March, 2019 Spring Break Part 2

On Wednesday, the 20th we got around and made preparations to head out. We unhooked the utilities and headed out. We stopped for gas before we got on the road and then headed south on US 183. This was a nice two lane road with a shoulder, some of it was four lane.  We saw some nice scenery- cotton fields that had been harvested and then the Quartz Mountains.

Quartz Mountains - near Mountain Park, OK

Man made out of tires - Roosevelt, OK

Our destination was the Great Plains State Park on Tom Steed Reservoir at Mountain Park, OK. After picking out a spot and get the pickup unhooked we checked at the store for the procedure for check in.  The guy there said the camp host would come by and collect our fee. So we settled in and took it easy. We sat outside and watched the lake. Logan and I walked, Steve rested his back.  This state park has several handicapped sites for RVs and tents.  Next we drove to the Wichita National Wildlife Refuge area. The Bison were easy to spot as were Longhorn cattle.

Bison

Bison-Wichita Mountains NWR

Longhorn

It was a nice drive. We returned to the RV by looping through Lawton so we could get groceries for burgers and S'mores. The guys made a fire and we had our supper along with the S'mores - good! It was so nice to sit around the campfire and enjoy the evening, the rise of the moon and stars.  Later we went inside and watched a movie.

Sunset

Moonrise

Fire

Thursday the 21st, we started our day just sitting outside. The guys skipped rocks and we walked some. When evening rolled around, we drove to Snyder and had  pizza. Then we decided to drive over to Quartz Mountain State park. It was back roads all the way - they did have blacktop though. We looked at the Lodge and walked around while Logan checked out the mountain trail (short mountain).  I drove home a different way and after arriving we had another campfire and S'mores. YUM! We watched another movie and went to bed.

Quartz Mountain Lodge

Tom Steed Reservoir at Great Plains SP

Two Deer in Parking Lot

Mountain- kids climbing

Since Steve is still not feeling great with his back - we decided to head back home today. Logan and I did all the preparations for getting underway. We were going to dump on our way out but the dump station was out of commission. We drove up 183 to I-40 then I 35 and made it through OKC just fine. It was a miracle we didn't get hit, because we saw a motorcycle almost wreck with a car.  By the time we got to Guthrie - Steve needed a pit stop - so we pulled into Love's (which said they had a dump station - but they didn't) and took a short break.  The dogs were happy to get out and sniff the surroundings also. After we got to Perry - we pulled into the Phillips station on the south exit and paid our $6.00 to use their dump.  Logan & I took care of that, plus unhooked the pickup and put away the tow bar. Then we were back home and unloaded the essentials. I went and picked up the mail. Austyn & Kristi arrived and we went to Stillwater to the Texas Roadhouse - always a great place to eat and super busy! Then it was back home.

Saturday the 234d - Kristi and I went downtown and got the mail, went to Thorn's (shopping) and into Homeland. We came home and fixed spaghetti for lunch. The afternoon was spent visiting and then they left to go home because Logan had a soccer game. Steve & I took it easy and watched TV. Later we watched "The American"with George Clooney and it was not too great.
Sunday and Monday - we putzed around and did the laundry and finished unloading the RV.  I went to the YMCA to walk, and took the house insurance payment in. Also  I got some CBD gel for Steve to try on his back. Tuesday was a Walmart shopping day and supper with the girls! Wednesday was banking stuff and other routine items along with a walk at the Y.
It was so nice to get out in the RV, it brightened our spirits and the weather cooperated nicely!

Spring Break - March, 2019 Part 1

Picking back up with the blog, I had my eye exam on the 14th here in Perry. I did my routine of going to the YMCA, getting the mail, stopping at the grocery store for some forgotten item.  We also had supper with Linda and Hazel and celebrated Hazel's Birthday!  She is now the same age as I am! On Friday the 15th, I fixed up and went to Enid to meet my sister for lunch and then we went to Dillard's and Ulta to shop. We didn't shop long, instead we went to her house and visited. Marsha our other sister happened to call while we were together, so we all got to visit a bit.
Saturday, we did some household chores, vacuuming, mopping and laundry to prepare for our trip. We aired up the tires on the RV and checked the fluids also. In addition, we loaded our pickup with tools and the air compressor. We tried to load some things in the RV so we wouldn't have so much to do tomorrow.
Sunday the 17th (St. Patrick's Day) was D-day (departure)! We waited a bit for the temperature to increase a little and then about 10:00 we started loading the remainder of our stuff.  We drove to a parking lot nearby and I put the tow bar on the RV and hooked up the pickup. All the lights were in order and so we took off. We met Kristi & Logan at Yukon and watched a soccer game then had a late  lunch at Long John Silvers. We drove on to Clinton and stayer at the Waterzoo RV Park. The kids  had to pack and arrived about the same time we did. We had to manipulate the RV quite a bit to fit the slide between the trees. We used all our sewer hose because the utilities were place close to the front of the RV - weird! Then the water would not come on in the RV - finally google that problem and found out it could be a check valve in the water inlet. So Steve had a spare part and that did the trick! He is very resourceful. My Handy Man! We went to Weatherford for some supplies at Walmart and ate at Wendy's.

Tight site- even more so with the slides out.

On Monday, the 18th we got up a little late and had breakfast. Then we went to Matt's RV to get a part for the toilet foot pedal.  That thing broke also! On our way back we stopped at the hotel and got the kids checked in and obtained their bands for the indoor waterpark. While the  kids did the waterpark, Steve and I took a nap. They got back about 6:30 and we ate at Montana Mike's in Clinton -not too good. The food wasn't too great except for the rolls, which we practically had to beg for. The server was slow, yada, yada, yada. Steve & I returned to the RV and the kids went to the hotel.
Tuesday, the 19th we had breakfast, walked the dogs and so on. Kristi dropped the kids a the waterpark and came over to the RV and we all sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine! Later Kristi joined the kids at the waterpark. Steve had to fix the hardware on the bedroom door and then it was nap time. After Kristi and the kids showed up we went to supper at Carelo's (Mexican). It was very good.  Logan stayed with us and Kristi & Austyn returned home for appointments they had scheduled.

Wow, March snuck up on me! March 13, 2019

I wrote my last update on February 12, so now a month has passed! What have we been doing?  Well the weather and doctor appointments contained our plans to be gone in March.
On the 13th of February, Steve had to go to the VA early and get an Xray and CT scan for his kidney stones. We did have time in between and went to Bass Pro in OKC to look around. We drooled over the pontoon boats - but man are they expensive, also the ATV's. For Valentine's Day I got to go back for a follow up mammogram - what fun!  But no problems were found!  Yea! Steve also found out that he does have kidney stones on both sides!

My Valentine Flowers from Steve

I have been trying to go to the YMCA and walk most days and Steve goes when he can. It's something to do and I would like to get in better shape. Many days are routine, but that is OK!
We didn't do anything to celebrate President's Day. On Tuesday the 19th, we stayed home and waited for it to snow. Some of the schools in our area were closed. We didn't get much snow - but that is fine with me. On the 20th, we returned to OKC for an MRI for Steve's back. We stopped at Chic Fil A for lunch on our way out of town and it was packed and noisy. Steve found out his L4 and L5 discs are bulging and a spinal team will be evaluating what is the best treatment for him. We also found out later that he has a stress fracture on his L4. Poor Guy.
On Thursday , the 21st, I went to Enid for a doctor appointment and stopped by and visited some of my old co-workers. That was nice. Also our new couch was delivered today and I love it! We put an ad on Facebook to get rid of our old couch (for free) and 3 college boys from Stillwater came and picked it up ASAP.  It sure saved us the work of having to haul it off somewhere, those young guys have strong backs.

New couch

On Saturday, the 23rd - we met Kristi & Logan at Texas Roadhouse in OKC and had lunch. Next we went downtown OKC to the Home & Garden show and browsed around. The parking downtowns difficult because a Thunder Basketball game was on later. We did finally park and walked to the Cox Convention Center. There were some really neat displays of items for outdoor living I would have liked to have- but we will wait on that.  The day was very windy but it was nice to be outside. After that we went to a soccer game (inside) and watched Logan play.  His team won and he is showing lots of progress in his soccer skills.

Logan -Soccer

Logan

I finally decided that I have put up with my Left shoulder long enough and went to see my doctor - at Ponca City. He had me go get X-rays and  then I did an appointment with the orthopedic doctor later (on Friday). Come to find out, it is just arthritis - so nothing new.  Just live with it and some anti-inflammatory medicine.
We woke up to ice on Wednesday the 27th, more schools were closed and I stayed in the house! No more falling on ice for me.
March brought more cold weather - Brrr. On the 4th of March we went back to the VA in OKC to see Urology about the kidney stones, of course they need more tests....Oh Boy! I got my hair colored the next day and complained about the cold weather. We got our taxes completed on the 7th and that was great. On Friday, the 8th , the weather cooperated and we were able to walk outside with the dogs. They were so happy!
We have been watching You Tube videos to keep ourselves entertained some. We like the Phoenix Ramblers, and Grand Adventure, also Traveling Robert and Long Long Honeymoon! We also watch The Widow on Amazon Prime and really liked it!
On Monday the 11th of March - Steve decided to work on the toilet in our back bedroom. After he worked on it for awhile we went to the hardware store for repair items. We got home and found out the flange would not fit in the pipe - so we returned it and took the advice of the hardware guy and called a plumber.  As of today (13th) it is fixed and back in operation. But the work that Steve did prior to calling the plumber was not good for his back. So he went to the chiropractor today and is resting up. We were very pleased with the price and speed that PJ's Plumbing completed our work.
Well, it's been busy some days and lazy other days, but time is marching right on.
The next plan it to got to Clinton Oklahoma on the 18 & 19 of March to the Waterpark with the grandkids. Cross your fingers that everything works as planned.

Am I glad to be home? Feb 20, 2019

I started this blog last fall after my sister asked me if I would be glad to get home.  The answer to that question is not easy. Yes I miss my family and friends and want to see them, but I love being out and about in the RV.  In the RV some things are more difficult and some are easier. I love exploring new places and returning to old favorites. I am fond of the the mountains and clear water that we see when we travel.  And I love seeing wildlife! We are more active when we are out in the RV, because the dogs need walked and that is the driving force for exercise. Plus hooking up the pickup and the utilities and unhooking require a little effort also. There are some things that are more difficult in the RV and that includes getting our medications, going to the laundromat, getting supplies, having less room. In addition, sometimes you may not get the greatest place to stay when you are passing through an area or the best cellular signal.  So as you can see there are pluses and minuses at home and in the RV.  I think we have the best of both worlds by traveling part-time and staying home part-time. So that is how we roll!
I do have hitch itch bad now. We have been having some cold weather and some days with snow or ice and I am ready for warmer temperatures.  We are contemplating a spring trip to Texas, if all goes well.

Benefits to being Home
Seeing family  and friends
Hot water without turning the hot water heater on and more capacity
Bigger refrigerator, freezer and an ice maker
Back Yard for the dogs
TV - no trouble changing locations
Bigger Shower
Washer & Dryer
Dishwasher
Wifi
Catching up with doctor appointments

Hey, It's February! February 12, 2019

Well we finished up January around here, doing routine things. We have been trying to walk more, either outside or at the YMCA if it is cold and dreary.  When it is nice outside we load up our dogs and drive out to CCC Lake or a country road and walk there!  On Saturday the 26th of January we drove up to Billings  where there used to be an Eagle nest. We hoped to spot an eagle on the nest - but that was not to be. So we walked the dogs and looked at raccoon and deer tracks. Then we loaded up in the pickup to go home and before we went 1/4 of a mile -we saw 10 deer.
Steve finally got his backup camera fixed and Monday we went to Ponca City. We ordered a new couch for our living room and can't wait until it arrives. I also ordered my sister's headstone and it should arrive sometime in February.  Most days are routine things: Pay bills, go to Walmart for supplies, watch TV, laundry, eat out, walk, do some travel planning.
We have also been doing medical appointments, what fun! These are necessary though - so we do them. We also took our RV in to get the roof inspected and then approved  them to re-seal and clean and wax it. Then we took it to another place, Kjelshus RV Service and had him check out our Air Conditioner. He said all was operating correctly.
Our daughter, Kristi lost her grandmother on January 31, so they were in Amarillo for about 5 days.  I have to return for additional imaging for my mammogram, not looking forward to that and I hope there is nothing wrong!
We watched the Superbowl and were not impressed with the game or many of the commercials.  On Wednesday, February 5th we picked up the RV at Camping World and took it to Kjelshus for the other work. It was a dreary day with fog and the high temperature was only 33 degrees - cold and miserable! I am glad we are not traveling right now. Of course, if we were it would probably be in a warmer place.  On Thursday the 7th of February it snowed/sleeted and hailed half the night.

Pure ice in front of house

Pure ice in back of house

The dogs would not even go outside - they used the garage for their facility.  Many schools in the area were closed. Of course they called and said the RV was done. We said we would come and pick it up on Friday. When we got up Friday it was still very icy and Steve couldn't even drive the pickup up our sloped driveway. What to do? We tried to see if we could pick up the RV later, but didn't get a call back. Then we decided we would try to make it. The main problem was how much ice had frozen in the RV Carport and whether we could get the RV up in the drive.  We put out some ice melt and chopped and swept ice after it melted. I fell on my right hip at the end of the driveway, once, but it didn't hurt me. So we took off for OKC about 2:30 and got there at 3:30 or so. We got the RV and gassed it up then started home. The traffic was slow - but not really scary. We got home about 5:30 and I got out of the pickup to open the gate for the RV and fell again- on my knees, even though I was holding onto the gate. Boy did that hurt! Did I ever mention that I hate ice!
Anyway we got the RV parked safely and went to eat supper before things froze up again and before I got too stiff to walk.
When Saturday rolled around my left knee was really stiff. So I sat around with it elevated and iced most all day. Sunday I got up and felt better! We made a trip to Walmart for supplies and then more ice and rest for my knee. By Monday I seemed to be improved. The weather was overcast and cold again. Steve was ambitious and mopped the kitchen and vacuumed the living room.  We also did laundry, and I helped with that. I made soup for supper and the day was finished.
Today is Tuesday, the 12th of February and I felt pretty good. It rained a lot last night about 9 or 10 PM, more cold rain, just what we needed. We slept in awhile and got around slow. Then we took a Linda a birthday card, and did a few errands in town. We went to the YMCA to walk today and my knee is doing pretty good!  I think I am going to live, Yea!  Additionally, I have a bad case of the "hitch itch."

Sunset 2-8-19

Brrr... It's Been Cold Jan 9 - Jan 24, 2019

January has been cold or perhaps I've just noticed it more. Since I don't have to go to work anymore, I guess I pay hyper attention to the cold weather.  We have been working on cleaning out our closet (check) and dresser drawers here at home.
On Wednesday, the 9th we were able to walk at CCC Lake with the dogs. In addition, we heard from the manager at Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Montana this day. He wanted to know if we wanted to return to Echo Lake this summer and we said YES!
Most of the days are somewhat routine. Thursday I was online with Amazon about the pickup backup camera, we walked at the YMCA and did a little laundry. Friday, we cleaned out another hall closet, went to the grocery store. It has been in the 40's , overcast and dreary the last two days. I much prefer sunshine! The new backup camera arrived and it does not have the gridlines! This will give Steve something to work on when the weather is a little nicer.
Saturday was routine, except I missed going to the YMCA because they close at 2:00 PM instead of staying open all day. So,  now I know. We watched Dallas lose to the LA Rams and OkState win their basketball game!
Sunday we went to Walmart for groceries and supplies then watched football. Monday was routine stuff again plus making sure we mailed an affidavit to the VA and I also dissolved my LLC for my Dietitian Consulting business. We walked at the YMCA again. It was sunny today - so   I helped Steve work on his backup camera, even though it was only 40 degrees outside. If you dress warm, it helps!
Tuesday,  I had a long conversation with Janette about RVing and wonkamping. She and Bob are interested in doing this at some point.  Steve finished connecting his backup camera and was pleased with the results. We went to La Macarena for supper without Linda and Hazel - cause Linda is going to basketball games with her kids and Hazel is busy with something.  Wednesday  was nothing special - just more of the same.
Thursday the 17 th -After going to the YMCA we drove up to Tonkawa and went to the casino!  We joined their player's club and had some good luck  - we think we came out ahead some.
On Friday the 18th we wished Irene (Steve's Sister) and Anthony (my nephew) a Happy Birthday.  We watched some RV videos on You Tube - about the RTR, Phoenix Ramblers, Grand Adventure. And sometime in the last week we watched RV Nomads movie. These are keeping us entertained until we get to leave in the spring!
Saturday the 19th rolled around and again it was cold, 35 with a wind chill of 26 degrees. We got dressed up today to attend a friend's 50th wedding anniversary party in Ponca City.  It was held at the Marland Mansion in Ponca City.  This is a mansion built by one of Oklahoma's early governors who got rich in the oil fields. Then he lost money and had a rather sad life later.  If you are ever in Northern Oklahoma, it is a great place to tour and he has another mansion in town that is a museum also. We attended the party and left about an hour later because big parties where I know very few people are not my thing. But it was great to see my friends, Cecelia & Don and help them celebrate their 50th anniversary. It was also nice to see their kids! They have a great family.  Sunday brought more football: LA Rams beat the Saints in OT and the Patriots beat the Chiefs in OT. I was rooting for the Saints and the Chiefs, neither won. If you have a favorite team, maybe I should not root for them!
So this week - Monday was a holiday, Tuesday was routine - except Steve & I did go eat at La Mac without Linda and Hazel again! It was Rainy, cold and drizzly on Tuesday.
Wednesday the 23rd, we went to Stillwater to the VA for Steve's appointment.  Thursday, we took the RV to Camping world in OKC to check out our basement air conditioner. We had it installed last year in Montana and we wanted to make sure it was wired correctly. Sometimes it doesn't seem that the second compressor kicks in. Steve also got the oil changed in the pickup  and we watched Project Blue Book - about the UFO study project.  So this catches me up for awhile.  Hopefully we will have some adventures to report on soon.

2019 - A New Year has arrived!

On the 1st day of January (Tuesday) - I watched the Rose Parade.  I always enjoy seeing the floats and bands! It started off cold this year.  I found out that a friend's husband had passed away and today was his visitation at the funeral home here in town. I went and visited her and the family to share my condolences. I also did some errands.
Wednesday - I was up at 7:30 and fixed us some sausage, biscuits and gravy! I have been wanting this breakfast for about 2 weeks!  Boy was it good!  I have always been able to make good gravy and today was no different.  I had to deal with Apple today regarding some gift cards from Christmas.  I made a mammogram appointment, went to the YMCA for a walk and did other errands.
Thursday - I paid bills, made a hair appointment, ordered a headstone for my sister and checked up on my meds.  In addition - Steve & I cleaned out 3 dresser drawers! That gives a great sense of accomplishment. Now I love to look in my dresser.

New Shoes!

Woke up to ice on trees Friday!

Friday - 4th - Today we went to Stillwater.  We made several stops: Academy, Lowe's Walmart and salads at Wendy's. We also stopped and talked to the City of Perry about our storm drain.  I also did a short walk at the Y today in addition to the shopping.

Storm Drain

Saturday - We have been working on our exercise and eating better. Today was a beautiful day, so we walked at CCC Lake. Next we started on our bedroom closet, we have a goal of cleaning out all the closets this month!  We watched Log Cabin Living and the Dallas Cowboys (
they won)!
Sunday - Today was another nice day, but it was windy. We watched some football and tried to install Steve's backup camera in his pickup. It was supposed to have no gridlines - but it did have gridlines. Bummer! So we stopped messing with it and contacted the seller. We walked our dogs in the neighborhood which they love. They love to snoop around and bark at the other dogs! Next we sorted Steve's clothes for about an hour and a half.  We  had three piles: Keep, Donate, Trash. We are making progress!
Monday - 7th - I spoke to Melba about ordering Nancy's headstone. We did laundry and started on my side of the closet. I can't believe how many clothes I still have. I cleaned out my clothes last year, so I didn't think I had so many. But we had another big bunch to donate and some to trash. We went to Stillwater to check at Best Buy for a different backup camera - no luck. They didn't have what we wanted.  Then it was a stop at Lowe's for weather-stripping for the back door. We also checked at an after market place for trucks about a different backup camera, with no luck. When we got back home - naps were the order of the day.
Tuesday - 8th - After getting around I took pictures of what the backup camera displayed. That is what the seller wanted to see in order to get some resolution to our problem.  Then we were off to the beauty shop to get fixed up, color and hair trims!  We walked at CCC Lake at Perry with the dogs. I can't tell you how happy our dogs are to walk with us!  They love it! We had supper at La Mac with Linda and Hazel.  All and all the new year has been pretty good!

Grid lines - we don't want them