Life Happens When You Least Expect It

As I mentioned in the previous blog, Dennis's Aunt Thelma passed away in California and we had to fly out for her Celebration of Life weekend. We had a very nice visit with Dennis's cousins and Uncle Roy. His cousin, John, lives inland from San Jose and north of Bakersfield. It is mostly farming country. With the drought lasting so long it is sad to see the vast amount of dry earth. There are still fruit trees, almond and pistachio trees and olive trees. Did you know you cannot eat olives straight from the tree? They are poisonous. They have to be cured before eating. Did not know that. Acres and acres as you drive along. 

John lives on property with a house for him, a house for Uncle Roy , a guest house  called The Craft House. One side is a workshop and the other side is a guest room, bath. They also have a travel trailer with full hook ups. We stayed in the Craft House and were very comfortable. Chris and Debbie stayed in the RV. John's  wife Bev is a super hostess, always making sure everyone had everything they needed.

They have many hummingbirds and other birds. It was relaxing in the mornings to sit outside and watch them. And did I say the weather was perfect? The weekend was a good time of visiting with  everyone and the Celebration of Life for Aunt Thelma was emotional but very endearing. Dennis's cousin Keith and his family came as well as cousin Carma from Nashville and Linda from Vegas. Lunch was served outside under a beautiful Willow Tree.

But as life does happen, while we were there Tiffany called to tell us that her husband Chad's mother had passed away suddenly in Utah. So they left to drive there and we came back from California to stay with the grands.

We had to move our RV from the campground it was in, but we have sweet friends who have a place to leave it with electricity to keep the fridge/freezer going.  

We were almost to their house when we heard a "pop" and Dennis said, "we have a blowout." We pulled over to access damage and realized we were across the street from a RV repair shop.

The manager saw us pull in and told the girl in the office, "oh dear look who's coming and we don't do tire repairs." But they were very nice and let us sit inside in the AC! We do have roadside service and they came and replaced the tire. So we were back on our way to friend's house. BUT - there is always a BUT - we have damage to the rig from the blowout…..

The adjuster came and Dennis tied things up so we could travel. We will have repairs done when we get home. Dennis had heard some noise from the truck earlier on in trip, so decided to take it in for a lookover while we were here. A certain amount of dollars later it is ready to go and new tires will be put on RV. A good time to replace them all; although they were not that old, they will all be the same age…. $$$$$$$

Making Brookies with Kelsey
 and a favorite friend of hers and ours, Michaela

It was not a good week in the RV. We had to cancel part of Branson and had set backs along the way. The blessings are we had the blowout  in an area we are familiar with, have friends and family here, and it did not happen further North. We also got some good quality time with grands!!  We enjoyed being a part of their daily life. We are so proud of how they are growing up and finding their way.

Hopefully, Branson by Monday!!!!