Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Homeward Bound

Finally looks like the weather is cooling down in our “home” area, so we are planning on heading that way.  We did not plan to be gone very long and sort of left most every thing open to the elements, so we are not sure what we will be getting back to.  Might be kind of interesting. 

Yesterday I played golf for the first time in over three years or more.  Surprisingly I was pleased that I did as well as I did.  There were some bad shots, but overall it was good.  I was forced to quite back then due to my arms that actually stopped working, it got so bad that I had to have help getting dressed.  Doctors were unable to find a cause, but eventually it slowly got better.  Getting old is truly not for sissies. 

Some of our hometown friends were passing through the area and we got to spend some time with them the other day.  We were like two ships passing in the night.  They have been on a four month RV trip to the east coast.  Great seeing them even if it was a short visit. 

So here we go, leaving the base we spotted this doe and her twin fawns.  They couldn’t have cared less.  The deer population is really growing, they are every where.

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One of the few flower fields near Lompoc, most have been harvested, but still a few around. 

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DSC03482The coastal mountain range.  And the ocean view.

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Driving along the coastal highway.

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Fog just starting to lift.

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Strawberry field. Don’t think I would get any picked, most likely I’d just stand there gazing at the ocean.

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Mission Bells on 101 Freeway

The mission bells seen on the 101 Freeway and other locations have been in place since the early 20th Century to mark the original route of El Camino Real (Spanish for Highway of the King or Royal Highway) from San Diego to Sonoma.

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Million dollar view.  State park, and it is all about location, location, location. 

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Getting close, familiar sights.

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Awwww, home at last, good trip, no problems to speak of, AND no tire mishaps, that is a very good thing.

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

COOLING OUR WHEELS

Last Sunday we made a run for the coast from central California, just north of Sacramento.  The weather had turned unbearably hot, touching on 110 at times.  We had planned on getting a very early start as to be well on our way and possibly make it to the coastal area before the heat set in.  Up at five, ready to roll at six, and Murphy’s law kicked in, one of the jacks would raise.  Luckily Chuck took a look and seen that a bolt had broken off, and yes, it is Sunday.  Made a dash to Wally World and got some aluminum bolts, which did work, although it took a few to finish the job.  On the road by eight though.  And about half way here we had cloud cover that kept the temps down.  Did have a brief stretch where the temperature was climbing pretty fast, but about thirty miles from here it dropped from 107 to 66. Looks like we will be here for a few weeks, just south of Pismo Beach at Vandenberg AFB. There is a big fire burning near Jojoba Hills, don’t think the resort is in danger at this time.  Glad we are out of there though. 

We have some friends here in the area, and have met a few people in the campground.  Chuck has golfing partners and come Sunday I’m planning on playing with a group.  Been so long, hope I don’t whiff the the ball, that is so embarrassing.  Today we took in the movie, Hope Springs, which was quite good.  Great acting by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. 

Also celebrated my birthday this week, Chuck cooked a wonderful lobster dinner, and did a very good job, especially considering that his specialty is breakfast or hot dogs.

Till next time, travel safe.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

NOT ALL RV’S NEED WHEELS

For years I spent every summer up on this lake, and totally loved it.  There were even a few summers that I never came back to town.  Would make a grocery run but that would be it.  Had not been back since we sold our houseboat, and always had that little doubt that we might not have done the right thing.  As much as I enjoyed the visit, it put my mind at rest on that question.  It was time to move on to other things.  Going back for a visit though is still special.  Thank you friends for inviting me.  Chuck did not wish to join us, it was more ladies time, plus he got to golf for three days. Another reason we sold, he was definitely ready back then.  
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One special way to relax, played several new card games, also tried sequence,(loved it) and actually read three pages of a book.  Several times, hard to keep my mind on reading. 
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Had this duck swimming around us with a top knot, didn’t look like a growth, just a like a ball of fur.  Nick name “Mohawk”.
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The weather here has gotten sooo hot, we are going to make a run for the coast tomorrow.  Plan on leaving real early, maybe we can get there before it get too hot.  Today it hot 107, BUT IT IS A DRY HEAT!!!!  But then so is an oven.  Glad we have 50 amps, we are fairly comfortable. 
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Our grandson, taken at his bowling tournament.  Took him and a friend yesterday to the Sky Zone, which is a mega trampoline establishment. They have foam pits, and play dodge ball or just jump.  Spent 2 hours there and they were wore out.  Had a great time though, just the boys, we stayed on the side lines. Believe me this not for the older generation.  That catches me up to date, enjoyed seeing our friends that are still here, but so looking forward to the cool weather at the coast.  The moose lodge, are having a lulu, and they have a huge pit near us in which they cooked two pigs and 5 turkeys over night.  Sure felt sorry for them today as they were uncovering the pit.  Shoveling that dirt and all, good thing the beer was flowing freely.  Would have liked to have gone but the price was a little steep at 35 dollars a person.  So instead we went out with friends, great time, home early, rest fast and hit the road. 

Monday, August 6, 2012

You Can Go Home Again

But it is no longer home! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

So far the time in the Sacramento valley has not been that hot.  I was very leery of coming here this time of year, so hopefully it will hold for a while longer.  Chuck is getting his golf fix, sort of.  He pulled a muscle and his side is giving him fits when he plays.  Seen a few friends, and I must say, they are aging fast.  Now they are probably saying the same about us!  We have our jacks down at the Moose lodge in Yuba City.  Have 50 amps and water only, but it is all of 70 dollars a week, so can complain there.  Plus they cook most nights.  And this is where my ole bridge club meets twice a week.  Got to play today, it was fun to see everyone, although the club has gotten quite a bit smaller.

Going to spend a few days with some girls friends on a house boat, starting tomorrow. So looking forward to that, spent many a summer living on one one and loved it.  Our grandson has talked us into taking him and a friend on a adventure, so we will be doing that after I’m back.  He suggested that washing and waxing the 5’er and truck might help his cause, so we quickly agreed. Then we may be heading out. Not sure where to. Had planned on staying a bit longer, Chuck was trying to get installed into the Elks club, and it was almost set up to take place next week.  But today he found out that the guy who was getting it done ASAP……died.  How it will work out now, we don’t know. 

Travel safe, travel easy.