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!!!!

Waco

Well, it's nice to have fun camping and seeing sights, but ordinary stuff still has to be done. So today was laundry and cleaning up RV day. Most campgrounds we stay at have very nice laundry facilities. Here at Whitney Thousand Trails they put in brand new washers and dryers on Friday. I had gone to the bank before we left and got some quarter rolls to use for laundry. The new appliances here are the latest and greatest and you have to use a credit card - either debit or credit to use the machines. Also, the cost depends on the size of your load. It is still about the same cost, but no need for change. It took me and my new friend from North Carolina together to figure out the system. But once we did it was easy. New stuff is hard for Seniors….

We had rain in the night and a nice cool day.

Tuesday, we went into Waco to Magnolia Market.
For those not familiar with HGTV and Fixer Upper: The
hosts of the show have opened a market at an old silo. There is a shopping building, a garden, a play area for children and a bakery (nice cupcakes). We enjoyed lunch at the food trucks and the weather was nice enough to eat outside at the picnic tables. People come from all over to see this place. We met 2 ladies from Minnesota. They flew down here to visit the market and to go to Round Top and Warrenton flea market which occurs twice a year.

Across from the market is First Baptist Church of Waco. The building is very old with an historical marker in front. It is beautiful. We were able to park in their parking lot at $10.00 a car. Smart idea!

First Baptist Church Waco, TX

A friend said recently that we have reached an age where our older generation are slowly leaving us. . .one by one. . .That is so true and we faced that this month. Dennis's Aunt Thelma in California passed away and her celebration of life is this weekend. So we had to change our travel plans to fly to California for a few days. We chose to go as she was special to Dennis growing up and he will be able to see his cousins and other relatives. This aunt and uncle were full time Rvers and loved to talk with us about their travels and that we and Dennis's brother took up traveling in an RV.

Seeing the sites

Something we picked up along the way.

Well, we leave Grapevine and begin our journey to Lake Whitney for the next part of our travels. We hear a "thump, thump, thump" and are pretty sure it is coming from a tire. Dennis finds a spot in Grapevine to pull over and starts searching. It turns out there is a large screw in one of the tires on the truck. I pull out my iPad and start researching tire repair places in Grapevine. Thank you to the Goodyear store: first for having a place for a fifth wheel and truck to park; and second, they fixed the tire while we waited.

You never know what you are going to pick up along the way.

We pull into our campground that we are members of and start searching for a spot. We were disappointed that the park needed some attention  - different things and not too bad, just not what we like. We did find a good spot and decided to make the best of it. They have good pools, good laundry and we can find plenty of things to do. We have trees and our own little "porch." Also, the dish works.

Friday, we drove into Cleburne to look around. Two very nice antique shops downtown. One of them was the former bus station.

 We also had a good time walking around several floors of

goodies in the Red Horse Antique Mall. I bought my sister something and was able to mail it to her at the "Pack N' Mail" in downtown Cleburne.

 Next we ate lunch at a local restaurant that has been in business since 1920 . Yummo food!

There is a PPL Consignment for RV's in Cleburne. Dennis needed a part so we went to get one. Of course, we had to look at RV's….. Did not buy!

We drove to Cleburne State Park. Nice park, but takes a long time to get to the back where the RV sites are.

Saturday, Tiff had little cold and fever and friend Cathy has the flu, so no visiting friends and relatives today!! Do not want it!

So we went into Hillsboro to a Farmer's Market and outlet mall. The market ended up being mostly crafts - people make things out of everything….Very picturesque though, in the photo notice the courthouse in the background. Texas has many beautiful county courthouses.  The outlet mall is mostly closed, but a few shops remain open. Dennis got a shirt and I got booties. I can wear them if winter or fall ever comes. Even had a rain shower as we came out of lunch at Chicken Express.

Courthouse in Hillsboro

Nice way to spend a Saturday..

Fall 2016 Trip

 Well, it is fall again; although, in Houston it is still summer.  We are on the road again. This year nothing as exciting as years past. I was thinking I would not do a blog this year, but had some people ask, so here goes! I will consider it my diary of the trip and you can read if interested. Two years ago we were in NYC on an RV Fantasy Tour. Now we are in Grapevine at the Vineyards of Grapevine RV Resort. We met my sister and husband for a few days of visiting. This trip will be family and friends visiting but will include a stay in Branson.

One of the things we do at storage before we leave is check to make sure the propane tanks are turned off. We have three: two on one side and one on the other. It seems someone thought they needed the single one…. We store RV in a gated facility. We have our own code to get in. So either someone paying for storage took it or someone followed in a vehicle. The space next to us has been empty for a while so a car could pull in quickly and out quickly. It is disturbing as this is a very nice facility. By law you cannot lock up your propane tank because of fires. Well, I guess we will be purchasing a new one along the way. I hope whoever took it really needed it!

As we traveled along something on the awning begin to hang down, so had to make a stop to put it back in place. Little things happen once in a while to slow down your progress.

View of lake and boat docks from our campsite

Our campsite

Weekend: We had a wonderful time with my sister and husband this weekend. We went to Grapefest on Friday. This is held once a year in Grapevine. They block off a few blocks of Main street and have vendors and food trucks, plus all of the shops are open. The weather was nice and we enjoyed looking at everything. It is a very busy place! When we arrived at the festival we went down a street that said was good for parking. It ended up being someone's home with a large back yard and she was charging people to park there. Very good idea since her street was nuts anyway and we had an excellent parking spot close to the action. And I am sure she made a lot of money over the weekend. We

forgot to take pics as we were busy looking around…..

Another pic of The Vineyards at Grapevine' RV Park 

Me, Donna and Cousin Vicki

On Saturday, our cousin and her husband from Allen came over to camp and we cooked out burgers and caught up on family. We had not seen her in a long time. It is a joy to keep in touch with family.

Sunday we went to Tif's - about an hour drive. For those unfamiliar with Dallas area, Grapevine is in the northern part and she lives in the southwest part near Waxahachie.

We had a good visit, catching up with their lives. Granddaughter is first year college - living at home and going to school - and grandson is freshman in high school. He is actually coming out of his shell and enjoying the year. Tif started at new job in doctor's clinic through Baylor medical system and son-in-law continues working for James Hardy. They are happily busy with life with kids, hunting, kayaking at the lake (Dennis thinks we need to take that up….😳),  church and all that life brings.

Giving thanks for all of life's blessings.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Saturday, October 10, 2015

8:37 PM

It is fall for sure in Branson.  The leaves are turning more and more everyday. Our friends arrived to join everyone. 

 

We all rented a boat and enjoyed a day on the river. The weather was perfect - only a couple little fish caught . The ride up (or down?) the river was so relaxing and beautiful.

Driving the boat

Good friends!

Hamburgers on the grill are a must.  The pavillion here is the perfect place for our group of 13. Everyone brings something and no one has to do all the work! Dennis is a great burger chef.

The cousins had to go home on Friday morning. 

Inside of restaurant

In front of restaurant

The rest of us went to lunch at The College of the Ozarks. The college uses students to run the entire campus - we were told that it is built like a city and is self - sufficient. They raise cows, pigs, chickens, and grow vegetables. The students work a certain amount of hours a week in exchange for tuition and room and board. When they leave college they are debt free. The restaurant is like a 4 star. Excellent food and good prices. Read all about it online. 

   

Smoke on the Mountain play

Saturday we went to the play, Smoke on the Mountain. One of actors is a longtime friend of ours and Bill and Janice. She comes to Branson once a month to act in the play. We happen to be here on her weekend. Wonderful play filled with humor and music.

Everyone had to leave on Sunday to go in different directions. All making reservations for next year!!

We are heading south; making our way back home. Dennis does a good job of researching campgrounds online before we make reservations. We have never arrived at one that we could not stay - at least one night. Our planned two night stop in a campground in Oklahoma on our way to Lake Murray was not one of those. After arriving we decided that it was not a place for even one night. So, we continued on to Lake Murray. It was the longest we had traveled in one day. We were tired, especially the driver, but made it right at dark. We did not; however, dine at any 4 star restaurants. Lunch was a slice of pizza in the truck at a Flying J and dinner was peanut M & M's while driving……. Life on the road is sometimes that way.

We will meet up with sister and hubby in Ardmore for a meal in the next couple of days. They are on the way to a golf tournament and we will head to Conroe for our last stop before home. Rig has to be washed and cleaned up inside - and hopefully, time for a concert at the winery - before putting the girl back in storage for a while.

 

Again, Happy Trails to you all! And a very happy Fall Y'all!!

 

More Fun in Branson

This week in Branson is beginning with lots of family time. Dennis's cousins are here and  they are enjoying catching up and remembering their growing up days. I am enjoying hearing their stories.

Fishing is so so with small trout the only ones being caught. However, just sitting on the dock and watching the river is enough.

My uncle, Les Gilliam, spent 3 weeks every October for almost 20 years entertaining at Silver Dollar City. Since he stopped doing that his fans have had a reunion once a year in Kimberling, MO, a small town close to Branson. We were all invited to attend. These people came from all over the country every year when he performed at Silver Dollar City, some of them staying all 3 weeks. Many close friendships were formed. His show was called Barn Dance and he sang and they danced. 

Monday we all drove over to the reunion, ate lunch with them, and enjoyed the singing and dancing. A wonderful afternoon had by all. I also enjoyed catching up with my Aunt Martha and Uncle Les; precious people; my mother's younger brother.

 Back at camp, Dennis' cousin Sonya cooked out for us and we enjoyed food and conversation in the pavillion provided by the camp. Wonderful weather, too!!

                                              Next night, hot dogs and Smore's cooked over an open fire.

Coming up: play at Sight and Sound Theatre;

 friends arrive; and boating and fishing.

A pic of part of campground at Cooper Creek

What else can I say?  Nice.....

Branson

 

Enjoying relaxing days in Branson. The Mickey Gilley show Tuesday night was very entertaining, using video clips of his history and his still strong voice - he is almost 80!! His back up  singers and band  - wow! He still can't play piano because of his accident years ago, but he can still sing!

When we picked up the tickets the worker bee told us the doors open at 6:45 for the 7:30 show, but we might come earlier as the parking lot fills up early. He meant most of the people coming are old and get to places early….. He was right. We arrived at 6:30 and half the crowd was already there; waiting to go into their RESERVED seat. Aren't old people wonderful? Happy to be one of them!

 

Our RV viewed from fishing dock

The campground here is very nice.

 Good view of the river and easy access to the docks.

Dennis caught a small trout this morning. We overheard a woman tell her husband, "Who are you trying to tell me how to fish? I catch all the fish!" Well…..

Dennis fishing viewed from our RV 

Branson Landing down by old town Branson has a nice walking trail along the river. Next to the walkway are nice shops and restaurants. Pleasant weather made it a good afternoon to be out.

We rode the zip line at Branson Landing. Well, it is a baby zip line, but still we rode it across the river and it was fun!  Lunch at the Branson Café. In business since 1910.

Then, it is to grocery store. Relatives start arriving tomorrow. More fun times to come!