OPPS, CUSTER STATE PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA

Yes, I completely forgot to post the great day we spent touring the state park, before we left South Dakota. The weather was perfect, the scenery fantastic, and we saw our fair share of animals.

This guy was so big and he was so close it was a little scary.

Feeding the wild burros


Beautiful Lake

Then we were off for a late lunch at a restaurant that several people had said was a must do.

Dinner is a choice of 2 size steaks, but the lunch menu was quite large. We had been advised that dessert was the main attraction, so we shared lunch and went all out with dessert. And was heavenly.

Hill City is a artsy town and these creations could be

found in several places. Very original.

Wonderful drive plus the fact that there were no crowds,

glad we waited.

GOOD FRIENDS, LAKES & MORE LAKES

We left the great state of South Dakota planning on a nice easy drive of 200 or so miles. Unfortunately on the back country roads we had decided to take, RV parks were nonexistent. We were fifty miles into North Dakota before there was a chance to stop. Every campground I had mapped had gone out of business, and we don't usually make reservations, that way we are never committed to stopping or going further if there is something worth stopping for. Usually that involves clubs and a little white ball. It was a 450 mile day, but the next day we were at our friends in no time at all. We are staying at a campground, in Park Rapids, Minnosota, that is just a few blocks from their house, which makes it nice. The scenery is so beautiful and the weather is wonderful, actually, at night you need a light jacket. The guys went fishing yesterday, but even though every time they had gone out they more than limited out, once Chuck was on the boat, there was no bringing home the bacon. But they had fish they had caught the day before in the live well, so they cleaned those, and we now have 5 packages in the freezer. We had a fish fry the first night we were here and they were so goooood, so really looking forward to further fry's.

Flowers in the downtown area, so pretty

We have been catching upwith our friends lives kids and travels, as it has been many years that our paths have crossed, more than we care to say, but Chuck and Dick did fight in the Civil War together....okay....at least they were in the service together at Beale AFB in California.

Lakes no matter where you look, just one of many.

If you like the water there is plenty here.

Our friends had a family reunion to attend today, so we did a road trip wander. And wander we did. We have few pictures, but were a little disappointed that most of the resorts were off the roads, and to see them meant going down dirt roads. Which we did a few times, but there was no way knowing whether the resort was a 4 cabin or a full blown, so we just checked out the countryside. Alpaca Farm

These were so cute, looked like a version of a poodle.

Slice of melon?

Tomorrow it is off to a logging camp for breakfast, and then to the head waters of the Mississippi.

Life is good.........

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

We have been in the tourist mode for the last week, and have been having a great time.

One of the stops was the Christmas store, it was huge and I spent more time than Chuck thought possible, but I took care of my yearly ornaments for the family. A tradition I started with our daughter and son and now included the grandsons and their families, so it is certainly growing, therefore it takes a little longer, each ornament has to mean something special to this year. But don't think I was the only one that spent forever in there, as they had lots of rocking chairs on the front porch.

We have had goblins breaking things lately, (other than the fan) my air card went south, and after dealing with a tech, on the phone for an hour he decided it was because I was too close to the air base. Second call they told me they would send me a new card, but I decided that I would take it in and have them trouble shoot it. Unfortunately the address they gave me was a mall sales kiosk. The guy there told me it was like taking my car back to the salesman an asking him to fix it. Next place they had techs and they got it working just fine, but once we got back to the rig, it wouldn't stay connected. Anyway back to the phone and this time got someone who solved the problem and it has been working great ever since. The bad part was it took the whole day to get it resolved. Then there was the day we had no hot water. Had cold water, but when you switched to the hot side, no water period. After lots of calls found out there is a check valve on the line coming from the water heater and it could break and not allow hot water to run. Once it was changed, problem solved........ another day gone. And we won't go into the dish satellite. Okay enough, enough, enough.

The trolley in Deadwood

Spent the day paying our dues, (gambling) seeing some of the sights. It was a beautiful day, we climbed the hill in the cemetery to see Wild Bill Hickok's grave.

But the best part was a drive through the Spearfish canyon.

Think it was some of the prettiest scenery that we have seen here. The hills were black, orange and the green of the pine trees, plus the sky was so blue...awesome. The pictures can't do it justice.

Then there were the water falls

We also took a tour to Mount Rushmore to see it lite up at night. Which was nice, but the day views were great too. Had thought about seeing the fireworks there, which they do on the 3rd, but everyone said that it would be an all day tour basically waiting for the show. Glad we made that decision as it rained most of the day and just before it was time for the fireworks the fog came in. We decided that we go to the badlands instead.

Once again pictures do not show the real beauty.

We thought this rock formation looked like an angle.

There was also the WALL Drugstore. Fifty some years ago they were about to go under, when they came up with the idea to offer "free" ice water, and the rest is history. The store is literally a full square block, and one giant tourist trap. But fun to tour, as long as you don't have kids that are wanting everything they are tempting them with.

He was free! Also wasn't much life to him.

Yesterday being the 4th we had a nice get together in the park with some of the people we have met, and had a great time. You do met the nicest people traveling like we do. We are off to see Custer state park tomorrow, after that we are moving on again.

Hey, Lois, we are getting closer!!!!

Big Wheels are a Rolling

Both Chuck and I were really getting antsy to get on the road again. I'm sure the fact that we have this great adventure on the drawing board had something to do with it. We are like a couple of kids......are we there yet? Time to go...huh, huh??

Left Colorado Springs on Thursday, after the optometrist having given me the get out of town pass on Wednesday. It was an uneventful drive (and we like it that way) to Lusk, Wyoming. Spent the night at a Passport America park, that at 10 dollars, was priced about right. The next day we drove on in to Rapid City, SD. We are staying at Ellsworth AFB. Very nice campground.

Our Site

Yesterday we took a drive, had to see Mount Rushmore, and it was breath taking. Stopped in the little town of Keystone and took in the Borglum Historical Center. There we learned of the life of Gutzon Borglum and how he came about overseeing and designing the construction of the monument. Made us appreciate seeing it even more.

Picture of a replica of an eye. This is over 8 feet across. Borglum devised a way

of carving the pupil so that at a distance it had depth to it. Amazing that this could have been done by sheer brawn (and a lot of dynamite) for less than 1 million dollars.

After leaving there, some how we took a wrong turn, but we have found that some of the best sights are when we are lost. There are times we just drive and when we are done hit home on the GPS and let it get us back. Love it, can't imagine full timing it with out the GPS.

Leaving we turned around and in doing so seen a mountain goat, so at the top we once again turned around, but by the time we got back there he was at the tip of the rocks. Did manage to get a few pictures of him, only you have to look hard to see him.

Know that Dorthea, Mark, Jim and Ellie are in the area, hopefully we can cross paths with them. Looking forward to seeing them.

Smelling the Flowers

The past week has been one of rest and relaxation, like we have been wearing ourselves out doing nothing, but it has been just gorgeous as far as the weather goes. The very best we have had since being here. My hummers are back, although not nearly like last year. They are doing about one refill a day, and there are two feeders, so they are offering a lot of entertainment.

With all the rain there has been here the past months the wild flowers are in bloom in full glory. They are saying that the bloom has not been like this for years, and it is spectacular. Walked in the area behind the RV and took some pictures, but they just don't do it justice.

I had the surgery on the second eye Wednesday, and all went fine. We are staying till after the weekly check up next week, and if all is well we will be comfortable about leaving. We have started in the getting ready mod now. Washing the rig and all the things that go with getting back on the road. We are lucky here, they allow washing here, as long as we have an auto sprayer on the hose. And Chuck installed some safety thingy on the awning, new carpeting on the steps. Also had to get a new DVR from Dish TV. Ours would record, but on playback really broke up with starts and stops. Surprisingly they were very accommodating. New one arrived, blue label, with a return shipping label to send the old one back. After getting some of the bugs worked out, we have been reasonably happy with Dish. Our only challenge is getting the local channels when we move. When we first signed up with Dish they told us that when we moved just call, give them the zip code, and they would connect us to the local channels. Well, it has worked, but only after we usually have to do the "speak to your supervisor bit". And when you are talking to someone in India they have no idea what rving is. We will probably get the east/west local set up, but just have not gotten around to it yet. Besides is has gotten to be sort of a game.

Last night we met our daughter and son in law for dinner at Red Lobster. It was very good, Chuck had this huge platter that must have had everything on it, never seen so much , I had the coconut shrimp, which was great. He ate all of his, half mine came home. Swear the man has a tape worm!

Till the next time......Life is good......

Seeing the World with New Eyes

Well, make that one eye, but what a difference! It was the fastest, most organized procedure imaginable. Felt like I was on a conveyor belt. Took a total of 30 minutes start to out the door, have a nice day, finish. But it is totally amazing what a difference it makes. We went to see the Glen Beck performance last night and ...clear as could be, no glasses. Great show by the way. He is neither republican or democrat, but just a concerned American, who gave both parties "credit for the fix we are in", really makes one see how truly in trouble this country is, that has been a long time in the making. Only now we are on steroids! Some how he made it all seem so funny! Enough I know, but I'm afraid of what is coming. Well that does it...after sweating over this post and finally getting it done, posted it and wallah...it is NOT there. For some reason this little bit was left.........So here we go again.

Have not been doing much of anything, visiting family, seeing a few friends that we have met over the years, trolling Costco, trip to the outlet mall, which was a bust, one pair of shoes is not a success, as any women knows. Chuck has played golf quite often, which is what he would do just about every day. Should rephrase that, five days a week is his limit. And that was in his younger days.....LOL

Our Site

If you ever get the chance to stay here be sure to ask for a site in the west side. This is a huge campground, but it never ceases to amaze me that no matter how much land is available on the military establishments, that RV parks and railroad crossings are almost always one. We did not know about this the first time here and there were times that it felt as if the trains were running right down the middle of the RV. And just to make it even better, most of them run at night, and there are almost a steady stream.

Matilda

all ready for the 4th of July

New member of the family

Decided to keep my vacuum (that was in storage) as I'm just not any too happy with the built in that is in the 5er. The hose has got to be 40 foot long and weigh almost as much as I do. Plus just not user friendly. The problem there is no place to store one, so out in the open was about the only solution. Found the bunny cover on e-bay and problem solved.

The sliding shelves
LOVE Them!!

We will probably be here another two weeks if all goes well. They are doing the other eye Wednesday and have to have it checked out a week later. Then hitch it up, jacks up, pedal to the metal, look out world...here we come.

Well there is thunder, so Chuck will be here soon or he is hiding under some little lightning hut.

Till next time, hopefully will have a more interesting post next time.

Day to Day

Gee over a whole week has gone by, and I swear the time has not flown by so fast because we are having all that much fun. Chuck and John got back with the moving van on the 23rd, so it was one fast trip. Which was good as nothing went wrong. We had thought that we could be a little selective and go through things, and had everything all spread out at the storage area, but the biggest thunder storm came up, and we could not get it stored any faster. Lucky that we had lots of help. Guess it will wait to another day in the future, when we decide to settle down. Actually not too sure what we couldn't part with, but it was very important, back then.

Am thrilled over one thing that took place, and most people will think that it might be fairly minor, but I love it! My cupboard that held my pots and pans, (which I had a hard time finding what I needed, much less getting in to) we figured out a way to install sliding shelves. It took some thinking out of the box, but we came up with a solution. Lowes has these sliding shelves that are top quality, but the size was just a little bigger than the opening of the cabinet. No problem, we will make the opening larger, opps, now the doors are too small. No problem we will get a new door. You want 148.00 for a door???? Don't think so, back to Lowes...we ended up buying the doors for a closet cupboard, having them cut down to the size we needed (they will do that at Lowe's, free) and presto....problem solved, less than 35 dollars. Of course this took a whole lot longer than it sounds, but hey, it was only a weekend and I couldn't be happier about it. I've always had this saying that when Chuck picked up a hammer, I ran to get a paper bag as he would be hyperventilating shortly. He would never be a handyman, but at least he has kept trying. LOL

Seen the eye surgeon about my cataract surgery and they have it scheduled for the next two Wednesdays. They only do the procedures one day a week, and they were full for tomorrow, so that was the best I could do. Actually looking forward to seeing clearly again. Both of us are anxious to get on the road, but looks like it will be at least a month. We do enjoy being near the kids, but they are busy with their jobs and all the things that go with running two businesses and all. Plus the weather has not been too kind, rainy, cold not what you would call spring. Will say that we have been experiencing spring since we left southern Texas.

We are moving out to the campground at the Air Force Academy tomorrow. They have a very nice RV park in the pine trees with huge spaces. And the hummingbirds are unbelievable. Stayed there last year for a few weeks and you could hardly get the feeders hung before they were there. Had to fill them at least a couple of times a day. But they were so much fun to watch.

So till next time, may the wind be at our backs.

Happy Birthday, Anthony

Nana and Po love you more!!!!

Oh, Lonesome Me

Yes, that is me, lonesome. We decided that it was time to empty the storage unit in California and move it out to Colorado. We will never return to live in California, if there will even be a California in the future. May have to sell it to China. Anyway Chuck and John, (our son-in-law) flew back on Tuesday, picked up a truck, loaded it, Chuck ran around and seen a lot of ole friends, and are on their way back already. That is one boring drive, so do not envy them one bit. But do envy the fact that they were there for our grandsons, Anthony's 10th birthday. That would have been very special. And to give our son a big get well hug. He had his hard cast put on Tuesday and it will be a good two months of that. Bummer.

I've just been taking things easy, did a little deep cleaning, read a few books, spent some time with my daughter, although she is really busy. Which is good, and don't want to take her away from that. We did go yesterday and get pedicures and I even had nails put on. Been having so much trouble with my finger nails that I finally bit the bullet and had it done. Not only now will I have to take my chances getting my hair cut, but having nails to deal with too.

This weekend is Frontier Days in Old Colorado City. It is a fun time, they close off the main street and it is full of vendors of all kinds. Lots of crafts and food. Entertainment all over, it is great fun, and our campground is close enough that we can walk to everything. Which is great, parking is not that easy. Actually might be able to rent out a few places in our campsite....LOL

No pictures as the camera went with Chuck, and hopefully it will be loaded when he gets back. Expect them back tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. All is good, till next time.

Jello Melting

John cooking the first steaks

of the season.

Have a week to catch up on here. We have not been doing much of anything, had a wonderful cook out the other night at our daughter house. Other than taking in a movie, Girlfriends Past, or what ever it was called. It was pretty good actually. Been a long time since we have been to the movies, so it was a treat.

We are planning on attending a Escapade rally here in Colorado next month. Looking forward to that, it will be small, which makes it much easier to trade "shop talk". The big rally was not what we had expected.

The forecast was for rain this past weekend, so Matilda was all for showing off her designer rainwear. Notice the shadow on the tree.....she did not get wet.

Matilda falls in love. I've always loved this bird too, sets off to the side of our daughters back deck.

After reading some of the blogs this morning, have come to the conclusion that May must be medical month. Could be the surge of upset stomachs that April 15th gives most us us? That is what we did yesterday also. We had physicals done in the Rio Grande Valley this past winter so that had already been taken care of. First started off was the optometrist, who I will say was one of the best that we have ever seen. Unfortunately, I found out that new glasses were not what I needed, but cataract surgery. So even though they are trying to rush it, it looks like the earliest that I can get started is June 2nd. We are hoping for a cancellation by someone to get in sooner. Chuck gets by with new glasses. From there it was off to see a highly recommended cardiologist, as Chuck and I were both dissatisfied with the one he had seen this winter. All checked out there so we were very happy as it had been a worry. Being as we have not been back to California for two years, we have been forced to find new doctors as we go down the road. Actually we have not had a problem, and any of our prescriptions have been transferred with no problem. But that is now, scary to think of it all changing, the goverment has never changed any thing and made it better. But then that is my thought and not sure it is the place to go. Might have to get some meds for the high blood pressure that it will bring on.

That is all for now, life is good.

Family & Colorado

Kissing Camels in the Garden of the Gods, with Pike's Peak in the background. As you can see by the snow it is not all that warm here. At least it has not snowed on us yet, and the weather has gone back and forth the week we have been here.

Hope that Mothers Day was a special treat for all. It certainly was for me. The day was spent with our daughter, Cyndi and her husband, John, and we were joined by our grandson, Robert, and his family. We did brunch and had told the kids about "eggs in a bag" and they decided it would be fun to try. We had an excellent head chef. Here is Roinn, (our great-grandson), he wrote all the names on the bags, and then scrambled the eggs once they were in the bags. He was concentrating so hard on doing a good job. Everyone was surprised at what a great and easy way to do omelets. Thanks Molly! Kylee, with her mom, Kerstin, watching big brother working away.

Kylee with her "walker"....she is not

comfortable to try walking on her own yet.

This is a lawn mower and she did mow

a lot of grass yesterday.

It was great spending the day with family, the last few years we have been on the road, and had to make do with phone calls. Our son & his family

in California, had to do the phone thing. He is doing fairly good, had a bad accident, the ligaments holding his knee cap in place snapped, and it went half way up his thigh. They did surgery Wednesday and he is in a soft cast that they will change to a hard one this week. Then if all goes well he will be in that for six weeks. His poor wife is really having a hard time trying to do it all and more, plus she just started a new job. Hopefully he will be better once he gets the cast on.

Hello May

Been a few days since I've sat down and posted, so back to day one missed. Thursday we played golf out in the middle of no where, about 30 miles from Santa Fe. Awesome course, the contrast between the surrounding area made it even more so. We played with a couple of guys who worked there, and they were a big help in telling us where the trouble was, and it was all over! I tend not to play as much golf as Chuck anymore, but when the course is exceptional I love taking in all the beauty, serenity, (except for the blue air when a shot goes array) and not let playing golf get the way.

Friday we went to old town Santa Fe, where I had the Loretto Chapel lorettochapel.com at the top of my must see list. What a thrill that was. I was just totally blown away, hard to put it in words the feelings I had, and Chuck felt the same way. The chapel is now owned privately and run for profit. Cost of three dollars per person, and well worth it.We traipsed around town for a short time in some of the shops, but full timers just can't buy too many things, but there were some gorgeous pieces of the Indian/Mexican art. Of which I'm not a big fan of, none the less wonderful. From there we were off to Museum Hill. We did a couple of them but we were ready for a late lunch early dinner. Had seen this roadhouse near the campground that always had a full parking lot, so we decided to give it a try. The food was good, but think it was the bar that was the big draw. Although we left there full and happy.

We had planned to leave Saturday, but after checking the weather on both ends we decided to wait a day. Which proved to be a good choice as Sunday was the perfect day to travel. No wind what so ever, traffic was light, and we actually got 11.7 mpg, which we were happy with. Actually with us just getting there and putting down the jacks without any problems is a great day.

We are now settled in Colorado Springs for a month. Our campground is right in Old Colorado City, which makes it nice and close to everything including our daughter, who is only about six blocks away. Our back window over looks Fountain Creek, with plenty of trees and squirrels to drive the cat crazy. There are also two ducks that must have a nest near by and they are a kick. They ride the rapids (?, well swift moving water, rapids is a little strong) down aways and then come back and do it again. They are so cute.

Sunday night, after we got settled, we had a nice dinner at our daughter house. We were celebrating our son-in-laws belated 50th birthday. Great seeing the whole family, and our great grand babies grew so much since we last seen them in August. For some reason, my camera got left in the RV so will have to get some picture from the kids.

This brings me up to date, so think I'll just watch the ducks and squirrels today.

Good By Albuquerque

Sunday night we had dinner with friends Bill & Dawn, who were our neighbors in Mission this past winter. Bill works with Camping World as a traveler, he goes where he is needed, and so far he is happy with it. Dinner was at a Winery and Bistro. Food was wonderful and the wine wasn't bad either.

Monday we started the day with a late breakfast at the Route 66 Diner. It was like stepping back in time, even the waitresses were dressed in 50's uniforms. From there we went out to see the petroglyphs. It was quite interesting, but we were told that it had all been staged years ago, although the rocks were original. Hmmm, you think?
From there we were off to see the tent rocks. They were very interesting, we had never even heard of them. The bad part was getting there, we had 5 miles of washboard, dusty, bad, road to manage our way over. But that was not enough for us, (probably all that jarring shook something loose in the noggin) we decided to do another 4 miles to a Veteran Memorial overlook. Now this was over a goat path through cow pastures, but it was worth it.

So glad that we made the teeth jarring trek. Back on the paved road there was a sign for a golf course so of course had to check it out. And it was a wonderful surprise, it was absolutely gorgeous. It is rated one of the "must play"courses for 2008. So we made tee times for Thursday.

Today was kick it on down the road day. Pretty easy, 65 miles, we are in a nice campground, lots of pine trees and all. Had only planned to stay 2 nights, but guess we will stretch that out a day or two. Santa Fe looks to be a pretty nice town, so want to see some of it.

Life is good, blue sky, warm breeze.