these tents. Many of them were dressed in period garb with long rifles and all. But some of them have gone modern for sure. :-) Davy Crockett in a golf cart.
Today we stayed in out of the heat. Again today the temp reached 100 and doesn't look like much relief in sight, and we are headed further south.
Ed

Friday -----HOT---

2007-08-11T01:29:00.000-05:00

We didn't do much yesterday or today. Stayed in out of the heat mostly. Has been HOT last two days. Set record in Hohenwald town 8 miles from here both days. 101° yesterday and 103° today. Yesterday had to move dish, was getting internet, but not tv. Don't have big hole to shoot through here, but did find spot for both. Put on wheel covers and some other minor things. To hot to do much else. This afternoon went over to rec hall and checked that out. Played game of ping pong with Kay. Then we went over to the country store and ate, then drove around the park and checked it out. It is a large park wtih a large lake. Not many people here, imagine the heat has some effect on that. Tomorrow hoping to go to the Davy Crockett festival at David Crockett state park. Hope to drive down part of the Natchez Trace this weekend or Monday. Depends upon the weather. Hope it moderates some pretty soon. We are under a large tree this time so isn't quite so bad, but the air does run a lot. Only 30 amp service here, so cannot run both a/c's.
Haven't even taken any pictures here. Hope to take some tomorrow.

Ed

Natchez Trace

2007-08-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Today we made it to 1000 Trails/Naco's Natchez Trace Wilderness Reserve. Had to go about 20 miles out of the way because the closest route is to low. Just after you turn off the Natchez Trace you double back under and the clearance is only 11 feet and we want to keep our RV at the present height. :-). Kentucky I65 was once again the pits. Very rough south of Bowling Green. Yesterday we took the tour for Diamond Caverns. This caverns are straight down and not like Meramec Caverns. It had some beautiful sights, but was 3 level of stars down and then back up. In the afternoon we went to Mammoth Caverns National Park. We took the short tour there and got a basic look at it. Mammoth is really spread out. It is the longest Caverns in the world I believe. It doesn't have much color as didn't look like there were to many minerals in the water and very few stalagmites and stalactites. It does have some huge open space in some areas. Even though it was much cooler in them than outside, the stairs were still tiring. If you ever get to Mammoth Caverns National Park, it is a must to visit the hamburger stand at the hotel. They have the best ice cream cones that I have had in a long long time. It is soft serve cones, but it was firm with a good texture and tasted a whole lot like the old home made ice cream. The large must be close to a foot high and was only $1.15.
Our present location is http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral
We will be here until 8/14. Large lake here, but a Tennessee fishing license is required, so doubt that will do any fishing. Fishing not a hot item right now, still recovering from all the chigger bites that I got at Horseshoe Lake last week. Had forgot about those little devils, but even then would not thought they would be that far north.
We only have 30 amp here, but are under a large tree which helps with the hot weather. Suppose to have gotten to 100 both here and at Diamond Caverns where we just left. Suppose to get up to 100 again tomorrow and then drop down to the mid nighties.
They are suppose to have Davy Crockett shindig at the Davy Crockett Park near here. We will probably check that out, but may wait until Friday when it is suppose to be cooler. Here is picture taken at Diamond Caverns.

Diamonds Caverns

2007-08-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

We made it and I got the sat dish setup. One very hot and humid day. High 90s with 70s humidity. Heat warnings out just about everywhere. We found a pull through slot with 50 amp service and clear view of southern sky. Forgot to bring in the remote temp this am. Got here, realized it and was upset. Then I looked at the clock and it was showing 97 temp. How can that be, didn't bring in from the slide out slide under the slide. Looked and sure enough, there was the remote. Somehow had stayed on the rail and must have moved inside and when I ran the slide back out, there it was in almost the same spot had placed it at Indian Lakes.
May go to the caverns tomorrow, but not sure because of the high temps and humidity. We are located at http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral which is N37.11218 and W86.06383. Will be here until Wednesday. We are about 2 miles north of I65 exit 48.
Ed

Sunday Indian Lakes

2007-08-05T19:31:00.001-05:00

It rained again last night. Looked like they needed it here. Ground was pretty dry. Today, worked on RV, cleaned off bugs, tightened lugs, washed windows, etc. Was hot and muggy. Kay cleaned the outside of RV also. People here in Indiana must be pretty short. As you can see from the photo of Kay and myself. Look at the table and how low we are setting. :-) That is the table at our campsite. This park does seem to be lacking in a lot of maintenance. We will be getting underway for Diamond Caverns RV park in Kentucky. It is by Park City which is about 25 miles up I65 from Bowling Green, Ky. Will be there two days and then down into Tennessee. Hope to be able to see Monmouth Caverns the day after we get there. Not sure if will put up the sat dish or not. So if no post from there, will resume when we get to Tennessee.
Ed

Saturday Indian Lakes

2007-08-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

Well, today was interesting. They had breakfast scheduled from 8 until 10 for $4. We arrived and found note on door that the breakfast had been discontinued and that it could be bought at the country store. Went there, had very little left, biscuit and sausage gravy. Then decided to go to our first managers meeting. Was totally unimpressed. Understood they were suppose to be informational meetings about the park and TT. Well the whole 45 minutes of the meeting turned out to be mostly a bitch session by the extended stay members here. Apparently none of them had bothered to tell staff of any of the problems, but instead waited until the managers meeting. There is a section here (large one) for extended stay. Appears that most of the emphasis of this park is on the extended stay. Many buildings are in need of outside repair, painting and such. Roads are have many potholes. Picnic tables really suck. Ours is so bad, won't even try to use even with covers. Afraid it might fall down. Been to hot to set outside anyway. They had spaghetti supper from 5 to 7. We arrived at 5:05. guess what, it was canceled also. Seems the air conditioner for that building wasn't working.
So we drove to the nearest Petro station and ate at the Iron Skillet. Had the buffet which wasn't to bad, but not a County Kitchen, etc. Got back here and there were puddles all over the place. Seems they had a downpour while we were gone. At least we missed that. :-) Did find a nice walking stick for Kay at the Country Store. We also drove into Greensburg around noon to fill prescriptions and get grub. Also stopped and looked through Staples, which we had never been in before. Didn't see much difference from OfficeMax, or Office Depot. Did pick up some new business card stock with the American flag background. Think they will look nice. We are putting this park on the don't care if we ever visit again or not.

Ed

Indian Lakes Resort

2007-08-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

We made it to Indian Lakes Resort about 2:30 to 3:00. Trip was pretty uneventful. Worst part was driving through Danville on US 36 about noon. :-(
We got here in time to get a full hookup spot. No trees. Good side, no problem hitting satellite, down side, it is hot and no shade. The place is really big. We drove around to see it, where many parks we just walked around. The store is 2 to 3 times larger than any TT park we have been in so far. Tall Oaks Lake is entirely on the resort, so no license necessary to fish. We are about 6 miles East of Batesville, IN right on Indiana highway 46 just south of I74. Will be here for the weekend and then on to Mammouth Caverns area in Kentucky on Monday. You can check here for our present location. http://www.satellitefriendly.com/user/info.php?id=edheral.
We are at N39.27167 w85.13204.
I have changed the format of the blog. Any comments positive or negative are welcome. Just click on the comment below the post and then leave your comment, or if you do not want your comments available to everyone, email me privately.

Ed

Thursday

2007-08-03T06:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we drove out to see some more covered bridges. We were able to find the West Union Bridge. It is over 300 feet long and is a double span. Longest in the state.
I also did some fishing later in the day. Hot and humid here yesterday so didn't go out until about 6 or so. Did catch a few. They stock here and have some good size fish. Took a picture of one of the bluegills I caught. Probably the biggest one I have ever caught. Used worms that had bought for Kay to fish with. It was to hot for her, so I used some of them instead of fly fishing. To many trees in the area I fished anyway. Here's a pic of the big one. You can get an idea of the size in comparison with my hand. Quality of pic isn't real great, used the phone camera.
Today is moving day again. Will be moving to TT (1000 trails) Indian Lakes Resort near Batesville, IN.
Ed

On Road Again

2007-08-01T22:45:00.001-05:00

Well, we are finally on the road again. Had great time and enjoyed our stay in Belvidere & Rockford. Visited with family and friends. Sold some things in garage sail, put more in storage and unloaded and loaded RV for this trip. We had hot water heater checked on Monday and then on the road with one night stop at Hickory Hill RV just outside El Paso, IL. Got a picture of interesting shadow on shades in evening. Yesterday we came back here to Horseshoe Lake north of Terre Haute, IN. The laundry has been finished since we were here, so that is a plus. Did get in few minutes of fly fishing late this evening. Earlier while we were at the ranger station we did see a huge catfish in the lake behind the office. Biggest darn catfish I have ever seen in the water. The lake is clear and it was swimming just below the surface. Looked like a mud cat. Must have been 2 to 3 foot long. Sure wished had fishing gear with me at that point :-)
Plan on going to see couple covered bridges tomorrow and do some fishing. One bridge is about 315 feet long and is two spans. Other one is single span and is 207 feet long.
Ed

Rockford Airfest

2007-06-13T00:05:00.001-05:00

We attended the Rockford Airfest on June 2 & 3. Airfest was good, but the management and such was very lacking. Saturday we went with Robin and got there about 8:10. After crossing intersection was stopped by deputy sherrif who informed us that it was only for vendors. Well we were to far to turn around, so had to drive quarter mile to turn around and come back. Told us the the parking lot didn't open until 9 am. Why they couldn't have stopped us before the intersection???? So we pulled over to wait. About 8:30 or so we noticed that other vehicles other than vendors were getting in. Went again and this time let us through saying they had opened early. Next day we got there at 8:30. This time deputy did stop us before the intersection. Said gates would not open until 9 am. Told him that they had opened at 8:30 the day before. Still had to go back and wait. We were not to far from the deputy where we pulled over and waited. Again noticed that they were letting people park about 8:50. Pulled up to same deputy. He said he had called right after we came and yes, they were opening at 8:30 after all. Not why in the world could he have not motioned us to come on as we were definitely close enough for him to recognize us and motion us up. Finally get in and was afraid that we would not be able to get good seats next to the runway. That was the second surprise the second day. First day they had section roped off about 50 feet along the runway and were charging $5 to set in that area. Well the great Rockford airport showed their greediness by roping off about 200 feet and chargin everyone $5. The unroped section was very small. So the second day people had to pay $5 each to set where the Saturday people did not have to pay. Again Rockford has show it's Rubeniss and small attitude. No wonder they get rated so low in the magazine ratings of cities.
More about the air show and some pictures in the next post.
Ed

Thursday

2007-06-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Had the truck inspected Wednesday and I'm "legal" now. D license and above have to have semi-annual safety inspections. Put up the dish, could not get the park wifi consistentely and tv isn't the greatest. So we have sat internet and tv again. Kay sorted things in the RV again for storage or garage sale. Today spent at Hermann's with Kay sorting. I did some calling on finding a storage unit. Then stopped at Quizno's on the way home. Have been off and on under severe storm warning and tornado watches. So far all have passed us by, but starting to hear thunder now. Looks like this one is headed for us. We did pick up a welcome sign while in Indiana.
Ed

Catch Up Tuesday

2007-06-05T21:37:00.000-05:00

We have been busy since arriving in Rockford. Friday, Kay worked on getting the garage sale ready, while I did some things here at the RV. I had lunch with Diane, then Kay and I had dinner at Old Country Buffet with Danny, Lettie, Scott and Robin. Then Saturday and Sunday we were at the Air Show here at the Rockford Airport. Then Monday did groceries and some other things and I played softball Monday evening and Kay sorted at the RV. Today I had a Dr appointment and we took things over to the Hermann's and sorted more things for the Garage sale and I worked some on Robin's computer. We then had Taco Supper with Scott and Robin. Been rainy here off and on most of the time we have been here.
Ed

Mad Sam

2007-05-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

Took Sam to the vet today. Good news is he did not have ear mites. He did have a yeast infection due to wax build-up. So he got his ears probed, scoped, and cleaned, plus getting his distemper shot. All and all he really did himself proud. Went along with everything without much fuss, until the cleaning. While the vet held him, the assistant cleaned his ears. Got one leg loose from the vet's grip and while trying to scratch his ear got Kay's hand instead. Had to have bandaid put on it to stop bleeding. He didn't even notice the shot. The assistant shook his head while the vet was giving the shot and he didn't seem to notice the shot. We were given to meds, one to clean his ear every other day for a week and medicine to put in his ears twice a day. Putting the med isn't as bad as trying to get it all messaged in before he starts shaking his head and slinging it out of his ears all over us. He also looks a little perturbed afterwards as you can see in the photo. :-) He has pretty much been asleep in his grocery sack since we got home. Vet said he would be little groggy and not eat much for couple days because of the shot. Took him out of bag to give med and then he was right back in it and asleep. We stopped at batting cage and I took few swings in getting ready to play Monday. Hadn't swung bat since Aug 2005. Could be interesting Monday. :-) Then we stopped at Stead and Shake to eat. First time Kay had been able to go to one in quite a while. Blue Angels flew over the park few times today. First time I think all six were together, was one very loud roar. Sounded like they were coming through the park and not over. Current location
We did have one rain shower today. Started just as we got home, good timing.
Ed

Rockford Trip

2007-05-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

We are now at Blackhawk Valley Campground. Arrived little after noon today. Got essentials set up and then went to Scott and Robins. Later went to eat at Cracker Barrel with Scott, Robin, and Tim. Dan & Lettie stopped by for a few minutes while at the Hermans. Good weather both days of trip. Tomorrow taking Sam to the vet.
Ed

Memorial Day Horseshoe Lake Reserve

2007-05-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

Not much here yesterday but rain. Did go into town to get some med for Sam. Think he may have ear mites, so got some meds for that. Seems to be helping, only problem is holding him down to put the drops in each ear. :-( We went on a covered bridge hunt today. Found out they have lots of them not to far from here. We only saw 5 of them, but intend to see more of them the next time we are in the area. Took a picture of Kay standing in the first one.
The second bridge we did drive through. Both the first and second one had 6 ton limit. Nothing to worry about with them. Reminded me much of the bridges where we lived in Arkansas as a boy, without the cover that is. The last one we stopped at did not have a name, but was the oldest one we saw although it had been painted recently. It was at an Ernie Pyle Memorial Rest stop on US 36. We also found a little village (Billie Creek Village) that has old building for the village and two covered bridges. One in use, one for walking traffic only. There were two old churches, a general store, print shop, mid 1800 barn, school house, Kay pretending to be teacher, broom shop, blacksmith shop, quilt shop with one very amazing quilt, plus other sundry buildings. There won't be a blog tomorrow. We will be stopping one night near El Paso, IL and then to Rockford on Wednesday. Not worth the time takes to set up and break down the dish. Hopefully should have not to bad local television available there. So next post will be from Rockford.
Ed

Saturday Horseshoe Lake

2007-05-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

Not much today but thunderstorms and rain. Everything wet outside, so stayed in and tenatively went over plans for when we leave after our visit and where and what we are going to do this winter. Picture today taken at Lost Valley Lake Preserve last weekend. My cousin Helen and her husband Tom and my cousin Estelle, and Kay and myself.

Ed, Tom, Helen, Kay, Estelle

Friday Horseshoe Lake

2007-05-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

Went into Clinton to do laundry, the laundry room here at the Reserve is being remodeled. Then went to Paris, IL for groceries. Ate at Pizza Hut. While there it started pouring. Then shopped at Wal-Mart. When we got back here, was still pouring. Have had couple thunderstorms pass through after that. Today, Sam hid in his paper bag from the thunder. :-) Yesterday while walking by the lake, was able to get a picture of one of the fish in the lake. Our Location
Here is the picture of the fish.
Ed

Thursday Horseshoe Lake

2007-05-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

Another laid back day. We took a walk early in the morning. Worked on the computer and walked up to the office about mile away. Took some pictures on the morning walk. Goose family with 10 goslings. I think one neat picture. Was taking pictures as a pair flew over and was able to capture one through hole in the tree. Wind has came up, sprinkles on the windows one time. May be in for some thunderstorms tonight and next couple days. Checked out the laundry here and found out it is under renovation, so will have to go into town to do our laundry. Our Location
Ed

Wednesday Horseshoe Lake

2007-05-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

Didn't do whole lot Wednesday, mostly rested. Did go into Clinton for few things. Kay and I went for walk late evening, then I did my jogging. This park is spread out with a lot of lakes. Our Location
Check out the satellite and Hybrid views when you look at the location. We did see a monarch butterfly and got a picture of it.
Ed

Trip to Horseshoe Lake Preserve

2007-05-22T21:08:00.000-05:00

I missed my departure schedule by a few minutes this time. After hooking up and getting ready to get underway, noticed that one of the RV tires was low. Took a while to air up the tire with my little DC air pump. Got in enough air to move to the Shell station at the I55 on ramp. Fueled up and aired up there. When up I55 to Springfield and then over to Decatur on I72. From there was on US 36 to Indiana. Road pretty good shape, but couple of low viaducts. Last one was only 13' 4" posted clearance. I got up on the tool box to watch the top while Kay edged through the viaduct. Either the clearance was posted wrong, or the RV isn't as tall as I measured. Stopped at Dixie cafe in Tuscola. Hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. Meal was good except the gravy tasted like it had tomato soup in it. Neither of us had ever had that before. Not one of my favorite gravies. :-(. Checked into the preserve and found a space. Looked at the few 50 amp sites they have here, but were already taken, or no clear southern sky. Found a 30 amp site with great clearance. Corner lot with plenty of space. All the sites here seem to have good space area. Area we are in doesn't have as many trees, so can get the Internet dish up and operating. Lots of lakes here and no fishing license required. May pick up some gear at store and do some fishing. After the stop for lunch, Sam was not happy. Think perhaps he again thought it was time for him to be put back in the RV. Settled down after Kay made him get back inside his small cage. Had some geese fly honking over the RV and that brought reaction from him. A lot of the spaces here are filled already. Probably quite a few here for the Indy Sunday. The speedway is only about 70 miles from here.
We got here an hour later than we thought we were. This part of Indiana is on eastern time right now. Forgot that they do that during the summer. So our LA direcTv stations are on 3 hours late rather than the two before. They did have interesting trash barrels at the Honey Bend as you can see form the photo. Our current location

Honey Bend RV Resort, Illinois

2007-05-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Not much happening today. Into town to pick up some groceries at Wal-Mart. Started jogging this evening to get ready for softball again. When get back to Rockford, plan on playing in the 60 and over league again. They have a small covered bridge here, have photos of Kay on the bridge. Also have a swinging bridge, but Kay wouldn't go on that one, so picture of me. Found my old fashioned loaf deli sandwich meat today. First time have found it since we left in Fort Chaffee back in January of last year. Still haven't found my pepper loaf yet. Kay has also found her Wishbone Western salad dressing. Amazing that we could only find it in the Midwest and not find it anywhere out west. Still have not been able to find any Peter Pan peanut butter yet. Wonder if they will ever put it back on the market. Only brand that Kay likes. Has anyone seen it on the shelves since it was pulled from the shelves for the salmonella scare? Cousin Helen brought some banana nut bread and cinnamon chocolate chip bread. Both were delicious. Also found Sierra Mist Free today in the six pack size bottles. Our current location
Will be moving tomorrow to a 1000 Trails RV Park (Horseshoe Lakes) near Clinton, Indiana tomorrow, about 17 miles north of Terre Haute.
Ed

Trip to Honey Bend RV in Litchfield

2007-05-20T17:33:00.000-05:00

We got out in good time, before 10 am. Trip was good except for I55 in Illinois. Huge dip at the beginning and end of almost every overpass or bridge. Also had traffic tie-up around exit 17 on I55. Slow bumper to bumper stop and go for about 3 miles. Looked as if possible accident between mile marker 17 & 18. Good time otherwise. Park here is an old park. All are 30 amp and few with full hook-up. Fortunately not many here yet for next weekend. Have full hook-up and the sat dish went up very well. Minor adjustment on transmit and was online. Our current location
Ed

Saturday @ Lost Valley Lake RV

2007-05-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Weather was nice today, not to hot, not to cold. Tom, Helen, and Estelle were up for a visit. Had good time, all loved Sam. Ate at the Cafe here on the resort. Meal was very good. Kay's string of luck held out. Last four times we have had steak, her medium well have been a marginal medium. Mine comes out okay, hers is under cooked. We did get a photo with the five of us in it. Was glad to see them again, and glad they came up for a visit. Did laundry later, it is only 75¢ per load both wash and dry here. We will be leaving tomorrow for Honey Bend Resort in Litchfield, IL. Couple of pictures taken here at the park. Water fountain in the lake and a turtle we found crossing the road near our RV. I think it may be an Eastern Box Turtle. All pictures here on the blog can be enlarged by clicking on the photo.
Ed

Lost Valley Lake

2007-05-18T16:10:00.000-05:00

Finally on the net again. Have to go over 100 ft to get a clear view of the satellite. So only had the TV first few days and have now switched over to internet. Not enough cables for both. Arrived okay, only couple thunderstorms on the way. Nothing big, just short and heavy. This park is quite a ways out from anything. About 20 miles to Owensville. Park is hilly, with lots of trees. Been cool since we have gotten here. Had a great day yesterday. Drove into St. James to see my cousins. Had not seen Helen and her family in about 10 years. Travis got revenge for chess beating last time I was here. Beat me both times, but did give him a small battle. :-). Had not seen Estelle in about 38 years. She is now living here near Helen. Last time I saw her was 1969 in California. We went to lunch and sat around and chatted and talked about old time. Current location.
Ed

Fall Creek

2007-05-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

Not much happening today. Trying to get some rest, driven over 500 miles last 3 days and have about 200 tomorrow, plus will be getting up at 5am in attempt to beat the rain and thunderstorms. NOAA predicts 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms here after 1pm tomorrow. At Owensville where we are going, only 70% chance after 1pm. So by getting up at 5, hope to be out of here by 8 and make it to Owensville by noon or 1pm. We did go to a craft mall today and ate at DQ. Filled up the truck so won't have to do that on the way. Hot here and sunny. This is a big place, couple hundred RV slots (thing most of them are extended stay or permanent) and lots of condominium buildings. One pleasant surprise was that they have 50 amp service instead of 30 amp as the book lists. Slots here could be hard to back into. Fortunately we found one that didn't have occupied slots on the other side of the road so it wasn't so bad. Our Current Location Here is a picture of a bobcat we took while in San Benito Resort in California.

On to Fall Creek Resort in Branson

2007-05-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

We were on the road before 10am. Feel we have a good start whenever we can get underway by 10. I40 was bumpy trip again. I40 and I540 in Arkansas was good. Made good time and were in Springdale, AR by 11:30. St0pped at Kay's favorite eating place (Cracker Barrel) for Mother's day. Thought we would have a 30 minute wait, so we started a checker game out front. Didn't get chance to finish as we only had to wait about 15 minutes.
On the road again, and Sam wasn't happy. Think he thought he should be getting out as we had stopped for awhile. Leaving I540, we took US 62. Not again if I can help it. It was very curvy and up and down hill after hill. Turned north at Berryville and headed for Missouri. One thing about the AR roads though is that they were at least mostly smooth. Couldn't say that for the MO roads. US 65 was under construction and missed out turnoff onto 265 as there wasn't ample notice of the turn. Anyway made it to the resort about 3:30 or so. Got set up, very hot here, no trees. At least the have 50 amp service here. Also have cable so are using cable TV instead of Directv. Our Directv is LA, so all the shows are two hours late here in Midwest. So here Kay can watch her shows in central time. Internet didn't take as long this time. Sewer hose had a hole in it, so had to shorten it. Just enough room for the RV. Back is against the fence and front is right on edge of road. Had to park in overflow parking.
This is an RPI park, so it is only $8 per night.
Enough for tonight, we are both tired after the trip and setup in the heat. Current Location
Ed

Double Detour

2007-05-12T19:47:00.000-05:00

We went into Fort Smith to the Petco there to get some litter for Sam. Decided to check out a possible shorter route when we leave tomorrow. OK 141 to US 64 to I40. When we left Hwy 59, 141 was a detour. Then about halfway through, we had another construction detour. I think first time I have ever had to detour on a detour. We aren't sure where either detour ended. We came to a stop sign and decided to go left. After a right turn, we came upon US 64 and we were on OK 141 again. No signs or anything, just lucky this time. :-) Found the Petco, ate at Quizno's and decided to get groceries at the Wal-Mart where we shopped when at Fort Chaffe in 2005. On the way back, took I40 again. The return on I40 was as rough as it was yesterday.
Back at the park, found an interesting sight and took a picture. This park is small, but well shaded. Just had enough room to find the satellite. Small nice park. To close to the highway though, and the traffic at night is loud. Also can hear the drag racing this afternoon. Drag strip is only about quarter mile from here. Tomorrow will be back on the road again, heading for Fall Creek Resort just south of Branson, MO.
Ed

Lakeside Resort Sallisaw, OK

2007-05-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

Was able to get out of Lake Texoma by 9am. Had pleasant trip until we got onto I40 at Checotah, OK. Both of us agreed that the first 30 miles towards Sallislaw was about the roughest road that we have been on since we have been RVing. It is old concreter and it was thumpa, thumpa, thumpa, for 30 miles. The concrete was unlevel enough and the sections just the right length to keep us going up and down the whole way. Into Lakeside without problems, then as soon as essentials set up, went into Sallisaw Western Sizzlin and had dinner. Then fueled up at Shell and came back here. Took while to set up the dish. Meter didn't want to work, and took awhile to get fine tuned alignment. But finally got on line and then 15 to 20 minutes later, started raining. Have had two thunderstorms go over since then.

Last day at Lake Texoma (I Hope)

2007-05-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a not do much day. We did take a long walk down to the lake. We saw flowers, rabbits birds, and butterflies along the way. More thunderstorms at night. Nothing very bad expect one did make Sam jump pretty good. Was very little time between the flash and the resounding boom. None of them lasted very long. Window still not leaking, knock on wood. Today will be doing laundry and getting ready to move up to Sallisaw, OK. More thunderstorms predicted again today.

More Storms

2007-05-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

More storms last night and more expected today. Had one come directly over us last night. Thunder, lightening all around us. I can't remember when I have heard it rain so hard. Fortunately was only few minutes. Good news, no water came around the window. This time!! Even lost the tv signal on this one. Kay made a new friend on a walk we took late afternoon.

Tuesday Lake Texoma

2007-05-08T14:33:00.000-05:00

Bright sunny day here so far, although there is 50% chance of thunderstorms. Had to go into whitesboro this am to get some caulking. Dining room window was leaking. Wasn't coming through the window, but coming from underneath the frame. Caulked the top and hope this will stop the leak. Went to Dennards Ranch & Farm. Very nice store. All kinds of western things. Kay said she could spend a lot of time there and money :-). Did find bird seed that we had saw a camper in Gila Bend AFAF was using. It is a block of seed about cubic foot. Shelf price was $9.95, but our timing was good, it was on sale $4.95. Now we can attract the birds for Sam to watch and me to photograph. Speeking of Sam, he is doing much better today. Has been extremely spooky and jumpy last couple days. Think maybe was the storms coming through. That's about it for now.
Ed

We're Still Here

2007-05-07T21:09:00.000-05:00

Morning wasn't to bad, and there weren't any storms during the afternoon, but this evening is making up for it. Very strong thunderstorm just went over. Lots of lightening and thunder and heavy rain. Plus, we are under our second tornado warning. Just checked NOAA and there is now a tornado watch about 20 miles southeast of us, but it is moving northeast. Hopefully it keeps moving in that direction. :-) Twice now it has rained so hard that we have lost internet. So will close now before losing again.
Ed

Oklahoma Storms

2007-05-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Looks like we are going to stay here at Lake Texoma a while longer. Because of the Severe Thunderstorms along US 69 (our planned route), we have decided to stay here until Friday. In the photo, we are just south of the state line and just to the left of the severe storm warning box. They are predicting thunderstorms through Thursday for the area, so we have decided to wait to start north again.

Sunday

2007-05-06T16:36:00.001-05:00

Last day at Lake Texoma. Hopefully leaving tomorrow for Lakeside RV Resort in Sallisaw, OK. Rain and thunderstorms expected all week, so may get a wee bit damp on the trip. Trip to Wal-Mart in Gainesville today to pick up few things. I took long walk yesterday, didn't find much new to photograph. Did get a few new varieties of butterflies. Lake Texoma does have an interesting sign after you enter.

Lake Texoma

2007-05-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

Arrived here yesterday from Bay Landing. We are at 1000 trails Lake Texoma. Both like the park. Wide slots, gravel, with good paved roads. 50 amp hookup here is $2 per day extra, otherwise 30 amp. Plenty of trees, yet easy to find satellite for dish setup.
Went into Gordonville this am to pick up package for Kay from brother Pat and family. Mothers day gift for her and paper grocery bags for Sam. He likes to sleep on flattened grocery bag. Also likes to crawl into and sometimes sleep in open bag. Quite a sight to see a 15 pound Bengal cat crawl into and turn around in a grocery bag.
We will be here until Monday. We're about 5 miles south of Oklahoma.

Introduction

2007-05-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hello All

Have decided to try this instead of the emails. Will post here occassionally with comments about our travels and likely other sundry thoughts and ramblings. Now those who wish to can stop by at any time to see where we have been and where we are going and some thoughts along the way and perhaps some photos of interest.
Hope you all enjoy.