HOME

We are actually home....well, at least at the address we get our mail. The Escapees park in Livingston, Texas. Been here since Saturday, waiting on a package, which contains a new door for the microwave, to catch up with us, and it must be coming by wagon train. The glass turntable came loose during travel and slammed into the glass of the door breaking it. Was surprised that getting a new one was so simple, and they said it would take a couple of weeks to get it, but it was at our daughters house in a just a few days. Thought that this would be a good place for it to catch up with us, but it was sent by the postal service 9 days ago, and the only thing we are sure of is it arrived in Dallas a week ago. Oh well, it will be here someday (fingers crossed) and we will be on our way. We have no reservations any where and our time frame is totally up to us.

Take that USPS.

Like they care, all there numbers are answered by robots, and some are not

that good, they just ring and ring some more.

We drove up to Lufkin, which is about 45 miles, and had dinner with Keith and Donna last night at a great Mexican restaurant. It was great to spend time with these super people who a few months ago we first met. And the food was very good too.

Our great grand children

Roinn & Kylee

Roinn made this almost by him self


Ready to terrorize

Kylee ready to charm all the treats into her bag

I Love Texas

We have finally found summer! It was just gorgeous today as we made our way to Livingston, home of Escapees. We are settled for a few days at the campground, which is fairly full. Lots of folks on the move already. Chuck is off playing poker tonight at the clubhouse. If there is a game that he won't play I don't know of it. The satellite hooked up and even worked on all satellites, which was not happening the last try. So we called and they turned on the locals. Wahoo! Amazing Race tomorrow. I have to get the coast to coast set up, but we have been getting the locals by calling with the zip code and even though it seems like some time it is a hassle they always turn it on. It became a game with us, they told us that it was the way it worked when we signed up, but guess it really isn't. So we just had to push that envelope.

Did it ever rain two days ago when we were in Mount Pleasant, it was like a wall of water at times. Then the thunder and lightening....wooo...one hit very close to us and knocked out the electricity in the park. Took about four hours for it to come back on, and there was only a few minutes of Survivor left. There are only 2 show that we hate to miss and have been having a hard time the past few weeks catching them.

We had a very nice visit with our friends in Mount Pleasant. We met them in Colorado Springs and they were the ones who are responsible for our coming there to buy our truck. Could not ask for a nicer buying experience. Elliott's Dodge is one of the best.

We will be here for a few days and then make our way down to Rockport. Just waiting for a package to make it to our mailbox here. Nice campground here, lots of room, activities already getting going. Not sure that this would be a place that I would want to come to year after year though. Not too much around here. Life is Good.

Rain, rain go away

So glad that we decided to delay our travel one day due to the rain. And by the looks of it we had a one day window, as they are forecasting a down pour for the next 36 hours. But it was so nice to see that sunshine, if only for a few hours. Reminded us of when we would leave the foggy northern California winter and head south. When you finally broke out of the fog into the sunshine was like coming back to life. They sure have had there share of rain here in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

We got here early enough that Chuck got the truck serviced and inspected. He was so happy with the dealership that he bought the truck from he wanted them to go over it and check it all out. Besides it was on our way.

That is all for now, HUGS to all.

And Away We Go

Happy Halloween

Guess the farmer was just bored with plain ole pumpkins

In the morning we will be continuing our trek south, having spent the week in Little Rock. We did not do much, the weather was not cooperating, as we have had more more days with rain than not. There has been so much rain in this area, there is standing water all over. The lake near the campground is way out of its banks. We did get to spend some time with our friends that spend their summer in the area before heading back to the valley in Texas, which was great. And yes, Chuck did get in some golf, but had planned one more round today, but it was not to be....rain. Hopefully it will be over with come morning.

Bucket List: Nashville "Check"

What a great time we had

touring Nashville.

The tour we took was absolutely great. It was a

little pricy, but when you consider that

it also covered all the

entrance fees, no hassel with parking, it was

worth every dime.

We seen everything that we had hoped to and more.

We started the day going down town to the

Ryman Auditorium, which was at one time

the Grand Ole Opry House.

We had pictures taken on the stage and

got to tour back stage. Then it was on to the

Music Hall of Fame.

Very enjoyable and interesting.

Also took in the Legions Bar where we

had drinks and a bit of

good ole country music.

Wall of Gold Albums

There were about 3 of these.

Out side the Legends Bar

After lunch we headed off to the other side of

Nashville, you could say the newer side.

This sculpture caused quite a stir as the figures are

completely naked and very graphic.

This is where the Opry Mills mall and the Opryland Hotel

along with the new Grand Ole Opry.

We first toured the Opry House, and it was huge.

There was a group from Australia and they sang

a few songs, they were very entertaining, then the tour guide

not to be out done, did a great song. A real treat.

Then we were off the the Opryland Hotel.

It has acres under glass, very Vegas like, but instead of

going up this hotel spread out. There is a canal

running through the grounds, which we rode through on large

boats, there were waterfalls, beautiful flowers, just

so lovely. But huge, we all had maps to see that we got

back to the bus, and we all did make it.

From there it was off to the Willie Nelson museum, and by then

we were all so tired, we just more or less watched the movies of

his life. We were pooped!

The Blue Brothers

Love the flowers

Hunting Summer or at least Fall

We are out of repair jail. It was a very nice shop and all, but the weather turned so miserable that all we wanted to do was head south. So as soon as we got a clean bill

of health Wednesday we were set to leave come Thursday morning. Good thing

too, as we stumbled across the Rise N Roll bakery, near Shipshoena. That

place could be deadly! We bought pumpkin and chocolate whoopee pies, but did not even take

a bite. Gave them to the mechanics and girls at Duncan RV.

We were told that we had to treat the help, so we did our best. Thursday took

us to Indianapolis, where Chuck has a cousin. we enjoyed a nice visit and dinner.

The next morning we were off and the plans were to drive about 150-200 miles, but before we knew it were very close to Nashville. Called and got a reservation for 3 days at a

park at 34 dollars a night....high, but we are doing the touristy thing here.

Except when we got there it was 44 dollars a night and no sewer. What a difference

2 hours make. Just couldn't help my self, we left, and went down the road. Poor Chuck,

it was rush hour, but we made it fine.

These bushes are so beautiful, the leaves turn a glorious red.

Today we were off to check out the area. Ended up at the Opry Mills, which is a huge mall. So many things going on inside, could spend all day in there without ever going in a store. Our freebie's today amounted to 2 Accu-Chek Aviva monitors, crackers and a back pack. Plus we used our Home Depot 20 dollars gift card. Thought maybe it might not be good but it was along with the 20 dollar Burger King one that we had wonat a flea market near Celina.

We just wondered around till we had enough and then went to the movies.Seen Denzel Washintons new movie, Citizen. Really gory, but all in all a good movie. They sure are making some gruesome movies that are soon to be released.

Tomorrow we are going on a all day bus tour. Have to be there by 8:30. We were not able to get tickets to the Grand Ole Oprey. They only do shows, Friday and Saturday nights and one on Tuesday. If the tour is half as good as the advertising portrays it, we are in for a treat. If not we will still get to see all the sights of Nashville. Either way I'll have pictures.

Parking Lot Blues

That would be us, we are at Duncan's RV repair facility "campground", in Elkhart, which we have called home since last Monday. Thought we were good to go Thursday and the front landing jacks decided they wanted replacing, which if it had to happen it couldn't have happened at a better time and place. The manufacturer is replacing them and think they will be here Monday, so hopefully we will be back on the road come Tuesday. Will say this is a great repair set-up, would highly recommend Duncan RV to anyone needing work done.

The trees are starting to

really color up

Love to watch these horses, they are

so wonderful
We have enjoyed seeing some of the area, lot of Amish in the vicinity, and the shops are wonderful with all the unique craft items. Then there are the flea markets, farmers markets and craft fairs. And the quilts are very tempting, they are so beautiful and well done. Today we stopped at a craft fair and there was a horse on a treadmill walking away, and it was hooked up to a ice cream maker, yup, making ice cream. Needless to say, Chuck had to have some of that.

Come next year we hoping to attend the Escapee rally and Nick's, that are both being held in the area. They are scheduled for earlier in the year, which will hopefully be better weather wise. We have had quite a bit of rain and it has been cool, and now they are saying it will be flat out cold come tomorrow. Definitely time to start south.

RALLY AROUND

Here it is a week since my last post, but a very busy week it has been. Most of the pre-rally was spent either getting things ready to eat, or eating, or complaining because we had eaten too much. One night was hobo stew, this is where everyone throws something in the pot and you end up with a delicious stew. Of course you know us RVer's we have to have all the trimming's

too.

Then there was the dutch oven cook out over hot coals. That night was pots of chili, sliced potatoes and chocolate and pineapple up side down cakes.
Donna hard at work

That brought us into Sunday, and of course, BRUNCH! The day was finished off with a wine and cheese "tasting".

Oh happy times!

Looks like they were all "choice wines".

(Not a paper bag to be seen)

Thank goodness the official rally was starting the next day.
New Friends

Rick & Terry

Barb & Bob/Chuck

The seminars were very interesting, I especially enjoyed the one put on by the Geeks on Tour. The picasa and photo story 3 were so helpful. Can't wait to really get to try out some of the tips I learned. Well, I bought the videos so will have a resource to refer back to as it takes me more than one try to get things down to where I can actually say I know how to do it. Chuck and I both attended several others and they were all enlightening. And we did not stop eating, here we are at the pizza party. Each night we gathered for

drawings for door prizes, of which there were many. We also had a young

couple who put on a great show on pizza night. Also donuts and coffee to get you started.

Bob & Molly

There were a few pizzas eaten that night.

Some how they managed to deliver them hot,

and they were good.

Keith getting birthday wishesNick, the one who put the rally

together.

GREAT JOB, NICK,

See you next year!

Metilda,

all ready for Halloween

And that bring me to today. We loaded up in the vehicles and headed for a

flea/farmers market a few miles away. It was a different set-up being as

everything was in huge buildings. The weather here has a lot to do with

that I'm sure. Other than pumpkins there was little produce, but there was

a racing car promo wheel, and being it was free, we all gave it a spin, and

we all won some nice gift cards for 20 dollars. Ours were from Home Depot and Burger King.

Lunch was also free, yes, free! Great bean soup and corn bread. Plus the diesel was 23 cents cheaper there, so topped off the tank.

I would call that a good day in any ones book

of DEALS of the DAY.

Monday we are traveling up to

Elkhart and settling into Duncan's RV for

repairs, & tune-ups. Hopefully it will be a

short stay.

Early to Rise and OH, CRAP!

There have been about 3 times since we have been on the road that I have gotten up before Chuck, and believe me, if this morning is any indicator, it will

be the last. Got the coffee going, turned on the computer, not connecting, turned

the T V on, only channel coming through on the satellite was

the info channel. Okay, coffee ready, what the heck???

The refrigerator door fell off!!

Well, not all the way, but the hinge is broken, which happened once before. We

had been planning on going to Elkhart after the rally, and they will have

the parts waiting, hopefully they will be able to fix it,

so that it won't happen again.

Thankfully it is still usable, but we are

being very careful.

TV's working, computer is connected,

life goes on.

It was great seeing Bob, Molly, Keith, Donna, Howie and Nora, plus meeting all the others

that have arrived for the "Class of 07" pre-rally of Nick's rally. Last night was

hobo stew and it turned out great. We did have a rainy day though, but we managed not

to get wet.

So that is all for now, I'm crawling back in bed and pulling the covers

up over my head, and not coming out

till it's a new day. Glad that I got my

OWFISH shirt.

Fly Away

Today was a day that I was not really looking forward to, sort of like Chuck waiting for me in a shoe store, but unlike him, I found that it was very interesting and enjoyable. AND it was free, something that does not happen in a shoe store, well almost free, there was the I-Max and then lunch, plus we are planning on going back tomorrow, another movie, and Air Force One. Seriously if you are ever in the area it should be on your bucket list. The airplanes are just props, it is all the history that is displayed, plus so very much more.

Now that is a tire!

Quilts made of Holocaust squares.

This section was so heart wrenching, but

then so were the areas depicting Viet Nam, World Wars 1 & 2,

and all the other atrocities that man has

inflicted on his fellow man.

Map of concentration camp

Cute little plane,

and a very different one.

Apollo One

There was also a section on the space program, along with the Berlin wall.

The place is huge and they have a wonderful museum.

Looking forward to tomorrow.