tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11080448710151465462024-02-07T07:36:12.529-05:00the easts head westPhyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.comBlogger479125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-60276359400570062232015-11-30T21:19:00.003-05:002018-09-23T21:10:37.009-04:00Reminder.....This blog is now moved to<br />
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www.myownhighwaysinmymind.blogspot.com<br />
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Please find me there!Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-43636148459480829552014-02-16T14:52:00.002-05:002014-02-16T15:01:48.766-05:00New Blog<br />
Forth Worth, TX<br />
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This blog is currently inactive.<br />
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Meet me on<br />
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www.myownhighwaysinmymind.blogspot.com<br />
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See you there!Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-23460313235712374432014-02-09T17:47:00.001-05:002014-02-09T17:47:49.197-05:00Getting reacquainted, and Quinta Mazatlan and Judy's test.<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mercedes, TX</span></b><br />
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One more week of our NOMADS project here in Mercedes. Got lots done, lots to do.<br />
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On Tuesday night we met up with Carol Kerr a fellow blogger. She introduced us to her friend Jeff. We got together with Carol in Austin a couple of years ago and again in North Dakota. Funny how RV'ers keep connecting. We had fabulous BBQ at Willie's over in Alamo, TX. Surely we will meet again down the road.<br />
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Yesterday we NOMADS visited Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. It is one of the few remaining adobe homes in Tx. It was built in 1935 and constructed of 12 inch abode block. The Main house has 6,739 sq feet of living area. Some pictures of the house.<br />
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Quinta Mazatlan is now the McAllen wing of the World Building Center. It has nature trails and water features. Over 100 species of birds and 100 species of tropical and native trees and flowers have been identified here. <br />
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Judy..... your test for today.....<br />
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And what about this colorful bird. Leonard modeling the birthday gift from granddaughters Charlotte and Abby who designed him a one-of-a-kind shirt.<br />
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Until next time......Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-55538609584184814202014-02-01T19:39:00.000-05:002014-02-01T19:39:07.224-05:00Back to the Rio Grande Valley<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mercedes, TX</span></b><br />
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Yes, we've been back in this area since January 18. But before here we spent a bit of time near Corpus Christi. Judy, what are these?<br />
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We've completed our second week of volunteering with two weeks to go. One project is some painting and renovating at a local mission.<br />
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Outside of the building is getting a good facelift.<br />
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Some of our ladies made new curtains for the inside. (Not me - I don't sew. If Leonard needs a button replaced, he does it.)<br />
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On January 21 the group helped celebrate Leonard's birthday. HOORAY! Finally old enough for Medicare!<br />
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You might remember the dear family we worked with last year. The 6 of them lived in this small trailer. They have recently moved into a much larger house trailer. Yesterday this trailer had to be moved from the property it was on or $200.00 more paid to the property owner. So on our day off, Leonard, the 2nd oldest son in the family Jose and I moved the trailer. All tires had to be aired up. It was quite the challenge but we got 'er done!<br />
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This week coming we will work on getting some furniture for Nohemi and her five beautiful children. They moved into their new home about a week ago and there was not one piece of furniture in it. We did take a bed and dresser and small end table to it yesterday also. <br />
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The entire family made us feel us good. When they saw us they all came running with hugs. Nohemi kept telling us in her broken English that she missed us. Makes every mile we traveled to get here worthwhile.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-79410882135374320222014-01-16T14:36:00.001-05:002014-01-16T14:36:43.393-05:00In warmer weather<b><span style="font-size: large;">Corpus Christi, TX</span></b><br />
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YES! We are out of the cold and snow and generally uncomfortable weather we lived with up north and on our way south.<br />
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To review: We spent Christmas in NJ and MD.<br />
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Grandson Justin who went with us to his Aunt Amy's house in Maryland on Christmas dinner.<br />
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Grandpop with Charlotte:<br />
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Grandpop with Abby:<br />
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The girls on Christmas<br />
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A few days before we left the north, this fellow came to visit on daughter Terri's roof in NJ.</div>
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We left NJ just in time on January 2. The snow started when near Frederick, MD</div>
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We woke to this scene after a night at Camp Walmart in Frederick</div>
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We got on the road. They really were not bad.</div>
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After destroying 4 cameras in five years, Leonard gave me a new old for Christmas. I must say I've been a little intimidated by it. A NIKON Coolpix P520. As such I failed to take pictures while visiting son in Alabama. Also with family in Louisiana. I took but one while visiting daughter D'Juana in Pearland, Tx. This is from the balcony area of their new house. Three adults just chillin.</div>
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We left Louisiana yesterday morning and drove down to Portland, TX. We are staying at Sea Breeze RV Park until tomorrow. What a view in front of our RV with Corpus Christi across the bay.</div>
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Our treat in this area is meeting Carol and Jerry Pearson (www.waggintailsrv.com) who are parked right across from us. This morning we drove into Corpus where we had a delightful breakfast at their favorite restaurant and even more delightful time visiting.</div>
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One of the reasons we wanted to stop in this area (beside meeting Jerry and Carol) is to get our Gate Guard license situation settled. We applied one year ago next week. We were told it could take 3-6 months. Back in the summer the gate guard company called me that I had to have my fingerprints redone. We did that while in Iowa. I received my license about two months later, in October. Still none for Leonard. We've called and called. They continue to tell us the problem is with the Dept of Public Safety in Texas. Back in November we were told Texas would be reissuing the license. NOTHING YET. </div>
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We've continued to call and nothing is happening. So since we were near the gate guard company office we decided to stop in and talk in person. They attempted on two phones to get through to the Texas Public safety people. We waited more than a half hour while they were on hold. Finally we gave up and left. We will call back later to see if they got through. Not having the license with us is not an issue as it shows on the computer system. But still......</div>
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So tomorrow we drive the 155 miles down to Mercedes where we will be volunteering for 4 weeks. Then we hope to get a gate guard assignment until early June. At least that is the plan!</div>
Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-83910338448059660422014-01-08T20:03:00.001-05:002014-01-08T20:07:38.859-05:00I'll get around to it. someday....<b><span style="font-size: large;">Vinton, LA</span></b><br />
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I know ..... I haven't posted it a while. I'll get around to it. Someday. Gotta download some pictures. Of Christmas, of stuff. Got a new camera and need to get used to it. Too lazy to learn.<br />
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We left NJ on the 2nd. Stopped in Alabama and visited son and granddaughter. Spent a night in Baton Rouge where we caught up with dear friend Judy Hughes and got to meet her hubby Leonard. They were so nice to take us to dinner. <br />
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Got to Vinton yesterday. Spent today looking for a Social Security office. We had signed up for Len's prescription coverage and a change in mine back in November while at a Walmart in NJ. We thought the man doing the paperwork was a duffous. Now it's confirmed. <br />
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Len went to Walmart yesterday to get a prescription filled only to find out his plan was cancelled. I got bill for my plan through Humana/Walmart and premium was raised $5.00 when it was supposed to have decreased with the new plan. <br />
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Bottom line the man (a Humana rep.)who we dealt with at the NJ Walmart signed us up with a wrong code that is NOT the Walmart plan. We called Humana today and they processed Len's application over the phone. Won't start until February. As for me, I've had a Humana/Walmart plan for a year so I need to make a complaint through Medicare showing the idiot enrolled me in a wrong plan starting January. Because it was not a qualified plan in SD, they kept me in the old plan. The one the dummy enrolled me in WASN'T EVEN A WALMART PLAN. They could enroll Len because he is just now entitled to Medicare and is still in his open enrollment period. <br />
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Got address for a SS office in Orange, TX and it's not there. Went to Lake Charles, LA office and they close on Wednesday at noon. We got there 12:45. So I know what our plans are for tomorrow. That and learn to download pics from this new camera.<br />
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Until later.......Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-32145833614562707282013-12-16T11:12:00.000-05:002013-12-16T11:12:24.274-05:00Getting ready<b><span style="font-size: large;">White Hall, MD</span></b><br />
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On Friday night we drove down to older daughter's house in Maryland. That evening was the Winter Carnival at Charlotte's school. There were many activities including making Christmas decorations:<br />
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Saturday morning was Breakfast with Santa at a nearby United Methodist church. Charlotte loves Santa.<br />
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Abby not so much. She doesn't like his Red Suit. She doesn't like his beard. She doesn't like his mustache. It's not only Santa, it's ANY person in an animal costume. No Easter Bunny, no Mickey Mouse, no Elmo. She will have nothing to do with any them. But she makes sure Charlotte relays to Santa what she wants. Trying on Grandpop's hat.<br />
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After breakfast it was to a local tree farm to find the perfect tree. I wish I could have had a ride like these two while trudging down the hill and back up through the snow.<br />
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Ah ha - the perfect tree.</div>
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Back at the house, Mom and Dad hung the lights.<br />
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While children waited patiently. (yea, sure)<br />
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So they could do the real decorating.<br />
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And a fine job they did.<br />
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Wishing each of you peace and contentment during these busy days of preparation.<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-61335638187138405362013-12-08T12:40:00.001-05:002013-12-08T12:40:29.514-05:00Out of the closet<b><span style="font-size: large;">Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ</span></b><br />
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There was one thing we really disliked about our new Cedar Creek. The bedroom closet is huge. We love the doors on it.<br />
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But the inside was a challenge. On one side were clothes hanging racks.<br />
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But the other side had a dumb, dumb, dumb, lazy Susan clothes rack.<br />
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Next to it are cubby's to store whatever. I put shoes in it.<br />
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The Lazy Susan was difficult to turn. There are shelves behind it and items of the shelves would catch the clothes. The clothes were close to the floor making that space un-useable. And the space behind the Lazy Susan was useless. Almost impossible to get the to items on the shelves and leaving very little floor space in an otherwise large closet. <br />
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So we ordered more of the clothes hanging rack and out came the Lazy Susan.<br />
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We also added a lightweight shelf.<br />
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New place for shoes.<br />
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Leaving the cubby's for other stuff:<br />
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I am now completely happy with that Lazy Susan coming of the closet.<br />
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Oh, and this is what we are looking at today.<br />
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By now can not see any grass. Fun!<br />
<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-14942035431053968072013-12-03T15:28:00.001-05:002013-12-03T15:28:51.842-05:00Thanksgiving Weekend 2013<b><span style="font-size: large;">Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ</span></b><br />
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We much enjoyed our Thanksgiving at my brothers house. Dear sister-in-law Nora and her family put together a great dinner for 30 people!<br />
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Brother doing some carving:<br />
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Brother Norman and Len with some of the kids:<br />
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Took three tables to seat 30 people:<br />
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Then back at Camp Driveway we had a lovely weekend with our "girls":<br />
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Abby:<br />
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Charlotte:<br />
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We've had some really cold weather here in Southern New Jersey for several days but today the temps moderated. Most of Christmas shopping done. Ah, feels good.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-47376470079600542902013-11-23T09:50:00.000-05:002013-11-23T09:50:37.491-05:00Back in NJ for a spell<b><span style="font-size: large;">Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ</span></b><br />
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Been a while since I've posted. Here we sit in the cold in NJ. Gotten really chilly this weekend. <br />
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Leonard left this morning to go Christmas shopping. No doubt in my mind what's on the list. I am REALLY tough on cameras. I drop them. I spill coffee on them. I lose them. I've gone through 3 cameras in as many years. The last one I dropped only days into having it. Bent the zoom lens. We pried it so it would zoom. Worked reasonably well. Three weeks ago I dropped it again. This time no fixing it. Will take close-ups. Will not zoom. His solution is to get me a Sports Camera. Surrounded by rubber and waterproof. Does he really think this will help? I thought he knew me better than that.<br />
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We've had the girls for two weekends since returning to NJ. Once here at Camp Driveway and then last weekend we stayed at their house in MD while their parents were in VA at a archaeological conference. <br />
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Not much else going on with me. Leonard has been happy to be working back in his "shop". Well, used to be his - belongs to son-in-law now. Terri and Steve needed a new trailer to take stuff to recycling center. They bought one but it needed to be assembled. Since Steve is working long hours Len was thrilled to work on it. Mostly completed. He will get out into the shop at 8 am and remain until late afternoon. I will call him to see if he wants lunch - most days no he doesn't.<br />
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The daughters go to their Dad's each Thanksgiving. In past years we've worked at our church serving a dinner to those in need. Church is not doing it this year. That's okay with us. We will be heading to my brothers house. I talked to my sister-in-law yesterday. 28 people this year! Oh my. Should be a wee bit noisy.<br />
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Until next time - keep well.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-11462303998289554072013-11-08T09:33:00.000-05:002013-11-08T11:38:14.257-05:00Visit with a cousin in Kentucky<b><span style="font-size: large;">Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ</span></b><br />
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We arrived back in NJ two days ago. But on the way from Gore, OK to NJ we made time to visit with my cousin Bill in Berea, KY. I have not seen Bill in many years and the visit was pure joy.<br />
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Bill and his wife Jenny:<br />
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I called Bill once we got to Berea and he and Jenny came right over to our site. After getting caught up with each others lives over the years, we all went to the local Cracker Barrel for dinner where Bill treated. <br />
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The next morning Leonard and I drove to Bill's house that is about 6 miles outside town to continue our visit. Bill then took us on a tour of Berea. What a neat little town. There are several little boutique-type shops in the old part of town. In the midst sits this cabin that was built in 1820 and moved to this site.<br />
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Throughout town are many hand statues. No idea why:<br />
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Berea, KY is the home of Berea College founded in 1855. This college, with an enrollment of approximately 1,500, is free to all students and based on financial need. All students must work 10 hours a week on campus. They are issued a laptop which they keep upon graduation.<br />
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On the campus is historic Boone Tavern built in 1909 and named for Daniel Boone. <br />
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No alcohol is served at the tavern nor can anyone bring alcohol into the tavern. About 50% of the employees are Berea College students. Most of the furniture in the inn was made by Berea students.<br />
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Students at the college learn, among the usual studies, various crafts such as building fine furniture and even brooms. These items are sold throughout town at shops run by the students.<br />
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Bill in a wooden hat made by a student.<br />
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Following our tour of the area Bill took us to the nearby town of Richmond. Richmond Ky is the site of a large military weapons storage facility where one of Bill's daughter works in security. Bill settled in this part of the country as this is where he graduated High School. At the time his father was an ammunition's inspector for the military and was assigned to the Richmond facility. We all agreed it was time for dinner.Bob Evans this time.<br />
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We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Bill and Jenny as we have in the past with his sisters Muriel in Hereford, AZ and Bonnie in Oklahoma City. Nice to keep up with the family.<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-72693335270910459282013-11-01T19:16:00.002-04:002013-11-01T19:16:38.377-04:00Stopover in Little Rock<b><span style="font-size: large;">Little Rock, AR</span></b><br />
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We left Oklahoma yesterday morning driving a short 202 miles to Maumelle Park, a COE facility on Maumelle Lake.<br />
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Once more a great COE park. Water and 30 Amp Electric for just $11.00. We sit about 100 feet from the lake.<br />
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We took a walk around last night to check out the Marina. Look at that houseboat.<br />
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We had visitors but they scooted off when we got too close.<br />
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Our site:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7robq-0-DCI-zHWpoFj4kqzT1cTif14KHHQXo4CsLFX-8nxnKjODa8ek2bV5bs0GuJ_SmdJx08INy-v91hvsWdeNMR-M6Q9AmwXdQLlNpFSdvLNt4zmXRuhBzKSBE3D1_w6RdEABVPM/s1600/Little+rock,++AR++Nov+2013+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7robq-0-DCI-zHWpoFj4kqzT1cTif14KHHQXo4CsLFX-8nxnKjODa8ek2bV5bs0GuJ_SmdJx08INy-v91hvsWdeNMR-M6Q9AmwXdQLlNpFSdvLNt4zmXRuhBzKSBE3D1_w6RdEABVPM/s320/Little+rock,++AR++Nov+2013+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As it was Halloween, these site was all decked out. Today the decorations have changed to just Razzorbacks.<br />
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The weather is beyond great. Up to 75 today. Our short visit to Little Rock would not be complete without a visit to:<br />
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Not a real pretty building.<br />
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This is only the 2nd Presidential Library we've visited, the other being the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, KS. That building was so much more attractive.<br />
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Aside from the usual mementos of his life, campaigns and time in office there was a replica of the Cabinet Room:<br />
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And the Oval Office.<br />
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We planned on touring this Sub - The Razzorback. However, it was closed due to the walkways needing repair.<br />
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So instead we visited Olive Garden.<br />
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We head out again tomorrow morning for a 350 mile drive where we will overnight at Camp Walmart near Nashville. Feels good to be on the road again.<br />
<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-32332411100506126662013-10-27T17:27:00.000-04:002013-10-27T17:27:05.400-04:00Staying a few more days......<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, OK</span></b><br />
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We completed our scheduled time here at the United Methodist Boys Ranch with our NOMADS team. So much work was accomplished. The Ranch is going into a more Foster Care program. As such, we started renovations in two of their resident buildings. We painted, tore out walls, installed doors, removed kitchen cabinets, cleaned bathrooms. Outside we repaired bleachers, hung doors on horse corrals and lots of other stuff.<br />
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Last weekend we worked hard on preparing for, and worked at, their annual fund raiser Rodeo. More work was done on the Retreat Cabin high up in the hills. But there is always more to be done here. As such, we decided to stay another 6 days, working three of them. <br />
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As we worked 6 days last week and five the week before (NOMADS usually work 4 days), this weekend is a treat. We did some shopping on Friday and I did nothing yesterday. Leonard built a small shelf/table for the bathroom.<br />
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Today we drove 114 miles EACH WAY to attend church. Back in 2010 we did a project at Hinton Rural Retreat Center in Hayesville, NC. Shortly after our time there the Director left the center to return to ministry. We knew he was assigned a church in Oklahoma. One of our team members at the Boys Ranch is also a pastor and knew where where Lyle was pastoring. So off we went today. He was delighted to see us again as we were him. <br />
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Tomorrow Len will work on the retreat cabin here and I plan to vegetating. <br />
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Have a great rest of weekend all!Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-62589901604182245342013-10-22T13:15:00.001-04:002013-10-22T13:15:38.103-04:00Will be back soon<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, OK</span></b><br />
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Thanks to Rick and Marsha, I have attempted to clean up this site. However, I've been too busy here at the UM Boys Ranch to do a blog.<br />
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This should be our last week here but since it has rained most every day for a week, the guys have not been able to do any more work on the cabin up in the hill. Leonard and I are volunteering to stay a few extra days next week. Len will help the staff here and I will do wherever. One couple left today, another couple tomorrow and the rest on Friday. One couple will be returning in a week but we will be gone by then.<br />
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So - maybe in the next few days I can attempt a blog. In the meantime, if anyone is having difficulties at this site, please let me know.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-22618366910477825582013-10-12T16:38:00.001-04:002013-10-12T16:38:26.943-04:00Is it just me or do other have the virus<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, Ok</span></b><br />
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Still not able to change settings. Also, my daughter tells me when she goes to my blog an advertisement pops up. When she tries to go out of it, her computer freezes and she needs to shut down the system.<br />
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Are these two things related?<br />
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I am thinking I really don't need the aggravation and time to forget about Google Blogger.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-25700780610566073762013-10-11T10:30:00.001-04:002013-10-11T10:30:40.851-04:00First week of work and a new friend<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, OK</span></b><br />
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We've completed our first week of volunteering here at UM Boys Ranch in Gore, OK.<br />
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As team leaders we first hold a planning meeting on Sunday evening<br />
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On Monday it was a tour of the facility. The biggest project is the completion of a retreat cabin that sits up on a mountain. The road to get to the cabin is rugged. No taking dually's up that road for sure. We use the facilities vehicles. It becomes much more narrow as we approach the cabin.<br />
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Then a short walk down to the cabin. When we arrived most of the framing was complete.<br />
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After four days of work:<br />
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The view looking across the valley below:<br />
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Some of the women spend their time painting. This is Elizabeth working on the hallway of the Spencer House. This facility now houses three young men. They will be moving into another facility on campus and Spencer House will be converted into a Foster Care facility.<br />
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Next weekend the Ranch holds it's largest fund raiser - a Rodeo. The ranch has 29 horses, chickens and cattle. Two horses that appear to be best friends - always near each other as they wander the grounds.<br />
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Donna, who is not a NOMAD but has been volunteering two weeks before the Rodeo for 17 years oversees the cooking and baking while her hubby Erv works around the grounds. Two of our NOMADS ladies are assisting her in baking cookies, cobblers, etc. I got a lick out of Donna's slippers. She says they are comfortable while standing in the kitchen all day.<br />
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Yesterday a dog showed up at the cabin site and made quick friends with the men. They shared their lunches. Len says as he fed her she politely took the ham from his hand. When they took breaks she would lay of the feet of one of them. This cabin is a distance from other buildings or homes. It curious how she wandered up there. <br />
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As they were driving down Len looked in the rear view mirror to see her running behind. He stopped, opened the door and in she jumped into the back seat and laid down for the remaining drive. She spent the rest of the afternoon and evening being fed, watered and loved. The camp director will try to determine if she belongs to anyone. If not he will find her a good home. <br />
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All the other NOMADS here travel with a dog. We don't want the responsibility of a pet while traveling. But if we did she would be a good one. She will make a great pet for some lucky family.<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-87558284934162345042013-10-06T21:01:00.002-04:002013-10-06T21:01:29.800-04:00What am I doing wrong?<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, OK</span></b><br />
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HELP! Fellow Bloggers. I have been trying to change my schedule list. Blogger will not allow me to make changes in my layout. Something called Favicon comes up. So, what am I doing wrong?????? Never had this issue before.<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-15773892034012562492013-10-03T19:46:00.001-04:002013-10-03T19:46:26.927-04:00Back to a favorite place<b><span style="font-size: large;">UM Boys Ranch</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gore, OK</span></b><br />
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We left the COE park across Tenkiller Lake yesterday. The Ranger came around on Tuesday and said we had to clear out by 4 pm on Wednesday as the gate would be closed due to the shutdown of Federal Parks. No problem we would travel the TEN MILES to our next destination one day early.<br />
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We arrived here around 9:00 am<br />
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This facility sits right on Tenkiller Lake.<br />
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It is about 6 miles north of the town of Gore up a winding narrow road.<br />
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After getting settled we met the Director Larry and another group of NOMADS who are currently volunteering at another Circle of Care facility on Tahlaguah, OK. He was taking them on a tour of this facility. But before that we were all treated to lunch. Two of the couples will also be working this project starting Monday.<br />
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Today we rode into town just to look around and post some mail. That winding narrow road from Gore to the Ranch is going through a change. All the way down the mountain they are widening the road. It will greatly improve the trip.<br />
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This sign was put out while we were gone.<br />
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Three couples arrive with their rigs tomorrow, another couple on Saturday. As Team Leaders we meet with the Director tomorrow morning to get our walking orders! We are ready for a great three weeks.<br />
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I love this area and would gladly live in this area if not for the tornadoes. <b><i>That is a big deal breaker!</i></b>Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-66768156020174700052013-09-30T11:30:00.001-04:002013-09-30T11:30:38.593-04:00One more great COE Park<b><span style="font-size: large;">Snake Creek Cove Park</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cookson, OK</span></b><br />
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We left Kansas yesterday driving Route 69 south into Oklahoma. From there we picked up routes 59, 82, 10 and finally 100. Our drive was a pleasant 227 miles. We left left the Finn County Park in Ks, one of our new friends came out to say goodbye.<br />
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The first hour of the drive was slower than usual due to the dense fog. This picture does not really show how little ahead we could see.<br />
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Once into Oklahoma we drove through a town that was on the route of<br />
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We were down to only a half tank of fuel but stopped to top it off when we saw it was $3.62 a gallon. Least expensive we've encountered since leaving NJ in late August.<br />
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Once more I am thrilled with an Army Corps of Engineers Park (COE). I had read that this one has electric and water. But when we arrived we found there are 4 sites with sewer also. Being a Sunday and late in the season there were two of these sites available. The cost with our Federal Golden Age Pass is only $10.00 a night. But wait - there's more. The full price season ends today. Tomorrow the rates are on the honor system and only $8.50 a night. So we paid for last night and tonight. The campground host was only permitted to register people up until tonight's fee. Tomorrow we need to up to the registration building, take an envelope and place the money in it along with the site we are inhabiting. We are here until Thursday.<br />
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The park is one of several COE parks on Tenkiller Lake. The lake is abut 200 feet from where we are parked. <br />
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Just across the lake is the marina.<br />
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Last night as we walked around the campground we saw two things of special note. The first was a persimmon tree. I told Len to try one and if he didn't pucker up, I would too. He didn't take me up on that dare. BTW, how does one determine if the persimmon is ripe?<br />
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The other was at the playground. This table and chair set with a checker board inset.<br />
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The fund raiser at the NOMADS annual meeting is always a silent auction and then a live auction. We won a few things at the silent auction. We were at the live auction when a men's T Shirt was put up for bid. Len immediately bid $50.00. No one upped his bid. Maybe because when he made the bid, I turned to him and said, "I told you not to bid on anything" His shirt:<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-47731849622357679832013-09-27T13:07:00.001-04:002013-09-29T08:52:52.140-04:00Interesting area<b><span style="font-size: large;">Finn County Park</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">La Gygne, KS</span></b><br />
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Yesterday we got out and about for a while. First we went to:<br />
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The refuge and wildlife area are named for the Marias des Cygnes River. Marais des Cygnes is French for Marsh of Swans. It is actually a transaltion of an Osage Indian name for the region "Mixa-chau-tes" that means "where the white swans are plentiful" Trumpeter and tundra swans are now rare visitors to this area.<br />
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We drove through some of the refuge but there was not much to see. Mostly prairie grass. Amy, the Ranger at the station suggested we visit two places. The first is:<br />
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In May 1858 a band of pro-slavery sympathizers rode into the area. They took 11 men captive at gun point. They lined up the men at this site and shot them. Five died, five were wounded but survived their wounds and one pretended to have been shot and survived without injury.<br />
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John Greenlief Whittier wrote a poem about it that was published in the September 1858 issue of Atlantic Monthly. In July 1858 John Brown build a log fort near the massacre site. He and his men patrolled the area all summer to prevent further incidents. Brown was so well thought of in this area that a group of men traveled to Harpers Ferry seeking to have Brown released after his capture by Gen. Robert E Lee. However, on Dec 2, 1859 Brown was hung for treason.<br />
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Browns house is no longer there but this house build shortly after Brown arrived is still standing.<br />
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Next we went to:<br />
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Inside is chock full of items relating to the history of this area from the beginnings through both World Wars and into today. The name of the area is actually Trading Post. Around this site in 1838 a line in the sand was drawn dividing the land to the east for White Settlers. That line is now Route 69. All U.S. land west of this road were to be Indian Territory for "as long as the grass grew" without the fear of molestation from the White Settlers. We all know how this ended.<br />
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Our tour guide was this gracious lady, Alice Winder.<br />
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One can sense her pride of this treasure.<br />
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Next to the museum is a cemetery where Civil War casualties and veterans are interred.<br />
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In you are ever traveling Route 69, a four lane highway that runs parallel to the Kansas/Missouri border from Kansas City to Oklahoma, stop in to visit the museum. It is less than one mile from the highway near the town of La Cygne. The museum is open April 1 through November 7 Tuesday to Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sunday from 11 to 5. Admission is free but donation appreciated.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-64386779140992321162013-09-25T16:24:00.000-04:002013-09-25T16:24:13.399-04:00Into Kansas<b><span style="font-size: large;">Finn County Park</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">La Gygne, KS</span></b><br />
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We left Iowa yesterday morning heading south on I35 into<br />
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Through Kansas City and picked up Route 69 south into:<br />
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This park is but a few miles from Route 69 but back a long winding road. <br />
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Signs said to register at the Marina. We drove around until we found the Marina. However, the office is closed Monday and Tuesday. The sign said $12.00 for an electric site, $13.00 electric and water and $14.00 for full hooks ups. Thinking we've splurge for the FHU.<br />
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We've only had full hook ups for a few days in the last 4 months. Now to find the full hook ups. There are at least 100 sites spread out all over the area. But only 8 or 9 full hook ups which someone standing in front of their site directed us to. Only one was not occupied. We'll take it and find someone in the morning to settle up. Which we did. Decided to stay here until Sunday. <br />
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As we were setting set up we had a visitor come to watch.<br />
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I guess we were so interesting that this morning she bought along a friend.<br />
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Needing fuel and a WalMart stop, we drove 25 miles to the nearest WalMart this morning to Butler, MO. WOW! Don't want to mess with these people.<br />
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Weather is beautiful. A few days to relax and explore the area. We see there is a National Wildlife Refuge about 10 miles away. That's for tomorrow.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-35453278881207754092013-09-23T19:21:00.001-04:002013-09-23T19:21:15.911-04:00So, what it is?<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Prairie Flower Campground</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">COE Park</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">near Saylorville Lake, Iowa</span></b><br />
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We still are enjoying this park. Over the weekend it looked like this:<br />
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Today like this:<br />
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In the park is a portion of the<br />
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The Neal Smith trail starts in downtown Des Moines and travels 26 miles to Big Creek State Park. Most of it follows the route of the Des Moines river.<br />
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Being lovely weather we set out yesterday and took a walk. As Len's gout was acting up again, we didn't go far. Today we started again and did a bit better. We passed this milepost of the trail.<br />
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No we did not walk 18 miles. I said we passed this post! Get real.<br />
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Shortly after the milepost we took the wooded path.<br />
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Passing by a small pond<br />
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Now for the my question of the day. Can you nature lovers tell us about this nut? <br />
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From this tree?<br />
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Many cracked shells on the ground and obvious dug up holes in the dirt where they are being stored. <br />
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Tomorrow we head out. Going to go about 255 miles into Kansas to La Gygne. There is a county park with RV sites where we hope to settle for two nights.<br />
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Time to heat up the soup I made earlier today and enjoy our last night here in Iowa.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-28858995374216641962013-09-20T19:41:00.002-04:002013-09-20T19:41:32.051-04:00Found another GEM<b><span style="font-size: large;">Prairie Flower </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">COE Campground</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Saylorville Lake, Iowa</span></b><br />
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We left Wisconsin mid morning yesterday arriving at this lovely COE park a little after 2.<br />
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From the looks of it we thought we would be among just a few folks here. I had reserved a site and so glad I did. <br />
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By mid day today the place is packed. We talked to the couple next to us. They called for reservations yesterday morning and were told only 4 sites left in the 243 site park. There are 4 or 5 other COE campgrounds in the vicinity around the lake. This is the largest one. Others range from 69 sites to 124.<br />
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What is unusual about this park is the layout of the majority of the sites. Unlike ours which is a typical RV site, there are 10 loops designated for group camping. The smallest loop is for 4 rigs; the largest the 14. The rigs are parked in a circle on the loop with a sheltered pavilion in the center. All loops were in use by this afternoon.<br />
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Earlier today we took a ride into town as we were having mail forwarded from our mail forwarding service. I looked on the USPS website and got the Zip Code for Saylorville, which I told our service to send our mail to under General Delivery. I've never before had a problem with this system. So, we went to find Saylorville Post Office. THERE IS NONE! We found a mail carrier and asked about the nearest post office. We explained to her that we had mail sent GENERAL DELIVERY to 50313. She directed us to the Post office she carries out of and told us they delever the mail for 50313 and 50316. <br />
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We found the post office. THEY NO NOT ACCEPT GENERAL DELIVERY. They told us to go to the main post office in Des Moines. A nice lady there said if the other post office receives General Delivery mail with that Zip Code they will forward to them in Des Moines. So, we hope it will be in Des Moines on Monday as we planned on leaving the area Tuesday. If not, well we can stay a few days more I suppose.<br />
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Then this afternoon we took a ride around the lake area.<br />
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The Dam.<br />
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A popular fishing area<br />
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Drove by a marina that was chock full of House Boats. How cool are these!<br />
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While on the road at the dam we saw these birds flying overhead. They looked like they were going to get into formation but never did. At first we thought they were Snow Geese, but don't think so. They were a distance and we couldn't quite make them out. Maybe Pelicans? Judy? Can you help? <br />
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Weather is great. Lots of hiking trails in the area. Will avail ourselves to one of them tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-67171217565462661012013-09-17T18:43:00.002-04:002013-09-17T18:43:26.684-04:00Yuk! So we moved on.<b><span style="font-size: large;">Blackhawk Park COE</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">De Soto, WI</span></b><br />
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After the maximum time permitted to park FOR FREE (3 days) at Rainbow Casino in Nekoosa, WI it was time to move on. Our plan was to stay in the area but move to Deer Trail Campground a short 6 miles away.<br />
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But first on Sunday we attended the United Methodist Church in nearby Port Edward. Then we met up with two former co-workers on mine at the Applebees in Wisconsin Rapids. Mike is on the left, Pat on the right.<br />
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During my working life, I was an Human Resource Professional. In 1998 the company I was working for was acquired by the company they worked for along with other properties throughout the country. Mike was the HR Manager in Wisconsin, Pat the corporate HR Director.</div>
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Unfortunately in 2000 our NJ plant was closed and eventually all other sites. Over the years Mike and I have occasionally emailed. I've had no contact with Pat since the closing. So, when we found ourselves in Wisconsin it was a perfect time to catch up. I have also maintained contact with the Benefits Manager. But lucky girl that she is, she and her hubby are part time RVers. They are currently on the west coast. Would have loved seeing her too.</div>
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After spending about two hours together and getting mostly caught up in each others lives, it was time for us to say so-long and head back to the casino to hook up and move the 6 miles. </div>
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We pulled into the campground at 2:10 and found the office closed at 2. A phone number was posted on the door. I called the number and the woman told me to pick out a site and see her in the morning. We drove around looking for a site. The campground offered water and electric only. Glad the office was closed and he did not pay for a site.</div>
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Neither of us liked the campground at all. Lots of permanent rigs and the whole place looked shabby. As there was no sewer we decided to empty our gray tanks. While emptying, we got to talking. "Hey, Len" I said, "it's only 110 miles back to Blackhawk, feel like driving back?" YUP! he said.</div>
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So here we are back here. Felt like coming home. From our experience, can't beat most Corps of Engineers parks. We've learned to live without sewer and water for longer than we thought we could. Just have to conserve what we can carry on board. </div>
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We sat around all day yesterday. Today we took a nice ride through the countryside, did the laundry, a little bit of grocery shopping and had a nice lunch. Now it is raining. Coming down pretty good. </div>
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From my desk here in the RV I am looking out at a trailer with an old couple sitting under their awning. They have a campfire going. I can always tell the part timers from full timers. Here we are snug in the rig, campfires are okay but only went it's suitable weather. Always amazes us to see campers with a campfire going and it's 90+ degrees out. Go figure!</div>
Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1108044871015146546.post-12218307816886444552013-09-13T15:39:00.002-04:002013-09-13T15:39:34.885-04:00Something stinky here<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nekoosa, Wisconsin</span></b><br />
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We left Blackhawk COE park yesterday and drove only 110 miles. Some of the drive was on I90 but a good amount of it was back roads such as this one:<br />
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An easy drive. As we got closer to our destination it started to look more and more like certain areas of my home state of New Jersey. NJ is the 3rd largest supplier of cranberries behind Massachusetts and Wisconsin. We call them cranberry bogs in NJ, they call them marshes here.<br />
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Seems its time to flood the berries preparing for harvest.<br />
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For the next three days we are at<br />
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This little casino has 8 RV sites with 30 amp electric hook ups. Maximum stay three days - FREE! We were the only rig here but about 2 hours later another parked and we now see a third. <br />
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Last night it got down to the 40's. We turned on the heater for the first time ever this morning. A while later we started getting the whiff of something nasty. Smells like something dead. We can smell it in various parts of the kitchen but not in the bedroom or bathroom. Strange. We've opened windows and sprayed. The smell comes and goes, sometimes stronger. We've not run the heater since early this morning.<br />
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We've opened each storage compartment. No smells there. Len is doing some investigating as I write. EEEWWWW! Just got another blast of it. He sprayed air freshener down a vent and put a fan in front of it. The smell coming up from the other vents is the spray. The smell is coming up in areas there is not a floor vent. He opened the heater compartment. Tiny little thing. No way could something get into it. <br />
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What the heck? Wasn't in the heater or storage compartment. It was in our trash can! I just almost lost my lunch. <br />
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Our rig has what looks like a closet door. Open it and two trash cans pull out. Can 't imagine what it is. I had emptied both right before we left to come here yesterday. There is nothing I threw in it that would give a smell like that. Regardless, I'm not opening either bag again to find out what it is. <br />
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The heater is next to the trash cans. When the heater came on it sucked the smell out and blew it through the vents. Now to figure out where to get rid of this trash. No trash cans outside here at the casino. We have a dilemma. But I can rest and not worry about the stench.Phyllishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09184706027679979998noreply@blogger.com7