tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40990163669702339752024-03-21T17:01:46.605-07:00Rvers in a Shoe BoxFollow the adventures of two senior RVers packed into a small shoe-box sized truck camper as they travel around the U.S.Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-81150576026056718282014-08-14T16:29:00.001-07:002014-08-14T16:29:02.249-07:00August 14, 2014 A new addition to our lifestyle<p> </p> <p>Yes, it has been a long time since I posted on this blog. I am going to jump from March to August with the news we have added to our collection of “things.”</p> <p>We enjoy spending the summers in Salem, OR. In addition to cooler weather, it allows me the opportunity to take pottery classes at the Willamette Art Center. However, Larry really doesn’t enjoy spending the summer in the camper. So, we decided it was time to make a change.</p> <p>We looked at buying a mobile home or a 5th wheel trailer. After a lot of searching—and kissing a lot of frogs, we found something that met our needs. With the help of two other Escapees RV Club friends, we inspected and purchased a 2007 Montana 2955 5th wheel trailer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_2jIE-X-cHY/U-1FsuaxssI/AAAAAAAACeY/LHB5jLItRw4/s1600-h/P1010172%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010172" border="0" alt="P1010172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tIC5-OvHrtg/U-1FwlsJMyI/AAAAAAAACeg/3GpZJ5NnXTc/P1010172_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="273"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C7ywjet4Zzg/U-1FysNnHJI/AAAAAAAACeo/8f7sItxvOoA/s1600-h/P1010171%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010171" border="0" alt="P1010171" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wRgLpEqbXto/U-1F0NMJSlI/AAAAAAAACew/drlwQH6geCs/P1010171_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="281"></a> </p> <p>We had the trailer moved into the site here at the Salem Elks’ Club. We do not plan on moving it for the next year or two—but will leave it here in Salem to use during the summer season. That way, Larry will be happy with a lot more room and Carol will be happy volunteering at the Elks’ Club and taking pottery classes. It is a win-win situation!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uqJL0NqHefk/U-1F18WrbBI/AAAAAAAACe4/hC-JeUICtLM/s1600-h/P1010159%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010159" border="0" alt="P1010159" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7WheWkO8IO8/U-1F3lj5YsI/AAAAAAAACfA/tFibOPbpXVU/P1010159_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="292"></a> </p> <p>The cabinet under the second TV will accommodate a combo washer/dryer should I decide I can’t live without one! Options! The trailer has beautiful woodwork!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i4NeQ8KUSf8/U-1F5Rcz3rI/AAAAAAAACfI/xGuJgk0TwD4/s1600-h/P1010161%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010161" border="0" alt="P1010161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-no1blHpIN8g/U-1F7Rv-x-I/AAAAAAAACfQ/ehv5CXd3ERk/P1010161_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="306"></a></p> <p>The shower has a low threshold that works well for Larry. He does have to climb 3 steps from the living area to the bath/bedroom area. Once up on top, the floor is flat—no other steps. Down below, we have to comfy chairs and a couch. See the happy man!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bPD7Ww0KzXs/U-1F97tz_DI/AAAAAAAACfY/YRWbKSZDuc8/s1600-h/P1010163%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010163" border="0" alt="P1010163" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3_8sC9sBM2g/U-1F_Tr8s5I/AAAAAAAACfg/RcF79v1gmcU/P1010163_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="326"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kN08CbLs3Co/U-1GCaNvIWI/AAAAAAAACfo/h6tUxGktz34/s1600-h/P1010167%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010167" border="0" alt="P1010167" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uMqDmTLSJ4w/U-1GEqK9AXI/AAAAAAAACfw/aFtSew1MOjs/P1010167_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320"></a> </p> <p>The couch makes out into a double bed—great for one or two nights, hee hee. After that, I am sure it would become a bit uncomfortable.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CGdkIIJU5VI/U-1GHn1iSeI/AAAAAAAACf4/FqSsPsFmN2A/s1600-h/P1010174%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010174" border="0" alt="P1010174" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bn2WVQmOM_8/U-1GJ-hitnI/AAAAAAAACgA/ORHyu4tjl70/P1010174_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="328"></a> </p> <p>Our dining room table and first TV—with Judge Judy. Life is good, ha ha.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iERUZjmGB0g/U-1GLx7PTVI/AAAAAAAACgI/ZKTLXcw1amg/s1600-h/P1010169%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010169" border="0" alt="P1010169" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WXWkMXonxLM/U-1GNjF6fzI/AAAAAAAACgQ/iDOdedZgfpo/P1010169_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="330"></a> </p> <p>The microwave is also a convection oven—so I see some baked goodies in our future. The kitchen was not a big as I had hoped when we started looking for a rig, but it will work for us during the summer months.</p> <p>The changes done to XP changed our computer preferences. We tried Windows 8.1 and wasn’t really happy with it, so we returned that computer and bought an iPad. We like the iPad, but it doesn’t have Live Writer to write the blog. I can log on directly from the iPad, but I haven’t found a way to size the photos like I can do in Live Writer. Once I get that mastered, we will return to a regular posting. Poor Microsoft—we followed them faithfully for years—until they abandoned XP and us. With three XP computers now basically paperweights—I am moving our stuff to Mac.</p> <p>Until our next posting, keep us in your thoughts! We are keeping the shoe box for traveling. Poor Larry will have a hard adjustment in a month or two, smile.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-84374826798921438512014-03-09T14:56:00.001-07:002014-03-09T14:56:03.415-07:00Mar. 8, 2014 Six weeks of medical challenges.<p>I haven’t felt up to posting since we left Quartzsite, AZ. We have spent the past six weeks facing one medical challenge after another while visiting the Tracy Elks’ Club! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--VkuWzYQQSQ/UxzjVEY4gBI/AAAAAAAACcc/74p4f65UHHo/s1600-h/P10100674.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010067" border="0" alt="P1010067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TCPmzc23HOI/UxzjV9vMBxI/AAAAAAAACck/3bqYL5taFFY/P1010067_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="302"></a></p> <p>Larry has had Chronic Kidney Disease since prior to 2000. We continued to travel with the help of two great doctors—who helped us work around his disease. The one thing we have always put first is “do no harm to the kidneys.” Larry hasn’t gotten to his “well-aged-wine” stage without a lot of scars and mars on and in his body. Since mid-January, we have been hard pressed to stick to that slogan!</p> <p>It was like pulling a thread on a sweater and watching the arm fall off. It started with both of us being in back/sciatic pain for the first three weeks. </p> <p>The night we left Quartzsite, AZ, I re-injured a muscle in my groin which triggered sciatic nerve pain down my leg. About the same time, Larry’s lower back went in to muscle spasms. We spent the first few weeks trying to get the other to drive the car—because we hurt too much. We tried pillows and all sorts of ways to be more comfortable in the driver’s seat. Eventually we found wonderful—and I do mean “Wonderful!!” gel seat pads at Costco which have helped us heal and drive.</p> <p>After having two successful skin-cancer-removal surgeries in 2013 without affecting kidney function, we got too complacent. During the first doctor visit in January, Larry asked for a referral to have his carpal tunnel syndrome fixed on his left wrist. In retrospect, bad mistake. It opened the door to numerous doctor appointments—up two a day as we saw a rheumatologist, two neurologists, a surgery scheduler (who referred him to the surgeon prior to agreeing to do the surgery), an ophthalmologist, ER physician and even an Internist. Oh, add his nephrololgist and the Infusion Therapy department to the list.</p> <p>As Larry was seeing doctor after doctor, I picked up a UTI and then intestinal distress after the antibiotic. You would think 4 weeks of suffering would result in some weight loss—no such luck.</p> <p>Meanwhile Larry’s nephrologist scheduled 6 weekly visits in the Infusion Therapy department to receive iron via IV instead of daily pills. I knew we should have stayed out in the desert for another month or two!! </p> <p>The worst part of all this suffering was that it appears Larry had another reaction to a new medicine that triggered a bout of Shingles. Of all the things he has, the Shingles attack has been the worst. It started with a tingling on his scalp and throbbing pain in his eye. It quickly progressed to extreme light sensitivity, which meant no reading, TV watching or rides in the bright sunlight. He has suffered more from this curse than anything else that has been thrown at him in years!! He basically slept away the first 10 days. I had him scheduled for a Shingles shot in March—isn’t that the way it always goes?</p> <p>And if that wasn’t enough, he ended up in the ER last Sunday—with some intestinal issues which resulted in having an Endoscopy. He has acid issues and apparently the ulcer-causing bacteria. That will mean more medicine—which could more reactions.</p> <p>The ER doctor summed up his medical history in the nicest way: “Mr. Jennings, you are a very complicated man. You have many layers!” Isn’t that the sweetest way of saying: You have so many things going on, where do I start??</p> <p>Even the Honda started having “medical issues.” We noticed a rumble sound/feeling at medium speeds. I Goggled the symptoms and found articles suggesting flushing the transmission fluid. So far, It has helped. We are having the transmission fluid changed again next week—for additional insurance.</p> <p>And that is why even though the weather has been wonderful, the hills are green and trees are blooming, I just haven’t had the energy to take photos or write the blog. Some days were just too painful to think about—much less write. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9mRYW66eQ8M/UxzjW50_4PI/AAAAAAAACcs/YtdquSI5eXA/s1600-h/P1000479%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000479" border="0" alt="P1000479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TzU8cSWIMIU/UxzjXzHJdeI/AAAAAAAACc0/DsmZguBCRkU/P1000479_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="475"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2QOMfomJF-g/UxzjY0dT6kI/AAAAAAAACc8/8sfdoIUK938/s1600-h/P1000491%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000491" border="0" alt="P1000491" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ILmshx13Fmw/UxzjZXaonSI/AAAAAAAACdE/aQA3dypBGGM/P1000491_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="312"></a> </p> <p>I hope we have turned the corner and life will be a bit easier! Larry is still facing another four weeks of IVs for iron, along with the scalp and eye pain, and seeing the surgeon about possibly having wrist surgery. As there are problems with the wrist that bothers him, we are hoping they will fix the other wrist—that also has carpal tunnel syndrome. Yikes, he is falling apart—we have to get away from the doctors!</p> <p>We managed to get in one day of riding around Tracy and spotted this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-07QLOs_ufKo/UxzjaQ83_jI/AAAAAAAACdM/k_wsMp6ed10/s1600-h/P10100763.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010076" border="0" alt="P1010076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o-sErIzsNfg/UxzjbCRDFkI/AAAAAAAACdU/GKC3pfhxF-0/P1010076_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="353"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qgkf_oCgazs/Uxzjb0W18cI/AAAAAAAACdY/eHLxxnoyaxc/s1600-h/P1010077%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010077" border="0" alt="P1010077" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uKI7nYxeYeA/UxzjcSYt3cI/AAAAAAAACdc/qG8g_Z9Z0gk/P1010077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="357"></a> </p> <p>See, even wine grapes need medicine to fix what ails them!</p> <p>If you are free from pain today, offer a prayer of thanks! No matter what else is going on in your life, you are blessed! Feeling fine and enjoying good health is something we take for granted—until something goes wrong. We will get past all this trauma because our eyes are on our goal—summer in Salem, OR. And we acknowledge—it could be so much worse! We are thankful for all the good things going on in out lives. This too shall pass! </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-80885418601681471402014-01-23T14:27:00.001-08:002014-01-23T14:27:51.574-08:00Jan. 23, 2014 -- Time to move again.<p>We spent the last month in Quartzsite, AZ. Like previous years, we stayed in the BLM’s long-term camping area called La Posa North where we lived without utility hook-ups. </p> <p>The BLM supplies two sewer dumps and 8 water spigots for campers holding either the two-week ($40) or annual pass ($180). With careful rationing, we can last 6 days between sewer dumping and refilling the water tank on the camper. We drive two miles south to La Posa South and then in one mile to the Sewer dump/water station. Most of the time, it is easy. however, during the Big Tent show, the third week of January, we can end up in line for up to 45 minutes—like we did yesterday. But, we just bring a book up front and read until our turn “at bat.” (See the links from last year.)</p> <p>We handle our electrical needs two ways: First we have two solar panels (thanks to Don Del Rosario) on the roof installed by AM Solar in Eugene, OR, that keep the two golf-cart batteries charged during the sunny days. We also use our Honda friend when I need to use the microwave or the Vita Mix. I even made waffles last Sunday morning with our friendly Honda.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fLIn7sdgQTs/UuGXK4okqlI/AAAAAAAACaE/snPluJMVzWM/s1600-h/P1010060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010060" border="0" alt="P1010060" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IOXb7FeATbs/UuGXL1xaiuI/AAAAAAAACaM/XogmC0JzJaU/P1010060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320"></a> </p> <p>I can start this little generator with two pulls! Amazing little machine!! I love this little guy! </p> <p>When I have to charge my smart phone or the computer, we draw from the batteries with 12-volt chargers. We try to keep the phones charged up in the car, but sometimes I have to use the car charger in the camper—mostly when I have talked toooo long! The computer is charging when we start the generator—but sometimes that is inconvenient, so we purchased a 12-volt charger for the computers from Amazon several years ago. It does a great job on both of our computers—Dell Inspiron 1520.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VRoQb1XPoAc/UuGXMojL-eI/AAAAAAAACaU/KKT-vcIhKf8/s1600-h/P1010055%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010055" border="0" alt="P1010055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AZbWmUXsTFQ/UuGXNlHt9xI/AAAAAAAACac/r3ZN5VPuwZ4/P1010055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="347"></a> </p> <p>Larry had rewired a 12-volt plug into the camper years ago—and we use it much more now that when he first installed it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G04vkH36K2k/UuGXOa0HmDI/AAAAAAAACak/7eAw9mbV8oE/s1600-h/P1010057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010057" border="0" alt="P1010057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yjn85NaVsk8/UuGXPON9_GI/AAAAAAAACas/BqRVv1K0wWU/P1010057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="366"></a> </p> <p>The little red heater by Mr. Heater Buddy, is our other life-saver. The regular heater uses too much electricity to run and would drain our batteries. Mr. Buddy runs off the canisters and provides about 4-6 hours of heat per canister. This year the canisters have lasted two days/evenings because it has been so warm. Other years we burned about one per day. That still only costs us about $5.50 a day for camping. Not bad in today’s pricey world.</p> <p>Yes, I heard what you were thinking—how about carbon monoxide with a heater burning inside the camper? Besides having an oxygen sensor in Mr. Heater, we run this in the camper:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vxWRkL3B_pA/UuGXQAYyJkI/AAAAAAAACa0/QsmR13qXH3U/s1600-h/P1010058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010058" border="0" alt="P1010058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-66R00nECbxE/UuGXQ3FzDXI/AAAAAAAACa8/wBQkFqemwSM/P1010058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="352"></a> </p> <p>See the zero? That is after the heater and generator—outside the camper, have been running. The only time the number changes is when I use the camper stove. Making a pot of coffee can run up to 65 pp “whatevers.” IAs this meter is about 5 years old, I have ordered a new one from Amazon to make sure we operate in the safe zone. I don’t want an alarm, I want to know what the numbers actually are—so we don’t get up to the number to trigger the alarms.</p> <p>And this is how we make our daily coffee—which we really enjoy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5RfTc0PEp8I/UuGXR9zA-GI/AAAAAAAACbE/vH38pmheOkc/s1600-h/P1010031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010031" border="0" alt="P1010031" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wd-tpnI4z7g/UuGXStzvDPI/AAAAAAAACbM/2JkYyMyzGIM/P1010031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="307"></a> </p> <p>Again, Amazon was the only place where I could find a stainless steel stove-top percolator.</p> <p>To save cooking time, I purchased a fantastic Pressure Pro pressure cooker from a booth at the Big Tent sale a few years ago. It was terribly expensive and worth every penny according to Larry when I make him stew!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0ii19rOe3Q/UuGXTWg-UWI/AAAAAAAACbU/VUuM5obHNAo/s1600-h/P1010039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010039" border="0" alt="P1010039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3AXbvA_GEG4/UuGXUKdEzbI/AAAAAAAACbc/KjjsRXuRuWE/P1010039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AUyJVjvQoU4/UuGXVPvIF6I/AAAAAAAACbk/8FWP6XquGTI/s1600-h/P1010036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010036" border="0" alt="P1010036" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Hh30iLWs2c/UuGXVxGWWrI/AAAAAAAACbs/4U_9n-wFgoI/P1010036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="316"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8NvZ4W3fmy8/UuGXWiQupKI/AAAAAAAACb0/DYn5nUwjnaI/s1600-h/P1010038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010038" border="0" alt="P1010038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GdsMlqKdRG0/UuGXXtWQjqI/AAAAAAAACb8/v6lK9fvy7EA/P1010038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="322"></a> </p> <p>Thanks to Costco—we use reduced sodium Better than Than Bullion Soup bases. With the soup bases and the pressure cooker, we can have soup or stew in about 45-90 minutes. That makes Larry happy—and anything that puts a smile on his face is fine with me!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UWY4QmMEa7Y/UuGXYd3RcrI/AAAAAAAACcE/cd9QsLCOt1E/s1600-h/P1010041%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010041" border="0" alt="P1010041" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8TGmv4b5zU/UuGXZPs4AqI/AAAAAAAACcM/lR1DDyAqAo4/P1010041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="350"></a> </p> <p>Our Q-time was fun, but Larry has some medical needs that need to be attended to in Antioch, CA. So, we left Q-town this morning and are headed back to the SF Bay area for a week or two.</p> <p>If all goes well, we will be able to return to Q for about another 5 or 6 weeks left in the season. If the skin lesion requires further medical treatment, we may be stuck up there until it is time to head up to Salem, OR.</p> <p>We are in Needles, CA, for tonight and tomorrow in Bakersfield, CA. Then on to Tracy, CA for a few days. I will post more either tomorrow night or when we get to Tracy. Life on the road is filled with detours—some detours driving the camper—and some detours in our plans. We just count every day we are able to travel in the RV as a blessing! So until the next installment, we wish you safe and happy travels.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-36421307242126554152013-12-25T16:51:00.001-08:002013-12-25T16:51:40.296-08:00Dec. 25, 2013 -- Greetings from downtown Quartzsite, AZ.<p>We are here and settled in—at least for a few weeks. It was a long trip across Texas, smile. The rest of the trip was faster. We did run into a LOT of wind after we left Deming, NM on Daturday. If I had looked at the weather report while at Dream Catcher RV Park, we might have delayed our trip by a day—but in spite of bad weather warnings, we were able to drive west to Gila Bend, AZ in one day. We don’t normally make 335 mile days—but wanted to get to warmer weather.</p> <p>We ended up having to dry-camp at Gila Bend—missing the last RV spot by minutes. I just figured it was practice for Quartzsite! </p> <p>Here are some of the photos I could not post along the way. We ran into Internet connection troubles across Texas and even into New Mexico. In Junction and Balmorhea, we barely had phone coverage, much less Broadband or iphone internet service. Deming, NM, we had the same issues. So, we kind of gave up until we got to Quartzsite. Now we have to run the generator to charge the computers, so times are short.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5S0l9e67zHA/Urt9hic0EfI/AAAAAAAACZE/zgsETj7gPl0/s1600-h/P1010021%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010021" border="0" alt="P1010021" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zh2xfXq2Xys/Urt9iiCQtII/AAAAAAAACZM/i0AEt_-ihe4/P1010021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="325"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xSSW5eRYkPo/Urt9jukoamI/AAAAAAAACZU/dG79JbbMYqI/s1600-h/P1010023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010023" border="0" alt="P1010023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z5DZigVwaV0/Urt9kvMzTgI/AAAAAAAACZc/Q17EY66LcRw/P1010023_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="337"></a></p> <p>Our site at the Llano River RV Park in Junction, TX. What a rough life, eh?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JhJt06Mi_NM/Urt9lvhYQ2I/AAAAAAAACZk/uU8eD2HpZHQ/s1600-h/P1010026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010026" border="0" alt="P1010026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eRKXzdkIurU/Urt9mhHZNkI/AAAAAAAACZs/0L7V_AQSg7Q/P1010026_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="332"></a> </p> <p>Larry resting at Quartzsite, AZ. Fred & Arlene’s new trailer in the background.</p> <p>Merry Christmas! We had a very quiet Christmas with our friends (& family), Fred and Arlene Cray. We have been friends and family for almost forty years! Wow, that makes us old people. We met when our 45-year old sons were about 8 years old!</p> <p>I hope you have had a day surrounded by loved ones—either related by blood or by choice! I heard recently: What is under the tree is not as important as who is around the tree. And with that, we were blessed this holiday! We had wonderful friends at our sides. It just doesn’t get any better.</p> <p>May 2014 be the year your dreams come true—and fill your heart with joy. Big hugs from the Jennings.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-72642072914238402782013-12-19T13:27:00.001-08:002013-12-19T13:30:12.030-08:00Dec. 19, 2013 -- Out in the wilderness…West Texas<p>Help, we have fallen into “old times.” Last night we stopped at North Llano River RV Park and found we didn’t have internet service! I couldn’t log on with my phone nor the broadband card and the WIFI signal was too weak to use! I felt crippled! Nice park—but step back in time if you visit. </p> <p>Tonight we are in Balmorhea, TX, at a Passport America Discount park—and I am using the old dial-up phone speed on the broadband caard for this posting. So, until we stop in El Paso, TX, tomorrow or Deming, NM, I can’t post any pictures! We are fine—weather is beautiful but expected to get rainy and windy tomorrow. We are 212 miles from the Texas border—and it will have taken us four days of travel since we left Livingston. Told you we don’t travel far and fast, smile. Until tomorrow, keep us in your thoughts!</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-44652197173320584592013-12-17T15:04:00.001-08:002013-12-17T15:04:22.497-08:00Dec. 17, 2013 – Back on the road again…<p>Well, our time in Livingston, TX, didn’t last very long. It was so nice to get out of the camper for a while. Besides seeing wonderful friends again, these are the things that make my heart go “pitter-pat” at the house:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e1tojj4IQzk/UrDYBHblt0I/AAAAAAAACWs/hCwc2YEy1j0/s1600-h/P1010008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010008" border="0" alt="P1010008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fgeYKERMr-c/UrDYC3vt_SI/AAAAAAAACW0/eAbHp6ny9WU/P1010008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="243"></a> </p> <p>Of course, my pottery shop. Isn’t it cute?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aYsfiJDGgn4/UrDYEUiQgUI/AAAAAAAACW8/S6TLlMEcvz4/s1600-h/P1010002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010002" border="0" alt="P1010002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AbsnR8-gk5M/UrDYF45IzRI/AAAAAAAACXE/nuJvJbfGoS4/P1010002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="274"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7f32fZf5pgs/UrDYHLcnTEI/AAAAAAAACXM/Y1V94iTwviA/s1600-h/P1010007%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010007" border="0" alt="P1010007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EbZ5ceK-FEM/UrDYIS-oflI/AAAAAAAACXQ/jTWhgClzamE/P1010007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="285"></a> </p> <p>I made time to throw some bowls, doing a bisque fire and two glaze firings to practice some of the new techniques I learned in Salem last summer. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vG49HBnfTRM/UrDYJn94ALI/AAAAAAAACXc/2Qv52ysxx88/s1600-h/P1000969%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000969" border="0" alt="P1000969" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HO7Hletp3ks/UrDYLEmR-WI/AAAAAAAACXk/77LdlnLrk7g/P1000969_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="303"></a></p> <p>The Livingston Art League’s annual Art Show was the day after we got back. I entered three bowls and two won, a second and third place. I was very happy! The one on the left is called Texas Red and was thrown last winter. The other two were thrown and fired in Salem, OR. The ribbon winner was Day Break and the other is Midnight. It was fun!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g_B-zRRlQDk/UrDYMu3a97I/AAAAAAAACXs/XWTkySCVKQA/s1600-h/P1000974%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000974" border="0" alt="P1000974" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XdXPQehtcwk/UrDYOQTNI5I/AAAAAAAACX0/PwMODT6BsfM/P1000974_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304"></a> </p> <p>This is the other thing at the house that speeds up my heart—the washer and dryer. I hate doing laundry in Laundromats! I mean I HATE it. I love being able to do a load of laundry every day—while I am doing other things—I miss these two already—and we are only 225 miles from home. Boo Hoo!</p> <p>We spent some time cleaning out the back of the back yard. There was a huge Kumquat tree as well as a mangy fig tree along the back property line—which is also over a waterline. The trees and bushes needed to come out—so Larry and I chopped and hacked and totted 10 or 12 loads down to the dumping area with the golf cart! We had it down to a fine art. Eventually we hired D & D Tree Service to remove the kumquat tree—I didn’t want to try “playing” with a chain saw at this stage in my life!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Czu6w9SOKto/UrDYQGwluGI/AAAAAAAACX8/u2hJOhcHE4M/s1600-h/P1010001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010001" border="0" alt="P1010001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PuF9F-LGueE/UrDYRkP8PoI/AAAAAAAACYE/Oncsmp_efjY/P1010001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="285"></a> </p> <p>Now the yard looks larger and much cleaner! Another chore checked off the list!</p> <p>If we were having some much fun, why leave? Well, we wish we could have stayed another month or two, but Larry developed another suspicious spot. We had it looked at and the specialist prescribed an antibiotic/anti-fungus medicine that we have applied faithfully for three weeks. While the spot looks better, it isn’t gone. If it needs a biopsy, we want it done by our doctor in California. The weather has been pretty rough across the US and we don’t want to risk staying another month and running into more severe winter weather. There is a slight lull, and we hope we can make it to Casa Grande area before the next freezing weather. If not, we will just hunker down and wait out the bad weather. If we wait until mid-January, we won’t have that option if we are trying to make a scheduled appointment.</p> <p>Tonight we are at <a href="http://www.riverbendrvpark.com">Riverbend RV park</a> In Luling, TX. We have stayed here before as it is a Passport America Park as well as an Escapees’ 50% discount park. It is close to I-10 and easy in and out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YlH8mf9J9mk/UrDYS2EikHI/AAAAAAAACYM/TsNdTC_Kjsk/s1600-h/P1010015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010015" border="0" alt="P1010015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JhfP9Rc7TuA/UrDYT_BjP0I/AAAAAAAACYQ/NYl5Rj8mg3w/P1010015_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="287"></a> </p> <p>This is the laundry room and showers:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dY3s9PFku0U/UrDYVS5tPBI/AAAAAAAACYc/IbOQCWNajBA/s1600-h/P1010017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010017" border="0" alt="P1010017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6fP31FChZxU/UrDYWXRTbPI/AAAAAAAACYk/dqO81DPXzQk/P1010017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319"></a> </p> <p>There is an on-site pool and fishing pond. It is located along the attractive San Marcos River.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wK7QQm4G1E4/UrDYYDP5KwI/AAAAAAAACYs/w23bb1zMIxA/s1600-h/P1010019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1010019" border="0" alt="P1010019" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VnwDXmCJYcA/UrDYZL91llI/AAAAAAAACY0/ocRDjQvjVUI/P1010019_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="308"></a> </p> <p>Tomorrow night we will be in Junction, TX again. Hey, we were just there in November—and this is December! Yikes! Our travel stops along I-10 through Texas are pre-determined by the number of RV parks in the few towns between Houston and El Paso. So instead of 250-300 miles a day, we will be doing about 200 for the next day or so. We could comfortably drive 250 miles—but the lodgings are to slim to do it. We aren’t in any hurry—so we will just mosey toward Quartzsite, AZ, for a few weeks until Larry has his doctor appointments.</p> <p>See you tomorrow night.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-20040716021765579572013-11-10T15:32:00.001-08:002013-11-10T15:32:12.769-08:00Nov. 10, 2013 -- Home at last! (On Friday)<p>Just a short note for tonight—we got home Friday about noon—and I will slow down enough to write in a day or two! Between cleaning the house so we can move in, moving all the food and clothes into the house, cleaning all the camper stuff to have it ready in an emergency, and tidying up the yard, I manage to stay busy!</p> <p>So, hang tight, I will be back to write about the last days of the trip—and then winning Two ribbons at the Livingston Art League’s annual art show on Saturday.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-13542940978741209362013-11-07T16:00:00.001-08:002013-11-07T16:00:51.911-08:00Nov. 7, 2013 – Almost home!<p>We are about 130 miles from home! Had we been 20 years younger, we could have continued on up to Livingston, but we aren’t—and we didn’t. Age has bestowed wisdom on us—why drive until 4 p.m. through rush-hour traffic and arrive exhausted??</p> <p>Yesterday we stopped early to visit Harrell and Tommie Sue’s new house in Bulverde, TX. It is located just off Hwy 46 around San Antonio, TX. Wow, what a nice place! They were so lucky to find this gem in the Hill Country:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aTqghgdTBUk/Unwpmc8acII/AAAAAAAACVk/7ZcsE7HIp_0/s1600-h/P1000958%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000958" border="0" alt="P1000958" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LQEGBw_TWQE/Unwpnf-RrhI/AAAAAAAACVs/lph1gvF01eI/P1000958_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="324"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hnue5Em0F7I/UnwpoUf38QI/AAAAAAAACV0/7wZFzbeugho/s1600-h/P1000961%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000961" border="0" alt="P1000961" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y9YvL7-H33Y/UnwppG7HgVI/AAAAAAAACV8/oUD4gGlE_Wo/P1000961_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="275"></a> </p> <p>Isn’t it nice? Their new house came with built-in pets—lots of deer! This morning, this guy was enjoying his breakfast just past their deck.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rhY6-RDFvW0/UnwppxepjaI/AAAAAAAACWE/OahJEtvxKMg/s1600-h/P1000966%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000966" border="0" alt="P1000966" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SIq2pR40Ge4/Unwpq6lRo3I/AAAAAAAACWM/9fN47zX_ybk/P1000966_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="355"></a> </p> <p> Down hunters, down! No guns allowed! These are pets!! (Not pests!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZrCnAoGrcgc/UnwprgO3fmI/AAAAAAAACWU/pDvmPjtyeRY/s1600-h/P1000962%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000962" border="0" alt="P1000962" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uZQeePRpxnc/Unwpsqg2ZnI/AAAAAAAACWc/nNHz_LdlBJ8/P1000962_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="337"></a> </p> <p>Don’t they look happy in their new house! We had a wonderful visit with Tommie Sue and Harrell and some of their friends who live in the areas. We all went to dinner at a place called Antlers. The food was some of the best food we have eaten in a restaurant all year! Larry was in heaven with his Chicken-Fried Steak dinner!! He has really missed that since we left last December.</p> <p>This morning we were finally able to get the truck and car car inspection stickers done in Spring Branch—so 2 of our 3 vehicles are done! Yippee. We tried in Junction, Segovia, and Bulverde yesterday with no luck. Each inspection station was either out of stickers—on the 6th of the month, ill employee, or wouldn’t do it on wet streets. It is a battle every year to find someone to do the inspection. Why? </p> <p>We are in Brookshire, TX, at Houston West RV Park for the night. We just have to get past the morning rush hour traffic coming into Katy and then pick up the toll-road around Houston for the last leg of the 2,000 mile trip! I estimated 10 days for the trip, but because we stopped to visit with friends, it will have taken 11 days—not bad for two old folks traveling East!</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-50682578284069144372013-11-05T15:45:00.001-08:002013-11-05T15:45:36.032-08:00Nov. 5, 2013 Stopping In Junction, TX, tonight.<p>Just a short note. We ran into rain and fog just before Ozona, TX. The weather report for the San Antonio area looked too iffy for us, so we pulled in to Junction, TX, to the North Llano River RV Park. It is a very nice park and we have started staying here coming and going through Texas. </p> <p>Tomorrow night we will be stopping in Bulverde, TX, to visit Harrell and Tommie Sue Hicks in their new home. We expect to do about 200 miles toward Houston the next day—stopping in Katy, TX.</p> <p>Then if all goes well, on to Livingston!! But, like all our plans, it is subject to change—due to any number of reasons, smile! Check back to see how far we get Thursday.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-5327884545062267472013-11-04T16:52:00.001-08:002013-11-04T16:52:55.701-08:00Nov. 4, 2013 – Fort Stockton, TX.<p>I wrote this morning from El Paso, TX. Today we drove about 260 miles to Fort Stockton and checked into the Comanche Land RV Park. Not much to look at, but full hook-ups for just $16.</p> <p>Here are some of the photos from the last few days:</p> <p>The desert is a dangerous place—for Saguaros at Holt’s Shell station. These snakes are about 6 ft. tall!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pbZdVVLF0Nk/UnhBPRWX85I/AAAAAAAACTo/mYmxLqEig2E/s1600-h/P1000936%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000936" border="0" alt="P1000936" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VgFYQezhhkw/UnhBQAtJ_cI/AAAAAAAACTw/_O3UBeqcOww/P1000936_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="276"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v0LEftGGNrM/UnhBQ7SyZNI/AAAAAAAACT4/X0feV60QEn0/s1600-h/P1000938%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000938" border="0" alt="P1000938" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W-1ZmqS6Lig/UnhBRwFRsgI/AAAAAAAACUA/oXLQEED8tns/P1000938_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="286"></a> </p> <p>Here we are parked in Cochise Terrace in Benson, AZ. And this is Don and Sharon’s beautiful spot.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n3q6wR8VZtY/UnhBStaIujI/AAAAAAAACUI/TRjl8OHvSAw/s1600-h/P1000939%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000939" border="0" alt="P1000939" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TbRCc4kTRXk/UnhBTTW8_6I/AAAAAAAACUQ/b0_qq_EDB_E/P1000939_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="283"></a> Their RV just barely clears the top—glad I don’t have to back it in. But Sharon is an instructor for the RV Driving School—so she has the skills to manage the task!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sV3YXGW8dbY/UnhBUDrXCVI/AAAAAAAACUY/dnS1htY5-8M/s1600-h/P1000942%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000942" border="0" alt="P1000942" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HNpmvTKxFv4/UnhBVEYb3KI/AAAAAAAACUg/RwIbaH4p4Qo/P1000942_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="285"></a> </p> <p>It rained during the night and I got up early to take some photos of the clouds. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--X05jy72Tfs/UnhBV_1bGxI/AAAAAAAACUo/bCjyvShSaOw/s1600-h/P1000943%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000943" border="0" alt="P1000943" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8wnwY8wOJrc/UnhBWYGl_XI/AAAAAAAACUw/vQRXNO_zaZ4/P1000943_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="316"></a> </p> <p> Texas Canyon with its beautiful rounded rock formations shaped by wind and water is one of my favorite spots along the I-10 corridor.. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zO43Dy8S44Y/UnhBXXQ_8dI/AAAAAAAACU4/KTcM0EpA9Fo/s1600-h/P1000950%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000950" border="0" alt="P1000950" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-68APcFBfm8w/UnhBYGU0SJI/AAAAAAAACVA/RkNVJ9xIlEw/P1000950_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="340"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--FHPHjUMov8/UnhBYxwpcvI/AAAAAAAACVI/DqujjGsX8Ek/s1600-h/P1000953%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000953" border="0" alt="P1000953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ik7V4KmHkTQ/UnhBZlI-b-I/AAAAAAAACVQ/rhKnIzm5vvc/P1000953_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304"></a> </p> <p>So many are perched precariously on top of each other, I don’t think I would like to be up there in a storm with strong winds! Watch out below!!</p> <p>One of the reasons I didn’t get to post on Sunday afternoon is that we had a small maintenance item—well, actually a big one! When I pulled of I-10 for the Anthony Flying J, I noticed the car seemed to jerk when I stopped at the light—and again after fueling. Once we got to the American RV Park, Larry took a look and noticed the ball on the stinger was lose. As he had just tightened it the day before because it felt lose when we hooked up, we decided a visit to share some money with Camping World was in order! I mean, who wants to lose a car in downtown El Paso???</p> <p>We picked up a new stinger and ball, but forgot that we had reversed it so it raised the ball, not dropped it two inches. Larry’s big tools to reverse the new one are in the storage locker in Antioch. Back in the car, back down the hill—return the first one and the only thing they had was a straight stinger with 3 different ball sizes. Bought that and new pins for the hitch and back to the campground to install. It is working great—and feels more stable than the old arrangement. </p> <p>Once the work was done, I had to go do a load of laundry which took a while—so it was dark and almost bedtime before I could post. And I was just too tired at that point—off to bed!</p> <p>RVing really is the art of adapting to new situations without a lot of cussing! Minor cussing allowed, but major cussing is reserved for medical issues—as they are the situations that really count in one’s life!</p> <p>Junction, TX, is our destination for tomorrow. </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-46126026277088179782013-11-04T05:17:00.001-08:002013-11-04T05:17:10.733-08:00Nov. 4, 2013 – Almost home in Texas, well--over half way there!<p>We are in Texas, but just at the border in Anthony, TX. We have about 800 miles to go in this 2,000 mile trip. </p> <p>We spent the previous night in Benson, AZ, where Sharon and Don Del Rosario call “home.” At least that is where they own a lot and storage shed, smile. We passed through Tucson early Sunday morning and then ran into a lot of wind. So, we decided to stop in Benson and wait til the following morning to pass through the AZ and NM dust-blowing areas. I have photos of the Del Rosario’s homestead, but I am short of time this morning. Will try to post this afternoon from Fort Stockton.</p> <p>We had a lovely visit with Don and Sharon and all went out to dinner at Pablo's in Benson. It was nice being able to spend some time hearing what wonderful adventures they had this summer.</p> <p>It rained in Benson and Lordsburg Sunday night, so we didn’t have any trouble with dust or the wind. However, instead of spending the night in Deming, NM, as planned, we decided we had to push on to make today a shorter trip of 250 miles. We stopped and ate our lunch while visiting with Jim and Penny Scott and continued on to Anthony, TX, to stay at the American RV Park just up behind Camping World.</p> <p>More on that later today. We are headed for Fort Stockton for tonight—a long haul for us on this trip—256 miles! Chat with you later today! </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-68947413459654232852013-11-02T13:07:00.001-07:002013-11-02T13:07:10.262-07:00Sat., Nov. 2, 2013 A long day’s drive to Benson, AZ.<p>Today was another short driving day. Yesterday we drove 60 miles from Gila Bend, AZ, to Casa Grande, AZ. I wanted to get closer to Tucson in order to go through the area between Casa Grande and Tucson early in the morning to avoid possible dust storms. We ran into a dust storm on the way out last December and it was very scary. If we needed a reminder of dust-storm dangers, which we didn’t really need, sixteen cars and trucks piled up Tuesday in that area resulting in 3 fatalities.</p> <p>And the best reason for the Casa Grande stop was to visit with long-time friends, Jerry and Mary Frye. They have a beautiful fifth wheel set up at Fiesta Grande RV Park for the winter season. We missed seeing them this summer in Poulsbo, WA, or on their way south, so it seemed as the perfect time to visit. We planned on going to the Elks’ Club, but I happened to notice Fiesta Grande was a Passport America park…perfect for us!</p> <p>The Fiesta Grande is a wonderful destination park for spending the winter season!! However, the traffic in the east end of Casa Grande, as well as the number of people in In & Out Burger and Wal-Mart is enough to send me running to QUIET Quartzsite—during the busy season in January! Wow, Wal-Mart felt like I was in an area for a popular concert or ball game—people every where! And it was Friday and before the busy Snow Bird season has started. Where did they all come from? </p> <p>We had a lovely visit with Mary and Jerry catching up on all the news and Mary fixed a delicious dinner for us. She is a outstanding cook! And the desert---ahhhhh. Let’s just say Carol fell off her “sweet-free life” again. It was a good fall----and I enjoyed every yummy bite!</p> <p>Today we are with long-time friends, Don and Sharon Del Rosario. We weren't sure we would stop as we wanted to get past the dust-blowing areas around Wilcox, AZ, and Lordsburg, NM. However, the wind picked up in Tucson and was blowing pretty good 25 miles west of Benson, so we stopped for the night and will get an early start—again—to get to Deming, NM, tomorrow. We did manage to drive about 90 miles today. </p> <p>Don and Sharon has have a beautiful RV lot in Cochise Terrace in Benson, AZ. They were able to borrow an absent neighbor’s lot for us for tonight. We are enjoying catching up on all their news. They live a much, much more active life that we do, smile. Fun to live vicariously through their adventures. Several years ago, Sharon showed me how to blog and started me on my path to long-winded posts. Blame Sharon if you are tired of reading what we do, smile.</p> <p>Photos tomorrow of this area. We are moving—just really, really slow. It is okay, that is what retirement life is all about. </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-70869378220180151272013-11-01T08:04:00.001-07:002013-11-01T08:04:35.287-07:00October 31, 2013 Happy Halloween from Gila Bend, AZ<p>We made it out of California this morning! The last 20 miles involved driving on new-graveled highway—what a mess! I was afraid we might have coated the front of the car, but it was fine when I stopped to check.</p> <p>We are at Holt’s Shell Station and RV park for tonight at the crossroads of I-8 and Butterfield Trail in Gila Bend, AZ.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ab1R8lzAOrA/UnPC2mKNfiI/AAAAAAAACSA/oQYhCtPLQHs/s1600-h/P10009264.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000926" border="0" alt="P1000926" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vbdSsWFnkno/UnPC3SOjuKI/AAAAAAAACSI/nVLsrpQWR5M/P1000926_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="230"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p6TbUC-bOnU/UnPC4ek0ToI/AAAAAAAACSQ/32Hr59Rsios/s1600-h/P10009243.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000924" border="0" alt="P1000924" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FS1ieeCRl-I/UnPC5K_1lVI/AAAAAAAACSY/lVNc1CkQB50/P1000924_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="286"></a> </p> <p>The desert air is crisp and feels so inviting. I have missed it. We have the air conditioner running instead of the heater. I expect the heater will be on tomorrow morning as mornings are a bit too chilly for Larry.</p> <p>This place is interesting. In addition to a Shell fuel station for autos and big trucks and a RV park, it offers free water and dump station to desert campers as well as a touch of Mexico for shoppers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TQqqfZusWFI/UnPC6OkCO0I/AAAAAAAACSg/ItB-9mLjUUg/s1600-h/P10009283.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000928" border="0" alt="P1000928" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kuMOIRwh66A/UnPC68WrygI/AAAAAAAACSk/tymC2TxHVhs/P1000928_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304"></a> </p> <p>And for those who want to shop in Mexico without crossing the border, here you go:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--wHDsc4T2wo/UnPC786gYnI/AAAAAAAACSw/SSzr5lVXmp4/s1600-h/P10009294.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000929" border="0" alt="P1000929" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UZkIsjF5Bis/UnPC87OUR3I/AAAAAAAACS4/5tW_A2TIl28/P1000929_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="396"></a></p> <p>Didn’t see your heart’s desire? Walk around the corner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JWryNm5epp4/UnPC9l1uuJI/AAAAAAAACTA/jrFuZmlWwHI/s1600-h/P10009314.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000931" border="0" alt="P1000931" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NEyk-Jlj2EE/UnPC-sb-HuI/AAAAAAAACTI/PZIgHag6F_c/P1000931_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="341"></a> </p> <p>I wanted to adopt this flower, but it was $129. A bit beyond my budget!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rtZMxZYV3vM/UnPC_QahiHI/AAAAAAAACTQ/DcGbvhtyXto/s1600-h/P10009323.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000932" border="0" alt="P1000932" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bDCGSALiXYw/UnPDAWq_8ZI/AAAAAAAACTY/p4Nmt-UyZwc/P1000932_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="384"></a> </p> <p>It’s five foot tall and would have added some life to our yard in Texas! Well it was fun looking, but I don’t have ANY room in the truck, camper or car for “treasures.” We are loaded to the brim!</p> <p>Tomorrow night we are going to live in a bit of luxury at the Fiesta Grande RV Resort in Casa Grande. Our friends Mary and Jerry are there for the winter season. I noticed it was a Passport America park and called for one night’s reservation. It is a super nice park! It is fun to splurge once in a while! More tomorrow night. </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-59312011057621862142013-10-30T19:56:00.001-07:002013-10-30T19:56:48.512-07:00October 30, 2013 -- --In Needles, CA, for tonight.<p>We had an interesting thing happen last night in Bakersfield, CA. We went to bed around 9 p.m. and when we woke up at 11 for the first of the “nightly old-age calls,” we discovered our electricity was off. Weird? The first thought I had, cynic that I am, was that possibly someone was up to “no good” and waiting to see if we would come out and check why the power was off. Just in case, we didn’t respond. It really isn’t the best part of town and we didn’t need to be outside in the dark.</p> <p>So, we just went back to bed and decided to check it in the morning—as the refrigerator had cycled over to gas and was working fine. Someone could have caused the power outage by pulling the plug or flipping the breaker switch, or it could be trouble with plug or our cord. At 5 a.m., I decided I needed to see if it was our plug or something in the camper—which would mean a trip to Camping World and Larry could sleep in until 8 a.m. (Figured it was safe by then. If someone had hoped to lure us out, who would stay around all night??) </p> <p>I went out and looked at the breaker and it was off? I flipped it and we had power—giving Larry nice warm heat when it was time to get up. Went back in and back to bed for another hour.</p> <p>We were up and on the road by 8, a great time to climb up Tehachapi Pass. We drove to Barstow for fuel and then on to Needles, CA, Elks’ Club. We expect a much quieter night here. Tomorrow we head for Gila Bend, AZ. Tonight was decision night of going I-40 or I-10. There is some ice warning up on I-40 for the next day or so—so I-10 and possible dust storms wins. We will move from Gila Bend to Casa Grande, AZ for a night to get an early run through the Tucson area to try to beat the winds. If windy, we will delay another day. Those dust storms are really terrifying!</p> <p>So, until tomorrow night—good night.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-55424412074458169202013-10-29T17:19:00.001-07:002013-10-29T17:19:45.953-07:00October 29, 2013 Parked in Bakersfield, CA<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AGLOEGMvUhY/UnBQIut5tvI/AAAAAAAACPA/F_2m-O5Im-E/s1600-h/P1000923%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000923" border="0" alt="P1000923" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yXyLO9AeR-4/UnBQY1T4eFI/AAAAAAAACPI/3EtyDONbHVw/P1000923_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="309"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D5CCz72IU5I/UnBQjEPj4mI/AAAAAAAACPQ/aP0Dnm3tQwY/s1600-h/P1000922%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000922" border="0" alt="P1000922" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xKdgigFQ5G8/UnBQnucIGcI/AAAAAAAACPY/vqG0bEw7FM4/P1000922_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="316"></a> </p> <p>The Lodge RV parking area is much to brag about, but it gives us a place to spend the night with electric hook-ups—and we stop here on a regular basis. We find it convenient to stop and spend the night and carry on the next day—with the ability to run the A/C or heater. What’s not to like?</p> <p>We had a smooth ride down I-5, but I didn’t take any photos as the air was quite dusty-looking all day. Earlier today, It rained here in Bakersfield and we expect there may be a smattering of snow when we go up Tehachapi Pass tomorrow morning. </p> <p>We are heading to Needles, CA, for tomorrow night. Slow but at least forward moving……Good night.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-42905853538382005542013-10-28T19:09:00.001-07:002013-10-28T19:09:58.587-07:00October 28, 2013 -- Going to try it again….<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s_yUqeDiuZc/Um8WSvgBE8I/AAAAAAAACOY/_w0sDfK7U50/s1600-h/P1000915%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000915" border="0" alt="P1000915" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rjuOhH0QCPI/Um8W15wLW1I/AAAAAAAACOg/1hqeQJezRe0/P1000915_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="291"></a> </p> <p>We have been here at <a href="http://www.sugarbarge.com/">Sugar Barge Resort</a> for a month. We enjoy our time here in this beautiful park. We enjoy the wonderful staff—they are friendly, outgoing and helpful. The laundry room is clean and neat—it’s easy to do our laundry here. It has everything going for it—I enjoy walking in the evenings because I feel safe. I have even did a bit of weeding just to keep my hands busy—but it is time to try and head for Texas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5w_QhbBTeJ0/Um8Ytt4lA5I/AAAAAAAACOo/pQCnPaOsnik/s1600-h/P10009184.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000918" border="0" alt="P1000918" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SlTjFfj2tog/Um8Y42RtU7I/AAAAAAAACOw/I84OnaD7Ytg/P1000918_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="305"></a> </p> <p>We really enjoy being on “rally row.” This road was filled this weekend with Elks’ Club members from Chico. They were just one of many clubs holding rallies in Sugar Barge. I enjoy visiting with the visitors—they have interesting stories. But, it is still time to head south and east! We have had wonderful weather most of the time. A bit of wind now and then—but it is still time to head out.</p> <p>Larry’s blood pressure is back into the safe range. The doctor added two more doses of his current medicine and over time, it seemed to help. He added a daily walk into his routine again. We stopped eating out so I could control his sodium intake—which helped too. So, unless something else happens in the next 24 hours, we are heading out. </p> <p>The car is packed again—for the fourth time. The camper is washed—and tomorrow morning, we cut out electrical, water and sewer ties to Sugar Barge Resort and head to Bakersfield. We are only about 5 weeks behind schedule!</p> <p>Keep tuned to see how our trip goes—as we will post every other night as we creep along toward Livingston, TX. </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-13964572567164451142013-09-26T20:02:00.001-07:002013-09-28T08:43:58.306-07:00Sept. 26, 2013, On the move again…but not far!We left Salem, OR, with plans of heading for Texas the day after we saw our doctors.<br />
We had a quiet two-night run from Salem to Antioch, CA. We stopped early the first day in The Valley of the Rogue State Park, where the scenery is beautiful and the weather was very mild. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived at the Redding, CA, Elks’ Club the next day, the temperature was 103. We were lucky—as it had been 106 the day before. That’s a bit too warm for me!<br />
Apparently rice does well in warm weather—as we passed miles of rice paddies north of Sacramento, CA. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NoZ4JNr8zYY/UkTzJHWwFGI/AAAAAAAACNE/FmJX9d5y77c/s1600-h/P1000873%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000873" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-srFWWfMJRKg/UkTzV_WRjHI/AAAAAAAACNM/dRruFnsXcmY/P1000873_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000873" width="459" /></a> <br />
A few fields were still green, but most of the rice paddies had already been harvested.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1DJzWMAvTmk/UkTzW6Tn5iI/AAAAAAAACNU/DfYq8Bu5iow/s1600-h/P1000877%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000877" border="0" height="345" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_pr-39a9Upc/UkTz_ObtXbI/AAAAAAAACNc/scClUrgGXQo/P1000877_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000877" width="439" /></a> <br />
We pulled into the Antioch Fairground RV Park and made ourselves at home, such as it is:<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eV5RGb8VrKQ/UkT0GKvLOwI/AAAAAAAACNo/ynSIYyNh9A4/s1600-h/P1000907%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000907" border="0" height="325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qz0qthsZphg/UkT0LkegOTI/AAAAAAAACNw/J6buBOeGBYc/P1000907_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000907" width="426" /></a> <br />
The Antioch area is suffering some severe crime events—including a murder on the fair grounds just three nights before we arrived. Twice we heard gun fire during the night. What is more perplexing is the lack of sirens afterwards—it appears no one bothers to call the Police Department—located just four blocks from the fairground. It wasn’t the best of times! The worst assault was on our ears: a five-hour Rap Concert held just behind the RV park. It was LOUD and it was disgusting! I have never heard so many swear words so loud and so often. No wonder the kids are killing each other—they are being egged on toward violence in their music. It actually was a blessing when the stock-car races started as the roaring cars—just off to the left in the photo, were quieter than the disgusting rap music we had endured from noon to 5 pm. We just smiled at each with the race noises!<br />
We thought we would be leaving for Texas on the 20th—the day after we were finished with doctor appointments. Wrong! Larry’s blood pressure had been climbing over the past month—until we realized it was just too high to start east. We decided to hang on until Sunday, the 22nd—and then Wednesday—in the hope it would level out. We emailed his kidney doctor to see what we could do to bring it down into a safer level. When she emailed back on Wednesday that we needed to adjust his current dosage for a week—and then add two more pills if that didn’t work—we called our favorite resort, Sugar Barge RV Park, and made a month’s reservation. We are looking at least two week’s delay if her readjustment of his Terazosin works or 3 or 4 if she has to add or change one of his BP meds.<br />
<a href="http://sugarbarge.com/">Sugar Barge</a> is beautiful and so much quieter—no gunshots waking us up at 2 a.m. I can walk in the evening—without having to keep an eye on the road outside the fairground watching for cars slowing down to do us harm. So, I reluctantly cancelled our plans to be back in Livingston for the annual Fun Fest celebration. I had signed up to help with event cashiers and market day to sell my pottery. Some very nice friends have picked up my slack and will make sure the cashiers are there to sell dinner and lunch tickets! Thank you Joan Anderson, Sherry King, Joyce Houck and Beth and Wayne Roberts. You are the best!! Now if I could get someone to display and sell my pottery bowls, ha ha!<br />
Tomorrow I will unload the car and run to the storage shed to put some stuff back in and to pick up the patio chairs. We were ready to go—everything was packed! And now we are on hold—until Larry’s blood pressure is back in the safe range. Darn, and double darn. There goes those plans—again and again! And that is what RVing—and getting older—is all about. Our plans are written in the sands of the Sahara—and can change with a soft breeze! I had to remind myself—when we kept trying to make it work to get to Texas in time—when you are stuck in a hole and trying to get out—stop digging! It could be so much worse—this is just another hick-up in our lives, not a major event. We always have next year to make Fun Fest!<br />
Meanwhile, I can help my sister by stringing more beads for her necklaces. A good therapy for impatient hands! This is just part of her bead stash!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Snrwz4cofwo/UkT1WIkmF0I/AAAAAAAACN8/OVR0_QxQXfw/s1600-h/P1000906%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000906" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qbqjZT8Zjgs/UkT1WznV7yI/AAAAAAAACOE/BfUSeI-hG_E/P1000906_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000906" width="484" /></a> <br />
So, until my next post, think of my eyes getting blurry and my clumsy fingers threading beads onto wire—in a labor of love! If I didn’t love her, I wouldn’t be doing this, smile!<br />
Happy travels—for some of you! Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-39571494882565684052013-09-07T12:33:00.001-07:002013-09-10T13:47:50.552-07:00Sept. 7, 2013 Saying Good-bye to Salem, OR.After a great summer in Salem, OR, it is now time to pack up and head south for the winter.<br>I spent a lot of time at the Willamette Art Center. I want to thank Karin (class instructor), Ken, Lee, Kate, Jim, Pat, Sue, Nikki (who fired the gas kiln), Jan, Jeanette, and all the other potters who generously shared their tips—and lots of laughs--with me. It was pure heaven being able to “talk clay” with so many talented and creative potters! I learned so much—a bit here and there from everyone at the W.A.C. The Salem community is very lucky to have such a wonderful resource in their midst!! <br>I have carefully packed away 8 bowls that are coming home with me—here are two:<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D2WiZ0M4dnE/Uit_L6OmrrI/AAAAAAAACJM/6sReB_XSZN0/s1600-h/P1000855%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000855" border="0" alt="P1000855" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nZouQQcnWHA/Uit_MoToD7I/AAAAAAAACJU/7QNJpCiHZpI/P1000855_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K9bDFr101pQ/Uit_NrydfCI/AAAAAAAACJc/qco9A-WnPWI/s1600-h/P1000856%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000856" border="0" alt="P1000856" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8t-SiBjEs5Y/Uit_OrVF3RI/AAAAAAAACJk/xEguWhSoito/P1000856_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" height="190"></a> <br>The blue bowls are a new concept and the Ohata Red/White bowl is a glaze I used in Hawaii in the 1980s. Many of the glazes did not work out—so they aren’t coming with us, ha ha.<br>We did a raku firing on the last class day:<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8iLS4KWQ4EU/Uit_PRfq4AI/AAAAAAAACJs/XhVGqTd8dxM/s1600-h/P1000765%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000765" border="0" alt="P1000765" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_zueJEces80/Uit_QK9TFrI/AAAAAAAACJ0/jPHmtF4cuGE/P1000765_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="311"></a><br>That metal pipe at the bottom shoots a gas fired flame into the kiln—after the fiberglass shield is dropped down over the base.<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hLcq0K1I1oo/Uit_Q5xONpI/AAAAAAAACJ8/5I1AlHnONFc/s1600-h/P1000779%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000779" border="0" alt="P1000779" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RA5oGy-sZuo/Uit_SHqrCPI/AAAAAAAACKE/EJJnztE7EK0/P1000779_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="298"></a><br>Yikes! The fiberglass is lifted when the correct temperature is reached. Those pots are about 1700 degrees! I stood back to take photos—too hot for me!!<br> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KaWqtWhOe8g/Uit_TLl4k7I/AAAAAAAACKM/i2sibRqO_Lw/s1600-h/P1000768%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000768" border="0" alt="P1000768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KbwkKsEsCFI/Uit_UoSma_I/AAAAAAAACKU/WnGNTIb4Zwc/P1000768_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="300"></a> <br>Kate applied her horse’s hair to her “HOT” vase to create a horse-hair glaze effect. Yes, it smells—but the effect is beautiful.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ICA1bhmX7-Y/Uit_XeARFII/AAAAAAAACKc/q8-RSRQpAmA/s1600-h/P1000773%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000773" border="0" alt="P1000773" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m8xiJWgB5vg/Uit_YI_PHWI/AAAAAAAACKk/ctvSzxziSWc/P1000773_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310"></a> <br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-76UUfdS5__k/Uit_Y7pbxZI/AAAAAAAACKs/K1kw0cmX_BM/s1600-h/P1000796%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000796" border="0" alt="P1000796" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1_wpn9GJPOA/Uit_ZcMiziI/AAAAAAAACK0/VwID2jCBy0c/P1000796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="304"></a> <br>The hot glazed pots are placed in a container filled with shredded newspaper or leaves, etc. to create a fire—which blackens the unglazed areas. This is my bowl. Raku fired bowls are always a surprise! <br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hpcYhN5Tnf4/Uit_aMjNepI/AAAAAAAACK8/SphexkCpDLk/s1600-h/P1000799%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000799" border="0" alt="P1000799" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jK_N_Esqa8s/Uit_apKN0LI/AAAAAAAACLE/4UIPO1SaqDE/P1000799_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319"></a> <br>As we planned on being here for 3 months, I wanted to get involved and do some volunteer work, so I joined Salem Elks’ Club # 336. (Larry is a 20-yr. member of Los Banos, CA Elks.) To keep in shape, I started weeding the flower beds around the building, as well as helped at a few functions. As I told Brenda Holm, the Exalted Ruler, “My hands are available to be of use, but brain not included.” I wanted to help, but not take charge of anything, smile. <br> Imagine my surprise at being given this honor on August 22, 2013:<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G12VrfAmpA8/Uit_bfX-fRI/AAAAAAAACLM/6iesi4wCVe4/s1600-h/P1000866%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000866" border="0" alt="P1000866" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rD04ZAcTKXo/Uit_b7C5CcI/AAAAAAAACLU/JCDjRCkBtrw/P1000866_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="201" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sh8CPJ_mS6A/Uit_ci93cbI/AAAAAAAACLc/3jawso4NWXY/s1600-h/P1000867%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000867" border="0" alt="P1000867" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JyAm_XbKt70/Uit_dE0QQ_I/AAAAAAAACLk/FZ7l0KnpcZ8/P1000867_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="244"></a> <br>Wow, I was blown away with the announcement! I felt like I had been paid already with the satisfaction of lending a helping hand—so this was just frosting on the cake.<br>Some other things we did were:<br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KbyeNm0SeYU/Uit_djXLLeI/AAAAAAAACLs/PTMO8dn_XIo/s1600-h/P1000804%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000804" border="0" alt="P1000804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X927-64X62o/Uit_eSPT4wI/AAAAAAAACL0/vBYtJtvrbr8/P1000804_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="295"></a> <br>We made a few visits to Willamette Valley Fruit Company for a treat as well as numerous market stands to buy fresh tomatoes—for yummy bacon and tomato sandwiches. <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yYqSk9ptgWM/Uit_e8_FX8I/AAAAAAAACL8/Vyk-37ibm0c/s1600-h/P1000758%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000758" border="0" alt="P1000758" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pfPN4qYgLpU/Uit_fSsqEjI/AAAAAAAACME/0g6ys6QDwTo/P1000758_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="311"></a> <br>We splurged and had prime-rib dinner at the lodge! Yes, it was yummy too!<br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jKm6SGaAwjc/Uit_gIn4xiI/AAAAAAAACMM/-w3MuLV8LpE/s1600-h/P1000862%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000862" border="0" alt="P1000862" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k8bSGKxinns/Uit_gjAKkUI/AAAAAAAACMU/L2cnXyZd6IA/P1000862_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="311"></a><br>Larry wants a trailer instead of the camper, so a neighbor walked me through hooking up a pull-trailer to show I could do it. He even offered to let me hook up his trailer for him--for practice; what a great friend, ha ha. Thanks, Mike! Still not sure I can do it, but did see it wasn’t as difficult as I expected. Stay tuned to see what happens this winter!<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tmor690KWZU/Uit_hd35zII/AAAAAAAACMc/UAM7WedPEPE/s1600-h/P1000813%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000813" border="0" alt="P1000813" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6_X2TNtO4Ug/Uit_iKLcBcI/AAAAAAAACMk/WnPgzVzjoKk/P1000813_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="305"></a> <br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lyuXysGo8Qw/Uit_i3wFRQI/AAAAAAAACMs/uguvI9LWEhg/s1600-h/P1000815%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1000815" border="0" alt="P1000815" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--AvPqD3XFQc/Uit_jZv4Y9I/AAAAAAAACM0/GygUZvynuBc/P1000815_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="305"></a> <br>And we rode around the country side. And day after day slid by while we were enjoying ourselves! About a week ago, we realized it summer was almost over—and time to do some “packing up” work! And just about then—I came down with the flu or a nasty cold! Sore throat, chills and fever, sinus pain, chest congestion, and plugged ears—GREAT! I lost the last two weeks—and Larry held out for 10 days before he got sick! The couple that lives together—in a shoebox—cough together! <br>This has been one of the best summers in many years! We were surrounded with friendly neighbors and new friends here at the lodge, we contributed to good works, and my creative needs were fed by the welcoming, creative potters of WAC. It just doesn’t get any better than this summer in Salem!<br>We expect to be healthy enough to drive out of the wonderful Salem Elks’ Club on Monday, September 9th. We are headed to Antioch for doctor appointments and then hope to head for Texas for a few months. The Livingston house feels lonely and probably needs a ton of work—costing two tons of gold—just normal stuff! Stay tuned as we explore old roads—again! Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-61137696945565529662013-07-13T17:33:00.001-07:002013-07-13T17:33:11.392-07:00July 13, 2013 Oregon’s delightful summer season<p>Here are a few photos to get you in a summer mood:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6c-85Hmu9to/UeHxnhgqTbI/AAAAAAAACGk/wWCwQXMnheA/s1600-h/P1000712%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000712" border="0" alt="P1000712" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h2YGrIzicBM/UeHxoSXcX5I/AAAAAAAACGs/WD6tok6VANY/P1000712_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="357"></a> </p> <p>And to go with a warm, lazy summer day, you need this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-peRgai9d3gs/UeHxo4i2mgI/AAAAAAAACG0/iab7CsnZY90/s1600-h/P1000731%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000731" border="0" alt="P1000731" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mo9zIPpXkso/UeHxpB6v7wI/AAAAAAAACG8/Mh4pvRSWkkU/P1000731_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> </p> <p>I mean, really, can it get any better? Even two spoons for sharing!</p> <p>We took another drive out into Indiana, Wisconsin and other Midwest states today. We found a place to buy berries, ripe delicious berries—but it wasn’t the place I was looking for. So we continued searching the back roads around eastern Salem and found the place someone told me to try:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Dm9GgBX_88/UeHxpuuQi4I/AAAAAAAACHE/mq4-zN5pVdg/s1600-h/P1000728%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000728" border="0" alt="P1000728" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z61mvihRDXc/UeHxqKg-uEI/AAAAAAAACHM/7-S2Jqr5C6c/P1000728_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="349"></a></p> <p>It is called the Willamette Valley Fruit Co. on 82nd Ave., out in amongst the other farms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XGkUqtylD4g/UeHxqu9AJXI/AAAAAAAACHU/hL2OKib5KJU/s1600-h/P1000729%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000729" border="0" alt="P1000729" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-22-DqFwfvao/UeHxrDctMBI/AAAAAAAACHc/QXSj42LXu9s/P1000729_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="350"></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p>All I can say is, “Yum yum.” They sell fresh and frozen pies as well as other fruit products. I am going back for frozen strawberries. We had other wandering plans for the day, so I didn’t buy them today. We did splurge on the strawberry shortcake for $3.50 with two spoons. It was my fall from grace; I stopped eating cookies, candy, cakes and other goodies 90 days ago. If you have to fall, a strawberry shortcake is the place to land; it was as yummy as it looked!</p> <p>On to other fun things. This is where I have been getting dirty for the past six weeks:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nlFMK3XUXbo/UeHxrvnzXUI/AAAAAAAACHk/qcaDrllh3V0/s1600-h/P1000716%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000716" border="0" alt="P1000716" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2mC2BzqRQs/UeHxsF2CyTI/AAAAAAAACHs/eq8Z00-peqo/P1000716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="347"></a> </p> <p>The pottery wheels and glazing areas are a lot more sophisticated than my little shop:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vEzP6hh55Rg/UeHxskRxndI/AAAAAAAACH0/mfIqCGi-Xs8/s1600-h/P1000718%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000718" border="0" alt="P1000718" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yXn6n3M7NPs/UeHxtG3sUZI/AAAAAAAACH8/VlPUfb8F8I8/P1000718_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="354"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hfM7L7Wg5Qs/UeHxts08K-I/AAAAAAAACIE/S1nPYKljECk/s1600-h/P1000720%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000720" border="0" alt="P1000720" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PYiDOiDdrCA/UeHxuIEydGI/AAAAAAAACIM/KlDMBtZgWlo/P1000720_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360"></a> </p> <p>The Art Center is filled with very talented potters and I love looking at their different ways of expressing their creativity. I am soaking up lots of new ideas. I hope we are able to spend next summer in Salem so I can return and learn more. In addition to clay, the Art Center also has a blown glass studio—which would be a fun class to take next year too. I don’t want to stick the glass in the glory hole—scary—but would enjoy learning how it is done.</p> <p>Here at the Elks Club, there was a dedication Tuesday morning with Salem Mayor Anna Peterson. The Lodge installed a bench beside the sidewalk to benefit walkers. (The Mayor is wearing the print dress.) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LKklaIO1WUQ/UeHxumlSMrI/AAAAAAAACIU/h6U85N-Bf3c/s1600-h/P1000724%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000724" border="0" alt="P1000724" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RT-hGyIPk90/UeHxvXG5-yI/AAAAAAAACIY/vXPlOVKCqCI/P1000724_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363"></a> </p> <p>On another note, we often complain when someone has done us wrong. I need to trumpet that a company did us right!</p> <p>I found <a href="http://www.suttonrv.com/">George M. Sutton RV</a> in Eugene, OR, listed on the internet when I was looking for Arctic Fox trailers. They had a 29 foot fifth wheel on the lot and we drove down to see it. Jesse Davenport and Chris Barnum took turns showing us the different stock and did not pressure us in the least. We went off to lunch to think about the beautiful Arctic Fox 29 and decided we could make it work for us. We went back and put a deposit down on the trailer. It was beautiful inside and out! We were so happy with our choice.</p> <p>Unfortunately, during the night, I had a melt-down after trying to figure how to get the trailer out of Oregon before the winter weather made travel unsafe for us. I just couldn’t figure out how to get the car and truck/camper to TX! Friends would let us park the camper in Alturas, CA, for the winter but I didn’t want to leave the car there—as it gets down to 20-30 below zero. There were some other logistics difficulties in storing the Arctic Fox here at the lodge for seven moths until we could get back up here. I had second thoughts of my ability to hook up the trailer and do all the other things involved in RVing. All in all, I decided this just wasn’t going to work for us at this time. We talked it over and decided to withdraw our purchase, even if it meant losing our deposit.</p> <p>After a sleepless night, I emailed the salesmen and explained our dilemma. Chris called and told me he would check to see what he could do. We talked again around noon and he said, “Come pick up your check. It is okay, we don’t keep deposits here!” What a thoughtful and moral RV company! We drove back to Eugene and canceled the purchase and received our un-cashed check. Friends, if you ever want to buy a trailer—come to George M. Sutton RV on 2400 West 7th Ave., Eugene, OR to deal with a truly reputable company! They are heads above other RV dealers!</p> <p>So, we are back to summer pursuits again:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tpPbJReJ7sE/UeHxv7cedMI/AAAAAAAACIg/6LggqBfNpsk/s1600-h/P1000708%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000708" border="0" alt="P1000708" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2bRSMQiOdIY/UeHxwZoszyI/AAAAAAAACIs/rNvARCBUgJ0/P1000708_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310"></a> </p> <p>This is what folks do living the simple life without RV awnings. And this is what people do when they don’t want to leave home without EVERYTHING! Yes, he is towing the car!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IMksLukJV6E/UeHxw0A7hsI/AAAAAAAACI0/vDxxZisAaQc/s1600-h/P1000727%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000727" border="0" alt="P1000727" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tQoj7ns91fc/UeHxxv8ZLKI/AAAAAAAACI8/k1JDfTaf_2k/P1000727_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="355"></a></p> <p>I hope your life falls somewhere in between—with enough to feel comfortable and yet, not so much it becomes work! I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer season. Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies while you can. We are!</p></p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-17109336854338810632013-07-02T19:52:00.001-07:002013-07-02T19:52:18.909-07:00July 2, 2013, Salem, OR--Views of the Midwest<p>Yes, it is hot in Salem too. Not as hot as other places in the country where we hear numbers that are on a toaster oven--like 110 degrees, but we are enduring the 90s in this part of the country. With the humidity, it means running the air conditioner from about 9 a.m. until midnight. </p> <p>One great point of being in Salem is the temperatures cool down after sunset and we wake up to comfortable temperatures. I love the early morning coolness and thank my lucky stars that we are here in beautiful Oregon.</p> <p>We try to have a weekly drive around the Salem country side. The views transport me to other places we have visited in the past—such as Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Here are a few views of the Midwest:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e8RZODxNd48/UdORQZumJzI/AAAAAAAACDM/RpVm_vMNQsc/s1600-h/P1000662%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000662" border="0" alt="P1000662" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sK2CLzy6ux8/UdORRdAgSXI/AAAAAAAACDU/9iJQglwtCdA/P1000662_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="388"></a></p> <p>Is this a Wisconsin barn? Or did we see it in Iowa? </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GQiovNFmdc4/UdORSl0eNZI/AAAAAAAACDc/KzL9IzYjEaI/s1600-h/P1000651%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000651" border="0" alt="P1000651" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0w9DH6COkBg/UdORTluB-SI/AAAAAAAACDk/Dk-I76Y7QmQ/P1000651_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="281"></a> </p> <p>I swear I saw this scene in Indiana! (And, no, it is not a golf course!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-54H1yfif86o/UdORUjhWScI/AAAAAAAACDs/WHZtvT-OvtE/s1600-h/P1000664%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000664" border="0" alt="P1000664" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N5Q01ojwiFw/UdORWuywIaI/AAAAAAAACD0/S1iHc_sqbDU/P1000664_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="249"></a> </p> <p>And this view….</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I24jZ4rac_o/UdORYoO9IgI/AAAAAAAACD8/8cPFGVok1X0/s1600-h/P1000647%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000647" border="0" alt="P1000647" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rY8OvAHpjJQ/UdORZjAr9wI/AAAAAAAACEE/kAJmTSglaVI/P1000647_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="320"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rkK-iXKiw5I/UdORawTVfaI/AAAAAAAACEM/54aM4YNKoBQ/s1600-h/P1000648%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000648" border="0" alt="P1000648" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YZL944jMFAE/UdORcCTUFdI/AAAAAAAACEU/7ExOmeg2s-w/P1000648_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="319"></a> </p> <p>Like Indiana’s Amish households with their fruit stands, many Oregon farms have produce for sale. And it is yummy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kv9--khk2dY/UdORdG_kTNI/AAAAAAAACEc/axc70dhZ9F8/s1600-h/P1000677%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000677" border="0" alt="P1000677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KiazBMVLoRs/UdOReAcybkI/AAAAAAAACEk/kjFT8_VWh4s/P1000677_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="349"></a> </p> <p>These fresh berries are sweet--no sugar needed! (I swear I never thought I could say that, ha ha.)</p> <p>Meanwhile, we have been busy with activities here at the Elk’s Club and my pottery classes.</p> <p>The Salem Elks Club hosted their annual car show. The owners show off their restored “antique” vehicles and some of us reminisce about dating in these cars—when they were just “used” cars—not antiques. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GGoHxXLgRoY/UdORhNd2O0I/AAAAAAAACEs/yNFR5xQneT4/s1600-h/P1000694%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000694" border="0" alt="P1000694" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O73D9RGErIs/UdORkMhhKjI/AAAAAAAACE0/H3oyRV-X6vg/P1000694_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="289"></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aLov9JpWESc/UdORmvZxYzI/AAAAAAAACE8/-iwimEuGamI/s1600-h/P1000691%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000691" border="0" alt="P1000691" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t-mvTK0DsPg/UdORntXWxVI/AAAAAAAACFE/GzLsOQ64lhI/P1000691_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="325"></a></p> <p>The show attracted about 40 vehicles. The cars from the late fifties looked like big boats compared to our smaller cars today..</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kDx691zkGE/UdORpRgLPdI/AAAAAAAACFM/DDayVdE0Ay0/s1600-h/P1000692%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000692" border="0" alt="P1000692" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OC5u95JLwpM/UdORrHWi3OI/AAAAAAAACFU/drGTvn-Y5rc/P1000692_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="315"></a></p> <p>We saw these three cars pass us on the road in Molalla and followed them to take a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8mzu0Zy1Q8Y/UdORs6OIg8I/AAAAAAAACFc/mRYzTXE4hiE/s1600-h/P1000673%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000673" border="0" alt="P1000673" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GkG1pa4blJw/UdORut-L88I/AAAAAAAACFk/OHgMYR4oOrs/P1000673_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="316"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jgw-eMmXPSg/UdORwFqHa_I/AAAAAAAACFs/31BH2xZ61sk/s1600-h/P1000669%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000669" border="0" alt="P1000669" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vpi5MP7iH8k/UdORxgUiTcI/AAAAAAAACF0/WCvH53JixYg/P1000669_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319"></a> </p> <p>The three 1929 Speedsters were on a road rally. Each car was restored by the driver. They offered to take a photo of me in the white car, but I declined; the cars were cute enough on their own--without me in it. </p> <p>This next photo is for my friend Marge—a picture of the Willamette River as it passes the town of Independence, OR. Here is the boat launch in the middle of town.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FcCB1-nmjI4/UdORzOUQLMI/AAAAAAAACF8/5ExK2COlUl8/s1600-h/P1000704%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000704" border="0" alt="P1000704" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TvAtuxAJmqs/UdOR0iffE6I/AAAAAAAACGE/b-b62fanaUE/P1000704_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="339"></a> </p> <p>And here is the Molalla River ferry landing in Canby, OR. Don’t you just love the green water rivers in Oregon? Texas rivers tend to be dirt-brown colored.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-plLCG96bOKs/UdOR2IcLYrI/AAAAAAAACGM/vQrCI52kuzg/s1600-h/P1000675%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000675" border="0" alt="P1000675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nkqdym5CMZ0/UdOR4HD-6PI/AAAAAAAACGU/AV_gABGTsUQ/P1000675_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="348"></a></p> <p>It is fun exploring the country side, but you need to come visit yourself—to absorb the beauty of this state. </p> <p>We hope you have found a comfortable place to be during this hot summer. Stay cool and look forward to Fall weather—coming soon to a place near you.</p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-67177547144532694422013-06-03T20:38:00.001-07:002013-06-03T20:38:06.420-07:00June 3, 2013 In Salem, OR, for the Summer Season.<p>I am going to do a bit of catch-up blogging. We did the Antioch, CA, to Salem, OR, trip in three nights. See, I said we were slowing down. First night we stopped in Redding, CA, at the Elks’ Club so we could visit some long-time friends, Jack and Nancy Reed. We met them camping at Lake Shasta, just north of Redding, about 40 years ago. As they were busy during the day, we took a side trip up to Whiskeytown Lake.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LCPNtEeYH5w/Ua1gvSMEIcI/AAAAAAAACAQ/djPpOgsfSaY/s1600-h/P1000590%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000590" border="0" alt="P1000590" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jfvaf5oZh3w/Ua1gwFuw81I/AAAAAAAACAY/mvYiMyyn6x8/P1000590_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320"></a> </p> <p>It is a beautiful lake, but the RVing facilities have always been a bit too slim to spend much time there. The RV section is a large, sloped parking lot with side ways parking, so it takes two ways to level the rig and it is a dry camp. The Redding Elks is on the edge of the Sacramento River with water and electric—and a sewer dump. </p> <p>The second night we stopped at one of our favorite camp spots, the Valley of the Rogue River State Park located behind the Rest Area. It is convenient to the freeway and has pine trees!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QN2jtYOLQQY/Ua1gw8XZ40I/AAAAAAAACAg/SX2bM1g8jhc/s1600-h/P1000595%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000595" border="0" alt="P1000595" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a2QJfFUy2lk/Ua1gx_MX0VI/AAAAAAAACAo/U7nzssf76fc/P1000595_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="337"></a> </p> <p>We arrived at the Salem Elks Club the following day and got set up for the next month or two.</p> <p>Salem works for us in several ways. We are close to Wal-Mart, Costco, U.S. post office, Great Harvest Bread store,and even A.A.A. We found a convenient laundry mat with large machines and few visitors early in the morning. And most importantly, Larry can use our HMO doctor’s offices for his lab tests and other medical needs. Plus it is a beautiful city located in a beautiful area!!</p> <p>This year I am signed up to take a 8-week pottery class at the Willamette Art Center. I start Wednesday, and I am looking forward to playing with clay and being surrounded by creative potters. I think it will be fun to learn new techniques and get my hands and clothes dirty.</p> <p>One of the main reasons we came this year was because my “walks-on-water” daughter-in-law’s family is having a entire-family reunion—which meant our son and his family drove over from Boise, ID. They offered to come to Salem to see us first. What a wonderful deal for us! We only see them every couple of years because Boise, ID, which is HOT during the summer, isn’t on our “fly way” to and from Texas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ui5pIi0VIS0/Ua1gya9kbpI/AAAAAAAACAw/fcUwkSYPCqU/s1600-h/P1000637%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000637" border="0" alt="P1000637" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--QV-mtk0O2w/Ua1gzoIvf-I/AAAAAAAACA4/p9S4St6zh7w/P1000637_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363"></a></p> <p>Our GRANDdaughter Chelsie and her boyfriend Shawn drove over from Boise too. Left to right: Chad, Chelsie, Shawn, Alika, and Natalie. Chad and Shawn fished the park pond behind our camper while I took Natalie, Chelise and Alika around Salem.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-giqoNhrp-Lw/Ua1g0Y9O-lI/AAAAAAAACBA/_woAcou8OAY/s1600-h/P1000613%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000613" border="0" alt="P1000613" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J9Ono5e_2UY/Ua1g1TdT4PI/AAAAAAAACBI/yCrMrGmy4iM/P1000613_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="332"></a> </p> <p>State Capitol building and one of the two water features in the Capitol mall area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wOzF_LCv8QA/Ua1g2Ty3alI/AAAAAAAACBQ/8YYMTlH3tFQ/s1600-h/P1000614%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000614" border="0" alt="P1000614" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hXo-i9wM9NU/Ua1g3H-xLzI/AAAAAAAACBY/PDASoo96y2U/P1000614_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="275"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eHVMyLgJtn8/Ua1g4b8hq1I/AAAAAAAACBg/x3-EfH5fzHA/s1600-h/P1000620%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000620" border="0" alt="P1000620" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uFwE_oM9eO4/Ua1g5ERAz2I/AAAAAAAACBo/J-odKFX7Zwg/P1000620_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="305"></a> </p> <p>The roses are in bloom in Salem and Portland. What a colorful time of the year.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O9-fe2V6xHU/Ua1g6Jpm0UI/AAAAAAAACBw/z7BxGBDopeI/s1600-h/P1000625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000625" border="0" alt="P1000625" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X4O_E7vLfzA/Ua1g6wTJndI/AAAAAAAACB4/FfVS-g8zGcA/P1000625_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310"></a> </p> <p>This is the paddleboat that gives tours on the Willamette River. Larry and I are going to take a tour in the next week or so. We have had rain almost every day since we arrived, so haven’t done much exploring yet.</p> <p>And here is how we all gathered here at the Elks’ Club. We were lucky they all brought chairs with them as we only carry two.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SINBh9r_9uE/Ua1g8V_W5YI/AAAAAAAACCA/gulh3gUbEtQ/s1600-h/P1000628%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000628" border="0" alt="P1000628" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lS1cp0VW_aY/Ua1g9cpC5eI/AAAAAAAACCI/d1oakn1aAZw/P1000628_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319"></a> </p> <p>Then it was time for them to pack up and leave. Darn! They had a two-plus hour trip to Rockaway Beach to meet up with Natalie’s family. Bye beautiful family. We will miss you!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HjojXOW-8r0/Ua1g-OkwAAI/AAAAAAAACCQ/K15rbJr8LnU/s1600-h/P1000629%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000629" border="0" alt="P1000629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zoRIX9V30j8/Ua1hB-qrfCI/AAAAAAAACCY/TBM7gvAC41Q/P1000629_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5-VVDetGfYw/Ua1hD_G4g3I/AAAAAAAACCg/u8T4Lhuc1rE/s1600-h/P1000633%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000633" border="0" alt="P1000633" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UCNyH1BosZw/Ua1hFFJIjZI/AAAAAAAACCo/rH3luGqgUR4/P1000633_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>I will close with a funny photo—of Larry helping me with the housework. We washed the sheets and had to remake the bed—a chore I hate, but doesn’t bother Larry. I wonder why??</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sUFZgQHviwc/Ua1hGIxRxwI/AAAAAAAACCw/YKs5BRqQ5Jc/s1600-h/P1000577%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000577" border="0" alt="P1000577" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wzbZwKnKbX4/Ua1hHIIFc3I/AAAAAAAACC4/DMO7AnRufz0/P1000577_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371"></a> </p> <p>We will doing a bit more now that summer has caught up with us here in Salem. We hope your summer plans bring you peace and contentment! And make time to try all the fresh fruits and vegetables from your local farmers’ markets. Salem is blessed with several each week. Life is good! </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-20193964029758968472013-05-13T20:01:00.001-07:002013-05-13T20:01:32.257-07:00May 13, 2013 - Reflections on 30th Anniversary<p>Today is the 30th anniversary of my 39th birthday. While I was walking this evening, I was thinking that I should feel a bit depressed as life is whizzing by way too fast. How did I get so old when I wasn’t looking?</p> <p>Instead, I was thinking how incredibly lucky I am! I have enjoyed the company of my best friend Larry for 42 years. We have worked and played together—through thick and thin, good times and scary medical issues—and still he is my best friend! We are able to travel and explore, even with his health issues. I have two sons, one walks-on-water daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren. We have a small, comfortable house and my pottery shop in Texas, surrounded by a wonderful, caring community-with some very special friends. And we have a community started by the Escapees RV Club which was founded and is still run by the Peterson-Carr families. I was even lucky enough to work for Bud and Cathie Carr—two of the most special people on earth—not once but twice—first in the 1990s and again in the 2004-2008. Both jobs gave me opportunities to learn new skills and grow. And by accident, I decided to try pottery again and found my love of throwing clay again. Eventually, I overcame my fear of fire and with Larry’s help, fire the pottery kiln all by myself. I am amazed at the things I have learned since I turned 50! Life is continuing education—with no degree in sight yet. Who would have thought the senior years could be so exciting and fulfilling? </p> <p>And even with Larry’s failing kidneys, we have been able to continue traveling because we have two wonderful doctors who are willing to work with our plans. We stay in touch via email and fax monthly lab test results back. We have learned what to watch for with his test results and know we may have to head for an Emergency Room if things get too bad. We carry SkyMed insurance should his kidneys fail completely and Larry has to return home without delay to start dialysis.</p> <p>So, instead of being depressed at my advancing age, I feel empowered to use the rest of our time doing what we want—until we can’t! No sitting around waiting for old-age issues to consume our days, we are ready to head off for another adventure.</p> <p>We have been here at Sugar Barge Resort for 2 1/2 months. It has been a very nice experience being in one place for so long.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SUonpVTTkDs/UZGo9Eh4ZtI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/TtZNEGyGEzE/s1600-h/P1000568%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000568" border="0" alt="P1000568" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dUPwa9sSB3I/UZGo-Trg3zI/AAAAAAAAB_g/7GOL45UtSPA/P1000568_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="405"></a></p> <p>We would have loved to stay here this summer to enjoy the produce from the numerous local family farms. Brentwood-Oakley is on the edge of the bountiful California Central Valley which feeds a large portion of the US. However, our son and his family will be in Vancouver, WA ,around the first of June, so we are going to Salem, OR, to see them. </p> <p>One new thing is that I learned from my sisters is how to make bead necklaces . I have been stringing beads to help them build stock for their upcoming craft shows. My fumbling fingers have been able to assemble about 15 necklaces. Diane (on right) assembles a kit with beads she thinks would be pretty in a necklace—and I string them while watching—listening to—TV..<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nx-L92eFqvk/UZGo_nImCbI/AAAAAAAAB_o/wgoUEqjgwYs/s1600-h/P1000524%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000524" border="0" alt="P1000524" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r7FK9QaK11c/UZGpAt5bsfI/AAAAAAAAB_w/u4VkYRp2gTM/P1000524_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="541" height="378"></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AAH9XgZ-Tvg/UZGpB6MlE-I/AAAAAAAAB_4/5aF_4KbQt34/s1600-h/P1000522%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000522" border="0" alt="P1000522" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2q8T0pxszqc/UZGpCoaEjVI/AAAAAAAACAA/WUIKgc_7kL8/P1000522_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="356"></a> </p> <p>This is the basic pattern and then we fill in with seed and pearl beads. I do prefer making pottery, but throwing clay in the camper would be a bit unrealistic! Darn! Anyway, it gave me something to do with my hands while we have been here.</p> <p>Our plans are to head north on Thursday toward Salem, OR. We will be stopping at least twice, maybe three times on the trip. We should be in Salem by next Tuesday. </p> <p>On your next birthday, I hope you are able to feel as full and excited as I am today—with much behind me in years—yet looking forward to many more new experiences waiting around the bend.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>. </p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-14522187625315498752013-03-28T11:41:00.001-07:002013-03-30T03:37:44.870-07:00Mar. 28, 2013 Where did March go?Yikes, it has been over a month since I wrote on the blog. I feel like we slept the month away, as we have little to report.<br />
This past month in Antioch, CA, has had us mired down in doctor and dentist issues, along with coming down with “the cold” going around. We both woke up yesterday and said: I do believe we are going to live. Life is good.<br />
We left off on the previous the blog leaving Quartzsite, AZ, for another trip back to Antioch, CA, so Larry could have the cancerous spot on his wrist removed. As in February, we made the 620-mile by spending three nights instead of just one. We returned to the Needles Elks’ Club, the Bakersfield Elks’ Club and Tracy Elks’ Club, on our way to <a href="http://www.sugarbarge.com/">Sugar Barger RV Resort</a>. I always try to keep an extra day or two with the trip in case we run into snow at Tehachapi, fog in Bakersfield, or heavy winds on I-5.<br />
Have you heard about the bee-hive collapse situation? Bee hives have been dying off at alarming rates. Here is one reason:<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-49Btqy0tk6w/UVSOmZt-CHI/AAAAAAAAB8w/QpuIr8mBBRk/s1600-h/P1000454%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000454" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6YM7sI1ETxg/UVSOnLhptFI/AAAAAAAAB84/izJMnkcTwaY/P1000454_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000454" width="464" /></a> <br />
See those white boxes? You can’t hear it what they mean, but we did: Smack, smack, smack! Hundreds of the little beasts leaving their sticky yellow guts all over the front of our RV—as well as every one of the hundreds of RVs traveling up and down I-5! It is incredible that the beekeepers haven’t figured out that bees fly in a big circle—right over the heavily traveled interstate. In the case of Bee vs. RV/18-wheelers = bee loses!<br />
We got into our usual spots—thanks to the caring Sugar Barge staff. This is our back door view:<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3oo6Zre3fc8/UVSOn1h9BxI/AAAAAAAAB9A/wnOBAhapeUQ/s1600-h/P1000471%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000471" border="0" height="308" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hvue-d-nqgk/UVSOomqfFII/AAAAAAAAB9I/kBsc03qOjbw/P1000471_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000471" width="404" /></a><br />
I am going to share a few fun photos taken during the past month—as we drove back and forth to our medical facility and other appointments. Spring is the time to enjoy California!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UQPJ02nRwVM/UVSOo2ARFWI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/tPwmEg7nuRE/s1600-h/P1000494%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000494" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zpHLJR0HEU8/UVSOpmqTJ7I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/Wr-QeGvOWcs/P1000494_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000494" width="434" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k4KiFm8QCUM/UVSOqAqYUgI/AAAAAAAAB9g/y0lc55UTc1w/s1600-h/P1000486%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000486" border="0" height="341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dy35A1BgEJc/UVSOr5aPPQI/AAAAAAAAB9o/qY0P0V-i8wI/P1000486_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000486" width="444" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ar5wPOtDq2w/UVSOskimIoI/AAAAAAAAB9w/cyUc2d4yNgI/s1600-h/P1000488%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000488" border="0" height="388" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HDtEgcTkobY/UVSOtGyYWtI/AAAAAAAAB94/J5rhkNLC_FA/P1000488_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000488" width="409" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MPK7BVh72f0/UVSOt1qORMI/AAAAAAAAB-A/rBl58sZG-4A/s1600-h/P1000497%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000497" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7CL_bEmFYXQ/UVSOuhzB4eI/AAAAAAAAB-I/VFIe2HW8Wig/P1000497_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000497" width="390" /></a> <br />
One of the many reasons we like to stay at Sugar Barge is the number of RV rallies held here. We were surrounded by Airstream trailers recently. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-txKFyUYhnGA/UVSOvn3x3AI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/U7ZtrzjjGTU/s1600-h/P1000478%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000478" border="0" height="359" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hyH8ex3QMqo/UVSOxHaFiUI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/m_2bOi2UD0I/P1000478_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000478" width="274" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gPsxNzjF1YY/UVSOxzUBtSI/AAAAAAAAB-g/95C_pAEq6gM/s1600-h/P1000481%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000481" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--C1Ri86fpg8/UVSOyno9sII/AAAAAAAAB-o/WDOJidTR2Ec/P1000481_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000481" width="432" /></a> <br />
I noticed the Airstream owners spent more time outside visiting than the owners of the big motor homes do. It was a fun group.<br />
Here is Larry, with his new slimmer, wrinkle-free wrist enjoying the view:<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TMvH8WhVq1I/UVSOzBkVX8I/AAAAAAAAB-w/Ei7bszXQ6qs/s1600-h/P1000498%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000498" border="0" height="321" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xdpyhb5jA9I/UVSOz92kzxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/cUc3xnOvcH4/P1000498_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000498" width="421" /></a> <br />
The plastic surgeon removed more of the skin around the cancerous spot on his wrist, stitched and added steri-strips over the incision. Larry had to avoid showers for 2 days, and within two weeks, the steri-strips fell off and stitches dissolved. Very little pain and very minimal scarring. Well done, Dr. Chong.<br />
We are waiting to see his kidney doctor next week to see how our summer is going to shake out. Would love to head back to Texas and my pottery wheel for a few months, but I think that isn’t going to be in our near future. In the meantime, we will explore the Bay Area until we can head out for a month or two. <br />
I will try to write more often. I hate that our plans are so dependent on doctor appointments, but we knew that when we packed the camper to travel and explore. We just have to sneak in fun times between the medical issues! Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-66241736363783542622013-02-22T18:29:00.001-08:002013-02-22T18:29:43.825-08:00Feb. 22, 2013 Best-made plans fail, again.<p>February has been a busy month. Larry had a kidney doctor appointment on Feb. 7, 2013, so we packed up the camper and headed toward Antioch, CA. We got a late start on Feb. 1, so we decided to find the Needles, CA, Elks’ Club. It gave us a 100 miles start on our 620 miles trip back to the SF Bay Area. We never know what the club offers to traveling Elks, but at a bare minimum, we have a safe place to spend the night dry-camping.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rJSgknJv28E/USgpDOyXxRI/AAAAAAAAB58/smkuXdPqRrY/s1600-h/P1000394%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000394" border="0" alt="P1000394" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-606_yorlSVg/USgpDwmAXQI/AAAAAAAAB6E/miVKTCI03r4/P1000394_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="338"></a> </p> <p>We were delighted to find a full-service campground for $18 a night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4OzRHlagZW0/USgpEqgXD-I/AAAAAAAAB6M/gk8GtLWZdGQ/s1600-h/P1000393%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000393" border="0" alt="P1000393" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_FNiYuG3vjY/USgpFn6RIPI/AAAAAAAAB6U/T9wO8P_qEL0/P1000393_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="330"></a> </p> <p>The following night we stopped at our regular travel spot--the Bakersfield Elks’ Club—which offers over-night parking with electricity and a RV dump for a $10 donation. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qDtpZbxLN2Y/USgpGPm6XjI/AAAAAAAAB6c/rK4NpZIdzec/s1600-h/P1000445%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000445" border="0" alt="P1000445" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TBC-P0Y-mPY/USgpHJHlpwI/AAAAAAAAB6k/GW5A0oJ_hYo/P1000445_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="371"></a> </p> <p>It is located downtown and doesn’t offer a full-hook-up site, but we are delighted to have a place to spend travel nights—with electricity which is required during the HOT summer months.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wYJ1SwxNHlo/USgpHwFKxaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/jMx93VO7QIw/s1600-h/P1000447%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000447" border="0" alt="P1000447" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M5h2OAQhcwY/USgpIq-m41I/AAAAAAAAB60/AenDjmAImYE/P1000447_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="360"></a> </p> <p>Using Elks’ Club RV parking option is nice; inexpensive parking and helps support the clubs--a win-win situation. These two show the differences available.</p> <p>We spent 8 days at the Contra Costa Fairground campground in Antioch, CA.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4meHhuJUJFI/USgpJ7mP0FI/AAAAAAAAB68/16XTIqC6UT4/s1600-h/P1000401%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000401" border="0" alt="P1000401" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dwHSN97_lGQ/USgpKwJCBYI/AAAAAAAAB7E/mEjwTRtcBlY/P1000401_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="352"></a> </p> <p>It isn’t fancy (for $17 a night), but the location works while we do the doctor visits and lab work. One disadvantage is we are allowed 14 days in a six-month period which creates issues if we need to be in the area for longer visits.</p> <p>The doctors’ visits weren’t as reassuring as we had hoped. Larry’s kidney function is not doing as well as before. If he doesn’t get his albumin levels up by April lab tests, our traveling days may be curtailed for a while. Plus he had three biopsies done on his scalp and wrist when we visited our GP. <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>We headed back to Quartzsite, AZ, with plans to work on increasing his nutrition levels to bring the albumin level back up over the next 5 weeks. I planned on cooking yummy dishes to tease his appetite and increase his nutrition. We did about 300 miles each day to get back in two days. We arrived Tuesday, Feb. 12, very glad to be back in the quiet desert—and tired!</p> <p>Alas, our five weeks were not to be. We received a call the next morning from the dermatologist. She had some good news that the two spots on his head were fine; however, the one from his wrist is “squamous” cell cancer and he needed to return to have a consultation with a surgeon to have more of the area removed. We asked for the six weeks at Q before returning—NOPE! We agreed on March 15th at the latest! This kind of skin cancer can spread. </p> <p>The surgeon’s office called later that day—we were still in shock from hearing two batches of not-so-great news. We made an appointment for March 5th and then called the next day to move it closer. Larry will see the surgeon Feb. 25th and then we hope to have a surgery date prior to March 15th! So, yesterday we packed up our stuff and headed to CA—21 days after the last trip west. </p> <p>We called our favorite RV Resort--<a href="http://sugarbarge.com">Sugar Barge Resort</a> to see if they could fit us in one of our favorite sites for the next 30-60 days. Tracy came through for us—AGAIN. They are fantastic! We will be in Site 113 until both the wrist surgery and April labs are completed. </p> <p>The other thing taking up so much of my time is illustrated below. I feel like I have been immersed in a new language course for the past 30-plus days. So much to learn—so few fresh brain cells left to train!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ElSNDbmvhl8/USgpMKmYACI/AAAAAAAAB7M/TWo76-1ZFWs/s1600-h/P1000448%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000448" border="0" alt="P1000448" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hLdYCiEbV70/USgpNvJaReI/AAAAAAAAB7U/_NLXk0GVrYQ/P1000448_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="363"></a> </p> <p>Yes, it has taken both books to try to learn how to make the phone work for me! I must say, I love the phone! It is a small computer on steroids! I can hear people’s voices and the phone doesn’t garble to sounds like my Razor phone did! I think it could do handstands on its own! </p> <p>In closing this episode, I want to share some of the beautiful jewelry my sister makes along with one final photo from Q—showing why we love the area:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KkoaQ1r5vtU/USgpONVCxRI/AAAAAAAAB7c/LhR4gWglf-E/s1600-h/P1000421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000421" border="0" alt="P1000421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tbDBBLROP3U/USgpOyv8I4I/AAAAAAAAB7k/tcOlxuQDM5M/P1000421_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="372"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-01hZdBaFPKU/USgpcX830tI/AAAAAAAAB7s/R39X6UPvNRc/s1600-h/P1000415%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000415" border="0" alt="P1000415" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Lx1O3J64W9g/USgpdb750tI/AAAAAAAAB70/AmtlFFkP2eQ/P1000415_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="284"></a> </p> <p>Isn’t she talented? We took some photos for her website.</p> <p>And finally, Good-bye Q—until next year. We will miss your beautiful colors!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BaDidpoKFPw/USgpjVu74OI/AAAAAAAAB78/mpJ2HQJpK0s/s1600-h/P1000382%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1000382" border="0" alt="P1000382" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2YWoUiyRp9w/USgplbQn7HI/AAAAAAAAB8E/Fn9LsePglrE/P1000382_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="317"></a> </p> <p>Check back to see what the Jennings will be doing as they wait out the next five or six weeks! We feel blessed to have been able to travel and explore the country even with Larry’s health issues. We hope things shake out so we can continue. Prayers for Larry’s continued health are welcome!</p></p> Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4099016366970233975.post-4604950850503114972013-01-27T15:21:00.001-08:002013-01-28T06:47:56.257-08:00January 27, 2013 -- Quartzsite, AZ – When it gets busy…<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_-Nk9smvHgg/UQW1713j7gI/AAAAAAAABzo/SFEggrHdG58/s1600-h/P1000347%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000347" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n7YIh-G37rs/UQW18hfyyPI/AAAAAAAABzw/m-kpsDYAYbg/P1000347_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000347" width="473" /></a> <br />
This is what we woke up to last Wednesday morning. The sky was on fire! <br />
While it is beautiful, it also means there is a LOT of dust in the air—the air we breathe. This happens every year in the middle January, just before the Big Tent show opens. The RV show brings in thousands of visitors, many who now tow jeeps, four-wheelers, and “side by side” off-road vehicles. And they come to run the miles of dirt roads and even make new dirt roads—which throws a lot of dust into the air.<br />
A friend once asked about parking on the BLM lands, “How do you know where to park?” My response was: Any where you want!<br />
These photos show a few different parking styles.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XeEV1OvovHk/UQW19cniCRI/AAAAAAAABz4/N8_varqJWwI/s1600-h/P1000338%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000338" border="0" height="238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OdJUfdVZTBU/UQW1-ADZ0SI/AAAAAAAAB0A/2D2UE-kKZz4/P1000338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000338" width="312" /></a> Some like to park with space around them.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E92kEfOSiGs/UQW1-0thYnI/AAAAAAAAB0I/jUevZWIk4L0/s1600-h/P1000335%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000335" border="0" height="251" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Myh0QzOwz4/UQW1_k2gq-I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/66jJvGT_mPc/P1000335_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000335" width="326" /></a> Others like to park close, very close, to each other.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3LazV2oS2vg/UQW2AcmE59I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/rCNiqlf6qi4/s1600-h/P1000336%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000336" border="0" height="256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--6be847Ik7g/UQW2BE2wH1I/AAAAAAAAB0g/Y3WRQqLiVF4/P1000336_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000336" width="335" /></a> Some respect a set amount of space between RVs—as if there is a set “distance-between” rule,” They park in a very orderly fashion.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fU4kQPp4XMU/UQW2CHTi9CI/AAAAAAAAB0o/1mxSwyGi0cY/s1600-h/P1000337%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000337" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sXF3qtLv0EE/UQW2CxaGlbI/AAAAAAAAB0w/vYBEBlSGxlg/P1000337_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000337" width="348" /></a> Others park “willy-nilly,” according to their own rules of parking. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L1APIU0DShg/UQW2EVCyw6I/AAAAAAAAB04/B6oXbLwM-lM/s1600-h/P1000335%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000335" border="0" height="265" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-npj7Kx1OBmE/UQW2FNKw5rI/AAAAAAAAB1A/O3tt4ECBHXg/P1000335_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000335" width="348" /></a> There are big expensive rigs.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TuXL3kPq1JM/UQW2FnU1FYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/JrbpkQlhVA4/s1600-h/P1000340%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000340" border="0" height="295" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jm6pNSNSikc/UQW2GUw9t5I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/et4yJgpSzI8/P1000340_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000340" width="329" /></a> And some that have been around for a long, long time.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lNFmCRNzBks/UQW2HDbE8zI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/fz0DBk8iMBw/s1600-h/P1000331%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000331" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YVr8Mr6Aq74/UQW2H8BNURI/AAAAAAAAB1g/8z0OnRHUKUA/P1000331_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000331" width="340" /></a> For some, it must have been an act of faith to leave their home state and head to Arizona! There were rocks behind the wheels on the RV on the right—to keep it in place.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--HakCtwcPBU/UQW2IgMiQ6I/AAAAAAAAB1o/HUw1IakKDkk/s1600-h/P1000350%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000350" border="0" height="269" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6N0hKBfvNXQ/UQW2JS_UstI/AAAAAAAAB1w/lrCJaNuR7P8/P1000350_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000350" width="353" /></a> And some RVers just can’t leave anything home—whether it fits safely or not. This set up was a bit scary. Imagine following him through Los Angeles, CA, in traffic.<br />
Most visitors come for the RV shows. I made my way to the tent three times. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--PKGSawMO3w/UQW2KUCBLpI/AAAAAAAAB14/22HbwI60Mek/s1600-h/P1000354%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000354" border="0" height="299" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C5I_RKiUv6Y/UQW2LLGwPmI/AAAAAAAAB2A/zcZk3REKURg/P1000354_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000354" width="392" /></a> <br />
There are food vendors galore. You name it and it is probably here.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-42yP7Z3okB0/UQW2L_GR5nI/AAAAAAAAB2I/mpVfz2MOxJs/s1600-h/P1000355%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000355" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9LEiuWqVlls/UQW2MrdT3TI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/k2QFY6evp7g/P1000355_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000355" width="408" /></a> <br />
This photo was quite unusual. I could see the green carpet on the ground. Usually the tent looks like this:<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S7v4zuFd1EM/UQW2Nj00fMI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/hHSQJxjnEWw/s1600-h/P1000359%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000359" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RQkgTMmTvQA/UQW2OVkSxBI/AAAAAAAAB2g/zyRMzXhrxIw/P1000359_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000359" width="443" /></a> <br />
I had been hearing visitor numbers were down this year. I believe it after visiting the tent. Usually the aisles are so full, you can’t take photos.<br />
Here are some booths this year. In addition to “everything about RVing,” other vendors come to cash in on the high visitor count.<br />
This was just for dog owners. Those are pouches to carry your small dogs and clothes on the back wall. Dog accessories are a big industry in the RV world.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-laiXEi3LhR0/UQW2PbiRUjI/AAAAAAAAB2o/dnvTfqMBRxo/s1600-h/P1000360%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000360" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L0Ojxac9htM/UQW2QscD4dI/AAAAAAAAB2w/NE6UOR445K4/P1000360_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000360" width="436" /></a> <br />
This was a new product—silicone sheets to put on the BBQ grill and cook food like in a skillet.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_QK7J0naY1g/UQW2RhyWE8I/AAAAAAAAB24/DczznD60Xzk/s1600-h/P1000357%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000357" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0sOM5dd_kj0/UQW2SkVVy7I/AAAAAAAAB3A/dxs2ZwaEvEk/P1000357_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000357" width="401" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PHUhveEfWRw/UQW2Ts1iIxI/AAAAAAAAB3I/DOiT0YGHc-M/s1600-h/P1000361%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000361" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u10SHMzZEEs/UQW2UZWroBI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/WRDMNelOmDU/P1000361_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000361" width="415" /></a> <br />
Janet carries everything microfiber. It’s a fun booth to explore.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g6TBT6j7nCw/UQW2VW1W_9I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/pzOmL6UbngY/s1600-h/P1000370%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000370" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fJx2gjbL1BI/UQW2WLflrOI/AAAAAAAAB3g/SU4fLcQ3xHk/P1000370_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000370" width="418" /></a> <br />
Chef Bob and his cooking gear. He always draws a crowd. I saw several generator booths this year. Two of our brands were covered. Honda is our favorite for the RV, while we have a Champion for the Texas house. (Texas has lots of BIG storms in the spring.)<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yxFjaNKvPIg/UQW2WytKcXI/AAAAAAAAB3o/NcZfoUuxD2w/s1600-h/P1000367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000367" border="0" height="330" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9608MhKYnRU/UQW2XpqXqTI/AAAAAAAAB3w/rOIWXk58Xf0/P1000367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000367" width="433" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S9xAWKUdvUc/UQW2YS5Zc9I/AAAAAAAAB34/SdRzWhDrwQg/s1600-h/P1000374%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000374" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I4R6uqy-ISE/UQW2ZcUTb5I/AAAAAAAAB4A/tcjpJmHULvU/P1000374_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000374" width="442" /></a> <br />
Good Sam Club did not have a booth in the big tent this year. This was a first for Good Sam. Texas neighbors, Charles and Chris Yust, were in the tent with Good Sam Insurance products.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lC9m2s0TnZo/UQW2aclFgVI/AAAAAAAAB4I/oHeKrKasGQ0/s1600-h/P1000365%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000365" border="0" height="335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i5AvN_JcUlg/UQW2bHL4eyI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/LQesuN4XE2s/P1000365_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000365" width="439" /></a> <br />
However, the Escapees RV Club had the same booth, # 201, as usual—good for them:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jSf8rfOL3vs/UQW2cMtJ8qI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/9x4BuVr3zic/s1600-h/P1000363%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000363" border="0" height="343" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k9_ny4Ly1Nk/UQW2c1dX0nI/AAAAAAAAB4g/ZV0bMZZMtuY/P1000363_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000363" width="450" /></a> <br />
And, I think one of the crowd pleasing favorites is:<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9uWljuLhP3g/UQW2dkFZorI/AAAAAAAAB4o/_3qCd4MUELI/s1600-h/P1000368%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000368" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z0J72mP7CT8/UQW2eREwJdI/AAAAAAAAB4w/XnOfvVsEPRo/P1000368_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000368" width="463" /></a> <br />
However, as I was wandering around alone, and it wasn’t very warm, I passed on the delicious, huge ice cream cones sold in this booth every year.<br />
There were a few long-time vendors missing this year. The show was a bit smaller than previous years—a sign of the down-turn in the economy. We had enough visitors to clog the roads as usual, but not as bad as previous years.<br />
Then, after weeks of bitter cold weather and windy and sunny days, to round out the weather situation we woke up yesterday morning to:<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPxlNeP2hsE/UQW2fIgNPVI/AAAAAAAAB44/7nAIYcrJ8_0/s1600-h/P1000378%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000378" border="0" height="382" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7UZtlY4ifuA/UQW2fy1rANI/AAAAAAAAB5A/rQnMQ3TbUBU/P1000378_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000378" width="501" /></a> <br />
It was so nice to see all the puddles. The dust is out of the air. We can see the mountains again!<br />
Many of the off-roaders packed up and left yesterday. We won’t miss them.<br />
It wasn’t the best of weather for the vendors for the last weekend, but they too will breathe easier today—on the last day of the Big Tent Show.<br />
Later this week, we are packing the camper and car and heading to the S. F. Bay Area . We have doctor’s appointments on the 7th and 8th. If all goes well, we will be back in Quartzsite around the 14th for another 4-6 weeks. <br />
If you are having nice weather, be sure to take a moment and enjoy it. We are enjoying every sunny day—it fills the batteries so we don’t have to run the generator. Life is good.<br />
P.S., Ever wonder if we cook in the camper? Yesterday’s rain brought on a “soup day.”<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RSEox6VxJdE/UQW2gjbVW-I/AAAAAAAAB5I/lAVkDZay1a8/s1600-h/P1000380%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000380" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QRVGfd_xJ_g/UQW2hidKS9I/AAAAAAAAB5Q/4-QXnPardYQ/P1000380_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="P1000380" width="425" /></a> <br />
The pressure cooker that I bought at the Big Tent show two years ago makes wonderful soup in a short time. It was sooooo gooood on a wet, damp day. However, it trashed the kitchen for an hour.Carol and Larry Jenningshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01169313786975621465noreply@blogger.com1