Green2GoRV - Our Travel Journal

Christmas Day - 2009

Saturday, December 26,  2009

From Lufkin, Texas

We were up early Christmas morning, dressed and headed out to see grand-kids and their Christmas presents. 

First stop was here in town at Austin's house.  We arrived a 7 sharp, expecting all the light to be on and everyone around the tree.  Oops...  no lights, no one around the tree, and no little pitter patter of feet.  So... nothing else to do but call and wake 'em up.. exactly what we did.

We first saw Austin in the living room looking around, then he just sat down and waited for Scott and Shelley to hand out the presents to him and Bo, his half brother.

Austin opening one of his gifts as Bo looks on.

 

We stayed for a while, had some of Shelley's 'Sausage Balls' (my favorite), received some gifts from them and too soon it was time for us to leave for Houston to see David, Kim, Courtney, and Conner.

We love watching Courtney and Conner open their gifts.  Only from little ones like them do you get to see the Joy they get from receiving gifts from us.

Kim started a fire in their new fire pit on the patio, and as the day warmed up into the 50's, we enjoyed sitting around the fire and visiting while the kids played.

 

Kim fixed a great lunch and I really almost made a pig out of myself.  I will definitely be back on my diet come Monday morning.  Might as well blow it all week-end.  -:)

We got back to Lufkin about 4pm, and went by the damaged house to check on a few more things.  There was a traffic jam in the street with all the Lookee Lou's and Gawkers.  I am sure it was the same in all the areas that received damage. 

The local newspaper this morning reported that the Storm Analysis suggested and F-3 tornado with wins from 130 to 140 miles per hour.

But so far, thankfully, there have been no reports of fatalities from the storm, and apparently only a few major injuries.

I will try to update more on our damage as soon as possible.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!

Deja Vous (All Over Again)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

As soon as daylight arrived this morning, we were dressed and on our way to our former home to further assess the damage.  And, it looked even worse than it did last night.  First order of business was to start protecting things that needed and could be protected.

Scott called the insurance agency to report the loss.  They had even sustained damage to their building.

I will post a few pictures.

The Mini Cooper and Mule were in the Shop that no longer exists.

 

Another view of the Mini

More debris around the Mini

 

Damage to the top of the motorhome.

 

Damage to a couple of the motorhome windows.  The double pane windows had shattered on the outside, but the inside pane was still intact.

The exterior of the motorhome sustained a LOT of nicks and dingies all over and several significant fiberglass damage.  One awning was completed blown off and two others are damaged beyond repair.

Tornadoes can do really unbelievable things such as the 2 x 8 driven into the ground so deep it could not be pulled out by hand.

Including this 2 x 6 driven through the upstairs bedroom.

Someone asked me how much of the house sustained additional damage.  My reply was only two parts...  the upstairs and the downstairs.

Two of the three chimney's were destroyed.

After viewing all the damage we really feel fortunate that we no longer were living there.  I think our grandson, Austin, explained it as only a 9 year old can.  He told Donna (his Nonna) the maybe God caused the fire so we would not be living there and get killed when the tornado came.

And regardless of all the trials and tribulations we have experienced in the last few months, we will survive (and thrive) and be stronger from the experience. 

We say a great big hearty thanks to all our friends both here on our blog and on Facebook that have expressed their heartfelt concerns for us and our well-being.

We will continue with our Christmas Day plans of seeing the grandkids, both here and in Houston, but will return Christmas night to continue dealing with this challenge.

Our town sustained major damage to many homes and businesses.  A number of folks were injured, but so far no fatalities reported.

Please pray for our less fortunate neighbors as they continue to recover and heal.

 

 

We Are Safe (Again).... BUT....

Thursday, December 24, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

It seemed last night that the weather had pretty much set in to drizzle or rain all night.  North of us we heard of several storms and tornado's but really didn't think we might be affected here.  As we were about to go to bed about 10, we noticed the wind had really picked up and the rain was getting harder.

Then a few minutes later we got a call from the Alarm company in Houston informing us that the alarm at the office was going off.  They said Police Dispatch had them on hold, so we told them we would check it out. 

About that same time we lost power and started digging out the flashlights.  We got a call from a Deputy Sheriff friend, checking on us, saying that a tornado had hit not too far from where we were, and they were being called in to go on duty.

So we took off to the office in Donna's car, found various part of Lufkin with power off, including the area where our office is located.  The alarm had apparently re-set and was no longer active.

We then decided we should check the house we uses to live in, the one that burned in July.  As we drove down the street, with no power in the area, the closer we got to the house the more debris was in the street.  As we pulled into the drive, it was blocked with more debris.  We could not see the house from our vantage point so we went back to get my Hummer and some gloves, etc.

Our landlord was at the B & B when we got there, checking for damage.  When we told him we were going back to the old house, he volunteered to go with us.

After moving some debris, we got through the gate, and found the remainder of the driveway pretty clear of debris.  As we neared the house, there was a tree down across the drive, so we parked, got out and walked. 

We check the house, found both chimney's had been blown down, most of the roof was blown off, and a part of the second floor was blown off.  Bad enough.

Checking further, we found very little damage to the garage where a lot of the things that we had removed from the house were being stored in 'totes'.  We went to check the shop building behind the garage where Donna's Mini-Cooper was parked, along with the Mule and all the lawn equipment.

The shop was basically gone...  There was debris on top the the Mini... the Mule was shoved up against the Mini and the Mini appeared to have sustained major damage, as did most of the thing stored in the Shop.

We then turned to the motorhome to find one of the awnings was gone.. several windows had shattered... one of the shop garage doors was laying on the ground by the motorhome... and a downed power line or guide wire was laying across the top of the motorhome... 

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours..  We are glad that we are safe, but now we have even more to deal with dealing with the insurance company.  The various policies that cover this damage is with the same agency and the same insurance company.

The insurance company did not allow a total loss on the previous fire, so the house was still fully covered.  There is no doubt in our mind now that the house is now totally destroyed and will be a total loss.

As daylight arrives in about an hour, we will go back to the house, start taking pictures and contacting the insurance company to file the claims.

I will hopefully do an update later today.

We are not sure how our trip to Houston will be affected.  We hopefully will still be able to spend Christmas Day with the kids and grandkids in Houston, but most likely the rest of the planned trip will be cancelled and we will return home Friday afternoon.

 

Progressing Along

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

We have been quite busy the last couple of weeks since our family Christmas Gathering.  Year end closings and final adjustments were on tap for Donna to get completed in order to close the office after the 18th.  Final collections and distributions to owners had to be completed to close out for the year.

With that accomplished on time, she gave the office employees (me, too) the remainder of the year off with pay. 

Our grandson Austin is out of school for the holidays and will spend his days with us enjoying the TV, Computer, and just generally chilling out, as only a 9 year old can do.

We have been back a couple of times to the house we are buying to get some measurements, take a few more pictures, and meet with contractors and decorator consultants.  The title work is complete and acceptable..  the seller has leased a house, and scheduled his move for a couple of days before closing.  At this point there seems to be no reason for any delays.

Our insurance company has sent payment for the structure damage, less depreciation.  However, although we have accepted the check, we have not agreed with the amount.  Our public adjuster, representing us, has submitted justifications for decreasing the depreciation (increasing our claim).  His submission, as of last Friday, has resulted in an addition payment from the insurance company.  This payment gets us closer to what we feel is an acceptable amount for the structure, and we are hopeful of getting closer to our number in the next couple of weeks.

Donna and I are still working on the contents, making sure that everything that should be included in on the final list.  We hope to be done with that by the end of the year, and reach a settlement on contents by the end of January.

The weather for the last few days here has been nice temperature wise, but still a few little rain showers occasionally.  We have been meeting our friends for coffee at Charlie's fairly regularly for the last couple of weeks.

Christmas Eve the folks that own the Bed and Breakfast that we have leased will be having a little party here at the house, mostly outside around the fire pits.  They graciously included us as their guests, so we are looking forward to meeting some of their friends that we may not know.

Friday morning, we will first go to Austin's house here in town to deliver our gifts to him and his parents, and to see what 'Santa' brought him.  After a brief visit there, we will drive to Houston to see our Houston grandkids and their parents for the same purpose. 

Kim will fix a delicious lunch, we will spend the afternoon with them, then check in to a nearby hotel.  We plan to spend all day Saturday and part of Sunday shopping some of the after-Christmas sale.  We both are still living with limited clothing and hope to enhance our meager wardrobes with some additional clothes.

I will try be a little more frequent with my updates through the holidays.

Donna and I would like to wish all our friends and family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.  And always remember the Reason for The Season...  The Birth of Jesus Christ.

A Family Christmas Gathering

Saturday, December 12, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

Today was our family's annual Christmas gathering.  As a tradition in our family, we get together early for Christmas, so all the various families can spend their Christmas with their own families or other in-laws.  It has always worked very well for us, allowing for Christmas ski trips or more recently allowing Donna and I to take a RV trip.

For a number of years now, Donna and I have hosted the gathering, mainly because we had a large house and a large yard for the kids to play in.  About 5 years ago we started having Santa Claus come to the house and visit the little kids.  As you can imagine, the kids really look forward coming to Kpoppa and Nonna's every year, just knowing that Santa will be there.

After the fire, we were very doubtful of being able to host this year, but we are now in this super Bed and Breakfast, have the whole place leased, and the tradition lives on.

My mother turned 89 recently and currently is living her in Lufkin in an Assisted Living Center. This gathering is definitely one of the highlights of her year, when see gets to see all her children, grandkids, and great grandkids.

My mother's brother, John, and my brother Gary looking at some family history that Gary has been accumulating.

A lot of time was spent around the fire pit, just visiting.  In this picture is my brother Dale, his two daughter, one son-in-law, two grand-kids (cousins) and in the red cap, our daughter-in-law, Shelley.

 

My son, his wife Kim, and the kids Courtney and Conner as they arrived.

 

A part of the group having lunch.

 

Grandson, Conner, with Santa and obviously loving everything he is hearing.

 

Our grand-daughter, Courtney getting her gift from Santa.

 

Left to Right, Sharon (Gary's wife), Amanda (Sharon and Gary's daughter), and Donna on the right.  They are taking a quick break from kitchen duties.

Hopefully in the next day or two I can post a few more pictures from our wonderful gathering.

Donna and I wish everyone an early Merry Christmas.

Finally Have a House

 December 1, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

As of last night about 9pm we received word that our latest offer on a home had been accepted.  And the tears started running down Donna's face.  She was sooo happy!!   While on our recent two month trip, and not really feeling homeless, we kept an eye on the local MLS for properties that might be available when we returned home.

Since returning home about the first of October we have diligently looked for a home to buy or even land to buy and build a home.  It seems we have found just the right place. 

Although the home is an older home, it seems in great condition and has almost 4 acres located very near the commercial areas and only about a mile from our office.

 

There is a great pool in the back with a gazebo and trellis covered deck along with a huge cover patio.

 

Donna loves the Tuscan flavored kitchen.

 

And the game room will become our media room overlooking the pool.

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything on our Blog, and I will try to refrain from being so negligent in the future.

We had a great Thanksgiving with some friends and their family.  Unfortunately I forgot to take my camera, so no pictures.

On Saturday before Thanksgiving, we joined several hundred folks at a local warehouse and helped assemble over 1500 Thanksgiving Food basket for needy families.  Scott, Shelly, and Austin joined in also.

Austin took on the job of putting Jello in the boxes as folks passed by our position in the line, and then took the filled boxes to be loaded in vehicles for delivery.

 

The effort was quite rewarding and I think Austin learned a great lesson as he helped deliver these boxes of food to some really needy folks.  Maybe he will learn to appreciate a little more all the things he has and enjoys.

I will try to post a few more pictures of the home in the next few days.

'till next time....

Another Grand-kid Fix

Friday, November 6, 2009

From Lufkin, Tx

Donna picked up Austin from school at noon yesterday.  The school dis-missed early on Thursday, and he has no school today.  His dad is out of town and this gives us a chance to spend a little time with him.  He will go to the office with Donna today, then probably come home early with me.

Yesterday was my mother's 89th birthday, so Austin, Donna, and I went to visit her at the assisted living center about mid-afternoon.  She was very glad to see Austin (and us too).  Austin figured out that when he is 50 she will be 130.  LOL

Wednesday was my regular check-up with my doctor, after having my blood work done the previous Wednesday.  I have really been working hard to lose a few pounds and get my 'sugar' down to a normal level.  At my last appointment, the Dr. really insisted that it was time for me to start an insulin regimen.  I really resisted, making big promises to get it under better control, and finally he relented.

Well,  IT WORKED!  My blood sugar was the lowest (lowerl that the goal) its ever been since he has been treating me for diabetes, probably about 12 or 13 years.  I had also lost 16 pounds in the 3 months since my last visit.  And, my blood pressure was 110 / 60, the best in years.

All other test were within normal levels.

As you can imagine, I was very proud of myself, left his office high-fiving his nurse and patting myself on the back. -:)

This week-end (Saturday) is opening day of deer season in Texas.  The judge will be cooking steaks at the hunting club tonight.  The ladies are not allowed on opening week-end, so I may go out for a great steak that the judge is so famous for. 

We are still in the leased home, enjoying the convenience of its location, although we have made an offer on a property.  From the counter offer it really looks like that making a deal will not happen.  We are just too far apart.

'till next time...

Friends, Food, and Fellowship

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

We read on their Blog that Kathy and Chuck were at the Escapees park in Livingston for a few days.  So, after a few emails back and forth, and very little coercion, we convinced them to drive on over to Lufkin for some the famous Cafe Del Rio Mexican Food.

We agreed to meet at the restaurant at 6, and they were right on time, although their GPS threw them a curve ball.

It was really great to see Chuck and Kathy.  We last saw them at the Gypsy Journal Rally in Celina, Oh.  We first met them in March of '08 at a rally in Kerrville, Tx, but they feel like 'life long' friends.

 

 
A salute to great times.

 

Chuck demonstrates the proper way to slather a little melted butter and honey on a flour tortilla.  (Remember, Bob?)

We saved the one last tortilla just to give Bob & Molly a reason to remember just how much they like Cafe Del Rio.  I believe Bob is correctly quoted as saying 'that's the best Mexican Food I have ever had."

All too soon it was time to vacate the premises and return to our normal routines.  It was difficult to part as we hung around the parking lot for another 15 to 20 minutes.

We'll see ya down the road, Chuck and Kathy.

Time For Some Good Luck

Sunday, November 1, 2009

From Lufkin, Tx

After all the rains, Friday turned out to be a great sunny and warm day.  I went home about mid-afternoon to catch up on a few little things.  Donna showed up a few minute after 5, and asked if I was interested in heading over to Shreveport to visit the casino.

Okay, sure, why not.  We left by about 5:30 and were in the Casino shortly after 7:30.  Since our player cards were burned in the fire, we went upstairs to the Player Center.  The lines were long so I opted to go on back downstairs and hit the Let It Ride table, leaving Donna to get our cards, if they would let her get mine, too.

After only a few minutes she showed up with our cards, left mine with me, and headed off to find her 'dream machine'.  I played for about an hour managing to stay even or up a little.  The dealer was having problems with the machine that shuffles and records any significant pay-out.

Then I hit a flush, with a really good pay-off and the machine completely froze.  With several people trying to make it work, we waited for about 20 minutes.  They finally paid me my winnings about the time Donna walked up and showed me a ticket of her winnings - $900.  Guess she found her dream machine... -:)

They shut the game down, so we went into the restaurant for some dinner.  Very nice young lady was our server.  She had just finished her tour of duty with the Army and was in college (thanks, Uncle Sam) majoring in Accounting.

We went back to the casino, Donna back to her dream machine, me back to the Let It Ride table.. which was still closed.  Okay, so I am already ahead, no big deal.  I wandered around the area, watching some games, and putting a few quarters in the 'one-armed bandits'.  After a couple of hours, Donna called to see if I was ready to head home.  So we met in the Lobby, and now she announced that she is $1,900 winner.  Wow..  with my $100 remaining winnings, that made $2,000.  A great night at the casino.

After getting home about 2am, we got up late Saturday, and went to Pete's Place for some breakfast.  We did a few things at the motorhome, packed up some stuff, and then Donna headed to Bed Bath and Beyond for a few items.

It sure looks like the economy in Lufkin is not suffering at all... not like other parts of the country.  She said the store was packed with people, and they were buying.  And BBB does not sell the staples that everyone has to have, but mostly luxury items that are non-essential and can be foregone.

No specific plans for the rest of the week-end.  Guess we will just hang around and see what might materialize.  Hope everyone remembers to set the clocks back last night and also to change the smoke alarm batteries today.

'till next time.

 

 

Rain, Floods, and Sunshine

Friday, October 30, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

Bad storms and rain were predicted for after mid-night on Wednesday night.  But, even by 5am the storms did not materialize Thursday morning.  However, by noon Thursday the rains came, and came, and came.  It seems at times to be raining at the rate of an inch in 15 minutes.  Then it would stop, just a drizzle, then it would come back.

Donna and I were looking at a piece of property Thursday afternoon about 7  miles northwest of town, mostly in the rain, but at least we had umbrellas.  As we drove back into town, the 'bottom fell out'.  We were in the Hummer, and it was raining so hard that I drove 30 to 35 mph all the way back.  Unbelievable.

Parts of Lufkin are notorious for being low lying and subject to flooding.  And flood it did.  Some street were closed, folks were evacuated from some apartments, and one group at a real estate office were evacuated by boat.

The front with all the rain continued to pass through Lufkin over night, but with mostly light rain, very little wind, and mostly just off and on drizzle and light rain.  By mid morning the clouds were disappearing, and by noon the sun was shining bright.  Wonderful, warm, sun!!

The week-end is forcast to be totally clear, sun shining, and low 70's..  just the type of fall we live for here in East Texas.

'till next time

Shopping, Dining, and Games

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

From Lufkin, Tx

Our plans were to leave early Friday morning and go to Houston for some shopping and visit with the grand-kids.  As we had lunch Thursday, we determined neither of us had anything pressing for the remainder of the day, so we decided to leave Thursday afternoon.

As we arrived in the Woodland's, we spotted a Pappadeux's restaurant and stopped for dinner.  Great food, as usual.  Donna had a Salmon dish and I had a stuffed snapper.

We decided to check in to a hotel, and just relax, read some blogs, and watch a little TV, and head out fairly early Friday morning.

On Friday, our main destination was a fairly new Factory Outlet Mall in northwest Houston near Cypress.  Donna had found out on the internet there was a Liz Clairborne outlet there so that was our destination.  Arriving a few minutes before 10, we had to wait for the store to open at 10.

 
The Liz Claiborne store.

Donna checking out a nice top.

We then started down the mall in the first of four sections, where most of the high end stores that Donna feels have quality stuff are located.  Other stores include The Loft, Ann Taylor, Jones of New York and Samsonite.

The Starbucks was located at the end of the first section, so I waited there as she hit those stores over the next hour or so.  Next we found another luggage store where I bought a rolling computer bag.  Donna had bought one the afternoon before at a Samsonite store near The Woodlands.

As I sat on a bench while she visited some more ladies store, our daughter-in-law came strolling up, shocked to see me.  They knew we were coming tomorrow, but not today.

After several more stores including Coldwater Creek and the Coach store, finally about 3:30 we headed back to the hotel, with a detour to Hooters for a bite of lunch / dinner.  Then back to the hotel, relaxing and off to bed for an early trip to the grandkids games.

Conner is glad to see his Nonna.

And his Kpoppa, even if the bright sun in hurting his eyes.

Courtney serving the ball, and doing a great job.

Conner going for the ball.

After the game we went back to their house, visited for a while, then lunch at Willie's, a great hamburger place not for from their home.  Since David and Kim were having friends over that night, we left for home after lunch to give them time to get ready for the party.

More updates coming soon.

Getting Settled In

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

From Home, Lufkin, Tx

We have been here in the house for over a week, and its feeling like home, a little bit.  The home is very nice, very well furnished, and has everything we need. 

The insurance company has committed to six months of temporary housing, and even have furnished a big 52" HD TV, similar to what we had.

We are continuing to work on the scope of the loss and have received most of our representative's values.

We are planning to go to Houston this coming Friday for some shopping to replace more of Donna's clothes, and maybe even a few things for me.

We will also get to attend Conner's soccer game and Courtney's volley ball game on Saturday.

More updates with pictures soon.

We Are No Longer Homeless

Friday, October 16, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

After getting home, getting settled in the motorhome back in Camp Recovery, we spent most of the week-end getting caught up with friends and family.  Back in the office on Monday and catching up on a few things.

Even though we have been living quite comfortably in the motorhome for almost three months now, it's not quite the same as having a 'home' of sticks and bricks.  Donna would like to have a 'real' bath tub and I have kinda missed the Big HD TV with DVR.

So we contacted the insurance representative about finding a house to live in, and got there approval under our Additional Living Expense coverage.  As luck would have it we HAVE found a place.  Its even closer to Charlie's.  And, its also real close to our old home.  That makes it real easy to check on the property. 

Our yard man did a great job with the yard while we were gone, and will continue to do so.  Donna now has a lady that does housekeeping and maintenance chores for her company going through parts of the house and throwing away unusable stuff and storing in totes things that 'might' be salvaged.  It's doubtful that much will be salvagable, but Donna wants to try.

We are still no where close to an agreement with the insurance company, but we do have excellent representation, and I expect we will eventually reach a settlement that we are satisfied with.

Until we reach an agreement, we just don't know what our future holds.  We are doubtful of repairing the damage since we think the cost will far exceed the policy limits.

We may buy an existing home or we might buy some land and build something.  We have never built a new home in our 30 years of marriage, and so many folks say it is really stressful.  But, with the trials and tribulations during our marriage, I think we can handle just about anything.  We will see.

The place we have leased is a Longhorn ranch (we only have the house) owned by some folks we have known for many years.  They have another home nearby where they live and this home is fully furnished.  There is an RV spot with full hook-ups right behind the house, and we are hopeful that some of our friends will avail themselves and be our guest for a few days.  We are real easy to find and good access to a major highway.

Last Rally Day and Heading Home

Thursday, October 15, 2009

From Lufkin, Texas

The last time I posted was near the end of the Rally in Celina.  On Wednesday night the host and hostess, Nick and Ms. Terry hosted a Pizza Party for all the participants.  With over 200 folks to feed, I kinda expected it might take a while.  BUT, not the case.  Very well organized, several choices of pizza, and everybody had gotten their first two pieces within about 10 minutes.

 
After everyone had their first trip, then it was time to head back for more.  They even had a second delivery.

Our table, with Donna taking the picture.  I think Molly is really enjoying the pizza.

As I mentioned in my last post Wednesday was my birthday.  I had spent the entire day without any of my Rally 'friends' wishing me a Happy Birthday.  I was actually getting a little bit put-out.  Then they presented me with a card signed my everybody, with a dollar bill enclosed, and a 'rally' pin.

 
They didn't forget after all... :-)

Oh, I mentioned a pin, too.  Here it is.

Click on the picture to read the pin.

What a great bunch of folks.  We just don't get to see them often enough.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Thursday was the last full day of the Rally, with a going away breakfast on Friday morning.  We skipped the seminars this morning, and made arrangement to go to lunch with a few couples at Highmark's, a place we had not been.  Right before lunch Donna asked if I would like to go ahead and leave after we got back from lunch.  Ok with me.

We helped the Too Crazy Ladies get packed up, loaded up, and hooked up, since they were leaving for another Rally today.  We had a great lunch with Bob & Molly and Chuck & Kathy.

Back at the fairgrounds we got loaded and hooked up and after a few more hugs and handshakes we hit the road toward home.  We saw there was a huge line of thunderstorms moving east out of the Dallas area and probably would be in Ohio by Friday morning which would put us on the road in the rain if we waited until Friday to leave.

We left about 2pm, drove about 350 miles and stopped in a rest area near Salem, IL about 8pm, with lightning to our west and the front moving our way.  We got very little rain over night and next morning it was clear and sunny for our drive to Lufkin.

We left the rest area at 5:45 and arrived home at 5:55, with 12 hours and 10 minutes on the road and 730 or so miles behind us.  As most folks know, we share the driving, take naps, relax, and stay refreshed for our turn to drive.  We were not tired at all, and by 7 we were settled in the yard, and gone to Charlies to meet some friends.

I will do another post tonight to update our situation since we are back home.

Getting Educated At The Rally

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh.

Registration for the Rally started Monday with a big Welcome Meeting at 3pm and Door prizes at 7pm.  The seminars started Tuesday and will run through Thursday. 

The Rally is put on by Nick and Terry Russell, publishers of the Gypsy Journal and authors of numerous books and publications regarding the RV lifestyle.  It appears that the rally is quite well attended with about 125 rigs and about 250 people registered. 

The vendors area is well represented with lots of products to view and buy from cleaning cloths, to magnetic bracelets to cookware, to electrical stuff.

There is also a great list of presenters conducting seminars on a lot of subjects.  The Geeks on Tour are teaching classes on Picassa, Google Earth, Photo Story 3, and a Computer Boot Camp.

Other seminars include:

- Highway History and Back Road Mystery

- RV Weight Safety

-  Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

- Meandering Down the Highway

and at least 20 additional seminars.

After a few days of drizzling rain, the weather has been cloudy and cold.  Most days a high in the mid-60's and lows overnight in the high 40's and low 60's.  Tonight the low is predicted to be 34.  Hopefully our heaters won't fail us.

Our group has been going out to eat quite a bit.  We went back to Sunny Side last night, and a bunch of us went to The Willows, a little burger joint, family owned and operated since 1951 a couple of days ago.  The owner, Scott, is a great and fun guy.

More later..

Oh yeah.. today is also my birthday...

 

 

Pot Luck Breakfast, Then Wine and Cheese

Sunday, September 27, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh

What a great way to start the day (about 10ish).  Everybody contributed to a group breakfast feast for this warm and sunny morning.  I think we had about 20 or so folks in attendance.

Donna filling her plate.

Part of the group.

Donna and Molly posing for the camera.

Then in the afternoon (about 4ish), everybody contributed some wine and goodies for another get together prior to the rally.  Again we had a great participation and even a few new folks.

We sure had lots of wine, cheese, and other snacks.

A part of the group.

Since the rally starts tomorrow we may not have many more opportunities for everyone to get together.  The Pre-Rally Rally has really been great.  Donna and I have been here since Monday, with rest coming in mostly on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Almost a solid week of fun!!!

 

More Folks and Prime Rib

Saturday, September 26, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh.

Today we spent just hanging around the camp and watching a few more attendees arrive.  Donna and I did go to Wal-Mart to pick up a few more things, some for camping and some for the pot-luck breakfast Sunday morning,

Saturday night about 25 of us went to the Sunnyside Inn for dinner.  Their Saturday Night Special was a NY Strip or Prime Rib with a potato, salad, and shrimp cocktail.. all for $15.95.

Our waitress did a fantastic job of taking care of us, all by herself.  I didn't ask her name, but I did get a picture of her.

We also had a few new couples with our group tonight.

Red and Beth are vendors here at the Rally and friends of a lot of us.

Jerry and Glenna

Paul and Denise have been here for several days, but I am just now getting a picture of them.

Rich and Mary just arrived today.  We first met them at the rally in Sedalia.

Russ and Debbie are also vendors and just arrived today.

About 40 rigs have arrived so far and about 50 or so will come in on Sunday with a total of about 130 expected by Monday.

Tomorrow we are planning a 'pot luck' breakfast for all that wants to attend.

A Dutch Oven Feast

Friday, September 25, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh.

Today we spent most of the day just hanging around the camp.  Donna spent a lot of her time browning 10 lbs of hamburger meat for the two big pots of chili we are fixing for the group dinner tonight.

The guys in camp gathered up water hoses to run the 150 feet or so to the faucet and added water to the tanks of those that needed it.  About 2pm or so Bob and I went to Wal-Mart (of course) to buy a couple of pop-up canopies for the camp and got those set up.  They were really easy and quite large at 9 x 12.

Some of the folks are under one of them in the picture below.

Paul, Bob, and Chuck discussing the finer points of something.

  

The cooking pots (Dutch Oven) were set up inside another tent to keep them out of the drizzling rain we have been experiencing the last couple of days.

The bottom pots on the two stacks contain Donna's Chili and there are potatoes and two cakes in the other two.  The pan is the middle is where the coals were prepared to place on and under the Dutch Ovens.

 

Donna is checking her chili after it has been on the coals for a little over an hour.  Since we have never done this before, she was concerned that the chili would stick to the bottom of the Oven.  But the way the heat is applied keeps it from burning.  There were only 8 briquettes on the bottom and 17 on the top.  The top one heated the chili from the top and caused the sides to heat up also, cooking from all sides.  Donna was completely surprised there was no sticking.

Bob and Barb provided the expert knowledge and leadership in preparing this fantastic dinner.

While the cooking was going on and folks were gathering up The Geeks on Tour, Jim and Chris, dropped by.  They are attending the Rally and presenting several seminars on computer usage.

Another couple that I missed a picture of last night was Rick and Terry, shown below.

There still may be a couple of others that I will get eventually.

More tomorrow..

 

Hobo Stew

Thursday, September 24, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh.

We spent most of the day on Thursday just hanging around the camp and meeting some new folks as they arrived.  For lunch, Donna and I, along with Bob and Molly and Howie and Norah drove out around Lake Grand to a nice little restaurant called Sunny Side Inn.  We all opted for sandwiches, which were very good and quite large.

Back to the camp we starting prepping for the Hobo Stew planned for this evening.  Someone bought the meat, and the rest of us just contributed whatever was in the pantry or fridge that we needed to get rid of.

Bob volunteered the us of his big portable stove, his big stew pot, and all his gear but someone else would have to do the stirring.  Nobody stepped up, so Bob wound up doing the stirring anyway, with a few stirs from me.

The stew turned out really great and every one gathered around our 'patio' to enjoy the stew and the sides brought by various folks.

I promised to post some picture of our friends in attendance.  The following is not everyone, but I will get others later.

John furnished the meat.  His wife was ill and unable to attend.'

Dan and Dee

Bob and Barb 

Howie and Norah

Chuck and Kathy

Bob and Molly

There are more that I will get later.

Tomorrow night we are planning a Dutch Oven meal including Donna's Chili, some potatoes, chocolate cake, and other sides.

More later.

 

 

Rally Friends Are Arriving

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

From Mercer County Fairgrounds, Celina, Oh

Tuesday morning Donna drove about 10 miles to another town where she had found a nail place to get her nails and toes done.  There seems be just something about a nail job that really puts her in a good mood.  Oh well, she definitely deserves it.

I just hung around the coach all morning till she returned, then we went back to Wal-Mart to get a few things.

Back to the coach we just hung out waiting on our friends to start arriving.  Bob and Molly were traveling from Elkhart along with Howie and Nora and they arrived sometime around 4.  A couple others came in earlier, and  several after Bob and Molly arrived.

We are all parked together (circled the wagons) and we started getting acquainted with the folks we hadn't yet met.  Below is a shot of our coach  on the left and Bob and Molly's on the right.

The area between our coaches has kinda become a gathering place for our group, having a little pot luck meal on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

I have been real lax on taking pictures and will make a real effort starting tomorrow.  I will also try to introduce all our new friends to my readers tomorrow also.

Happy Birthday David  ( I have said that 42 times now. lol )