What to do ................

By Mary

OK here are the facts. Yesterday was my 7th day in a row of work. Now I have Wednesday and Thursday off. I had a GREAT day planned. Now on to the facts….

One of the reasons I really like going to the gym is because I can watch my two favorite TV stations-Food Network and HGTV- while on the treadmill. The other day I watched Michael Chiarello make “Perfectly Grilled Radicchio”. Now that looked really interesting!! So instead of feeling bad that Rex and I have different days off, I decided I could cook things that appealed to me and not have to give a thought about the fact that Rex wouldn’t touch radicchio with a ten foot pole. I could have a dinner party with the next door neighbors (they will eat anything!!). COOL---I am now pumped about my days off!!

So what to make to serve with radicchio?? After looking at several internet recipe sites and several cookbooks, I opted for garlic, ginger, and lime pork loin. Yesterday I put the pork loin in the fridge to marinate. Can’t wait….this is going to be fun!!

So I get up this morning to 25 MILE AN HOUR WINDS!!! High winds just shut down my dinner party…the Big gASS grill does not stay lit in this shit. To say that I am disappointed does not even begin to cover how I feel….and sad to say tomorrow is suppose to be windy too. Rex has Friday and Saturday off…..wonder what the wind will be like those days?????

Now on a much happier note, we got a surprise visit today from Paul and Bailey. Bailey loved waking up Rex, she jumped in bed with him and he got right up.

For anyone that has been wondering about my Mother, she is doing great. She is currently in a nursing home, but we are looking into an assisted living facility which would fit her needs much better. Her short term memory is not good but she has most everything else straight and truth be told, her short term memory has not been good for quite a while. Thank you for all your good wished and prayers….I am very grateful and best of all, it worked!

WEB PAGES UP

WRITTEN BY REX

ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO IS DELETE PICTURES FROM OUR WEB PAGES, THEY BRING BACK SO MANY SPECIAL MEMORIES FROM OUR TRAVELS............., BUT UNLESS I WANT TO PAY FOR WEB SPACE IT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE DONE. THE PICTURES ARE ALL BACKED UP ON A CD SOMEWHERE AND I GOT IN THE MOOD, AND DELETED A BUNCH TO MAKE ROOM FOR MORE NEWER ONES. ALL THE PICTURES FROM 2006 ARE NOW POSTED. A COUPLE ARE IN THE JUNK DRAWER. OUR FREE WEB SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 MB INCLUDING OUR BLOG.

IF YOU GET INTERESTED IN TRYING BLOGGING, AMY AND I BOTH HOST OUR PICTURES (AND VIDEO) FOR THE BLOG AT TINYPIC.COM FOR FREE. BY THE WAY MANY OF THE PICTURES RECENTLY PUT UP ARE FROM NUMBER OF SOURCES INCLUDING, HEATHER, AMY, PAUL, AUNT KATHY, AND OF COURSE I TOOK A FEW MYSELF.

WEEK # 22

WRITTEN BY REX

SEE THE WEEK COUNT IS GOING DOWN ALREADY. JUST 22 SHORT WEEKS AND WE WILL BE ON THE MOVE AGAIN TOWARD LAKE TAHOE. ACTUALLY 2007 IS AN ODD NUMBERED YEAR, AND THAT MEANS MORE WEEKS OF WORK, AS OF NOW THE ONLY TRIP I HAVE PLANNED IS TO FLY TO GREEN BAY FOR LAURA'S WEDDING IN OCTOBER. THERE IS ALWAYS 2008 TO LOOK FORWARD TO, AND I'M ALREADY THINKING "BEACH BUM".

OUR WEATHER IS HANGING IN THERE WITH DAILY HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70'S AND NIGHT TIME LOWS IN THE 50'S. AT CHRISTMAS TIME WE WILL HAVE WINTER IN THE LOWER DESERT AND WE WILL BE IN JEANS AND SWEATSHIRTS UNTIL VALENTINES DAY WHEN SUMMER WEATHER WILL RETURN.

TUNE IN TOMORROW.............

MAIL CALL

WRITTEN BY REX

MAIL CALL WITH SOUVENIRS FROM KUWAIT. RANDY, MARY'S SON-IN-LAW, RETURNED FROM A YEARS DEPLOYMENT IN KUWAIT A COUPLE OF WEEKS BACK AND BROUGHT SOUVENIRS FOR EVERYBODY, INCLUDING MARY AND I. HERE IS A PICTURE OF MARY IN HER NEW CAMOUFLAGE APRON. THE APRON HAS HER NAME IN BOTH LANGUAGES. I GOT A FIRE AND RESCUE T-SHIRT. THANKS RANDY !!!




TODAY WAS A DAY "OFF" FOR ME , BUT NOT FOR MARY, SO I HAD A LIST OF CHORES TO COMPLETE. I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED WHEN I OPENED THE BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER HEATER TO REMOVE THE ANODE ROD AND CLEAN OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. MY TRIPLE WATER FILTER SYSTEM MUST BE DOING IT'S JOB. THERE IS ONE CARBON FILTER AND TWO PAPER FILTERS DESIGNED TO CATCH THE SEDIMENT IN THE WATER. THE OTHER CHORES ON MY LIST INCLUDED FRYING UP A BATCH OF ENGLISH MUFFINS, AND WASHING UP OUR UNIFORMS AND A COUPLE OF LOADS OF TOWELS.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

WRITTEN BY REX

THIS MORNING AS I READ THE OTHER RV BLOGGERS, THEIR BLOG ENTRIES ARE ALL MISTY EYED WITH THOUGHTS OF WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR...................

TO MARY AND I IT'S A SIXTH DAY OF WORK, AND JUST ANOTHER DAY, IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A HOLIDAY WHEN YOU'RE SO FAR AWAY FROM FAMILY. REMEMBERING THANKSGIVING FOR US IS THAT PAYDAY WAS WEDNESDAY INSTEAD OF THURSDAY, STAY AWAY FROM THE FOOD STORES, SMITH'S AND SAFEWAY, AND DON'T EVEN CONSIDER A WALMART RUN TOMORROW.

FOR US BEING SEASONAL EMPLOYEES WE COUNT ON ALL THE WINTER HOLIDAYS TO PICK UP SOME EXTRA HOURS AT WORK. WORKING 23 WEEKS, WE EXPECT TO RECEIVE 24 - 25 WEEKS PAY BY WORKING THESE EXTRA DAYS.

IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS, NEVADA PASSED A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING MINIMUM WAGE. THE MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP FROM $5.15 TO $6.15, WITH AN EMPLOYER EXCEPTION IF THEY OFFER THEIR EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE. AS A SEASONAL EMPLOYEE WE ARE NOT OFFERED ANY HEALTH INSURANCE, SO DOES THAT MEAN WE'LL GET A RAISE OR HEALTH INSURANCE? THE NEW LAW GOES INTO EFFECT NOV 28, 2006 (TUESDAY), SO STAY TUNED FOR AN UPDATE. IT'S GOING TO COST THE CASINOS SOME MONEY AS THEY ARE NOTORIOUS FOR BEING CHEAP WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES.

ENJOY YOUR TURKEY................

YIKES!!

By Mary

We are definitely back at work....we were so happy we each got five days on the schedule...so now we have SIX!! It is a holiday week, I guess, but only one day off sucks. I have a long "to do" list for my one day, (which is tomorrow) including a trip to the library, grocery store, mall, laundry, and other odds and ends around the camper. Actually much too much for one day!!

The weather continues to be great..in the 80s, but rumor has it that starting tomorrow temps will drop into the 70s and into the 60s by the end of the week. I know..sounds rough doesn't it?

Rex was a busy boy today, taking a lot of pictures off the web site. I hope he plans to start working on new web pages, I know we have some that could go up.

I call the PDC hospital for daily updates on my Mother. She continues to do well and is actually walking around as long as she has someone with her. She also seems to be making more sense so that is really good news. It is so hard for hospital staff to communicate with her as she is VERY hard of hearing even with her hearing aids in. I am just very thankful she is doing better.

I did get my herb garden going again for the winter so I will be able to make my own pizza sauce again. It just tastes so much fresher than store bought. I am getting so spoiled!! I also got some flowers....someday maybe I will have a garden again. Don't know where but maybe someday.

WEEK # 23

WRITTEN BY REX

JEEES, WE'VE ONLY BEEN BACK TO WORK TWO DAYS AND I'M ALREADY COUNTING DOWN THE WEEKS TILL WE FINISH WORK AND HAVE ANOTHER VACATION?

YUP, ONLY 23 WEEKS OF WORK TO GO!!! AFTER SIX WINTERS OF A VERY SLOW DIAL-UP CONNECTION IN THE WINTER, THIS YEAR WE HAVE A DSL CONNECTION. THE CONNECTION INCLUDES A WIRELESS ROUTER SO THAT WHEN WE GET OUR DESKTOP BACK WE WILL BOTH BE ABLE TO BE ON THE INTERNET AT THE SAME TIME AND THE LAPTOP WILL BE WIRELESS. PRETTY COOL! IN THE SUMMER TIME, AT LAKE TAHOE, WE HAVE A CABLE TV CONNECTION WHICH IS STILL THE FASTEST CONNECTION AVAILABLE. I GUESS THE DSL CONNECTION KINDA BLOWS MY EXCUSE FOR NOT POSTING THE FALL PICTURES ON MY WEBSITE, BUT I'LL BE THINKING UP A NEW EXCUSE SHORTLY.

BLACKSTONE RV PARK IS LOCATED OUT OF TOWN IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS, SO WE HAVE SOME WILDLIFE AROUND. THE SURROUNDING CHAIN LINK FENCE KEEPS THE COYOTES OUT OF THE PARK, BUT THEY COME VERY CLOSE CHECKING FOR HANDOUTS OR A STRAY KITTY NIGHTLY. INSIDE THE PARK WE HAVE SEVERAL PAIRS OF NESTED ROAD RUNNERS. THEY ALSO SEARCH FOR HANDOUTS, AND THE CAMPERS DIRECTLY BEHIND US FEED THEM MINI RAW HAMBURGER MEATBALLS DAILY. THE ROADRUNNERS ARE VERY FUN TO WATCH.
THERE ARE ALSO STARLINGS (BIRDS) LIKE AT HOME, AND IN THEIR CONSTANT SEARCH FOR WATER HERE IN THE DESSERT THEY'VE LEARNED THAT IF THEY PECK AT THE SEWER HOSE THERE IS WATER INSIDE. WHEN THEY DO THIS YOU DON'T KNOW YOU HAVE A LEAK UNTIL YOU EMPTY THE SHITTER AND COMPLETELY FILL THE HOSE WITH WATER (BLACK) AND DISCOVER THE THE LEAK ON THE TOP OF THE HOSE. DAM THE BIRDS !!!

"BE PREPARED" IS THE MOTTO OF A TRUE SCOUT, AND I DUG OUT THE NEW BACK UP HOSE FOR IMMEDIATE INSTALLATION.

"SUNNY & 80" ..........

BACK TO THE AVI

WRITTEN BY REX

WE WERE AMAZED RETURNING TO THE AVI. THE CASINO ADDITION IS SPECTACULAR. WE REPORTED TO SUZANNE, PIT MANAGER, AND SANDY WILL BE GIVING US A SCHEDULE TOMORROW AFTER 3PM.

WE REPORTED TO HUMAN RESOURCES TO GET OUR NEW ID CARDS FOR THE EMPLOYEE DINNING ROOM. KINDA FUNNY, I HAD ON A NEW "HAPPY CAMPER" T-SHIRT I RECEIVED IN THE GIFT EXCHANGE AT PAHRUMP, AND SO IN MY PICTURE ON MY NEW ID, IT SAYS "HAPPY CAMPER" ACROSS MY CHEST:-)

WE ALSO REPORTED TO PAYROLL TO GET A FINGER PRINT SCAN WHICH IS NECESSARY TO PUNCH-IN ON THE TIME CLOCK. LAST WE TOURED THE BACK OF THE HOUSE, WHICH INCLUDES THE BREAK ROOMS, AND RECEIVED NEW LOCKERS TO USE AT WORK.

WE HAD BAD NEWS FROM MT HOPE, WISCONSIN. MARY'S 85 YEAR OLD MOTHER SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK THIS MORNING AND IS HOSPITALIZED IN PRAIRIE DU CHEIN. MARY HAS DECIDED TO WAIT A COUPLE OF DAYS TO SEE HOW THINGS GO THERE BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISIONS ON RETURNING TO WISCONSIN.

RETURNING TO LAUGHLIN

WRITTEN BY REX

WE GOT THE FLORIDA CAMPERS ALL PACKED UP IN THE RENTED RV AND HEADED BACK INTO THE CITY AT 10:30 AM. FOR ME IT WAS A TUFF "GOOD-BY", KNOWING I WASN'T GOING TO SEE THE GRANDSONS AGAIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR (NEXT OCT. IN GB), I FELT LIKE JUDY AND GOT THAT BIG LUMP IN MY THROAT HUGGING AMY GOOD-BY, I MANAGED TO HOLD BACK THE TEARS. WHAT A WONDERFUL GREAT NEVADA RV ADVENTURE WE HAD !!!

MARY AND I GOT PACKED UP AND ON THE ROAD ABOUT NOON. THE CLOSER WE GOT TO LAUGHLIN THE MORE THE WIND KICKED UP. PAUL AND DANIEL CALLED ON THE CELL TO REPORT THAT THE RV WAS RETURNED, AND GOOD NEWS, I'M GETTING ALL OF MY $500 SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK.

IN THE REMAINING DAYLIGHT HOURS WE SET UP CAMP FOR THE WINTER, INCLUDING SWEEPING OUT THE BACK OF THE PICK-UP WHICH WAS STILL COVERED WITH A LAYER OF FRANKVILLE DUST. WE TOOK OUR AREA RUG TO THE NEEDLES CAR WASH FOR A GOOD SCRUBBING AND LAID IT OUT ON THE PATIO TO DRY.

TOMORROW THERE WILL BE LOTS DETAILS TO TAKE CARE OF SETTING UP..........
TOMORROW........
I'M SHOT, AND I'M GOING TO BED !!!

OH NO,IT'S ALMOST OVER !!!

WRITTEN BY REX

OUR LAST FULL DAY OF “THE GREAT NEVADA RV ADVENTURE”, WAS SPENT IN CAMP ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE. WE TRIED A NEW DUTCH OVEN BREAKFAST, ON THE BOTTOM WAS A LAYER OF BROWNED HASHBROWNS, THEN A LAYER OF FRIED SAUSAGE, THEN A MIXTURE OF SCRAMBLED EGGS POURED OVER IT ALL, AND TOPPED WITH SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE. IT BAKED FOR 20 MINUTES AND SERVED EVERYBODY.

WE’VE REALLY ENJOYED OUR CASINO FUN BOOKS WITH COUPONS, GETTING OUR POINTS, AND OUR COMPS. WE MADE AN AFTERNOON RUN INTO TOWN THINKING WE WOULD SCORE COMPED BUFFET TICKETS AT TERRIBLE’S CASINO, BUT AFTER LOOKING AT THE FOOD WE ELECTED TO HIT THE GROCERY STORE AND FIRE UP THE BIGG ASS GRILL INSTEAD. WE GAVE DANIEL A LITTLE CRAPS LESSON, BUT CRAPS ISN’T HIS GAME………………

THE FLORIDA CAMPERS PLAN TO SPEND THE NIGHT AT PAUL’S IN VEGAS TOMORROW NIGHT AND AMY SCORED VEGAS SHOW TICKETS (THANKS TO EDISON) WITH HER IOWA COLLEGE FRIEND.

TGNRVA

WRITTEN BY REX

I KNOW THE BLOG ENTRIES THIS WEEK HAVE SEEMED A LITTLE BORING, BUT TRUST ME WHEN I SAY CAMPING WITH AMY, DANIEL, PAULIE, EDDIE (1YR.), ALAN (3 YRS.), JUDY, EDISON, MARY, AND BAILY (THE DOG), IT HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT BORING !!! WE’VE HAD ACTION EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY. INCLUDING, FEEDING THE DUCKS, FRIZBEE GOLF, WALKING AROUND THE LAKE, CASINO ACTION, TO INCLUDE A BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT THAT PAULIE WON FIRST PLACE ($200), AND DANIEL WON THIRD PLACE ($60), BAILY SHOWING OFF HER SWIMMING SKILS IN THE LAKE, A HOT CHOCLATE EXPLOSION IN THE RENTED RV, LAUNDRY, WIND, RAIN, AND SNOW ON MT CHARLESTON.

IT’S JUST A LITTLE HARD TO WRITE WITHOUT ENOUGH TIME IN A DAY AND AN INTERNET CONECTION. PICTURES WILL FOLLOW…………

IT'S ALL OVER..................

WRITTEN BY REX

THE FALL 2006 VACATION IS ALL OVER NOW, MAN WHAT A GREAT TIME WE'VE HAD !!! ELEVEN WEEKS "OFF" (BRAG BRAG BRAG) IS OUR USUAL AGENDA IN THE EVEN NUMBERED YEARS. IT TAKES THAT LONG TO HAVE A TRAVEL FUND FAT ENOUGH TO AFFORD THAT MUCH TIME OFF.

I'M FEELING A LITTLE SORRY FOR YOU REGULAR BLOG READERS AS OUR TRAVEL BLOG WAS A LOT MORE INTERESTING THAN THE CRAP WE WRITE WHEN WE'RE WORKING AND CAMPING IN THE SAME SPOT. GET READY FOR THE RETURN TO THE "HODGEPODGE" APPROACH TO BLOGGING, CUT & PASTE, THINGS ON OUR MINDS, HISTORY LESSONS, CASINO STORIES, AND OF COURSE COOKING.

YESTERDAY I GOT THE FIRST SCRUB DONE ON THE CAMPER. DID YOU KNOW THAT A WET DRYER SHEET WORKS WONDERS ON THE BUGS STUCK ON THE FRONT OF THE CAMPER? NEXT IS SCRUBBING THE TUFF SPOTS AND THEN A COAT OF HAND WAXING. THEN IN APRIL COMES THE SECOND COAT OF WAX AND THAT'S IT FOR ANNUAL CAMPER MAINTAINCE ON THE OUTSIDE, OH WAIT, I USED THE AWNING IN THE MIDWEST, SO THAT WILL NEED A SCRUB TOO. MARY'S CAR NEVER GOT IT'S ANNUAL FALL WAXING EITHER, SO THAT WILL BE NEXT ON THE PROJECT LIST. ACTUALLY HER CAR HASN'T STOOD STILL LONG ENOUGH THIS FALL TO EVEN CONSIDER WAXING IT.

TERRIBLE'S LAKESIDE RV PARK

WRITTEN BY REX

TODAY WAS A LAZY VACATION DAY. WE DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING ON THE AGENDA BECAUSE PAUL AND EDISON RETURNED TO LAS VEGAS TO REALLY CELEBRATE EDISON’S BIRTHDAY, AND BECAUSE WE WANT TO ALLOW JUDY TO SPEND MAX TIME WITH HER TWO GRANDSONS. THE BREAKFAST MENU INCLUDED OMELETTE'S , HONEY BUTTER POP OVERS, AND STICKY BUNS OUT OF THE DUTCH OVEN. TONIGHT’S MEAL INCLUDED GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, AND AU GRATIN POTATOES OUT OF THE TWO DUTCH OVENS, AND BONELESS PORK CHOPS OFF THE GRILL.

ONE THING FOR SURE, IS WHEN YOU’RE CAMPING WITH REX & MARY YOU’RE GOING TO EAT REAL GOOD!!!WE WALKED UP TO THE CASINO SEVERAL TIMES TO MAKE USE OF OUR COUPONS IN THE FUN BOOK, AND SCORED FREE T-SHIRTS AND BASEBALL CAPS, PLUS AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY COMPED US A FREE NIGHTS STAY IN THE RV PARK. IT’S ALWAYS FUN TO THINK YOU GOT SOMETHING “FREE” FROM THE CASINO………………

PAHRUMP

WRITTEN BY REX

WE MADE THE MOVE TO PAHRUMP TODAY. IT WAS A SLOW START AS WE MADE PANCAKES FOR THE CREW, AND MARY ENJOYED HER EXERCISE CLASSES BEFORE WE GOT ORGANIZED TO ROLL. TERRIBLE’S LAKESIDE RV PARK IS SOLD OUT FOR THE WEEKEND AS A MIX OF SNOWBIRDS AND NATIVES ENJOY THE FALL DAYS OF
CAMPING.

TONIGHT WE HAD A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS AND EDISON’S BIRTHDAY. THERE WAS LOT’S OF GIFT GIVING, AND HOLIDAY CHEER. WE BROKE OUT THE LIMBURGER CHEESE FROM CHEESEDAYS TO SEE WHO THE REAL CHEESE EATERS REALLY ARE. EDISON SURPRISED ME AND LED THE WAY TO EATING AND ENJOYING THE LIMBURGER.

KIDS AND PRESENTS JUST SEEM TO FIT TOGETHER AND ALAN WAS THE HIT OF THE PARTY.

BLUE MEN

WRITTEN BY REX

AMY AND DANIEL ENJOYED THE FREEMONT STREET EXPERIENCE WITH GUIDE, PAUL. KUDOS TO GRAMPS AS BOTH BOYS WERE SAFE AND SOUND ON MY CAMPER FLOOR THIS MORNING, ALTHOUGH THEY STAY UP LATE AND ARE EARLIER RISERS THAN I AM. I’M NOT SURE IF NEMO GOT SAVED, AS I WAS FAST ASLEEP BY THAT TIME IN THE DVD.

THE BIG EVENT OF THE DAY WAS “THE BLUE MEN” SHOW AT THE VENETIAN. PAUL’S FRIEND EDISON GOT US SIX COMPED TICKETS. OUR GROUP INCLUDED AMY, NICOLE (A COLLEGE FRIEND OF AMY’S), EDISON, PAUL, MARY, AND I. THE SHOW IS ASTOUNDING, AND WE BOTH RECOMMEND IT. THERE ARE A FEW PICTURES AND WE WILL GET THEM TOGETHER ON A REGULAR WEBPAGE LATER.
AFTER THE SHOW WE HIT A CRAPS TABLE AND HAD THE IOWA GIRLS THROW THEM BONES, AH…………. THEY SUCK !!! WE ALSO HIT THE PIANO BAR AT NEW YORK NEW YORK, ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS ON THE STRIP. TOMORROW IS THE MOVE TO PAHRUMP, NEVADA.

TGNRVA (DAY 2)

WRITTEN BY REX

DAY TWO OF "THE GREAT NEVADA RV ADVENTURE" STARTED WITH EDDIE AND I MAKING BLUEBERRY PANCAKES AND SAUSAGE ON THE BIG gASS GRILL. AFTER BREAKFAST WE MOUNTED UP, IN THE RENTED RV, FOR A TRIP DOWN THE VEGAS STRIP TO CIRCUS CIRCUS. NOW I THINK RV'S ARE GREAT ROADTRIP VEHICLES, BUT MAYBE THE LAS VEGAS STRIP ISN'T THE BEST CHOICE OF ROADS...............

WE ENJOYED CIRCUS CIRCUS, AND SAW A COUPLE OF GREAT CIRCUS ACTS. WE WON A FEW PRIZES ON THE MIDWAY, AND ON A QUICK SMOKE BREAK I EVEN MANAGED TO WIN $40 IN A CRAPS GAME. ON THE TRIP HOME BOTH BOYS WENT DOWN FOR NAPS.

SUPPER TIME BROUGHT PAULIE OUT TO CAMP AND WE LOADED UP THE DUTCH OVENS WITH DOG DISH MEATLOAF AND BAKED POTATOES. EVERYBODY ENJOYED MEETING BAILY FOR THE FIRST TIME, WITH FULL DOG KISSES ALL AROUND.
THIS EVENING HAS ME BABYSITTING BOTH GRANDSONS, WHILE PAULIE GIVES AMY AND DANIEL A TOUR OF HIS TOWNHOUSE AND I BET A LITTLE CASINO ACTION BEFORE DAWN.

CLASS "C" MOTORHOME

WRITTEN BY REX

WE GOT THE CLASS "C" MOTORHOME PICKED UP FIRST THING THIS MORNING. IT'S A 25 FOOT WINNEBAGO BUILT ON A CHEVY CHASSIS. IT HAS THE DOUBLE BUNK UP OVER THE CAB, A DOUBLE BED IN BACK, AND THE TABLE TURNS INTO A BED, SLEEPING 5 EASILY. IT INCLUDES GENERATOR, STOVE, A/C, FURNACE, AND MICROWAVE.
THE TRIP TO THE AIRPORT, IN THE RENTED RV, TO PICK-UP AIM AND FAMILY WAS HAIR RAISING. PICTURE THIS I'M DRIVING AND MARY IS CO-PILOT, OR MAYBE AS WE USED TO CALL IT, IN THE SUICIDE SEAT?

ANYWAY WERE DOING THOSE LANE CHANGES AND STRAINING OUR EYE BALLS TO READ THOSE BIG HUGH GREEN SIGNS FOR "ARRIVALS"............. SUDDENLY THERE IS A THUD ON THE ROOF AND THE SIGN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF US SAYS 7 FOOT CLEARANCE.....AH........ THE STICKER ON THE WINDSHIELD SAYS WE'RE 12 TALL...............

.THERE IS A LINE OF CABS WHICH WE CUT INTO, AND A SIGN, "NO PRIVATE VEHICLE'S BEYOND THIS POINT", WELL WE CUT OUT OF THAT LINE AND NOW WERE IN A LINE OF LIMOS?

AMY CALLS ON THE CELL AND WE TELL HER TO HEAD FOR THE LIMO PICK-UP. A VERY NICE UNIFORMED LIMO DRIVER STEPS BACK AND EXPLAINS THAT IF THE POLICE SHOW UP WE'RE GETTING A TICKET FOR $150 (NO WARNING). SO WE WHIP THE RV AROUND THE CORNER AND IMMEDIATELY WE'RE CONFRONTED BYE A SUPERVISOR, HE'S TELLING US WHEN THE POLICE GET HERE........
NOW WE'RE PLAYING DUMB ASS TOURISTS WITH AN ISSUE WITH OUR 12 FOOT CLEARANCE, AND FRANTICALLY SEARCHING THE CROWD FOR AMY AND FAMILY.....AH, THERE THEY ARE, AND NOW WE'RE DOING THE CHINESE FIRE DRILL ROUTINE THROWING BAGS AND GRANDSONS INTO THE RV AS FAST AS POSSIBLE, AND SUCCESSFULLY MAKE OUR ESCAPE FROM THE LAS VEGAS AIRPORT.
THIS EVENING WE PULLED OUR OLE TRICK OF GRILLED PIZZA, AND CURRENTLY DANIEL IS IN A TEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT IN THE CLUB HOUSE OF THE RV PARK. AMY HAS A COLLEGE FRIEND FROM IOWA VISITING AND EDDIE, THE #2 GRANDSON IS PASSED OUT ON THE FLOOR IN OUR CAMPER. WITH GOOD LUCK LIKE THIS, MAYBE I SHOULD FIND A CRAPS GAME?

TUNE IN TOMORROW

'

POLITICS

WRITTEN BY REX

I'M TOTALLY FED UP WITH THE NEGATIVE POLITICAL ADS ON TV !!!! WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP TO WATCH DAY IN AND DAY OUT ON TV. I'VE HAD TO WATCH THEM FROM IOWA, WISCONSIN, MISSOURI, KANSAS, NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA, AND NEVADA. WHOMEVER STARTED THIS TREND SHOULD BE TARRED AND FEATHERED.........

OK I'LL GET DOWN OFF MY STUMP NOW. I DID HAVE A QUESTION OR COMMENT ON THE BLOG FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS WONDERING HOW THE BIG RED PICK-UP WAS RUNNING AFTER PUTTING IN A NEW CLUTCH. I GUESS IT'S A-OK.........





DAM THE PACKERS !!!!

VEGAS BABY !!!

WRITTEN BY REX

TODAY WE WERE ON THE MOVE (AGAIN), AND HEADED ON UP TO VEGAS IN PREPARATION OF "TGNRVA" (THE GREAT NEVADA RV ADVENTURE). WE STOPPED AT TIM THE RV GUY TO ORDER THE NEW FENDER FOR THE CAMPER FROM THE DAMAGE DONE DURING THE WYOMING BLOWOUT.

OF COURSE WE HAD WIND TO CONTEND WITH, SO IT WAS A SLOW TRIP. WE STOPPED AT THE SEARCHLITE NUGGET FOR THE MINER'S BREAKFAST AND BY THE TIME WE GOT TWO VALLEYS WEST OF THE COLORADO RIVER THE WIND FINALLY LET UP.

PAULIE STOPPED OVER TO SEE IF WE LANDED OK? TOMORROW MORNING PAUL WILL STOP AND WE WILL GO PICK UP THE RENTED CLASS "C" RV AND HEAD TO THE AIRPORT TO PICK UP AMY, DANIEL, AND THE BOYS !!!THE OASIS RV RESORT IS TOP NOTCH. IT'S LOCATED JUST SOUTH OF THE STRIP. THEY HAVE TROLLEY SERVICE TO THE CASINOS, TWO SWIMMING POOLS, HOT TUB, CONVENIENCE STORE, MINIATURE GOLF, BEAUTIFUL CLUB HOUSE, AND OF COURSE WI-FI.

I GUESS WE'VE BEEN IN NEVADA TOO LONG........... WE WENT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD BAR CALLED STEINER'S FOR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. WE WON A MILLER LITE T-SHIRT, AND ENJOYED MARGARITA'S AND MILLER LITES. CAN'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW AFTERNOON !!!!

PIZZA PARTY

WRITTEN BY REX

I WARNED YA YESTERDAY, THAT YOU WOULD GET SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THE WEATHER !!!! I GUESS A PICTURE WILL SUM UP “SUNNY & 80” FOR TODAY.

MARY’S BEEN WORKING ALL DAY ON HER PIZZA CREATIONS, AND HERE’S WHAT’S ON THE MENU FOR THE PIZZA PARTY:* GARLIC CHICKEN WITH CREAMY ALFREDO SAUCE* GRILLED SHRIMP WITH PESTO BASIL SAUCE* ITALIAN SAUSAGE, MUSHROOM, & ONION* MEXICAN PIZZA WITH REFRIED BEANS & TACO MEAT* PEPPERONI AND GREEN PEPPERAND THE PIZZA PARTY WAS A BIG SUCCESS. WE HAD THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS, THE NEIGHBORS BEHIND US, AND THE PARK OWNERS. ACTUALLY WHEN WE STARTED SETTING UP OUTSIDE AT 4:30 PM FOR THE 6:00 PM START TIME, STEVE & MERYL WANDERED OVER AND BY 5:00 PM MARY WAS BUSY CREATING PIZZA. SEVEN PIZZAS AND A CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PIE LATER WE WERE ALL VISITING AND TELLING STORIES OF OUR SUMMER ADVENTURES.

THE CHIMEA BURNED BRIGHT AND ACTUALLY I’M SITTING OUT HERE AND TYPING THIS BY FIRE LITE AFTER THE PARTY. IT’S REALLY GONNA SUCK TO GO BACK TO WORK AFTER 11 WEEKS OFF !!!TILL TOMORROW, WHENS IT’S BACK TO OATMAN FOR SOME CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?

A FINE DAY !

IF YOU'RE A DAILY READER OF THE BLOG, ONE OF THE THINGS YOU'RE GOING TO GET SICK OF IS READING ABOUT OUR MIGHTY FINE WINTER WEATHER. WHEN WE ARE SITTING HERE IN SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS AND READING THE INTERNET WEATHER AT YOUR PLACE, WELL, WE JUST CAN'T RESIST LAUGHING AND RUBBING IT IN!!!!

TODAY WE MET UP WITH GARY, A GOOD FRIEND FROM WORKING AT THE AVI, AND HE BROUGHT US UP TO SPEED ON THINGS AT THE AVI CASINO WHERE WE WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. IN SIX SHORT MONTHS THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF CHANGES, THEY ADDED ON TO THE CASINO MAKING IT NEARLY TWICE AS BIG, THERE IS A NEW EMPLOYEE CAFETERIA, A NEW EMPLOYEE BREAKROOM, YOU NOW CLOCK INTO WORK WITH YOUR INDEX FINGER PRINT, THERE IS A NEW EMPLOYEE ID CARD TO USE IN THE EDR (EMPLOYEE DINNING ROOM) TO GET YOUR ONE FREE MEAL PER SHIFT, PIA GOW POKER IS IN, WPT POKER TABLE IS OUT, THE MINDPLAY ELECTRONIC BLACKJACK TABLES ARE OUT, CLAY GAMING CHIPS ARE BACK, A NEW POKER ROOM AND THE DEALERS ARE GOING FOR THEIR OWN TIPS, SHIFT MANAGERS HAVE ALL BEEN ASSIGNED DIFFERENT SHIFTS, WHO GOT FIRED, AND A BUNCH OF NEW FACES, AND OF COURSE WHOM IS SLEEPING WITH WHOM?

IN THE AFTERNOON WE MADE THE 13 MILE TRIP UP INTO THE BLACK MOUNTAINS TO VISIT OATMAN, AZ. OATMAN IS AN OLD MINING TOWN ON ROUTE 66 THAT STILL HAS WILD BURROS RUNNING THE STREETS, TONS OF GIFT SHOPS, AND SEVERAL WELL ARMED COWBOYS WANDERING AROUND.

WE ENDED THE EVENING WITH A FIRE IN THE CHIMEA, A SMALL CLAY MEXICAN FIREPLACE, AND CLEANED UP LEFTOVERS OUT OF THE FRIDGE. I GOT TO ADMIT MY FOCUS TODAY TURNED TO "THE GREAT NEVADA RV ADVENTURE", IT'S BEEN 6 MONTHS SINCE I'VE SEEN PAUL, MY SON IN VEGAS, AND A YEAR SINCE I'VE SEEN AMY, MY DAUGHTER AND FAMILY FROM PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA. ONLY THREE MORE DAYS TO WAIT !!!!

HOME

WRITTEN BY REX

YESTERDAY AFTERNOON DRIVING INTO MOHAVE VALLEY, DID FEEL LIKE COMING HOME. IMAGINE IF YOU WERE AWAY FROM YOUR HOMETOWN FOR SIX MONTHS? YOU NOTICE ALL THE CHANGES, A NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (OR TWO), A NEW STOP AND GO LIGHT, A NEW STORE, AND IT WAS GREAT SEEING THE NEIGHBORS. WE ‘VE HAD THE SAME NEIGHBORS FOR SIX OUT OF THE SEVEN WINTERS AND STEVE AND MERYL ARE GREAT PEOPLE. TONY AND ELLEN, THE PARK OWNERS, HAVE LEASED OUT THE CONVENIENCE STORE, AND ARE SIMPLY RUNNING THE RV PARK. AND THE WEATHER IS PERFECT!!

YUP, YOU GUESSED IT…………………….
“SUNNY & 80”.

WE SPENT THE DAY RUNN’IN ERRANDS. HAIRCUT, LOWES, LIBRARY, BANK, GAS STATION, AND OF COURSE COCKTAILS, AFTER ALL WE’RE STILL ON VACATION.