Other blog dominating

Blogger insists on showing my posts and comments to others as my Books Blog, You can click on it to get here and vice versa....the Book blog is just that while this one, my first, original has miscellany

Showing posts with label RV motor home travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV motor home travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Travels

Two short days on the road has us in Goshen, Indiana at the Elkhart Fairgrounds with perhaps 600-700 other owners of Fleetwood motor homes from all over the country and Canada for our 4th annual Fleetwood Motor Home Owner's Association Rally. Our next door neighbors are from Ontario, Canada.   Finally the Association has begun to collect annual dues which has not appeared to decrease attendance.  Fleetwood has been very generous sponsoring the rallies so there is no downside  and most easily afford the $20 annual pittance.  I found this great blog which tells lots about Goshen and has some dandy photos which I do not yet have to post  http://www.lincolnhighwaygoshen.blogspot.com/
This was an easy trip, a fun time 463 miles from home only 9 hours and 20 minutes driving time over two days.  We see the decrease in gas and diesel prices and a corresponding increase in traffic as families take to the highways.  In May we filled up at Flying J in South Beloit WI at $3.85 per gallon with our RV discount card and yesterday it was $3.40 per gallon, cheaper than regular gas at home in La Crescent. Do you think with the decrease in cost of fuel  that other prices will come down just as they escalated with the rising cost of fuel?  Don"t hold your breath as Mom used to say. That'll be the day!

 We found a delightful RV spot off I 80 in Utica, IL where we stopped last night, Hickory Hollow RV.  We seldom travel I 80 coming east but this trip it was the easiest route.

We thought we would be early because the Rally events begin tomorrow evening, so arriving today was  a day and half ahead, but others were already here.  Maybe 2/3 of expected attendees are already in place.  Tomorrow AM we board a charter bus to the Fleetwood Plant in Decatur to  tour the factory where our 2nd homes are manufactured and put together. We stop in Decatur almost every trip going east and we have said many times that we  should take the factory tour.  Do we?  No, so it was offered tomorrow and Thursday from the Rally and we will take advantage of that which means an early AM rising as the bus departs at 8:15AM.  That early curtain call is a challenge for the likes of me who has become accustomed to sleeping  in almost to 8:00AM and it's a challenge for Jerry who is accustomed to imbibing his entire pot of coffee and reading  a newspaper before he ventures into the shower and then begins his day.  We notice many RV'ers are early to bed and early to rise, but we have overcome that.
I continue to be amazed at the number of these people who cannot or choose not to walk short distances to the rally events in the buildings, , and or who all ride scooters or golf carts rather than get a little bit of exercise walking.  So there they are almost immobile and then they climb behind the wheels of these big rigs!  Something in not right about that, there should be a licensing and testing of RV drivers just as there are with truckers.
It has been very dry here in Goshen where rain is badly needed (but not while we are here)  All the lawns are brown, dried up and the farmers are irrigating their crops. This reminds us of northern California where everything is brown after spring unless irrigated.   Meantime Florida is getting the Debby Deluge.  Mama Nature is just not fair.  We are now adjourning for the party  forming outside as the sun goes down, it is warm here. Bad new is 101 degrees  predicted for Thursday!  That's just too hot for me, but without rainfall it should not have the accompanying Indiana humidity, still hot is hot and I don"t like it.   I"ll be inside at the activities in the heat of the day.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

May Travels food, and WTH Post 2 of ????

After I departed to California from Pennsylvania in the 60"s as a young gal,  with stars in my eyes, on the wrong path impulsive first marriage that would come to naught,  I still knew for sure that  I would never again live in my home state.  That's become a complicated term to me, "home state"  where is my home state?  For example when folks ask where I'm from and tell me that I  have an accent  as happens at times in Minnesota where we reside and where they do have accents, I launch with a sigh into my history, "I'm from California and grew up in Pennsylvania.but now we live in Minnesota."   Being Minnesotans who never ventured  farther than Wisconsin, they silently roll their eyes and confirm, "oh a Californian."  Truthfully I  lived in California far longer (40+ years) than I did in Pennsylvania and now we reside in Minnesota, Jerry's home state, adding to the number of years I have been gone from home.  Because no matter that my primary relatives all now reside securely in cemeteries, Pennsylvania is still home. But I know I will never live here. 
 Home is always home and as Robert Frost told us, it's the place where when we go there they have to take us in.  Hmm,  maybe not so, except  that yes, my childhood friends in Pennsylvania still do take me in and welcome both of us.  And that makes coming home, home after all. 
Like my estate attorney and old school pal who just educated me in the appropriate purchase of Chianti wine.  I  gave up Chianti years back because I did not like the taste, but Richard patiently explained  to me that there has been a bastardization of true Italian Chianti and to get it right I must limit my purchase to  Chianti Classico.  The Italian government,  fed up with the inferior  variations, and semblances of Chianti established standards and so today real imported Chianti is the Classico.  And you know what, Richard was right and  so we have enjoyed excellent Chianti with the traditional , real Italian food I get only when I come home to Pennsylvania--Chianti, is the wine to accompany pasta's, the Italian sauces, provolone, Wedding Soup; it's the wine one almost eats not drinks.  Shades of  old Mr. Luigi DeSanto,  across the street who made his own wine---red, aka Dago Red.  And as always coming homes means getting authentic food--Polish, Italian, bakeries of pastries and breads galore, real provolone, real salami, real pepperoni,,,,,and even great steak houses.  Good food, and extra  work outs mandatory. People here like to eat and all restaurants are filled every day and night, every day not just weekends.  I don't think anyone cooks around here, families, etc. everyone is eating out--and yet they will complain about the economy--go figure.  My friends and I cannot understand this but we are the older generation now you know.
But enough of the food, we had an experience that confirms why I will never live in the rip off-aholic state of Pennsylvania, although it is not near the level of California, it has some annoying practices instituted to part the fool and his money  or to absolutely affirm, buyer beware.  Pennsylvania has toll roads as do many eastern states, not such a bad thing  because the users of the roads pay the  price, however many who live here assert they have more than paid for the highways, over all these years of toll collections.  To this lament, I think, wise up and "kwitcher bitchin" know that once a fee aka tax is enacted it never  goes away--just like government programs it takes on a life of its own, it is perpetual.  Well, there is something known as an I-Pass in Illinois and in  Pennsylvania, an E-ZPass and I don't know what the term is in other states.  We often have considered  buying one which  means placing money in an account, on deposit, which is withdrawn electronically to get through the toll booths more quickly without having to wait in cash lines and face the  toll takers. The device and account can be used on toll roads in 14 states.   Well, we think about it when we are on toll roads and then once home forget about it until the next trip. There is a way to prepay  this online, but we are ready to   depart it is too late because one needs the gadget to display on the windshield  for electronic  scanning,  But  not to worry, we are in my home state where they are ever anxious to part the contents of purse ($) from the person and in my home state they sell these EZ Passes at certain super stores like Giant Eagle, here in New Kensington. So yesterday, Jerry stopped at Giant Eagle, gave them $43.99 and triumphantly became the owner of an EZPass Device.  This will enable us to whiz along the toll road on our next leg of this journey to Gettysburg.

 Here is a lin http://www.paturnpike.com/ezpass/ezpassINTRO.htm

All smug until later, we read the tiny small print which stipulates the EZPass is only for vehicles up to 7000 pounds.  Wait a minute!  We  drive a 41 foot  motor home and tow a vehicle; we exceed that weight limit  more than thrice!  So we call the Pennsylvania Department of Turnpike and in no time do reach a real live person in Harrisburg, not some East Indian in Mumbai!  Aha, Pennsylvania employment at work.  Jerry reports our dilemma to which the  response is "well they should have told you that when they sold it to you.  You need a commerical EZPass."  Jerry explains we are not commercial.  but alas that is no one's problem but our own. So what can be done, not so fast, there Bunky. The device must be activated before it can be used.  Jerry explains we cannot use it because we are driving a motor home and exceed the weight limit.  "Oh right, then you need a commercial EZ Pass" comments the rep who goes on to explain we must activate it regardless, on line and then we can mail it back and get some of our $$ refunded. That's right, some of the $$.    By this time, generally patient calm Jerry has  lost all patience and  hung up feeling he has encountered Abbott and Costello's rendition of "Who's on First?"  But I remind him it's my home state--it's Groundhog Day for sure.  Well not to worry, I figure we have not even opened the sealed plastic container so we will just take this thing right back to Giant Eagle tomorrow, which is today now.  We have not used it and surely they can just refund the $43.99.   Wrong, they cannot do that and tell Jerry they will call the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for him---now he knows it's Groundhog Day stuck on the record and reel.  Same story, different day, and no way is Giant Eagle taking this EZ Pass back.  So we are stuck with sending it to Harrisburg, which we will pass on our way to Gettysburg; furthermore we are advised to send it registered mail at a higher cost to ourselves for proof of mailing and my home state will sometime when it is convenient for them or when the Groundhog sees his shadow refund a portion of the $43.99, etc. Yes that is right, this is Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth where I know for sure I will never be living.  Big rip off and another way to part the contents of the purse from the person.   Why don"t they publicize this EZ Pass is not for motor homes who must roll with the big rigs and purchase commercial EZ's. Likely they think we are out here earning big bucks in our rigs? 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

More Louisiana

Pat in Manzur, La. with Mardi face

Tomorrow we depart south toward  Baton Rouge, Lakeside RV at Livingston, La, leaving this perfectly set RV site behind.  Here we have had  the cheapest rates anywhere, that our Passport America membership gets us $8 per night!  Full hook ups.  Cannot be beat!  Good Sam would only have been $15 but half is better.   However, I have encountered here some of the strangest people I have ever met strange talking when they do talk to you even if you are a customer and  strange to rude behavior. Remember I lived in CA over  40 years and so I know strange when I encounter it.  One example was the Wal Mart cashier who left us and her register mid way through checking us out to shoot the breeze with someone who appeared to be her friend.  No kidding she just walked off to continue her conversation without so much as a "just a minute."   Had I been shopping alone I would have left everything and given her the pleasure of figuring it out when she returned.  But Jerry is more patient than I am and so we waited.  This took only a minute or so but was very rude, I thought.  When she returned she resumed ringing up our items without any explanation or apology.  She seemed to have a chip on her shoulder that we and those behind us in line interrupted her time with her friend.  Wal Mart employees are usually known for courtesy and customer service but that cashier must not have been so trained.    

 It is Mardi Gras, evidently all over Louisiana. all month leading up to next Wednesday when Lent kicks in. This lady above, no not me, the one with the gold face is prominent everywhere with the colors of Mardi, green, purple and gold.  Many homes are lavishly decorated outside with the colors and the  party attire.  This was an out of the way antique shop of sorts in an out of the way tiny town, Manzur  sometimes spelled Masur, depending on which map one uses.  See what I mean, one tiny town, population of no more than 1000 spelled various ways. It is off Hwy. 1 close to Marksville, where we've set up at the Paragon  Casino RV.   The prices inside this Antique store surprised me because they were upscale for an area with limited traffic and off season.
We started out at some other local Marksville shops but found nothing we could not do without.  Although this handsome handmade  rocker, on the primitive side was tempting,  how to get it into the RV to take home was the challenge and so we passed on it.  I should admit, I passed with Jerry's adamant insistence that this would not fit anywhere.  Notice the sign  over it?  Some kind of sense of humor, don't you think for this handicap accessible rocker..And that was not all that caught my eyes at this shop, Treasures, in.Marksville which has spaces rented to those who would sell their collections. 
Remember the song, Coca Cola Cowboy?  It was  a 1979 single written by Steve Dorff, Sandy Pinkard, Sam Atchley, and Bud Dain and recorded by Mel Tillis. The song was featured in the film, Every Which Way But Loose, starring Clint Eastwood.  Well, here in the south where coca cola rules, this store offered a coca cola rooster.  Something else we resisted purchasing, but intriguing none the less, which is why I so enjoy browsing these places. 


One example of the strange culture of this area where the people are Cajuns and other mixtures, tied tot he swamps was this tourist center which was touted for several miles into town.  Isn't this a fine gesture, parking for tourists only the sign reads, by order of the Police no less.  Well, this is  the site of the Hypolite Bordelon Home Museum, a historic site.  It is one of the few surviving mud and moss homes and was built back between 1790 and 1810 in the French pattern of two rooms centered by a double fireplace  and a small back cabinet room behind.  The history of the Bordelon family in Louisiana and in the area  here known as the Avoyelles parish is   intriguing.  But let me continue.  We had looked for a tourist center as we came into Marksville but  decided wherever it was it must have been closed on Sunday.  Inquiring at the  registration desk at the Paragon gave us  the response "no such place in town that I know of." 
So I satisfied myself that there was no tourist center and that if we wanted to  know about the area and what to see, we"d have to try to look online and punt.  It is a quaint area and worth driving around, so this was not a big issue.  The levee roads are interesting drives, many aged  outskirt homes and some new ones here and there.  Then yesterday enroute to Mansur we stopped at  the 4 H Museum on Hwy 1.  There was a  full scale visitor center with several helpful women who showered us with maps and brochures about sites to not miss while we were here.  This Bordelon house is one the women explained we might enjoy seeing and they said,  the Marksville tourist center is inside.  On our return trip we decided to  continue to town to see this tourist center which we surely had missed repeatedly.  And we were interested in seeing a house that old with mud and moss walls.  What would the architecture resemble?  You can see it in the following photo right next tot he parking area reserved for tourists.  We'd passed this repeatedly and it did not register with us.     

This sign is prominent.   

Only one little issue,  the home/museum  is absolutely not open, closed and it did not appear to be just for the season.  Jerry was braver and ventured up onto the porch and tried the door which had no handle, just in case there was a way in.  There was not, but we could park there, here is Jerry looking around.     

Now to cap off our visit to this town, I had been noticing drive through Daquiri huts and buildings some along side bars and some free standing only similar to   drive up wondows at fast foods or coffee shops.  But this takes drive up to a new meaning, booze and beer right out your car window.  When I told a shop keeper I had to take a photo of the sign and the building she  said I would not be the only one to do so.  When people come from out of town they notice it immediately. 


I admit that this afternoon I felt  we could not leave Marksville without my trying the drive through.  A 20 ounce strawberry daquiri for only $4.  Brought it back to enjoy at the motor home, although since Jerry was driving, I could sip along.  Notice the guard alligators at the entrance and the teddy bears which were on sale for Valentines' Day. 
There is interesting architecture in town too, like the courthouse in the midst of the town adjacent to the district attorney and  the police station.  The town appears to have a flourishing attorney industry as the law offices have taken over several old homes   downtown. 



The last tidbit about Marksville"s  emblem, a broken wagon wheel.  Legend has it that the  founder of the town, Marco Litchie a traveling peddler from Venice Italy  who migrated to the area in 1794  set up a trading post when his wagon wheel broke.  He married Julie Carmouche in 1796 and obtained more than 400 Spanish land grants.  The area became known as Marc's place and finally Marc's ville to the name today.  There are more than 100 historical markers around the area.  This last photo of the sculpture alongside the highway commemorating Marc;s broken wheel  is courtesy of the local Chamber of Commerce.   

   

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Southern and Louisiana journey, Paragon stop

Reposting this after pulling it because of incessant spam.  Now that I have blocked the ability to comment  anonymously on my blog, the spammers are no more...and I can repost the ones they seemed to target.  So tiresome...

So today Feb 2012,  we drove a mere 88 miles to Marksville, Louisiana  enroute to New Orleans and  visiting friends in Alexandria.  That has become another story for another time.  On our way into town we stumbled into the preparation for another small community Mardi Gras gathering; if we keep this up we will be in a Mardi Gras parade yet!

We plan to stay  here at the Paragon Casino RV Park  for a couple days  taking advantage of the cheap cheap RV rates, $15 per night with our Good Sam discount and full hook ups.  This RV site at the Paragon Casino run by the Tunica and Biloxi  Indian Tribes is first class, resembles the RV resort we pay top dollar for in Tucson.  The Spa at the Casino is beckoning me for  tomorrow.  Entertainment and restaurants are top notch.  Now if the casino itself does not stink from cigarette smoke, I might even  drop a few coins in some slots or find a card table, my preference for any rare gambling.

Several big motor coaches like ours are starting to pull in but there is plenty of space.

I"ll be taking advantage of their spa tomorrow for a pedicure, manicure and facial....maybe a massage too.  Now this is the life....

 Check out their website http://www.paragoncasinoresort.com/Home.aspx    


Tribe logo which I find intriguing. 
Godfrey, Jerry's latest and soon to be replaced again Garmin GPS did not recognize this place and would not direct us until we put in the co-ordinates.  It is a hard place to miss a massive structure near the tribal headquarters and reservation  off  Hwy.1 so we had no difficulty.  Nevertheless, there is no excuse for Godfrey Percival Stallworth this time as he was updated fine tuned online  before we left on this trip; the Paragon has been here since 1994.

Since the casino's opening, unemployment in Avoyelles Parish has steadily declined. The casino employs over 1,780 employees and offers training and educational opportunities that enable them to advance their careers and improve their quality of life.  The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe maintains a cooperative relationship with the community and looks for ways to strengthen those ties. Since 1994, they have donated a considerable amount of money to various nonprofit organizations on the local, regional and national level. In addition to monetary contributions, many associates at Paragon Casino Resort have volunteered their time and talents to local community organizations.  Marksville's transformation into a resort destination will continue as the Tribe dedicates itself to developing amenities

Ever interested in history, I learned the following about these Indians:  The Tunica and Biloxi Indians have lived on their reservation near Marksville for over two centuries, during which the tribes, though speaking completely different languages, intermarried. The Tunica exercised influence over a wide territory, encompassing present-day Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, and even Florida. They were traders and entrepreneurs of the first order. Under severe pressure from European diseases, famine, and warfare, the Tunica steadily moved southward, following the Mississippi River.   The Biloxi were a tribe on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at present-day Biloxi, Mississippi. They were the first people encountered by French colonizers Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville in 1669. The Biloxi, like the Tunica, formed a strong alliance with the French, which for a while brought them important economic and political benefits. Later, after the French were expelled, they allied themselves with the Spanish, rulers of Florida.

The shuttle is cruising which picks up RV'ers and transports them to the Casino.  We are about to depart for a browse at the big casino and a meal.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Graceland

February 4 Pat arrives at Graceland
It is an indescribably good feeling to scratch things off one's Bucket list making room for new additions....yesterday in Memphis was a great scratchoff..... .We had a great time yesterday through the sporadic Memphis drizzling rain, spending all day at Graceland, the museums, the venues, the airplanes, the shops, etc...listening to Elvis music everywhere..

I was an Elvis pre teeny bopper rabid fan and recall sitting on the porch with extension cord strung through the door to plug in my 45 RPM record player and listen to Elvis sing Hound dog as loud as that player went.  Never loud enough for us girls, but too loud for Mom who'd shout "turn that noise down, you'll go deaf."   I didn't but she was ahead of her time because we know many young people today who have hearing loss from too loud music.  In one of the exhibit cases of memorabilia yesterday I noticed a plastic type child's wallet, I"d  had one of those, long gone.  But next to it, a gold like charm bracelet with a hound dog and broken heart charms among others, at home I have those two charms on  my old charm bracelet from high school days. I don't know whatever became of the full Elvis bracelet.   
Mary Hudson was our tour guide
at Graceland and knew the
answers to all questions
 We sprung for the VIP tour which escorted us through the front of the line into the mansion which is really a modest house, at 17,000 square feet on 13.8 acres. It does not compare to the Biltmore mansion in  North Carolina but it is impressive as a home.   Elvis bought Graceland in 1957 when he was but 22 for only $102,500 as his home.  He purchased Graceland from the original owners when it was out in the outskirts, in the country.  Today  the area is all very urban, but Graceland is on one side of Elvis Presley Blvd. while the museums, planes, shops, other venues are on the other side. Photos of Christmas time are lovely.  Graceland employs hundreds of people like Mary, here, all of whom have a smile and enjoy working there.  It's a boon for the local economy along with the $$ tourists bring. 

I did not know how philanthropic Elvis was all his life until our tour.  On one wall of exhibits are the  thousands of checks he'd write to any one who needed help from individuals to organizations.   In Lisa's special exhibit at the end which just opened in 2012, she remarks how her dad made money and gave it away as fast as he could.

Just one of these urns would look good back in MN
We did not tour the upstairs of the home which  is closed to the public but saw all the  first and lower floors and the out buildings, including  Elvis' racquetball court and bar and the smoke house he had used as a shooting range.  Today a cousin of Elvis is the primary groundskeeper, a full time job with many staff.   
 I remember when Elvis died and have kicked myself many times for not going to see him perform when we had the opportunity in Tahoe, I always felt there would be another time and it wasn't a priority for me at that time of my life.  There was never another time.    On the tour I was reminded he was only 42, but I recall he surely looked older from his lifestyle and drug abuse.  It was oxymoronical to learn how proud Elvis was when President Nixon awarded him a badge from the newly formed Narcotics Enforcement Agency and enlisted Elvis' help in the agency efforts.  Evidently Elvis was the proud collector of police and firemen badges from all over the country and donated heavily to  their benevolent societies.
Elvis Graceland kitchen
       To me the kitchen to me was very modest surprisingly.  We were told Elvis enjoyed having family and friends around and was quite the host, so I imagined this kitchen would have been bigger, notice the cast iron frying pan on top the stove.  But that was by the standards back then just like the TV room where there were 3 maybe 21" screen TV's mounted across a ledge.  Imagine Elvis would have enjoyed today's big screens.  He'd read that President Johnson watched the news on 3 TV's at once so he began to do the same thing.

Perhaps most fabulous were the multiple exhibits of his costumes and clothing.  Talk about  bling, he was the King and for sure da' man!  Looking at the costumes from his younger days when he was svelte and the massive size of the belt buckles, it's hard to fathom how it could have been at all comfortable. 

Elvis added a swimming pool which is not significantly
larger than the one we had at our home in Fair Oaks, CA
I had always wanted a swimming pool and  got that in our first home in CA 

The airplanes were different than any I have ever flown on and of course all set for entertaining, except for the smaller jet which must have been for short quick business trips.  Somehow I always imagines Elvis having his own rail car or tour rig, but there was nothing like that. The Elvis auto museum was a big fave for Jerry especially the Stutz bearcats, while I still favor the original pink Cadillac, Gladys which Elvis gave to his mother.  Although see here, the Rolls Silver Cloud calls my name out loud!
This white Rolls will do
Jerry between white and black Silver Clouds

Graves of Elvis, his parents.grandmother and twin brother  
Elvis grave
Today still people cpontinue to  leave flowers, and all sorts of
memorabilia at the graves
Market at the Memorial Garden

After many hours of walking and enjoying the full Graceland, we returned to our motor home for a brief respite and then departed for Marlowe's where we enjoyed excellent bar-b-que ribs, I tried the  local Southern Pecan beer, a brown nut ale and some take out banana pudding for me.  We met the original owner, Tony Gugliottti who is from Pittsburgh and when I told him I was born and raised in New Ken, he not only gave me a postcard but a cook book from Marlowe's.  I did not take the camera, but because we enjoyed the meal and the conversations and the (what else) Elvis music, Marlowe's is a place to return to when we are in the Memphis area in the future.   This link will take you to their site where you can read and see all about them...only you will not be able to  taste or smell the food.... http://www.marlowesmemphis.com/  


Saturday, February 4, 2012

On Don"t Be Cruel Lane

Arrived Graceland about 6:00PM last night and pulled into our rig spot on Don"t Be Cruel Lane.  Liquid sunshine began last night and is to continue all day, so although we are  walking distance to Graceland from here in the RV park, we'll likely drive the HHR.  We have been blessed with decent weather, while to the northwest snow strikes  Denver and Omaha and southwest to Texas and even Alexandria, LA where we  will eventually be  has deluging flooding rains.  We had only some fog yesterday AM which we drove out of in  less than 15 minutes. 

We ate in last night, getting set up for the next three days and having plenty of food along to avoid having to venture around in the dark, although we spotted a KFC right outside the gate.  The advantage of RV motor home travel is we have all the comforts of home, including a good glass of wine for me and a beer for Jerry at our finger tips. And though  I complain about loading up, I sure appreciate having it all here when we stop.

Many 5th wheels and trailers here too, a phenomena we have seen elsewhere in the country--the industrious young (and not so young) men and  families who are industrious construction workers travel to the work while those who are content to squat and collect never ending  unemployment welfare checks do so. 

I know we are in the south, because yesterday I purchased what I thought was an apple fritter but when I bit into it back in the motor home, it was pink inside, with flecks of cherry.  Certainly a different fritter to me and I wonder if it is to honor Valentines Day, or breast cancer pink? 

We had a good two day drive and except for a loose mudflap on the rig which Jerry fixed yesterday morning in the Wal Mart lot before we departed and the hour wasted at the Alorton,IL Flying J where the diesel pumps were not working, we had a good  drive.  I felt much sympathy for the Flying J attendant, running all about in and out, to the trucks at the diesel pumps and the motor coaches at the RV diesel pumps trying to fix what he could not.  Maybe the diesel pumps were all in cahoots in a protest movement?  Occupier pumps, now there's a thought to boggle the mind.  The attendant told us to go over to the  trucker lanes, so we did but after two more non-working pump nozzles, Jerry decided it was time to go.  We had been fortunate to have diesel in the tank and with another  20.2 gallons purchased before the Occupier pumps took over, we could make it.  An inconvenience for us with a waste of an hour that could have been spent on the highway, but the  big rig truckers were stuck.  And their faces showed their disgust.  Pity the attendants, who scurry beyond their minimum wage pay grade and courteously handle the scowls and worse, yet one example of how unreasonable customers can take their anger out on the person who is trying to help them.  Frustrating, yes, but a reason to be cruel, not.  We continued on to Mathews, MO Flying J and  filled up though we could have made it easily to Memphis.

In two days we've driven  816 miles in 14 hours drive time, 15 1/2 hours total time' purchased 107.9 gallons of diesel for $402 and only $2.85 tolls in a small stretch of highway through IL.  Along the road, I tallied last years journeys from when we purchased this motor home in Tucson and brought it home--in 2011 we logged 9600 miles.   

Photos later today as we enjoy Graceland where we are headed for brunch right now.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

On the road tomorrow

Graceland RV
Finally we are heading south....I was not at all that enthused about leaving because it has been an easy nice winter with only occasional white snow dusting and I really have projects up the ying yang to keep myself more than busy... Still Jerry planned on  a trip, recalling that at times I am prone to remind him that I did not sign up to live in winter wonderland and that when we moved here it was our stated intention to head for warmer  climates in winter.  Life being as it has been the last  several years we haven't done the snowbird routine, but this year, Jerry has had  hitch itch--wants to get behind the wheel of the diesel and go  that along with his wanting to alleviate a later taunt by someone like me "You said we'd leave for winter..."  Would I really whine like that?  I admit, guilty as suspected. 

So we are on our way via St Louis area, where maybe we can check in with Earl and Ed, longtime rosarian friends  from CA who now live in Collinsville.  Oh how Earl tormented me when I announced that we were moving to Minnesota when I retired,  I can still hear him, "What!   You will freeze and what about your roses....!"  It was after we moved in 2005 that guess who sold out from San Francisco and headed home to Collinsville, another California deserter heading home....We've been to their place  and I reminded him. "Who said we can't leave CA?"  They have been quite happy back in the Midwest, better life quality and Earl's hometown.  But Earl has been ill, and so we are curious how he's doing.

Then just last night I figured that if we were spending the weekend and through Monday in Memphis, we could just as well park our rig at Graceland!  And well, Elvis!  Now I'm all shook up.....ummm  huhh...hmm..  yeah yea.....Graceland has been on my bucket list so this makes space for another list item....When I discovered the RV park, well what a deal!  "  Located within walking distance of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground is a haven of relaxation you're not likely to forget anytime soon.   The Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground is located on 19 acres just off Elvis Presley Boulevard behind Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel and conveniently located across the street from Elvis Presley's Graceland. "

This looks promising, better than the RV parks last trip to North Carolina.....We have many friends to see and many places of interest....as usual I am never  as ready as I should be....so it will not be a very early AM start tomorrow...there are some things yet to go in the motor home, like my 3 bottles of wine. That is an essential for me.   I ponder after a day of hustling and loading  if I will ever just leave without  taking so much along and preparing.  Throw caution to the winds and shop for what I want...but I am conservative with the $$ and hate to buy what I have at the house and could take along, so I doubt it.  Besides, after all, I am Rose's grand daughter and I remember our train trips from PA to Milwaukie,WI; a basket of food with us.  Shopping is easy, but Jerry likes to hit the road and go....and since I never know for sure what munchies I'll want, I go well prepared.  Just so we don't take all that  food for a ride....loading and unloading it, not a good thing.     The RV travelin" bears,  Blondie, Cinnamon and Louie are ready to go, they have permanent residence in the motor home:

Beignets
 
 
So tomorrow off we go...Louie, the eldest bear was born in Louisiana in 2004, a gift from Mary Ann for my  Birthday.  He's anxious to get  back home for a spell and like me, looking forward to a begniet at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans... It is an original French Market Coffee Stand "World famous for its cafe' au lait, beignets, and the opportunity to people watch."   I am salivating just looking at the photo of a plate of Beignets....
 
I will post as I can during free time, but then again......

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

So our first Motor Home Rally comes to an end; it was a fun different experience here in Gillette, WY sponsored by Fleetwood Motor Coach. Over 800 from all over the country gathered. We would attend another depending where it would be held. But I will not volunteer again. There is enough to do. We met many fun folks and some not so fun. Here are some of my observations:

People are funny. Today at the feedback session for the Fleetwood owners of Class A's many complained and wanted features that are available. Their problems were that they purchased cheaper models (Bounders) and wanted deluxe features which we enjoy on our Southwind and others do on their Pace Arrows, Revealations, etc.

People who do not drink wine should not be in charge of selecting the wine for cocktail hours. I was horrified to find the cheapest wines being poured from a box. There are many drinkable box wines., but what did these people offer? Chablis and Burgundy by Inglenook! Rot gut! I would not even cook with that. Who has ever heard of Chablis in this day of Chardonnay & Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc?

People cannot read. Though it was clearly advertised as a women's RV driving school for $65, men enrolled too. Some then argued about the cost which was supposed to be prepaid with registration. That was quite an experience for me. Driving a 40' diesel; primarily spending 2 hours backing up through S curve maneuvers again and again. This was my first ever experience behind the wheel and I had to back up! I, who will drive 10 miles out of my way to avoid backing up my SUV! My instructor was a nice gal from Applegate, CA who drives school bus in Rocklin, CA. Small world. I did it though and never hit a cone! The point was to use the side convex mirrors.Not for nothing was this course called Boot Camp! Me, I just want to go forward! That was not the deal (or should I say ordeal). The instructor said if you can back up the rest is easy. Well for perspective, our motor home is not a diesel, so the air brakes were another story; engaging and releasing the parking brake was a challenge in itself. My 91 year old uncle Carl got quite a kick out of hearing about my experience! I had to hear and was expected to absorb a lot about mechanical functions, which glazes my eyes over. Rolls right over me like water off a duck's back! The instructor said, "well it's good to know." I said, "Not for me. That's Jerry's job." She said "He might need help sometime." I assured her it would not be from the likes of me. I explained that I married a man with technical mechanical expertise; it has worked for me for 42 years and I intend to not mess with success. Besides I just don't get it, have 10 thumbs, and think the way to fix anything is with a hammer. BTW she showed us how to check tires with a hammer--that was my favorite part. I inherit hammeritis from my grandpap; use a hammer! Steve and Jerry would shudder when they saw me with a hammer in my hand. Give it a good pound, that's my philosophy! I left with a whole new respect for Jerry and other good RV drivers. It is not something I'll want to take over; leave the driving to him!

We met Norm and Gordy from Vancouver, BC. They were long time friends, traveling together because one's wife had just returned from an Alaskan cruise and didn't want to go on this trip. We learned that Gordy's wife has Alzheimers an his son is battling cancer. He is carrying a heavy load. Norm wanted to get Gordy away for relief and relaxation. Then he asked if I would send Gordy a card later on simply saying something like "Gordy it was good to see you at the rally! Hope you come to another one!" And Norm said, "please don't sign it! It will drive him nuts!" You get the idea they were fun! Gordy had never heard of sloppy Joe's, so that was all new to him. While he educated us about octopus and how they grow very large before they breed.

Jerry was in his element talking to all the technicians and honchos from Fleetwood. Fleetwood has filed Chapter 11 and of course many RV owners are concerned. But we learned the motor home division has been purchased by American Industrial Partners a investment type firm which only buys up companies who mfg. and do business in the USA. They have holdings in firms which mfg. school buses, trucks, etc. Sounds like a good direction for Fleetwood. Remains to be seen where corporate headquarters will be. Good chance it will remain in Dectur, IL. Not a snowball's chance of CA as those attendees from CA hoped. What company in their right mind would venture to CA with heavy taxation and over regulation? Those who remain in CA know nothing else and cannot understand it. Years ago I heard "mediocrity knows nothing above itself." That's CA.

It has been a week where I almost fully escaped from geriatric worries. One series of phone calls regarding my aunt from the hospice care which set me into motion prevailing upon her good neighbors to help out. But otherwise I did get a break. This must be the purpose of vacations. Renew & refresh.

We heard tonight that the Rally is on the web at RVbusiness.com Check it out.

We looked at many (some more some less expensive than ours) motor homes in the exhibits, for sales, and I did not see one that I liked any better than ours. I think our decor inside and out is just perfect. Our layout is better than most. Jerry found nothing to stimulate any upgrade or trade up desires either. So Hooray for contentment with what we have. Here"s to more miles ahead....roll on!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

We are in Gillette, WY at the Fleetwood Rally

If you have followed me on Facebook, you have had the day by hour update of our travels. So here we be with about 800 (by tomorrow) other Fleetwood, motor home owners at the first ever Fleetwod sponsored rally. And we learned that this Fleetwood sponsored event is despite Fleetwood being in bankruptcy. But, an investment company from New York, American Family has bought the motor home operation. And a kind bankruptcy judge agreed to allow
Fleetwood to continue to sponsor this event!

We made our reservations in January and thought, we have never been to one, always wanted to..so. Keeping our fingers crossed that life does not toss in more of those flying monkeys that seem to upset and twist our plans.

We drove through South Dakota and I don't remember it ever being this lovely and green and lush. We have been through this area before, but this trip was notable. Crossing the Missouri River was breathtaking--that is how it must have struck the early pioneers. Yet today wonderful bridges span the crossing enabling us to drive over the clear blue waters. Breathtaking. Why travel across the world when we have such magnificent sites here in this country? How many have seen these wonders?

How in the 1800's with covered wagons did they cross these rivers? Driving through this area restores my sense of wonder about our American western heritage and history. Last night we stayed in a pasture set up for RV's by a local SD rancher, outside Wall, SD. Electric hook ups only but that beats Wal-Mart or the road side rest, and the cost $5! Quiet and we rested before heaving onward to our destination this morning. We were the only RV there despite seeing many on the roads. Maybe they went on to the Black Hills and opted for a more luxurious setting. It worked for us.

Near Ellsworth AFB there is a lot of growth and expansion from when we were last in this area--maybe 5 years ago. And Rapid City, SD has grown tremendously! Lots of new housing.

Gillette, WY is an area of contrasts. Mansions dot the hillsides here and there. And downward, trailer homes, modulars run down. Yet continue along and there are huge developments of what looks like thriving tract homes. Neighborhoods in growth. This is the west at it's best, no mistake. Wide rolling lush green hills, cattle grazing, and horses. Moreover, this is coal country and we noticed many train box cars loaded full of coal headed eastward to produce energy. Many individual solitary oil wells too are pumping that black gold from the ground.

Tomorrow we will be engaged in helping register arrivals and directing traffic of motor homes o appropriate parking spots. Motor homes are packed tightly here at the Camplex, a magnificent area with several RV sites. In addition there are horse barns (hey it's WY!) and rodeo arenas, a horse racing track circles another area and huge buildings where the vendors will exhibit all we would want in the RV world and more. The city of Gillette has all one could want--Wal Mart, gas stations, restaurants of any kind, etc. And it is 5 miles from here.

Today I learned something very exciting! I'm registered to take the women's RV driving school! So this eve at a gathering the women were all a twitter! "Are you taking the driving school?" "Yes I am." "Do you know we are going to drive a Heritage?" " A what?" I ask. "You don't know what a Heritage is?" "No I sure do not, I barely know what we have.." So the talk goes I learn that the Heritage is the TOP of this Fleetwood line. A coach worth about $900,000! So I say, "Well if they teach me well, I'll just drive it on back home!" Imagine me driving a nearly $1 million dollar vehicle! Now Jerry who breathed a heavy sigh of relief that I would not be driving our coach at this school has turned a bit green with envy. He knows what a Heritage is and just looks at me! Maybe he wishes he had signed up for the women's RV driving school!

Now this eve I am off for a lap around the complex. I wish we had brought my trike but I will be on foot! After we take some photos, I'll post.