April 1 - 15, 2025 Getting Home and Completing Projects

1-Tue-We got around pretty early today. We left about 9:15 to start our journey home. We went north on I-95 then West on I-10. We joint I-75 to Atlanta (around the outside). We got to Georgia about 2:15 PM. The drive was pretty smooth. We arrived about 3:15 PM and stayed at the KOA journey in Forsyth, GA. We went in to register and they gave us warm chocolate chip cookies! Oh they were delicious. Then we parked and got settled for the night. Steve drove 324 miles. Supper was grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, berries and tortilla chips.

2-Wed-Today would have been my dad’s 102nd birthday. He was 64 when he died. I remember that day like  yesterday. We got around and were on the road by 9:30 AM. As we pulled on to the highway, a guy in a black pickup pulled around us FAST, then slammed on his brakes and flipped us off! Imagine that! Not everyone on the road is friendly. Getting gas was a tight squeeze in a convenience store. But we made it. Steve is an excellent driver. We headed north on I-75 around Atlanta. We had a few scary traffic moments then we joined I-20 West to Birmingham, AL. The wind gusts were a little tricky along with the traffic. Then our air conditioner kicked the breaker off. Steve flipped the breaker on the generator and it got going again. We took a little detour off in the woods to the RV park, Natchez Trace RV park, Shannon, MS. So technically we were on the Natchez Trace.

This was near Cordova, AL  Huge rock formation.

Interesting structure close to the RV park

3-Thu-OK we were up early and made preparations to leave. We are trying to get an early start because the weathers rugged (rain). We looked at the tires and the outside dually on the passenger side was very low. So we got our our air compressor and aired it up. Then we were headed to Tupelo to see if we could get it fixed or replaced. Either our GPS routed us poorly or I routed us poorly. We took aa lot of back roads accidentally. We arrived at Southern Tire Mart in Tupelo, MS and they got to us pretty quick. We were on the road again by 10:15 AM. This was a rugged drive with rain and some wind, but not as much as yesterday. We got through Memphis (on the out around) without any major problems. We finally stopped at North Little Rock -Sherwood, AR. I had trouble finding a site and finally got a hold of a new park (Kellogg RV Park). We got there and it was a gravel parking lot with all back in sites. But we just pulled in like a pull thru, because there weren’t many people there. It rained all night! We were in an old fashioned thunderstorm. Supper was ham, eggs and bagels.

Pond

Old cabin at the RV Park

4-Fri-We woke up early and got around fast. I walked the dogs while Steve unhooked the utilities. We were able to get gas at Casey’s and got to I-40 headed west. It rained most of the way to Fort Smith, Ar. It finally let up a bit short of the Oklahoma Welcome Center. Then when we got near Checotah, OK it poured buckets of rain on us. It was lightening! It was a little scary. We made it through OKC and home about 3:30 PM. We chilled and relaxed. We unloaded at the bare necessities and went to supper at La Macarena in Perry. We found out the next day that North Little Rock, AR flooded and we were so lucky to get out of there and home safe.

5-Sat-After breakfast we started working on laundry and unloading the RV. We looked at RV’s to consider trading for. I made chili and we had it for lunch and supper. 

6-Sun-Today we relaxed and watched TV. We also did some more laundry and unloading of the RV. I made stuffed potato skins for supper and our dessert was diet pudding and a fiber one brownie.

7-Mon-We started slow today. Eventually we went and picked up the mail. Then we were off to Stillwater. I went to Kay Jewelry to get my wedding ring fixed. It was interesting . They took several pictures and then we signed some stuff. It will be up to two weeks to get finished. Next it was on to Walmart to get groceries. Then we put our stuff away and had lunch. I made meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and green beans for supper.

8-Tue-We have been pretty busy since getting back home. We went through the accumulated mail, made a vet appointment, got meds refilled, purchased groceries, RV insurance, etc. etc. We went to supper at La Macarena again tonight. 

9-Wed-Slow day today, Steve doesn’t feel well. We did take the dogs to the Vet for their annual checkups. I ordered some new T-shirts today. Steve stuck with his chicken noodle soup and I ate leftovers. 

10-Thu-Steve was better today. After we got around we dropped off the pickup to get the tires rotated. That only cost $20. I got a new debit card, because mine will expire when we are gone this summer. We also went to O’Reilly’s to get some glue. Steve needs to glue some trim on the door of his pickup. After lunch we fixed the RV blinds that needed re-strung. I assisted under duress. We had the small one from the bedroom and the large one from the dining room window. I made chicken enchilada casserole for supper. 

11-Fri-I went with Steve to wash the pickup. He did it by hand instead of driving through. Then I worked on the computer and made a new password book. After lunch we worked on the big blind. We finally finished it. Tonight we went to Braum’s for supper. 

12-Sat-Today we worked on installing the blind in the RV til about noon. These blinds are always a pain in the buttocks. Our gazebo with the canvas cover got ruined in the storm last summer. It is now in tatters. We finally got the ladder out and removed it. We ordered a new cover and will put it on in the fall when we return. Supper was cube steak, french fries, salad and berries.

Full Moon

13-Sun-Today Steve worked on the RV oven door. We washed all the RV bedding and dog blankets. We also watched the car races later. Supper was turkey bacon, eggs, thin bagels and berries. 

14-Mon-After we got around Steve started the mower for me. I mowed the front yard and Steve did weed eating. Then it was on to laundry. We even cut the grass behind the fence. We had lunch then, checked the generator oil. Worked on bleeding the brakes on the pickup. It was a busy day. We had sloppy joes, french fries and berries for supper.

We pay dearly to get rid of these weeds! I guess it is not working.

15-Tue-We had a routine morning. I emailed Marsha some information about diverticulitis. Tony, her husband and Anthony, my nephew are both having trouble with it. We went to Stillwater for gas and then it was Lowes and Walmart. We also did some errands around Perry. We drove the car through the car wash. Then we had supper at La Macarena with Linda and Hazel. 

April 11 - 30, 2022 Routine Chores, Trip Preparation and A Shock!

April started out like most months, with the exception that we are doing lots of things to prepare for our summer trip. the month ended up in a shock. Monday (11th) Today I went to the Eye doctor and got my contacts ordered and returned home. Steve was working on our old lawnmower. We need to get a new one but he sure likes to fix things up. We completed the laundry today and also made a trip to Stillwater to get some of my meds. We visited with Stetson and Hazel about mowing the yard this summer (Stetson). Tuesday (12th) Today we went to Linda’s and I got a perm. The hairdo was in some jeopardy though because  the wind was really getting after it!  Then we joined Hazel and Linda for supper at La Macarena. Wednesday (13th) was another routine day. We completed our bank statements this morning. Then later we mowed the front yard We also leveled the spots where the trees used to be and planted grass seed in the bare areas. I let Cooper know that Stetson would be mowing our yard this summer. 

Thursday (14th) Today we got around and then went to Stillwater to drop off the RV at Direct Discount Tires. They put new tires on the front of the RV.  Since we were in the neighborhood we visited with Hazel in the hospital. Then they called and said the RV was finished, so we picked it up and got our groceries at Walmart. Friday (15th)  Today we went to Oklahoma City for an appointment for Steve. We had a nice lunch at Red Lobster and used our gift card. Since we had a late lunch we just ate snacks for supper.  Saturday (16th) Today we got dressed and drove to OKC. We met Logan, and his girlfriend, along with Kristi and John for lunch at Texas Roadhouse.  We celebrated Logan’s 17th birthday. Steve and I also went to Cabela’s and I got a jacket to wear in rain and cool weather. Sunday (17th) Today was Easter and we didn’t do much. I slept poorly last night, so I tried to make up for it today. Other than that, we did some bookkeeping and had a nice walk. Monday (18th) We did a routine things  today. But we also worked on sorting quarters and putting them in their collection books.Later we walked and took the RV out for a drive so Steve could adjust the steering stabilizer. Tuesday (19th) I went to Linda’s for hair color today! Then we were back home taking it easy and putzing around. 

 Wednesday (20th) After we got going. I mowed the front yard and Steve did some weed eating. He also worked on organizing his little shed. It got up to 89

degrees here today and so the weather is starting to heat up! Thursday (21st) I didn't sleep good last night but I was up and around at 8:30 to go to my doctor's appointment in Ponca City. I discussed getting a 4th shot (for Covid) and he said get it. So that is the plan. Steve & I went to Lowes and got some flowers and a lawn edger attachment. After we got home we planted our flowers and watered the yard. Friday (22nd) We did our walk in the morning today. Then I picked up my contacts and the mail. We got our 2nd booster shots at Fosters drug store and checked out our vehicle insurance. Later we watched a two hour program on Covid and MS. Saturday (23rd) We didn't do much today, just putzed around. I think we were experiencing a little after effect from our vaccination. 

Sunday (24th) After our morning routine we dressed and went outside. After lunch, Steve decided to rotate the tires on the pickup. So we carefully completed that task and I help. Also I was on standby in case anything went wrong I could call 911. After that chore was complete we returned inside to rest. About 4 PM Kristi called and told us the Brad (Steve’s son) had died that morning. We were all upset as it was unexpected and of course no one expects their child to die before them. We were in a daze more or less for the rest of the day. Monday (25th) Today we did lots of errands and also went to Walmart. We also drove the RV so Steve could check the steering stabilizer adjustment and aired up the tires. My sister, Marsha sent us a nice plant with their condolences.

 Kristi and Austyn left after her school was out to go to Amarillo to help make funeral arrangements. Tuesday,  (26th) Steve has an appointment at the VA SCI clinic. They said his MRI was stable and he has no new MS lesions. Good News! Wednesday (27th) Today was spent packing the RV and doing laundry. We also were on the phone with Kristi making decisions about funeral arrangements. Thursday (27th) I got around a little earlier today and went to see Dr. Stubbs for a shot in my left shoulder. He comes to Perry - so this makes it convenient for me. We finished loading the RV and left about 10:55 to head to El Reno. We arrived there about 12:45 and set up the RV. Then we took a nap. We picked up John for supper and talked to Logan at Wendy’s and planned the next day. 

Wrist Corsage for Logan's Girlfriend (Sky)

Flowers from our walk

Friday (29th) When we finished getting dressed we walked the dogs. Then  I ordered some flowers for Logan and his girlfriend. Tonight is the Prom and we will be taking pictures of them since Kristi can’t be here. Logan got out of school early so we took him to Braum’s for lunch and We got the flowers to him. We were back and forth between the RV and Kristi’s house so he could get ready, pick up his girlfriend and take pictures. I had several places I wanted to take pictures, but the wind was blowing 30 mph - so we mainly took inside pictures. We also went downtown and watched them walk the red carpet into the prom venue. It was interesting. Then we had supper with John and took him home. 

Logan

Trying to pin on the pesky Boutonniere

Logan & Sky

 

Logan & Sky on the Red Carpet

We returned to the RV and walked the dogs and went to sleep after some TV. Saturday (30th) We were up about 8:30 today and walked our dogs. We picked up Logan so he could go to Amarillo with us for the funeral. After getting gas in the RV at Walmart, we hooked up the pickup and were on our way. While we were gassing up the RV a lady started asking us about RVing and we told as much as we could in a short time. It was nice to share our thoughts about RVing with her. We stopped at Erick OK for a rest and a snack. 

Erick, OK on Route 66 Home of Roger Miller

Entering Texas - A Whole Other Country

Then we got to Amarillo about 4:30 or so. Kristi and Austyn came out to the RV to visit and we ate supper at Cracker Barrel.