A NICE SURPRISE

WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK TODAY THE CELL PHONE WAS BLINKING AT ME. THIS IS A VERY ODD OCCURRENCE AS FEW PEOPLE ACTUALLY KNOW THE NUMBER. BUT THESE CELL PHONES ARE REALLY SMART AND I KNEW THERE WAS A VOICE MAIL FROM MY SON-IN-LAW DANIEL. WHEN I CALLED TO RETRIEVE THE VOICE MAIL, THE VOICE WAS THAT OF MY BROTHER NEIL............

A CALL TO FLORIDA REVEALED THE MYSTERY, UNCLE NEIL & AUNT KATHY DROVE FROM GREEN BAY TO SURPRISE AMY AND DANIEL BY SHOWING UP FOR DANIEL'S PINNING CEREMONY TO MAJOR. CONGRATULATIONS TO MAJOR DAN !!!

ENJOY YOUR VISIT UNCLE NEIL & AUNT KATHY, AND OF COURSE THIS MEANS I'LL BE ABLE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE CEREMONY. THANKS KATHY!

BUSY DAYS

WRITTEN BY REX

IT'S BEEN A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY THESE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS OFF.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND THESE HUGH OLD PINE TREES. LAST YEAR WE WERE SWAMPED WITH YELLOW POLLEN DUST FROM THE TREES THAT GOT INTO EVERYTHING. THIS YEAR IT'S, LIKE RAINING PINE SAP ALL OVER EVERYTHING. IT TRACKS IN AND RUG WASHING IS SOMETHING WE'VE BEEN DOING EVERY OTHER WEEK IT SEEMS. IT WASHES OFF THE VEHICLES WITH SOAP AND WATER, BUT DURING OUR LAST SIX DAYS OF WORK, IT'S JUST GOING TO COLLECT ON THE VEHICLES AGAIN.OH WELL..........

ANOTHER THING I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS HOW AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, PACKER FOOTBALL PLAYERS STILL CAN'T HANDLE THE SPEED AT WHICH BRETT FARVE THROWS A FOOTBALL. ISN'T HE GETTING OLDER AND SLOWER LIKE THE REST OF US? ANYWAY THEY LOOKED TERRIBLE ON TV LAST NIGHT. I'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT OFFENSE, BRETT WILL WORK HIS MAGIC, BUT THE DEFENSE HAS TO IMPROVE. AND THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON WILL BE AGAINST THE DA' BEARS, AND I'LL BE IN FRANKVILLE WITH MY FAVORITE X-COUSIN-IN-LAW, TERESA?

I PREDICT THE WEATHER THAT SUNDAY AFTERNOON WILL BE "DRUNK" OUT !!!

AND HERE'S MARY............

This is the last day off before hitting the road and it has been BUSY! We were both up by 6:30 and working on the to do list. The laundry here doesn't open until 8:00 AM so I had time to vacuum, clean the mirrors, and pack away stuff that usually sets out. In anticipation of my trip to the Farmer's Market I prepped the stuff I had on hand for salsa. Then it was laundry time and the last time I have to wash my black pants...I am throwing them in the dumpster when I get off work next Monday!!

When I got done with laundry it was off to the Farmer's Market and to get a hair cut.

Oh I almost forgot, another item on my "to do" list was to reapply the rear view mirror in Rex's truck. It fell off last week. I have successfully reattached rear view mirrors in the past so I knew I could do it. I did get the bracket up but it has to set for at least 18 hours before putting the mirror on it. I'll let you know tomorrow if it sticks!

It has been a busy but productive day so I know we will be ready!!

The countdown.....7 days to lift off!!

Grease or not?

By Mary

I think I mentioned yesterday that we are trying to get a head start on little chores that need to be done before the trip home. Today on the way home from work, I decided to clean up the Big gASS Grill and put it in the carrying case for the ride home. We got that done except for putting it in the carrying case as it was all wet and needs to air dry first. So THEN Rex decides to grease the wheels, something that should be done twice a year. First he got the grease gun out of the storage shed (truck). Ya know Rex just isn't the mechanical type. Give him a computer or any electronic toy and he is good but mechanical stuff just isn't his forte. Anyway he can't remember how to use the gun so he unscrews the spring end and then we can't get that screwed back on. For some reason we unscrew the other end and a big and I mean BIG gob of grease pops out. This is not going well and Rex is getting really frustrated which isn't fun. While trying to wipe up the grease which squirted out, Rex cut his finger. So in answer to "Grease or Not"...it is NOT.

We only have 8 days of work left....that means we are in single digits for work..Yea. Well I can't think of anything else to write about today so the countdown is now 11 days to liftoff...

Reflections on the Lake

By Mary

My actual mood is pensive...but angelfire doesn't have that selection...
As we are winding down the 2006 season at Lake Tahoe, I am taking a moment to reflect on our summer here. It is impossible not to compare 2005 to 2006. Last summer we did a LOT more hiking, but we also worked less hours in June last year so we had more time to hike. It is something I really missed this year. This year, in addition to working 5 days a week we didn't have consecutive days off. Split days off makes it hard to plan activities, especially if the day following your day off is a 6AM start. That means you have to go to bed really early so you can get up at 4AM. Oh well,the primary reason we are in Lake Tahoe is to earn enough money to go home and we will work whatever hours they give us to make that happen!

In late July we did get a couple of weeks where we had consecutive days off. One of those weeks we planned our trip to Placerville and the wineries. That is one trip I am really enjoyed and I really like the web page Rex made of that trip.

It is impossible not mention summer weather at the Lake. It is perfect...we wore shorts everyday but NEVER ran the air conditioner. It rained once this summer so blue skies and sunshine every day. Another wonderful aspect is NO humidity....AND...the number ONE best thing about summer weather at Lake Tahoe is NO BUGS!! That's right no flies and no mosquito's. So is it any wonder why I say summer weather at Lake Tahoe is PERFECT?? I am looking forward to leaving because I am anxious to see my family....but no doubt about it, next year I will be ready to come back the The Lake again.

It Just Keeps Rolling Along

By Mary

So after work today Rex wants to go to Brother's Bar for a payday drink-never mind that payday isn't until tomorrow---- So bring the notebook he says. OK I will - I take dictation and direction well.

We have to plan our trip home
Our Cheese Days activities
Our Oktoberfest activities
Our trip west plans
Our November Pahrump company plans
and on and on...WOW!!

Of course it is what we enjoy doing, planning and executing those plans!! We WILL be ready!! At some point I am sure one or the other of us will utter those famous words "I love it when a plan comes together". Suffice to say we are anxious for our vacation to get started!!

When we got home from Brother's, I packed up some of my knick knacks for the ride home...(Wisconsin will ALWAYS be home). Day by day we get are getting ready so everything is not left for the last minute.

OK today was just a work day....we got our 8 hours in and that is a good thing since we will most likely be off for 11 weeks. A person really has to think about things to be without a paycheck for that long!!

OK countdown..in 13 days we are leaving Lake Tahoe for the 2006 season and 14 days from today we should be driving across Wyoming. There is really beautiful scenery in Wyoming and I am looking forward to seeing it!!

"Your mission........."

By Mary

..."if you choose to accept it..." Anyone remember what show that statement is from?

Anyway yesterday Rex gave me a challenge and that old phase from Mission Impossible came to mind. And the challenge was....to come up with a foil pack of something to go with the grilled pork roast we are having for supper tonight. Oh great, he doesn't eat anything that would be good in a foil pack. I could think of lots of good things in the vegetable category that would be great.

So I put my thinking hat on and came up with something that has stuff Rex likes in it. I made mashed potatoes mixed with grated mozzarella cheese. Then I rolled them out in a thin layer, put grilled potabello mushrooms, grilled onion, bacon, and grated swiss cheese on them. I rolled the potatoes with this filling up jelly roll fashion and on the grill it goes. Oh I also brushed the outside of the "jelly roll" with olive oil. As I am writing this it is cooking so on tomorrows blog I'll let you know if it is good or not.

Today was laundry day and some general cleaning. We also got the rest of the info moved from the desktop to the laptop and packed it up for the trip home. NOW we actually have room on the table top to actually eat on it AND room underneath the table. We could Even make the table into a bed for a grandkid now!! IMAGINE THAT!!

Last night I was chatting with Nikki and she sent me some pictures via photo share...unfortunately this is the only picture that had my FIVE grand daughters in it. I say unfortunately because Delilah is mostly hidden behind the plant. Oh well I am posting it anyway. I will have to put Delilah on a different day so we can actually see her.

Must be countdown time...15 days to lift off!! AND I should be hugging those grand daughters in 19 or 20...can't wait!!

MORE ON CRAPLESS CRAPS

WRITTEN BY REX

I WROTE A BLOG ENTRY A FEW WEEKS BACK ABOUT DEALING CRAPLESS CRAPS FOR ALL MY DEALER FRIENDS. I DON’T KNOW FOR SURE HOW MANY ARE STILL REGULAR READERS OF THE BLOG, BUT HERE IS ANOTHER ENTRY ON CRAPLESS CRAPS.

CRAPLESS CRAPS WAS INVENTED BY BOB SUPTKA OF LAS VEGAS. MR. STUPAK IS OF THE GENERATION BETWEEN THE MOB AND CORPORATE AMERICA, THAT WOULD INCLUDE STEVE WYNN AND TEDDY BINION. AFTER THE MOB WAS OUT I’D SAY THE BIGGEST TWO PROBLEMS IN LAS VEGAS WERE COCAINE AND TOKES. NOBODY REPORTED THEIR TOKES AND EVERYBODY HAD PLENTY OF MONEY TO DO DRUGS. I DEALT WITH A GUY AT THE AVI IN LAUGHLIN WHO WAS WORKING AT THE HORSESHOE AT THE TIME, AND TELLS OF A HAND WRITTEN NOTE POSTED IN THE DEALERS BREAKROOM THAT SAID. SORRY, NOW MORE COKE TO BE USED ON BREAK, SIGNED “TEDDY”. IT DIDN’T TAKE THE GOVERNMENT LONG TO REQUIRE DRUG TESTING AND ACCURATE TIP REPORTING OR JERK THE CASINO LIC. (EARLY ‘80’S).

ANYWAY BOB STUPAK INVENTED CRAPLESS CRAPS AND OFFERED IT AT HIS CASINO CALLED VEGAS WORLD, THE CURRENT SIGHT OF THE STRATOSPHERE. HE REGISTERED THE NEW GAME FOR RIGHTS, AND RECENTLY LET THE REGISTRATION RUN OUT. HARRAH’S IMMEDIATELY REGISTERED CRAPLESS CRAPS, OR CRAPS NO MORE, AND NOW OWNS THE RIGHTS. SO, AS THE INSTRUCTOR STATED TODAY AT A TRAINING MEETING, CRAPLESS CRAPS IS HERE TO STAY, AND I’M SURE YOU WILL SEE OTHER HARRAH’S PROPERTIES INTRODUCING THE GAME AS WELL. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE “HOLD” PERCENTAGE IS CONSIDERABLY HIGHER ON CRAPLESS CRAPS THAN IT IS ON REGULAR CRAPS.

BLOGGING FROM THE NEW LAPTOP

WRITTEN BY REX

BLOGGING FROM THE NEW LAPTOP TODAY. I'VE BEEN BUSY SETTING UP THINGS IN THE NEW COMPUTER. GOT RID OF ALL THE AOL SOFTWARE AND ALL THE GOOGLE SOFTWARE AND DOWNLOADED THE YAHOO TOOLS I'M USED TO. MOVED OUR CHECKBOOKS COMPLETE WITH HISTORY OVER TO THE NEW LAPTOP. THE SOFTWARE WE NEEDED, MONEY, WAS PRELOADED AND WORKS JUST FINE. I'M GONNA MISS BACKING UP ON THOSE 5.5 FLOPPY DISKS, BUT I GUESS THEY ARE HISTORY TODAY. CHECKED OUT THE OLD SONY DIGITAL CAMERA AND IT WORKS FINE. I THEN REBOUGHT MY CALENDAR SOFTWARE FOR THE LAPTOP, AND IT STILL HAS SOME BUGS BUT I'LL GET IT WORKED OUT. PAID TO SIGN ON THE INTERNET THROUGH THE CAMPGROUND WI-FI, AND WORKS LIKE A DREAM, FOR $4/24HRS. MARY TOOK A TURN AND LOADED THE SOFTWARE FOR THE PRINTER WE RECENTLY GOT, SUCCESS !!! I FOUND THE FREEWARE FOR IE SPELL AND GOT THAT DOWNLOADED, SO YOU SHOULDN'T FIND ANY MISSPELLED WORDS IN OUR BLOG ENTRIES OR E-MAILS. I USED THE NEW TRAVEL DRIVE PICTURED IN YESTERDAYS BLOG ENTRY A LOT, NOW THAT IS NICE LITTLE WIZARD. THE DRIVERS ARE ALL THERE FOR XP, AND YOU CAN ERASE IT, AND ALL FOR $40, CHEAPER THAN BUYING ALL THE CD'S I WOULD HAVE USED. I ALSO GOT A WIRELESS MOUSE THAT WORKS REALLY SLICK.

I TRIED THE STARBUCKS HOT SPOT FOR WI-FI, BUT THAT'S NOT FREE ANYMORE. I ALSO TRIED THE HARVEY'S FREE WI-FI AND IT WORKED JUST FINE IN THE PARKING GARAGE FROM THE CAR. SO NOW I'LL BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FREE WI-FI HOT SPOTS TO BLOG WHILE WE'RE ON OUR TRIP. I ALREADY KNOW THAT THE REST STOPS IN IOWA HAVE FREE HOT SPOTS AND THEY ARE ADDING MORE ALL THE TIME. THE CAMPGROUND FOR CHEESEDAYS ALSO OFFERS WI-FI, BUT AT A PRICE, SO YOU SHOULD BE UP TO SPEED DURING CHEESEDAYS. I AM POSITIVE YELLOW RIVER DOES NOT NOT HAVE A WI-FI HOT SPOT BUT I PROMISE WE WON'T GET TOO FAR BEHIND BLOGGING WITH THIS NEW LAPTOP.

NEW GATEWAY LAPTOP

WRITTEN BY REX

GATEWAY MX3414 NOTEBOOK

FOR ALL YOU COMPUTER SAVEY PEOPLE OUT THERE WE BOUGHT A NEW LAPTOP COMPUTER BY GATEWAY, FROM BEST BUY.

OPERATING SYSTEM: MICROSFT WINDOW XPPROCESSOR: 64X2 MOBILE TECHNOLOGY TL-50 1.6 Ghz, 256 KBX2 1.2 CACHE, UP TO 1600 MhzSCREEN: 14.1 INCHESMEMORY: 1024 MB DDR2VIDEO: NVIDIA GEOFORCE GO 6100HARD DRIVE: 100 GB, 4200 RPMOPTICAL DRIVE MULTI-FORMAT DOUBLE LAYERED DVD&RW

THE FIVE YEAR OLD DESKTOP GATEWAY HAS BEEN GETTING SLOWER AND SLOWER, AND BESIDES I WANTED SOMETHING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WIFI HOT SPOTS AND SOMEDAY, AIR (DATA) CARDS OFFERED BY THE CELL PHONE COMPANIES.

NOW WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO POST MORE BLOG ENTRIES ON OUR UPCOMING TRAVELS TO WISCONSIN AND BACK TO NEVADA.

IT’S GOING TO TAKE AWHILE TO LEARN ALL THE NEW ASPECTS OF THE LAPTOP. BY THE TIME MAJOR DANIEL GETS TO NEVADA TO VACATION WE SHOULD BE UP TO SPEED AND CAN COMPLETLELY RECONFIGUE THE DESKTOP BACK TO NEW, WITH HIS HELP.

PICTURED BELOW IS A TRAVEL DRIVE. YOU JUST STICK THIS IN A USB PORT ON THE OLD COMPUTER SELECT THE FILE YOU WANT TO COPY OR MOVE TO THE NEW COMPUTER, AND THEN STICK THE TRAVEL DRIVE INTO A USB PORT ON THE NEW COMPUTER AND COPY IT ON TO THE NEW COMPUTER. ZIP !!! THIS IS SO COOL, AND IT HOLDS A LOT OF DATA.

Please Accept My Apology !!

By Mary

To everyone that reads this blog on a daily basis, I apologize for missing yesterday. The day was so busy it just got away from us. Of course, Jack Daniel is somewhat to blame....

Below is a picture of a statue that is on the grounds of the Mormon Station in Genoa. The man is John "Snowshoe" Thompson. This man was born in Norway and emigrated to the USA at the age of 10. He spent time in both Iowa and Wisconsin before ending up in the Sierra Mountain ridges of Nevada and California. For twenty years, 1856-1876, he carried the mail from Placerville, CA to Genoa, NV. He made this 90 mile trip twice a month in 20 to 50 foot snow depths, snowdrifts, and blizzards on a pair of homemade "long" skis using a single pole for balance in three days. Snowshoe carried a mail bag weighing 50 to 100 pounds with only crackers and dried beef for food. He drank melted snow for water. This man must have earned the respect and awe of many, many people because this is one of three statues of him that I know about. I have seen another one in Squaw Valley, but have not seen the third. I have also seen his story on many plaques in various locations. Just an indication of how important mail was to people of the time. He is buried in Genoa, NV and we visited his grave yesterday.

Speaking of graves, Genoa has the weirdest cemetery I have ever seen. I am sitting here trying to find the words to describe this cemetery but I just can't. I did take some pics so if anyone has an interest, maybe I should just send some of the pics in either e-mail or during a chat.
We ended up having dog dish meatloaf for supper. It has been a long time since we have had that and it really tasted good.

So now I need to blog for today. For some reason Rex decided to walk into Best Buy yesterday....big mistake! So after sleeping on it, he decided to go back to Carson City today and buy a laptop. He has been wanting one for a while since our desktop is getting old (5 years) and slow. So now he has a new toy. I sure hope it goes faster. So now it has been a long day off without anything going as planned. My plan for today was laying around the camper cleaning and doing laundry. Oh well, the best laid plans etc etc..

Countdown time...21 days to liftoff!! I am SO ready.

HAM RADIOS

WRITTEN BY REX

MORE ON THE RV LIFE.............

SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH RENO NV, WE WERE TRYING TO INTERSECT WITH I-80 EAST FOR A TRIP HOME TO WISCONSIN. IN A LAST MINUTE LANE CHANGE I HIT THE ON RAMP WITH THE TRUCK AND TRAILER, BUT MARY WAS UNABLE TO SWITCH LANES IN TIME. IN THOSE DAYS WE USED THE OLE CB RADIOS TO STAY IN TOUCH WHILE TRAVELING. IN A MATTER OF MOMENTS WE WERE TOO FAR APART AND OUT OF RADIO CONTACT AS MARY CONTINUED ON TO FIND A PLACE TO TURN AROUND AND TAKE A SECOND SHOT AT THE ON RAMP FOR I-80 EAST. AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE WE DECIDED TO BUY THE HAM RADIO BOOK AND STUDY FOR OUR HAM RADIO LIC. EXAM. AFTER STUDYING MOST OF THE SUMMER WE TOOK THE EXAM IN DUBUQUE IOWA AND BOTH PASSED. THESES DAYS MORSE CODE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO GET A TECH. LIC.HAM RADIO OPERATES AT A MUCH HIGHER FREQUENCY THAN CB AND GREATLY INCREASES THE RANGE.WE BOUGHT A COUPLE OF HANDHELD TRANSCEIVERS, WALKIE TALKIES, AND HAVE USED THEM IN OUR LIFE STYLE EVER SINCE. I NO LONGER HAVE TO VISIT THE GIFT SHOPS !!! MARY GOES IN AND LOOKS AS LONG AS HER LITTLE HEART DESIRES WHILE I WANDER AROUND, USUALLY IN SEARCH OF THE LOCAL WATERING HOLE. WE ALSO USE THEM ON THE ROAD TO STAY IN TOUCH, AND ALTHOUGH WE ARE DRIVING TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES A HALF A MILE APART WE VISIT LIKE WE ARE SITTING NEXT TO EACH OTHER IN THE SAME CAR. NOW I KNOW MARY PLAYED FOOTBALL IN A PREVIOUS LIFE, BECAUSE WHEN FOLLOWING EACH OTHER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I WANT TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE WITH THE TRUCK AND TRAILER I JUST RADIO TO MARY WHICH LANE I WANT TO BE IN, AND BEHIND ME SHE SWITCHES LANES AND MAKES A PERFECT BLOCK OF THE TRAFFIC WHILE I PROCEED TO PULL IN FRONT OF HER FOR THE LANE CHANGE.

WE EVEN USE THESE RADIOS AT SUPER WALMART. WE HEAD OUT IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS IN THE STORE AND START OUR SHOPPING. IF I HAVE A QUESTION ON AN ITEM ON THE LIST I JUST KEY THE RADIO AND SELECT THE CORRECT ITEM.

WE ARE SO USED TO THESE HANDY RADIOS WE DON'T EVEN THINK TWICE ABOUT STOPPING SOMEWHERE AND HEADING OFF IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS TO DO WHATEVER. HOOKING BACK UP IS JUST A SIMPLE RADIO CHAT AWAY.

MANY AREAS HAVE REPEATERS, SAY FOR EXAMPLE IN LACROSSE THERE IS A REPEATER HIGH ON ONE OF THE BLUFFS. WE CAN TALK TO EACH OTHER WITH THESES SMALL RADIOS ANYWHERE IN TOWN. OUT WEST WITH THESE REPEATERS LOCATED ON MOUNTAIN TOPS THE RANGE IS ABOUT 50 MILES. MARY CAN BE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AT THE CARSON CITY WALMART AND I CAN BE SITTING IN THE CAMPER AT LAKE TAHOE, 30 MILES APART AND STILL USE THESE HANDHELD RADIOS.

WE ALSO USE THESE RADIOS AND REPEATERS WHILE OUT MOUNTAIN HIKING. WE ARE MORE APT TO HIT A REPEATER THAN A CELL PHONE TOWER IF ONE OF US WERE TO FALL AND NEED MEDICAL HELP.

THANKS HEATHER !!!

WRITTEN BY REX

HEY HEATHER THANKS FOR THE NEW HAT !!!
THIS IS MY USUAL PERCH, AT THE TABLE IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER, WITH MY ASHTRAY AND A BEER. I COULD BE E-MAILING YOU, BUT I'VE PRETTY MUCH GIVEN UP E-MAILING AND WRITE BLOG ENTRIES INSTEAD.

What's In A Name ??

By Mary

Four or five times a week I walk to Raley's, the local grocery store. It is about 1/2 mile walk from the RV park. Along the way I pass a flower shop. The name of this flower shop is "The Enchanted Florist". I don't know about you, but I think that is a really clever name and the sign tickles me every time I pass it. (I am easily entertained!)

My dear camping buddy Rex reads many newspapers, message boards, and blogs on-line. He has to do something while sitting in front of the computer 5 to 8 hours a day right?? Anyway he has been interested in a new tavern opening up in Lansing and has mention several times his intention to visit "The Safe House Saloon" while we are home. Anyway I happened to be reading an article in the La Crosse Tribune about this new saloon in Lansing. Toward the end of the article it mentioned that "The Safe House Saloon" will be a non-smoking establishment. That almost made me do the Teaberry Shuffle!!

Today was a 6 AM start and tomorrow is a day off. Since we got off work at 2PM, Rex is making pizza for supper. It ought to be interesting because the dough is some that we froze. I am anxious to see if that works because it will be helpful at Cheese Days if we can freeze the dough.

Countdown....27 days to lift off!!

What ??

By Mary

You know what happened last night???????????????? It RAINED..in Tahoe. I couldn't believe it..we actually had a boomer. It was a go to town storm. If we had been at Yellow River we would have put the awning up and gone to town to a tavern. But since we are in California and have to sit outside at the taverns (so Rex can smoke) we just stayed home and toughed it out. It didn't last long but the Big gASS grill got wet. Oh well that it just the way it goes.

Wow, thinking about Midwest storms, Yellow River, Motor Mill, and a lot of other Iowa places we have camped really bring to mind some of the storms we have weathered. I remember the time we were camped at Osbourne Welcome Center south of Elkader. Rex was at work when the ranger came by and warned of a bad storm on the horizon...so I (like a good camping buddy) put the awning up, packed up all the outside stuff, and was ready when Rex got home from work at something like 2 or 3 AM. We ended up spending that night in the parking lot of a truck stop outside Elkader. One of the many adventures we had had. Another time while camped at Motor Mill, again near Elkader, we had a "go to town storm", we ended up in Garnavillo to ride out that storm. Of course by the time we got there, the storm was over but that didn't stop us from having a cocktail or two. In all honesty, it was a real storm and the next day while leaving the campground the road was blocked by a downed tree. While camping at Yellow River, we had several "go to town" adventures. One night Rex was at work during a bad storm. When he got done working he was unable to drive into Little Paint where the camper was parked near the Bench Hole, so he had to walk in..in his stocking feet..not wanting to wreck his dress work shoes. When he got to the camper the water was up to the steps but didn't go into the camper..somebody was looking out for him is all I can say. That happened in the early days of "Rex and Mary" and I was at my Mothers house. The day after I did show up while Rex was at the A frame rinsing the mud out of the blue outdoor rug. A trip down memory lane!!

Our work day was busy today. We had a late start and got out at 10 PM. Tonight was the Sammy Hagar concert and we got tied up in the end of the concert traffic jam. In all honesty I could not, even if my life depended on it, name a Sammy Hagar song. Not that anyone cares but I just thought I would mention it. One item of interest is that Sammy Hagar's son is the manager of his restaurant, Cabo Wabo, located in the casino we are working at.

OK, I have rambled and walked down memory lane quite enough for one day and it is countdown time...31 days to liftoff...and 35 to 36 days until we get to Wisconsin...I am SO ready!!

DELETE BLOG

THE "DELETE BLOG" BUTTON STILL LOOMS ON THE BLOG'S CONTROL PANEL, BUT WE'VE STAYED AWAY FROM IT SO FAR.........

WE HAVE SEVERAL DAILY READERS AND WE GET COMMENTS FROM TIME TO TIME IN OUR E-MAIL, SO TODAY I THOUGHT I'D REVIEW COMMENTS.

BY FAR THE MOST DISLIKED ITEMS ARE THE "CUT & PASTE" ENTRIES. INITIALLY I TRIED TO USE THESE "CUT AND PASTE" ENTRIES ONLY ONCE A WEEK. I'LL TRY TO USE THEM EVEN LESS OFTEN NOW.WE HAD A GREAT E-MAIL FROM MARK & JAYNE, OF DES MOINES, OLE CAMPING BUDDIES AT YELLOW RIVER AND REGULAR WEBSITE VIEWERS. MARK USES COMPUTERS AT WORK AS AN ENGINEER FOR THE CITY OF DES MOINES AND VIEWS OUR WEBPAGES ON TWIN 25 INCH MONITORS IN HIS OFFICE. NOW THAT WOULD MAKE ANYONES PICTURES LOOK GREAT !!! MARK WROTE THAT CHARLIE & GRACIE ARE STILL THE CAMPHOSTS AT LITTLE PAINT. IN CHECKING OUR CALENDAR, MARK & JAYNE WILL BE CAMPED AT YELLOW RIVER WHILE WE ARE THERE IN SEPTEMBER. MARK ALSO REPORTS THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE SITES AT YELLOW RIVER ARE RESERVABLE ON AN IOWA STATE PARK WEBSITE..........

MAKING INTERNET RESERVATIONS TO CAMP AT YELLOW RIVER? I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, HECK IT WAS JUST 30 OR 40 YEARS AGO THEY PUT IN THE CEMENT ROAD? WASN'T IT? WELL GUYS, WE WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO CAMPING WITH YOU IN SEPTEMBER, WE WILL BE THE ONES WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.

AMY ALREADY VOTED FOR YESTERDAY'S BLOG ENTRY AS AN APPETIZER AT CHEESEDAYS, MEAN OF ME TO MENTION THAT, AS AMY'S FAMILY HAS A WEDDING THAT WEEK-END IN MEMPHIS AND WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND. SHE DID ASK A PERTINENT QUESTION THOUGH, WHAT'S IN IT? THE ANSWER IS BRIE CHEESE, SAUTÉED WALNUTS, CINNAMON, BUTTER, BROWN SUGAR, AND ALL WRAPPED IN PUFF PASTRY.

ANOTHER FEATURE THAT SEEMS TO POP UP IS PICTURES OF GRANDCHILDREN, IMAGINE THAT!!! PROUD AND BOASTFUL GRANDPARENTS, SO HERE'S MY GRANSON ALAN...............

AND THEN THERE WAS THE POSTED COMMENT FROM TERESA, MY FAVORITE X COUSIN-IN-LAW, FROM FRANKVILLE. SHE DOESN'T LIKE THE "RV LIFE SERIES" OF BLOG ENTRIES AND WANTS TO HEAR MORE FROM MARY ON THE CALIFORNIA WINERIES. THOUGHT ABOUT THAT "DELETE BLOG" BUTTON AFTER READING THAT ONE! SORRY TERESA, BUT THE "RV LIFE SERIES" IS GOING TO LIVE AND BE ADDED TO!!! SEE YA IN SEPTEMBER, HOPEFULLY FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL "VIRGIL RUN TO CASTALIA" ON SEPT. 9TH.

TILL TOMORROW, AND REMEMBER KEEP THOSE COMMENTS COMING WE LOVE 'EM ALL!!!

Paula Fans Unite !!

By Mary

My day started with a trip to Carson City to have an oil change and go to Wall-Mart. A VERY expensive day for sure. Rex spent his day making English Muffins and getting a hair cut. With my errands in Carson City and browsing Wall-Mart, I didn't get home until almost 5 and it took a good 15 minutes to unload the car and put stuff away.

Now it is time for a normal day off ritual called appetizers!! Rex and I...Paula Dean fans for sure....had a Paula Dean recipe day. Our appetizer "Brie En Croute" was GREAT!! For supper another Paula recipe, "The Best Crab Casserole". Also great!

I mentioned to Rex that we are going to see who reads the blog cuz they get to vote. We are going to write about appetizers that we make between now and then...a picture of two will probably be included, and anyone that reads our blog gets to vote on appetizers we will be preparing at Cheese Days. Just a thought and remember this is a day off and I am typing this at the height of "Happy Hour". (In other words..impaired.)

Oh I almost forgot....we finished the wine web page and posted it, so please visit our web site and check it out!!

Countdown time....33 days to lift off....37 to 38 days until we pull into Wisconsin.....I am so anxious to see everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRAVEL TRAILER OR 5TH WHEEL?

WRITTEN BY REX

MORE ON RVING................

SO WHY DO YOU HAVE A TRAVEL TRAILER INSTEAD OF ONE OF THOSE COOL 5TH WHEELS?THERE ARE TWO ANSWERS TO THIS COMMON QUESTION. FIRST, WE PREFER TO LIVE IN THE FRONT OF OUR CAMPER AND SLEEP IN THE BACK. 5TH WHEELS HAVE THE BEDROOM UP FRONT IN THE ELEVATED PART. IN THESE BEDROOMS, YOU CAN STAND UP REQUIRING THE CAMPER TO BE TALLER, WHICH HURTS YOUR GAS MILEAGE. WITH THE V-10 GAS ENGINE WE ALREADY KNOW EVERY GAS STATION BETWEEN ANYWHERE AND WISCONSIN, GETTING 8 MILES PER GALLON. IT'S NICE TO SIT IN THE FRONT OF THE TRAILER AND WATCH OUT THE WINDOWS AND SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING. THE TREND, HOWEVER, IS TO HAVE THE LIVING ROOM IN THE BACK OF THE TRAILER, IN BOTH TRAVEL TRAILERS AND FIFTH WHEELS. THE NEWER CAMP GROUNDS ARE ADAPTING TO THIS. FOR EXAMPLE IN PAHRUMP, AT THE TERRIBLES LAKESIDE RV RESORT, THE SITES ARE SET UP SO THAT THE BACK OF YOUR CAMPER FACES THEIR BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE, GREEN GRASS, AND LAKE.

ANSWER #2 IS THAT WE USE THE BACK OF THE PICK-UP FOR OUR STORAGE, WHICH HAS A MATCHING TOPPER. THE BACK OF THE PICK-UP IS ORGANIZED WITH 20 GAL TUPPERWARE TUBS. THE OLD BLUE TUB HAS EXTRA CAMPING SUPPLIES LIKE ROPES, TABLE CLOTH ETC., THE HALLOWEEN TUB HAS DUTCH OVEN COOKING SUPPLIES, THE PINK TUB HAS MARY'S EXTRA CLOTHES, AND ON AND ON FOR A TOTAL OF 8 TUBS STACKED TWO HIGH.

THOSE COOL 5TH WHEELS REQUIRE THAT THE BACK OF YOUR PICK-UP BE OPEN.

ACTUALLY WE TRADED CAMPERS IN JAN '05 AND NOBODY HAS CHECKED OUT OUR NEW CAMPER, EXCEPT PAULIE, AND UNCLE HANS' CREW FROM SPOONER.. THE CURRENT CAMPER IS 34 FEET LONG GIVING US EXTRA CLOSET ROOM WHICH SPANS THE WIDTH OF THE TRAILER IN THE BACK OF THE BEDROOM. THE ADDITIONAL EXTRA ROOM IS ADDED TO THE BATHROOM AND WE NO LONGER HAVE TO BACK IN TO SIT ON THE STOOL. THE BED IS ACTUALLY IN A SLIDE OUT THAT ALLOWS US TO GET AROUND THE BED. IN THE FRONT IS A DOUBLE WIDE SLIDE OUT THAT INCLUDES THE DINNING BOOTH AND COUCH. IF YOU COME LOOKING FOR US THE FRONT SAYS MOUNTAINEER BY MONTANA.