February 16 - 28, 2026 A Short Trip to Amarillo

16-Mon-Well I got up a little late again, 9:00 AM. But after breakfast and some TV I got busy. I took a shower and we started on the laundry. Then I cleaned out my sock drawer and found some jeans. Now I have loaded them up along with the DVDs and extra towels from the RV and took them to the donation center. We took a nice walk today. I guess we putzed around in the afternoon. Supper was turkey burgers, fries, mixed vegetables and berries. 

17-Tue-We got up at 8:15 today. Then we completed our morning routine. We worked on the computer some then went to Linda’s to get Steve's haircut. I dropped off my donations to Operation Blessing. We picked up our mail and went home for lunch. Then I found out my contacts had arrived, so I picked them up. We got a new Garmin RV 795 GPS and started trying to figure it out. Of course there are no instructions, so I guess we just have to check out You Tube for help. We ate supper at La Macarena with Linda and Hazel. 

Linda had these bookmarks at her beauty shop and I loved the messages on them.

18-Wed-I did not get up until 8:45. So we got ourselves dressed and fixed up. We went to  Walmart for supplies. We unloaded our groceries and had some lunch. After lunch we started loading the RV. We also went to Tractor Supply to get Steve some new overalls. While we were out we picked up the mail and stopped at Homeland. Then we loaded more stuff in the RV. We worked with the RV GPS some more and it almost drove me crazy. It does not work like the old one. For supper, I made chicken meatballs, rice, mixed veggies and berries. 

19-Thu-We were up at 8 or 8:30 this morning. We finished packing the RV. Then we drove up to the parking lot to put on the tow bar and attached the pickup. We got on the road about 11:00 AM. We stopped at Oklahoma City to fix the left rear tail light. The cover had come loose, so Steve added some washers and also duct tape for the win! We were back on the road and made it to Amarillo, Texas about 4:30 or 5:00. The Passport America campground was full so we went to the Big Texan RV Ranch. They give a military discount, so that helps with the cost. We only plugged in to electric and left our water hose and sewer hose disconnected. The temperature dropped down and it was very cold. We snacked for supper.

Crossing into Texas

The big cross at Groom, Texas

These cabins have been added at The Big Texas RV Park in Amarillo

20-Fri-We got up about 8:30 this morning. It was very cold. So after breakfast, we put on our warm coats and gloves to walk the dogs. Then we picked up Irene about 11 AM. We went to her ex husband’s place out north of Amarillo and helped her get a flatbed trailer attached to an old pickup that she wanted moved to her place. It was a little sketchy. Steve drove the pickup and trailer and I drove our pickup. We were back to the RV about 2 PM and had a snack. After putzing around for awhile, we got ready for the visitation at the funeral home. We picked up Irene eat 4:30 and drove to the funeral home. Kristi & John arrived. After we visited about 45 minutes we took Irene, Kristi and John to Abuelo’s for supper. Then we delivered Irene to her house and returned to the RV.

Steve would love to own this car!

21-Sat-We were up at 8 ish. We got our warm clothes on and walked the dogs. Then we got dressed for the funeral service. We picked up Irene and went to the funeral and graveyard. Then we delivered Irene back home. We went back to the RV and got into our comfy warm clothes to walk the dogs again. We are still in a very cold weather pattern. We even watched some TV. We picked up Irene about 6 PM and went to Braum’s for a hamburger and ice cream. Then we took her home and visited. Then its was back to the RV. Our heater shut off overnight and Steve got it going again.

Sunset on the plains of the Texas Panhandle

22-Sun-We were up at 9 AM. Yes it is still COLD! It’s been down in the 20’s at night and not real warm during the daytime. Plus you always have wind in the panhandle of Texas! I walked the dogs while Steve checked the oil and stored the jacks and slides. We attached the pickup, yes we had to wear our heavy coats and gloves. We left Amarillo at 10:30 AM and got back to Perry about 4 PM. We were tired! We unloaded the items we needed and took it easy for awhile. I fixed eggs, Canadian bacon and eggs for supper.  

Back to Oklahoma!

23-Mon-We were both up at 7:30 this morning. We completed our normal routine. Next we started our laundry and brought in more stuff from the RV. I picked up the mail. Then we filled out our papers for our summer volunteer job at Echo Lake in Montana. This summer will be our 9th year. Our plan is to try to make 10 years. I fixed chili for supper!

24-Tue-After breakfast we watched some TV.Then we made our bed and got dressed. I went to the beauty shop at 10:45 for a hair color and trim! I was home by 1:30 and then we had a light lunch. We watched TV and later took a short nap. For supper we went to La Macarena and met with Linda for supper.

25-Wed-We had our breakfast and then watched a little TV. We got around and headed to Stillwater. I had to get a new doctor so my first appointment with her was today. Her name is Misty Branam. Then we went to Walgreens, Tractor Supply, Ultra, Bath & Body and Walmart. We did lots or errands. We got home and put away our stuff. Then we took it easy for awhile. Super was chili nachos, and berries and fiber one brownies.

26-Thu-I did not get up til 8:20 this morning. After getting dressed and making the bed, I went to get fasting labs drawn here at the Perry hospital. I ate my breakfast after that. I had a nice the call with my sister Marsha. After lunch we watched some TV and took the dogs on a walk. Supper was cube steak, French fries, salad and berries. 

27-Fri-We got around and completed our usual routines. We returned to Stillwater to pick up Steve’s orthotics. He tried the shoes on and they were way too big. So they will return them and order a smaller size. I had to pick up a prescription at Walmart today also. We got home by 11 AM. I worked on the blog and Steve worked on sorting pictures on the computer. For supper I made chicken nuggets in the air fryer, and we had French fries and salad also.

It was 80 degrees and sunny at 4:30 PM!

28-Sat-I was up at 7:45 this morning. After breakfast I made brownies. Then got dressed and made the bed. I fixed my hair. Today we drove to Oklahoma City for game day with the kids and grandkids. We went to REI and Steve bought some shoes. Not sure if he will like them. Then we went to Kristi & John’s apartment. We played Mexican Train and got all the way down to the double ones. There was six of us playing Mexican Train, Steve & I, Kristi & John, Austyn & Sky. We ordered pizza about 3 PM or so. And later Logan, Cielo and Mariana showed up. We left their place about 6 PM and made it home by 7 PM. So the we just vegged out in front of the TV. 

Another beautiful sunset on our way home from Oklahoma City!

A view of the moon rising as we drove home.

June 16 - June 26, 2022 We Have Company!

Logan, Kristi and John across the lake

June 16 -Thursday - We were up and around in good time this morning. There was a mix up on the Kayak delivery - So we got everybody around and drove to Glacier National Park. Steve took pictures of Logan for his Senior announcements. It was a beautiful day, 71 ° and mostly sunny.  After our tour and the picture taking was over we ate at the Dairy Queen in Columbia Falls. There aren’t many options for eating out when you end your evening late. On our return from Glacier - we saw a huge herd of elk. 

Gateway to Glacier NP

Lake McDonald

Krisit, Poopsie  and John

Lake McDonald 

Water over Dock

Lake McDonald

Steve & Logan 

Elk herd we saw on our way home. Called the 206 herd. 

John & Kristi

June 17 - Friday - We did all the usual things for our morning routine. The kids came out from the camp site in Wayfarer State park. Kristi cooked breakfast on the Blackstone griddle. Later they floated in inner tubes. Logan and I went into town to get some more fest maps and a few groceries. I could not for the life of me find the forest maps that I thought I brought from home. Oh well. We had sandwiches for lunch.We just relaxed during the afternoon. The kids tried to hike the Echo Broken Leg trail - but it was flooded - so that was a no go. For supper we went to Burger Town in Bigfork ! They have the best hamburgers. Some of us also got huckleberry shakes! It rained overnight!

Kayaking

Our dock is underwater

The kayaks were delivered

June 18 -Saturday- We were up at 8 AM. I texted Tony P. about the dock being under water. The kids paddled their kayaks all around the lake. Tony came down to pull the dock out. Chuck the game warden drove through = but didn’t get out of his vehicle. It was pretty busy, but there were no big problems. Supper tonight was at the Split Rock Cafe. Then we returned to the RV and had a lovely campfire and S’mores. 

Logan at the Campfire

June 19- Sunday - Today we woke up to rain. It was Father’s Day. Steve and Logan took apart Kristi’s car. It is leaking due to the rain. Logan and Kristi did some kayaking. Mainly we just hung out at the RV. Supper was Hamburgers and chips at home. 

Kristi & Logan kayaking

Steve

June 20 - Monday - It rained all day! Kristi John and Logan left at 8:30 and drove to Polebridge. Steve and I hibernated in the RV most of the day. When the got got back we all napped and stayed inside. They brought us a Huckleberry Bear Claw. It is the best! If you are ever near Glacier - do not miss the trip to Polebridge for a Huckleberry Bear Claw! It is worth the drive! The kids also went shopping at the Huckleberry Store in Hungry Horse. John bought 5 packages of Huckleberry Coffee, which he loves! Tonight’s supper was tacos!

June 21 - Tuesday - It rained this morning. We stayed in the RV until the rain let up. The rain finally stopped about 11 AM and we got the dogs out. Poopsie doesn’t feel good. I think the rainy weather makes here old joints hurt like the rest of us. Kristi and John wen to Holland Lake to hike to the falls. John proposed at the falls and Kristi accepted! So now they are officially engaged! WooHoo. Steve and Logan worked to repair the step on the RV. About 3 PM Kristi and John got back - and it started raining again. They left for the hotel and supper out. They ate at Pesca- which has some fancy food. Kristi didn’t think we would like it. I guess we aren’t sophisticated enough. She said the food was really good there. Steve and Logan finished the step. Later we took Logan for Pizza at Rosa’s!

June 22- Wednesday - It was 55 ° when we got up this morning. We did our walk and the chores. I put the TENS unit on Steve because his back was hurting. Everybody hung out this afternoon until supper. Kristi, John and Logan started getting their stuff together (packing) for the trip home. We went to Sliter’s for plumber’s putty, hauled the trash and got a Huckleberry Smoothie. That was good also! We went to the Flathead Lake Brewing Company for supper. Then we had ice cream at the RV!

Flathead Lake View from the Parking lot of the Restaurant

June 23 - Thursday - We all got up and after getting things around we walked the dogs. Then we went to town for breakfast. This morning we went to PocketStone Cafe.  It was another great meal with wonderful company. We said our good byes and see ya laters and then the kids left us to head back home. We returned to the RV. I started Poopsie on Glucosamine to see if she can start feeling better. 

Logan & Stege

Flower

John, Logan, Kristi, Mary, Steve and the Bigfork!

June 24 - Friday We were up at 8:15 and did our regular routing. It was 49 ° and cloudy when we got up. We gathered up all the laundry and went to town to complete it. Tony P was here for awhile after we got back from the laundry. He gave us some No Fireworks signs to put up. We did weed eating in the afternoon.

June 25 Saturday - We woke up to a sunny day! So after all the routine tasks, we started weed eating. We did it most of the morning. We did most of the weedeating on the road side outside the gate. Then we ate lunch and rested. Tony didn’t come down today. We had a mess at the east end of the parking lot. Today was very busy! Some days I don’t know where all these people come from.

June 26 - Sunday - We got up at 9:15. After the routine stuff I was outside a lot! It was like herding cats! I was telling people not to park on the outgoing road. We had greater than 50 vehicles outside the gate and 35 inside the parking lot. It was very BUSY! There were lot of folks here.Our dog Poopsie was doing better today.That makes us happy. 

August 30 and 31, 2016 Tuesday and Wednesday Cultural Day then Nature Day

Tuesday 

Ok, well it started off with another call to the VA Pharmacy. They said the shots had not been renewed yet. OH BOY! I called the SCI clinic, and left my number, they called me back and said - yes they were renewed, but the renewal had to be approved. OK, I said how long does that take? It takes 24 to 72 hours - Oh great! 

Well I decided to forget it for the time being and check on it after lunch. Next -we call a realtor at Belt, MT. He had a place that we wanted to look at. So he said come on down. We drove to Belt (only about 20 miles from here) and he showed us two places. One had 6 lots in town that already had water, electric and sewer - nice - but would need a concrete pad or some leveling - Price = $50,000.

  WOW! Next he showed us 3 acres - no improvements, $20,000. It was up on a hill, without trees or anything, it would take a lot of work. 

 We told him we would be mulling it over. We drove around the town and found the old campground we stayed at before - it is closed for repairs - Fort Ponderosa. 

Here is a shot of a neat old Grainery!

I re-checked with the VA and they had renewed Steve's shots so I gave them the address.  We'll see what happens. 

We returned to Great Falls and went down to the Paris Gibson Art Museum. We loved the building and some of the art pieces.

 We appreciate how much time and effort it took to create some of the items - but we weren't there too long. We really liked the Native American drawings on ledger paper and the sculptures made of tree limbs and found items. All in all I'm sure we improved our culture! Ha Ha! 

We got back to the RV and had supper. Then we loaded up the dogs and went to the west side of the River trail.

 It was quite nice walking and other people were out on bikes, and roller skates and walking. So nice to have these trails to walk and for the weather to be not so hot - then you can enjoy it! 

 Wednesday 

Today we got up a little earlier. I had a big day planned. I drove from Great Falls to Lincoln, MT. 

Nice Rest Stop on I 15

 There we had lunch. 

 We bought our lunch at the Bushwhacker Saloon and took it in a to-go container to a little park to eat.

 In Montana, tons of places are casinos, bars, food establishments. It seems to be the norm here. I continued to drive until we got almost to Seeley Lake, MT. The drive was so interesting and beautiful most of the way. We really enjoyed it. When we got to Salmon Lake (first) - we just oohed and aaahhed. Very pretty. 

 We drove around and took some pictures. 

 We investigated the forest campground and decided it would be a great place to be camp hosts, maybe someday.

 It is a long ways from a town of any size though - about 65 miles I think from Missoula, long ways from Great Falls and quite a ways from Helena also. Then Steve drove back and I enjoyed the scenery. 

 We were pooped when we got home. We had some soup and yogurt and fruit and pretty much called it a night. A wind came up and spooked us for a little bit - but it died down. Then we had a beautiful sunset. We sure are enjoying the sights here!