So Long For Now

 

We are now back  in Mesa Az.    The weather is warm and friends of ours are arriving daily.   Soon the 1156 sites will be, I will guess, at three quarter full.  The activitity calandar has been posted and everyone is eager to sign up for their favorite things.   Bob will be golfing Tuesday and Fridays.  Sunday nights I co-chair the cribbage group,  Mondays is a free day for us, meting friends for lunch, shopping house cleaning or whatever.  Tuesday night we play Mexican Train at the center, Wednesday is knitting and ladies poker, and music entertainment.  Friday night is Bingo.

 

In the past we usually spend 5 or 6 months here, but I don't think we will this year.  We absolutely love  being in Arizona but it is so far from family and friends.  It's difficult when  or if we need family or they need us, being here.   Perhaps we should winter in Florida or Texas next year.  Time will tell.

 

I have decided to take a break from journaling.  I want to wish you all happy holidays.  May your  heart be filled with every joy this holidy season.   Love to all.   

 Dawn

                         

 

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks.

 

The Pilgrims came across the sea,

And never thought of you and me;

And yet it's very strange the way

We think of them Thanksgiving day.

.

We tell their story, old and true

Of how they sailed across the blue,

And found a new land to be free

And built their homes quite near the sea.

.

Every child knows well the tale

Of how they bravely turned the sail

And journeyed many a day and night,

To worship God as they thought right.

-Author Unknown

Tombstone : A Town too Tough to Die

Guns blaze and bodies hit the dust in staged gunfights and barroom brawls. We're here in Tombstone Arizona.  And so are all of the bad boys that live by the gun.  Let's see there was Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, the McLaury's and the Clantons.  In fact the Clanton had a family reunion here just last week. They came from all over the states, to  relive the actions of their gun slinging relatives.  In tombstone there's a legend where the final arbiter of every dispute was the six-gun.   Wyatt Earp who was something of a  tough character himself paid tribute to Doc Holliday by saying "He was the most skillful gambler and the nerviest, fastest, deadliest man with a six-gun I ever saw," 

 

 And as today's bad boys have women followers or groupies as they are called now, so did the bad boys of yesteryear. They had the gaudy dancehall girls and the happy hookers or street walkers or known to many truckers today as parking lot lizards. Get the point.

 

When we were there two days ago, we ran into that rowdy Calamity Jane, Big Nose Kate and Annie Oakley, with the reputation for daring horsemanship and skill as a rifle shot.  Calamity Jane was in her usual drunken condition, cussing, spitting, smoking, a women who dresses as a man, is a great marksman and horseman.  Calamity was as tough as any man with a few extra attributes. She also was thrown out of many a town for shooting up the saloon.

 

Big Nose Kate was a dance hall girl and prostitute, was attractive, but it is said she had a prominent nose.  She and Doc Holliday had an on again, off again relationship. She is said to have been tough, stubborn and a temper that matched Doc's.  She helped Doc escape from jail one time and he was forever grateful to her.  They traveled  together for years making money, his with his gambling and her using her womanly charms.

 

No visit to Tombstone would not be complete with a visit to Big Nose Kate's Saloon.  The sign on the wall said of Kate, " The gal that loved Doc Holliday - and everyone else too."  We had lunch there, took a few pictures and left before the next gun fight!

Holy Trinity Monastery

Today we visited the Holy Trinity Monastery, called a desert oasis.  We had heard that they were having a Festival of the Arts.  The Monastery is located in St. Davis, a predominantly Mormon community in the middle of the desert.  In 1974 it became home to the Holy Trinity Monastery, a Benedictine spiritual community.   The physical setting of the monastery is 132 acres sitting next to the San Pedro River.  Many call it a 'spiritual refuge' with it's wandering peacocks, a bird sanctuary, and an Oriental garden, and the Stations of the Cross through the woods.

The occupants of this monastery is seven monks and one nun in her late 60's. They share the property with up to 70 lay people, including live-in volunteers who help the monks bake wonderful breads for sale in their bakery, the pecan bread is really good.  They also have a book and gift shop.  I was reading some of October schedule.  The calendar included  Overeaters Anonymous had their annual two day retreat with 54 in attendance, a wedding with 120 guests, Santa Cruz Lutheran Church came for a two day retreat led by their pastor, and a weekend of two different Yoga groups who met at the monastery. One group was led by Guy Atchley and the other group was led by Guru Ravi Khalsa. Interesting.

 

Next month,  associates and RV volunteers will begin the annual pecan harvest by shaking the trees and collecting the nuts that fall on the ground.  Then starts the sorting and washing of the nuts.  The nuts will be sold at the  monastery or bake into yummy bread with cranberries and sold in their bakery.

The weather today was just perfect for attending an out of doors fair.  In total, there had to be about 40 or so craft booths offering everything from jewelry to paintings, hand carved items, homemade candles, stoneware and some beautiful gourd art.   When you got tired and needed some refreshments, these were available too.   Shredded beef, BBQ, pasta dinner, which filled the air with a heavenly garlic smell, sesame chicken  and the usual hamburgs, chili dogs and so much more.  All in all we had a lovely walk around the grounds and enjoyed the afternoon.

 

Thank you Thank you Thank you

WOW

 

Thank you   Thank you    Thank you

 

With the last entry I was of course a little dissapointed that this mistake had been made.  But now, after receiving so many emails and comments I feel uplifted , for I have received an award from each of you.  You guys have made my week.    So out of this unfortunate situation,  and  I'm sitting on top of the pile.  Thanks for your understanding comments.  I just love you guys.       Dawn

 

Currently in Benson, Arizona

Thanks, But no Thanks

Thanks you so much for the comments offering congratulations and the emails.  While I really would have loved to win this, I feel I cannot accept it.  This morning I received this email :

 

Dawn...

 

Due to an error on my part, I inadvertently allowed a 'private' journal into the "Travel" category.  If this person had not won, your journal would have.  So, to be fair, I hope you will first of all accept my apology for this error, and do Chris and I the honor of accepting the award for "Best Travel Journal."  Now, while I am not going to take away the award that was given to the journal "Welcome to my Travels" (as it was  not her fault, but mine), I would hope that you will accept my apology along with the award for "Best Travel Journal" as the true winner of this accolade.  Had the other journal not been in this category you would have been the original winner.

 

Again.. I apologize sincerely for this error.

 

Jackie

 

Please go here: 2006 VIVI AWARD JOURNAL  and read the latest entry.  I have also added your name to the list of winners.

 

 This is a copy of the email I sent to Jackie.

 

Jackie,

 

While I really would have loved to win this, I feel I cannot accept it.

 

After reading Jeannette's, Welcome to my Travels,  journal, which I enjoyed reading, but it is not  by any standard a travel journal and for me to take second place is not a fair  adjustament.   I read the journal back a month and there were four entries on the plane and car museum, two entries on her cat's birthday, a color test, and an entry on her work and Jane and a doctors note.  A travel journal tells of places visited and hopefully of interest to others.

 

I do accept your apology and appreciate all the hard work you have done, but I just can't accept second place to a non travel journal.       Dawn

More of Texas

 

Friday,   November 3, 2006

 

   We are leaving Kerrville TX. this morning and going to Fort Stockton, TX.   There is not really much to see in Fort Stockton, so we will probably on stay over night and continue on to the El Paso area tomorrow. 

 

We are still on I-10, where the speed limit is 80 mph.   The trucks are really hauling out here.  Nothing in sight except the road and the high plains of Texas.  I am writing this as we travel along today, but can't enter it until we stop somewhere tonight.

 

Texas is one big state and will never run out of land to build on.   This I-10 is 884 miles long.  The Texans say "Everything is bigger in Texas," who am I to argue with that?  Can't prove it by me. LOL

As we left today, we are almost half way across the state.

 

Yesterday we spent in Fredricksburg, TX, a town of lakes and hills and more.  A cute tourist town with a history of German immigrants.  They have a nice historic district with many small shops and lots of bakeries and restaurants.  What to do, what to buy?    Oh my!

 

I really love Texas.  Never had we seen so many people have true pride in their state.  The Texas flag is flown everywhere along  with the US flag.  This is a good thing.  They sure talk funny here, but they say the sweetest things.  I could live in Texas.  Although I don't think that I would ever become fanatical about Texas chili or barbecue.   Being from Massachusetts, where we don't serve either.  Seeing that Texas has so much more than the food, I would be willing to try more often.    Have a good week-end.    Dawn

Columbus, Texas

The past two days we have been in Columbus, Texas.  Columbus is the largest city in Colorado County, Texas.  It is sixty-five miles west of Huston, on a small rise south and west of a lazy horseshoe bend in the Colorado River.  In 2003, it had an estimated population of 3,905.  It is also know as the City of Live Oaks.

 

One doesn't have to look to far to see many beautiful old oak trees.  Their shapes are absolutely intriguing.  I could hardly stop taking pictures of them.   I won't bore you with them all, but can't resist showing you two of them.

 

This small town is proud of their past with many historic buildings well care for.  They have what they call 'talking houses'.  You know the old saying, 'If this house could talk', well they found a way to make them talk.  How did they do that, you ask?  They have selected nine houses and equipped them with radio transmitters operating on specified AM frequencies.  The  transmitter broadcasts a pre-recorded message about that house.  In front of these nine houses, these is a sign outside which tells you what station to turn  your radio to.  Did I forget to you that this is a driving tour in your own car?

 

We enjoyed this charming little town with a treasure-trove of Victorian and turn of the century homes.

Livingston, Texas

 

We are still in Livingston Texas.  We had planned on leaving last Wednesday, but it was  raining so hard, we'll stay a little longer.   The October Fest is over and we had a great time.  The motto this year was "Harvesting Knowledge From A Gathering of Friends."  It was a fun week with tons of things to do.  Lunches, dinners,  seminars, crafts, tours, nightly entertainment, games, vendors  and of course Bingo. 

 

While we were here we met a bloggers from the Isle of Man, England.  They are an adventurous couple touring the US in their small motorcoach that  was shipped over from England.  I  think  they were here for 9 months total.  They have a daughter working in Canada, so they skipped up there too.  If you would like to check out their blog, here it is, but there is no where to leave a comment.

 

 

 

 http://www.manxsnails.co.uk/rsbloggSept.html      or

 

RSBlogg  

 

If the weather is good, we will be leaving here this coming Monday for the San Antonio, TX. area.  I have been lucky having WiFi all the time that we have been here.  You never know When we will get it again.  Gosh, I hope we have it Nov. 2nd to vote.

Happy Haloween

Thanks to Missie at: http://journals.aol.com/chat2missie/missies-magical-creations/ for the lovely Halloween Graphic.

 

I have selected two Haloween cards for you.

Which one do you like best?

 

http://www.banjobunny.com/pages/view.php?CardID=2480

 or

 

http://www.banjobunny.com/pages/view.php?CardID=2499

 

Have a happyday.

Thank You All

 

Yesterday I received  THE notice that my journal, the very one that you are reading, has been nominated for the 2006 VIVI Award for Travel.  I am doing the happy dance. You guys are just awesome and I appreciate your votes. And the best part of this, we're making it easy for you, no need to register, just go to  2006 VIVI AWARD JOURNAL .   Voting begins Nov. 2nd.

 

I wish all the nominees good luck.   Such a fun time.      Dawn

Pontchartrain Causeway

 

A quick and heartful thanks to all that nominated my journal

 

Pontchartrain Causeway

 

  We are now in Livingston, Texas, our home park of the Escapee RV Club.   Fulltimers, like all others should have a legal domicile, and this is just one of the benefits  the Escapee club offers.  When we decided to go on this adventure, we needed to associate ourselves with a new state.  As much as we love Massachusetts, the taxes are high.  A couple of years before we retired, we started researching all our future possibilities regarding this new lifestyle.  That's when we found the Escapee's, with their arms wide open, welcoming new folks to Texas.  Texas has no income tax, which appealed to us.  Next  we found that they have developed a booklet just for folks like us, called "How To Become a Real Texan,"  what more could we hope for?     Anyway, I have strayed off the subject. 

 

I wanted to tell you about the Pontchartrain Causeway.  This is a bridge like no other crossing over Lake Pontchartrain, which I'm sure you remember as the lake that flooded over the land with Katrina.   This causeway or bridge  consists of two parallels , 24 mile-long spans making it the world's longest overwater highway bridge. The twin bridges are supported by more than 9,500 hollow-cylinder pilings approximately 55 inches in diameter; the largest piles ever driven at the time of the first span's construction in 1955.  This is one busy bridge, servicing more than 3,500 vehicles durning a peak hour.   It's a toll road that is so long that  for 8 miles, you can't see land!

 

This was posted the day before we left as it was windy and rainy:

 

Advisory Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 at 08:14 AM

CAUTION: There are high crosswinds on the Causeway. Be especially careful in the vicinity of the crossovers. High wind conditions may cause your vehicle to drift down wind. If necessary, reduce speed to maintain proper control of your vehicle. Due to severe weather, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and glass trucks will not be permitted on the Causeway until conditions improve. CAUTION: There is light to moderate rain on the Causeway. The roadway is wet and may be slippery in some areas. For your safety, turn on your headlights and reduce speed.

 

The pictures above are not mine, but thought you might like to see them.

Slidell, LA.

 

After, over a year, most people don't realize that the effects of Katrina are still being felt everyday  by the majority of the people living in  Slidell, Louisiana, where the eye of the storm struck directly.  Only 40% of homes have been repaired or rebuilt.  One reason is that most people didn't have flood insurance, so the homeowners policy only covered what ever damage came from above the roof.  And as we know all were flooded.  

 

We drove down several streets and most are still living in FEMA trailers in their front yards of what is left of their homes.   There is some rebuilding going on, and  others have just abandoned their homes and moved elsewhere.  As we drove along we saw cars buried under houses, boats along the road , having been thrown from heavens know where.  The garage doors on many homes still bear the markings of when the authorities search for bodies and people needing help.  What they did was mark the front of the house or garage door with a big X.  On the top of the x, they would write their search team number, such as, say 19, and below they would write the number of bodies found.  Some of this is still visible,  a daily reminder of Katrina's devastation.

 

Another thing we could not help but notice was the flying of American flags on these storm wreck homes, same having no walls, but a pole stuck in the ground, with the flag waving proudly.  A resilient group of people  full of hope and courage.  I salute them and am humbled by their strong attitudes.

Alabama

 

Yesterday we went to the beach at the Gulf Coast.   While we were there they had large equipment on the beach moving large amounts of pure white sand around.  We also saw signs announcing a National Shrimp Festival there in just two days.  We must stay here for that we thought.  So here we are.    We are staying until Friday before leaving for Louisiana.

 

A few days ago we took a ride to Pensacola, Florida for the day.   We enjoyed the beach, 52 miles of it,  but could not help but notice all the rebuilding in the beach area of homes, hotels, and rental units mostly high off the ground on stilts.  The colors selected for the new buildings are wonderful, soft yellow, pale green, salmon, beige, and pinks.   I am sorry I didn't take any pictures of the houses.

 

Pensacola is home to the Navel Air Station and home to the famous Blue Angels.

 

Blue Angels : Official Website

 

Today we went back to the Gulf Shore for the National Shrimp Festival.  Crowds, music, crafts,  and all kinds of food to tempt the pallet.   Neither Bob or I need a lot of tempting to succumb to temptation.   The offerings were Crawfish Pie, Gumbo, Polish sausage, shrimp, chicken, red beans and rice, and pork.  Can't remember it all.   We selected fried crawfish tails, and a seafood plate and then a fennel cake just because we like them! 

 

We leave tomorrow for Louisiana.  Hope I can find Wi-Fi

 

Gas $2.14

Diesel $2.69

Home of the Throwed Rolls

 

Home of the Throwed Rolls

 

A couple of days ago we went to Lambert's  Cafe's, known for it's

"throwed dinner rolls"  It seems that back in 1976, a customer was impatient for his bread roll and hollered out, "Throw the damn thing!" and they are still doing it.  The food here is homestyle cooking and pleanty of it.  Drinks come in oversized 32 oz glasses.  They also have pass arounds to each table all durning the meal.  Examples were fried poatoes & onions, macaroni & tomatoes, black-eyed eas, apple butter. and last but not least sorghum molasses.

I had a salad the likes that I had never seen before.  It was served in a giant bread bowl with a very large rim on it.  It over- shadowed the dinner plate that it was sitting on.  Very yummy.

 

Would you like a beer?

You can hold your beer without your hands and you do not even have to go back to the fridge (lets hope it’s not hot or you will be drinking warm beer…not nice).
The beer belt is fully adjustable and if you prefer bottled beer  then you will be happy to know that it supports both bottles and cans.
Not sure how you will look with this on…would you wear one?
Via     Gadgets.dk

Georgia and Alabama

 

Yesterday we left Georgia and  are now in Alabama heading for  the Gulf Shores.  We are currently in Opelik, AL. and are enjoying WiFi again.  Yea  Internet!   Yea journals!  Yea emails from family and friends.  We will leave here Wednesday morning.  

 

As I look back on Georgia, one would think we were researching a book entitled " Eat Your Way Across the USA"  Endless eating out enjoying the company of good friends.  We found the best service is in North Carolina and Georgia. 

 

The COE park where we stay in Georgia is still a lovely setting, but the lake water has been drained to a very low level.   It seems as though Florida needed some water and the gages were faulty and to much water wash released.   It didn't effect the swimming, you only had to walk further out to get to it, but many of the home owners around the lake had problems with their boating.

 

Anohter thing I should mention here is the friendlyness of the southern people.  People speak to you as they pass by,  "How you doing today?" , "You'll have a nice day."   That doesn't happen in Boston .  And anoter thing, we were in Cracker Barrell the other day and the music was Western type and then "How Great Thou Are" came on.  Never happen in New England.

Have a nice day.   We are off to the Mobile area, somewhere!!! 

 

Along The Way

 

Cape Hatteras is one of our most favorite stops.  The last time we were here we had to leave the island because of a hurricane.   This visit we were blessed with wonderful days full of sunshine and warm sea breezes. I have always lived near the ocean and love the sound of the ocean  crashing in the shore and that wonderful salty smell.  The smell alone quickens my pulse, I love it so. 

 

Miles and miles of seashore,( 409 square miles) large beaches and many small more imitate beaches are everywhere along the road.  And to make our beach outings a little better, there were surfers everywhere.  Each afternoon when the wind picked up, almost immediately appeared wind surfers, parasailing,  and kite surfers.  I had never seen kite surfers close up before.  They use a harness type set up  and the kite is filled with air.  Pretty interesting to watch them get set up.  The beaches are also perfect for shelling and beach combing too. The best time to look for shells are after a high tide or storm.  I im

agine that these beaches are very crowed during the summer months, but we feel privileges to be there after Labor Day when vacations are over and the kids are back in school.  The beaches are ours, a bonus of being a senior citizen.  But don't let that fool you, getting old is not for sissy's!

 

Georgia on My Mind

 

One of our favorite campgrounds is a Core of Engineer Park in Cumming, Georgia.  The sites are extra large, and it is a well maintained park.  We are here with our friends Ginny and Art, who live in the area.. We have been traveling with them since we left N.E., but all good things must end.  They have been gone all summer and now  it's time to stop in their home and see the children and grandchildren.  At this time full timing is not in their future, but happly go for  a few months at a time.  They have the best of all worlds.  We also miss our friends Pat and Ken who usually camp here when we come into town.  Ken is recovering at home from a heart attack.  He is doing well and for that we are thankfull.

 

We are now catching up on all the work that was not done while we played on the beaches.  I only wish they had Wi-Fi here.  I really hate having no way to get on the internet.  I miss reading all your journals and find out what is going on in J-Land.   I am at Ginny and Art's right now and I am one happy gal!    Love to all.

Just A Minute

Sorry I have not been able to add an entry for a while, but have not had internet access.  I am at the library today.  Hopefully I can add something more interesting tomorrow, when we are visiting a friend.

We are currently in Georgia and the weather is just perfect.  Love to you all.

Catch Up Entry

 

Just to catch you all up a bit, we left Beverly Friday the 8th.  From there we went to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Conn. to meet up with old friends, Ginny and Art.  They have a lovely new motorhome and we are planning on traveling with them to Georgia where they live. We made a donation to the casino and had a good reunion dinner with friends, can't beat that.

 

Saturday, we traveled to Kutztown, Pa.  and went to a good  farmers market.  The only trouble, it was closing an hour after we got there, but we were able to buy a few things.   That evening we had dinner in a Pennsylvania Dutch Hotel, named Haag's Hotel.  This is a family run restaurant.   Sunday, we cooked in and especially enjoyed Art's ribs and fresh beets, corn, and bread from the farmers market.  We decided to stay here 3 nights.  Monday we found an Italian restaurant that we had gone to before.  Very nice.

 

Tuesday and Wednesday in Virginia.

 

Thursday Sept. 14th.and 15th, We are staying in Williamsburg.   Art and Ginny have never been to Williamsburg and wanted to see it. I think we will pass or this and find other things to do, as we have been here before.

 

After having our steering line replace, the coach seems to be running well.  It always worries us with the extreme bumpy roads coming  and going from New England.   We can't stop thinking what is being loosened up that we can't see. 

 

This park which we are in is supposed to have Wi-Fi, but it so psoriatic, it isn't worth the trouble.

 

Saturday Sept.  16th     We have arrived at Camp Hatteras on the Outter Banks of N.
C.   The park itself is large, clean and windy.  The wind hasn't stopped since we got here, which means our  Direct TV is on and off every few minutes.  The free Wi-Fi is effected the same way.  You can't stay on line more than 2 minutes at a time.  I am writing this off line, in hope that I can put it in my journal later.

 

Sunday, still off line writing,  Hopes are fading now! LOL   Today we are going sight seeing.    Catch you later maybe. 

 

Monday......5PM    They fixed Wi-Fi!!   Yea   Now   until Thursday morning, I'll be trying to catch up with you all.   Today we went to the beach, right over the sand dunes where we are staying.  The waves were very strong, but beautiful.  We were told there was a strong undertow there, so we only went into the water up to our knees.  When coming out of the water, it was very difficult to stay on your feet with the pull of the waves. 

 

Tuesday we checked out the 208 feet tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is the tallest brick lighthouse in the country.   If your up to it, you can climb the 268 steps for a spectacular view of the national seashore.

 

We also made a stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.  This is a wonderful exhibit reminding us all about the first manned controlled aircraft.   Wilbur and Orville took turns trying out each flight.  The first one lasted only 12 seconds.   But for the first time, a manned heavier-than-air machine left the ground by it's own power.  This was 1903.  Now within two generations we have taken to the air for routine travel, seen an aircraft break the sound barrier, and watched a man walk on the moon.  "We've come a long way baby".

 

Quick Hello

Just a quick hello as we are leaving for Williamsburg shortly.  I'm sorry not to have visited your many alerts, but we have had no Internet for the last several  days and  have I missed it!!! 

 

We are now in a camp ground that nickel and dimes you to death.  An example of this is the charge of their Wi-Fi, we had to pay $8 extra.  Can you believe that?    Once we are out of  the New England area, it is free in most resorts. 

 

Yesterday we saw a leak under the coach.  Turned out it was the hi pressure line that controls the power steering broke, cost $800.00, but the good news, they didn't charge us to spend the night there.

 

Anyway dear friends, have a good day.

Rolling Along

Well, we are on our way sometime in the next hour or so. Good-bys have been said and a few tears have been shed.  Leaving a safe harbor is always a little scary but we are nomads and our feet are really itchy.

 

 

 We just got a copy of the newspaper article.  Holy cow, it made the front page, it must be a slow news day.  It is titled " Rolling Along".  It includes 4 photos.  Can''t believe it.  It is not on line yet, but should be later this morning.   We're outta here.   Love to all.

 

 

 

 http://www.salemnews.com/

 

 

Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown

This and That

It seems that I just blinked my eye and the summer is over.  Our visit in New England will end this Friday.  We are meeting up with friends this Friday night at the Mohegan Casino in Conn.  Our plans are to travel with them until we get to Georgia and spend a week or so at Bald Ridge, and then slowly head south for the winter.

 

Leaving our family and friends always difficult.   My forever friend Carol and I always end up bawling and it is so unlike us. Bob knows the routine and tries to more us along rather than have two crying women saying so long.  LOL

 

The news reporter and  the  photographer were on Thursday,   Lord only knows what they will write.  The reporter asked endless questions about us and our lifestyle and Jim, the  photographer, took lots of pictures, even of our cat Maggie, which he promised to email me.

They think it will be in the Wednesday paper, I hope that it is, as we would like to see it before we go.

 

It is a rainy weekend here in Beverly, Birthplace of the American Navy, in case you didn't know that!  A good weekend to get things done around here inside the coach, although we had plan to visit some friends that we wanted to see before we left.  So much for good intentions, I guess.  I tend to keeping pushing things into the cabinets and before I know it, we can hardly close the door.  Yesterday we stocked the freezer with our favorite meat from the Butchery,  ( sorry Shirley, no room for haddock ) and stocked up on can goods and fluff that we can only buy here.  

Guess What ???

Guess What ???

 

    We just got a call from our local newspaper, The Salem News, and they want to do an article on us.  They  are coming here on Thursday with a photographer.  Good Grief!  I'll let you know what happens.  That photographer better be good at making me look 20 pounds thinner.  Have a good day.

 

Sorry not to have been doing many upates as we have been visiting family and friends, many having the urge to feed us,   Yaa Hoo

Support Our Troops

 

 

 

 Lets

 

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

 

 

If you go to the web site at  www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and the Xerox Corporation will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.  You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.  It is FREE and it only takes a second.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Happy Third Birthday J-Land

Happy Third Birthday J-Land

 

  I am so happy to be part of this wonderful family.

  Most of us will never meet, but there is a strong bond that ties us all together.  J-Land offers friedship, encourgment, advice, smiles and prayers when needed. I love you all.

 

I hope you are all ready for the  Red Carpet tonight.

I'm dusting off my dancing shoes and will see you all there.

 

Just so that you will recognize me, this is what I will be wearing. 

See you there.  Don't be late! 

Long overdue entry

 

    Friends, family, lobster, clams, beaches, haddock, Dunkin Donuts, the smell of salt water,  these are a few of our favorite things, and we are enjoying them all.  We are home in New England surrounded by wonderful memories, while visiting our favorite haunts.  Class reunion, 50 years, must be some kind of mix-up, can't be mine.  Our calendar has been full and we appreciate all our old friends. 

 

We are again staying in my forever friend's ( Carol ) yard, in-between her house and her son's and his family's house.   We feel so welcome here and fit right in the commune, so to speak.  They have provided us with electricity, water and a pool, just outside our door.  What more could we ask for.  We are family here, how lucky we are.

 

Today is Carol's granddaughter, Carolyn's eighth birthday.  She loves it when we are home for her special day.  She calls Bob, "Bobby"   She is so cute.  Her brother Steven who just turned 13 has flown to Mesa, AZ. twice to visit us on school vacation.  I don't want to brag, but I can as they are not mine, they are wonderful children, smart, curious, loving, and sports minded, all around good kids.

 

Happy Birthday J-Land.  Can't believe we are 3 years old!

Photo Scavenger Hunt with Krissy # 86

Here's my entry.   Join the fun.

The entries for Scavenger Hunt #86 will be due on Sunday, August 6 at 11:00 PM EST.

The subject this week is:  photo(s) of your choice
You can use old photos, but let's consider getting out our cameras and practicing taking some shots!

To play go here : photo scavenger hunt #86

2006 New England Sand Sculpting Invitational on Revere Beach

 

2006 New England Sand Sculpting Invitational on Revere Beach

 

Revere Beach in Revere Massachusetts is America's first public beach.   At one time this beach was a carnival type atmosphere including all types of rides. There are many senior couples in the area that met their love at the Revere Beach dances.   Those are all gone, but there is a group still keeping her alive by scheduling a variety of beach activities, one being these wonderful sand sculptors competing each year for the $10,000 prize money.  These master sculptors come from all over the coutry and Canada.

 

This was a busy beach last week.  Besides the masters, there was a children and family competition plus one for  amateurs. 

 

The pictures above are not mine, but I thought you might like to see them anyway.

Photo Scavenger Hunt # 85

This week at Krissy's Sometimes I Think the Photo Scavenger Hunt # 85 subject is Glass.   I hunted down an old entry that featured glass.    Would you use this restroom?  

World's Bigest Bird Feeder

In 1892 the citizens of Mitchell built the first corn palace to show how good the crops were in Dakota.  From then on, each year the old decorations were taken down and new murals were created.  These murals are made of thousands of bushels of  corn, grain, grasses, wild oats, brome grass, blue grass, rye, straw, and wheat and they all tell stories about life in South Dakota.

Locals call the Corn Palace the world’s largest bird feeder since the cobs and kernels attract birds from all over. Hungry birds and Mitchell’s wild weather take their toll on the building and it’s a big job to keep it in tip top shape.  That's probably another reason why they redo it every year.

Some 350,000 ears of corn cover the Corn Palace. Each ear is sawed in half and nailed onto 13 exterior murals designed by a local artist. The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce has dubbed this “earchitecture” and the job of decorating the Palace has belonged to Dean Strand for 24 years. He’s also developed hybrid corn in a cornucopia of distinct colors that make up the murals.  I believe they said he also developed the corn-by-number style in photo number 4

See the Corn Palace for yourself on its live web cam at www.cornpalace.org Look for the small camera icon on the upper right side of the home page.

Baskets, baskets everywhere.

Baskets, baskets everywhere.    Central Ohio is basket country.  The Longaberger company, headquartered in Newark, Ohio, has a basket presence throughout Newark, Dresden and surrounding areas.  If your not a basket lover, it's just to bad, they are everywhere, every color and every size. 

 

This afternoon  we did the tourist thing and visited  the Longaberger Homestead.  Just as we arrived, along came the tour bus to take us to tour the factory.  We were able to see baskets being made from start to finish and had opportunities to talk with workers.  The employees are a contented bunch, the turnover rate is only 1%, no union needed says one women saying they give us everything we want.  How many people can  say that!     The company is being run by two sisters, daughters of  Dave Longaberger, now deceased.  We came away with the feeling that the employees took pride in their work.  It is my humble opinion that we don't always see that much anymore.

 

Along with the chance to make your own basket, there are many shops to visit, along with a tea house and restaurants.

 

The baskets were beautiful, but I have no room.  Boo hoo.

 

I consoul myself seeing the world's largest apple basket, boasting a bumper crop  of fourteen 4 foot apples.  It is over 29 feet tall and was woven from hardwood maple in 1999.

 

Another cool thing we saw was the Longaberger corporate offices, 17 miles down the road from homestead.  The building is a picnic basket, only 160 times larger.   The seven-story building is an exact replica of a medium-sized Longaberger picnic basket. Synethetic plaster was used to create the curved basket weave exterior. The handles are heated to prevent ice from forming and falling onto the roof.   Two Longaberger tags are attached to the sides of the building. The gold leaf painted tags are 725 lbs each and measure 25' long x 7' tall x 3" thick.

 

Pretty neat!

My first Movie

 

 Last year Bob and I talked about things we should do or try that we have never been able to do.  Neither of us likes heights very much, so before we left AZ. We took a ride on an aerial sky ride.  I hated it and will not do it again. 

 

 Next, I  have always wondered how you got to be an extra in one of those movies. You know you see a scene where there is a couple just sitting there having coffee. Maybe a quick line: "Excuse me Miss, could I have the check".  It would be GREAT to be able to say "Oh that was the movie I was in with Robin Williams and Clint Eastwood." Well, I saw in the Zanesville, Ohio  paper that they were looking for extras that were willing to go naked. Now look, I'm 68 years old what have I got to lose, at least maybe it would be a comedy. They only pay the extras $56 a day and if you are here for more than three days they make you join the Actors Guild Union. Unfortunately it only lasted one day and I didn't get a speaking part. The good news is they didn't cut my big scene from the movie. They say it will be released in the fall, but they sent me what they called a "movie still." Now let's all be adults about this, I am having these printed up and will be autographing them.  Maybe I'll use it as our Christmas card this year.
  I want you to know that I will remember all you little people when I make it to Hollywood. Everyone told me I was going to have too much time on my hands when I retired.  Somehow there is always something to do.
 

Happy 4th

     "Happy  Fourth of July" 

                          

                     Friends

 

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=NE45258244

Soothing sights and sounds

 

Again as we travel we are without a constant Wi-Fi signal.  It's great when it is working, but as we drive east it is not always available..  Such is life.  When making reservations for a stay, it has become one of the first questions," Do you have Wi-Fi?".

 

Last week we spent a few nights in Wisconsin.  The weather was perfect.  We were actually able to sleep without the air conditioner running and open the bedroom windows.  Being a Type A personality, laying in bed is a waste of time, so I usually put on a radio talk program plugged into my ear, as Bob like silence when he is going to sleep, and this helps me fall asleep.  Well anyway, the air was good, the crickets were cherping and the frosting on the cake was lightning bugs , twinkling out side my window.  As a bonus prize, I was able to see the little dipper high above this magical show.

 

This scene brought back sweet memories of when as children we would run around catching these fireflies and put then in a jar.  Simple amusement.  No radio was needed that night to sleep.  Instead I snuggled down and let the magic carry me to sleep.

The SPAM Museum

 

You either like or hate, there seems to be no in between.  SPAM      Slice it, dice it, broil it, roast it, fry it or just eat ffrom the can.   There are receipes from  47 countries , all over the world from folks that just love their SPAM.

 

The SPAM Museum was a lot of fun and informative as well and a neat gift store for all you SPAM fans  There is also a fan club, check it out at  fanclub.spam.com.

 

When we first entered the museum there was a wall of SPAM cans numbering 3,930.   That's a lot of SPAM. At one can a day, this wall could feed you for ten years!

 

Along with the wall, there was lots to see and do.  They had a SPAM exam,  Chef SPAM, with exotic recipes, WWII SPAMVILLE about all the GI's eating a lot  SPAM, SPAMBURGER ALLEY with a17.5 foot spatula and above that a slice of SPAM that measured in at 25 square feet. I  bet your drooling now.

 

Anyway if you have anyone on your Christmas list who loves SPAM, here is the online store.  It has everything.  Bought a few gifts there myself!     www.spamgift.com

 

 

 

AN ODE TO SPAM(tm)

 

Oh SPAM(tm)! Oh SPAM(tm)! Gourmet delight!
My food by day, my dreams by night.
To carve, to slice, to dice you up -
pureed in a blender and sipped from a cup.

What shining deity from Olympus knelt
down to the earth and hog butt smelt?
Creating then man's eternal desire
for swine entrails congealed by fire.

On some corporate farm, a pig has died.
Eyes, tongue, and snout end up inside
that cube of SPAM(tm) hidden in the can
I now hold in my trembling hand.

More than mere food, SPAM(tm) is for me
a hedonistic expression of gluttonous glee.
Mottled with pork fat, the pink cube engrosses.
My mouth takes it in, my intestine disposes.

Long have my arteries clogged to the sound
of sizzling SPAM(tm) when there's no one around -
furtively chewing or swallowing whole.
Triple bypass by forty, my medical goal.

Other processed meat products I've tried or declined
Vienna Sausages, Treet, even pig's feet in brine.
Though each may be tasty in different ways,
none matches SPAM(tm) for gelatinous glaze.

That glistening pinkness beckons me
with gristle, fat, and BHT.
Oh SPAM(tm), my SPAM(tm) - the taste, the smell!
The sacred meat product, from Hormel.

BooHoo, Poor me!

I  don't believe that I will have any computer connections for the next few days as where we are going they don't have Wi-Fi. 

 Boo hoo, poor me, but will be thinking of you all.  Hopefully by Sunday night, I'll be back on line.   Love to all,      Dawn

Does anyone out here like Spam, that is Spam in the can.  I'll admit it, I  like it.  I no  longer will be a closet Spam eater.  I'm shouting it out, and I will sleep better tonight now that I have confessed!

And now for the big news. Tomorrow we are planning on stopping in the Spam museum.  Can't beat that for a day on the town!

The Bad Badlands

 

 The badlands are a weird wonderful picturesque scene of sharp ridges, steep gullies and knobs that have been whipped into this shape by wind and water. 160 square miles of this bizarre land have been reserved in our National Parks System.

 

We took the 30 mile ride around the badlands loop.  All along the way there are stops for viewing and opicture taking.  If hiking is your thing, you will love the badlands.  They even have a night hike here.

 

As you look at these pictures, imagine how crossing this land must have tortured early day travelers.

Wall Drug

Wall Drug

 

We began seeing signs for Wall Drug 50 miles before we got there. These signs offered free icewater, 5 cent coffee, free coffee and donut to veterans and a host of other enticing offerings.      It's like a brain wash to stop there after reading all the signs.  I don't see how anyone could drive by without stopping.

 

What started out as a drug store is now a massive general store of 72,000 square feet, selling everything from western wear, black hills gold, food and jewelry.   A sign out front states that seating capacity is up to 530 in their cafe.

 

The Wall Drug began in 1931, during the great depression, by giving away free ice water to thirsty travelers. They built their reputation on friendly service and today this family owned business continues in this fashion.

 

I noticed on this visit they have a section out back that is called their back yard.   It's a great place for kids to unwind.  It like a playground and the favorite among the younger set is a hugh hokey Tyrannosaurus Rex  who belches smoke and makes very loud noises every 14 minutes.  Now I know you are all want to see this guy.

 

 

Wall Drug

Spearfish Canyon & Sturgis, SD.

 

A visit to South Dakota and the Black Hills wouldn't be complete without a ride through Spearfish Canyon, part of the Black Hills National Forest.  It twists through the 19 mile  gorge where Spearfish  Creek lines the canyon floor and white limestone cliffs rise of each side of you.  Looking out the window, you'll see what looks like millions of spruce  Christmas trees  high above you, almost covering the blue sky.  From what I heard trout fishermen come to the creek all year long to fish, as it never freezes over.  There are a few waterfalls along the way which people were stopping to take a look at.  The problem was the trees and shrubs have grow so much, it's just not as picturesque as it could be.

 

Next we took a trip out to Sturgis.  Do you remember as a child watching "The Wizard of
Oz?"  Well, Sturgis is something like this.  For 50 weeks of the year Sturgis is a small town, with empty store fronts all along the street..     The total population is in the range of 7,000 people all year long.  

 

 But come August  and as in  the movie it comes alive and is hard to miss.  It's time to rev up for the 66th Black Hills Motorcycle Rally.   This is the grand-daddy of all rallies. Sturgis and other surrounding communities prepare all year for an influx of at least 400,000 cyclists, mostly Harley's I would bet.  This is a mega two week continuous party.  We have friends from Massachusetts that are coming here.  Have fun guys.  Travel safe.   Keep it between the white lines.

Happy Birthday Monica

Can you believe it?
 

Monica Lewinsky turned 31 this week.
 

It seems like only yesterday she was

crawling around the White House
on her hands and knees.
 

They grow up so fast.

Deadwood, SD.

 

Yesterday we went to Deadwood, SD. Somehow I had the impression that this would be a town with lots of western  photo  opportunities.    The ads told us, it was the home of many famous characters of the old West. 

 

 I guess the only thing that was true was it was where Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back while playing cards in the saloon.  I myself think this is Deadwood's only claim to fame. 

 

 Today it is a rundown town full of casinos.  Every building in town is a casino with the exception of about four gift shops.  To add salt to my wound, I found out Calamity Jane was just a camp follower and a town drunk, was not Wild Bill's girl, and could not shoot for crap.  However she was known as a compassionate soul who often cared for the sick and injured.  How's that for busting a bubble?

Battle of Little Big Horn

 

Little Bighorn-Custer's Last Stand

 

Did you know that General George Custer was know for his "Custer Luck" before his luck ran out at Little Bighorn.  Up until the end, he had earned this nickname having 11 horses shot out from under him and was only wounded once.  As you can see he exceeded a cats nine lives and his jig was soon to be over.  Maybe he thought he was invinceable.   I'll go with that thought rather than "what was he thinking" or just plain stupid.  Maybe he was just full of himself, being the spearhead of the conflict and had his orders?

 

On top of the Last Stand Hill there is a memorial over a mass grave where the bodies of Custer and his command were hastily buried in shallow graves where they fell.  Custer was later moved to West Point Academy in N.Y.

Sheridan, WY.

We are now in Sheridan, Wy. until Monday.  This city was recently voted the Number 1 Best Western Town in the U.S. by the Latitude Traveling Magazine. 

 

One doesn't have to be here very long before you know you are in cowboy country.  Ladies, they are everywhere!  If you have dreamed of being a cowboy or girl "Come on down".  As early as 1920, Sheridan boasted over 30 "dude" ranches attracting thousands og guests each summer.

 

The "King" of saddle making, Don Butler,  lives here in Sheridan too.  Now, being a city gal, I don't know Jack about saddles, but he must be good as his price  for a custom-made saddle starts at $3000.00, but can quickly jump into the tens of thousands.

 

The Historic Sheridan Inn is a real treasure .  It was built across from the train depot and was advertised as" the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco." Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody frequented the Inn and was once part owner. He would sit on the grand porch of this gracious building and would audition acts for his "Wild West Show." The Inn is widely known as the "House of 69 Gables" as listed in Ripley's Believe It or Not and it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  This was a party place as we would say today.  The wildest one was on the eve of Prohibition's birth in Wyoming.Every liquor glass was carried away for souvenirs and waiters finally had to bring out tea cups to finish serving drinks.  Many well known guests have walked these floors, among them Will Rogers, Ernest Hemmingway (always loved a good bar), Bob Hope,and Herbert Hoover to mention a few.  And NOW, never to be out done, Bob and I bent our elbow there.

 

 

Part 3

 

We got some great  pictures today, starting off with the Eagles,  We are  following the Gibban River to Norris to the Fishing Bridge.  As we are still only able to use the office dial up to get on the Internet, this will be short on words.  I think you would rather see the photos than to hear me ramble on.  

 

We saw no moose or bear while here.  This was disappointing, but that's life, isn't it?

 

The lower falls are the most beautiful and are often called the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  Every second, an average of 37,417 gallons of water plunges 308 feet over the falls.  Seeing this is an experience in itself.  It is an awesome sight.   We had our friends, Earl and Joyce take our picture here and might use it on our Christmas cards this year.

 

Speaking of Earl and Joyce, it was such fun spending time with them again.  They are such a joy to be around. We all had met three years ago in Delta, Utah and kept in touch by email.  They are real Texans, while we are just paper Texans.  The last time, several years ago, I upset someone with the phase "paper Texan."    So sorry if you are still out there, but that's what we are.  We don't talk like a Texan, dress like a Texan, but we sure as hell love them.   I tell them "We weren't born in Texas, but got here as quick as we could."  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

Hope you enjoy the photos.    Love to all.

Part 2 Yellowstone Pics

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The above pictures are continued from the first day visit to Yellowstone.   Did you know that Yellowstone preserves the largest hydrothermal area on the planet? 

Yellowstone National Park Part 1

 

In 1872 , 2.2 million acres of forest, meadows, lakes and rivers were set aside by Congress as the first National Park.  I doubt that anyone vising the park would not be mesmerized by the Grand Canyon of the yellowstone, the water falls, the thermal areas,, lakes and the abundants of wildlife.  It seemed that around every corner we were surrounded by buffalo, which I have fallen in love with.  There were in the fields and hiking down the roads.  The cars in front or behind didn't bother them at all.  It was just awesome sight driving by them, so close.  They weigh 2000 pounds and sprint at 30 miles per hour, three times faster than we can run.  They appear tame and unconcerning, but still unpredictable and dangerous.  Check out some of my buffalo photos.  So cute!

 

Our first day visit to the park, needless to say we entered the West Gate.  We drove alone the Madison River, elevation 6806 feet.  Next we took a right onto Firehole Rd. to the Fountain Paint Pot, the Lower Geyser Basin and the Great Fountain Geyser.  Our destination was Old Faithful.  We were in the park six hours that just flew by and left us hankering for more.

 

I have only put in a few pictures today as we are on dial up, and it takes a while to put them in.  tomorrow I'll add a few more.

WestYellowstone, MT.

 

 

We are at the Lionshead RV Resort in Montana in West Yellowstone.   The scenery is so beautiful here.  The white capped mountains surround us and offer their beauty with us. We are again without Internet and can only use the office connections for a short period of time.  The next time on I will show you some great pictures from within Yellowstone.  I have so many to show you that it will take a couple of entries.

 

West Yellowstone is a cute little tourist town which started building in 1907 shortly after the railroad made its way west.  Being a long weekend the town was bustling this afternoon.  Besides seeing the Yellowstone park, there is plenty to do in this small town.  White Water Rafting is popular, as is horseback riding and biking.  There is a IMAX theater here, live theater plays, museums and countless   places to eat.

 

Thursday we celebrated our 48 anniversary.  Wow, That's hard to believe.  Seems like only a few years ago.  Our friends Shirley and Gary  celebrated their anniversary the same day as ours.  Hope you had a great day guys.

 

Sunday    SNOW    Holy crap!  Haven't seen snow in 7 years.  Don't want to see it for another 7.   

Salt Lake City

 

 

 Today I went back to the History Library and concentrated on the English half of my family.   I found  the English grandfather died in 1908.   I still don't know why the children were placed in an orphanage or where it was.  They sailed from Liverpool, I know that.  I found the passenger list and it looks like an aunt paid their fair to Boston, Ma.  Now, the oldest girl ran away from the orphanage and got married and today I found her marriage date.  I was able to find the family line back to 1851, so that's a good start.   I had trouble with the 1841 census and was not able to find them.    Just today my English family names increased from just Egerton to Jones, Barlow, and Rowley.

 

Tomorrow we are on our way to Yellowstone National Park.

Where Are You Guys?

 

  Well, Every morrning I have been rushing out the door to track down my illlsive family. I start each day with a hopefull and positive attidude and by late afternoon, my rear end is dragging and my eyes are closing on their own.

 

First day out I found when my Irish grandmother came to the U.S.  Her name was Nora Reidy from County Kerry Ireland.  She was 15, came alone and arrived here in 1906 on the S.S. Arabic, sailing from Queenstown, Ir. to Boston, Ma.  Her passage was $2.50, certainly not first class!   Now my Irish grandfather is another story.   Michael J . McGrail from Mayo Ireland.   Can't find  his correct age, when he left Ireland or where he landed in the U.S.   I did find him on the Massachusetts 1910 census.  By the 1920 census, he was married to Nora and had three children.   Maybe he was a storaway.

I am begiining to be angry with him to tell you the truth.

 

Next  I have been looking for my English grandparents.   My grandmother Ada Jones Egerton died in 1902 in Chorlton , which I think is in Manchester England.   When she died the three children ( one being my mother) were placed in an orphanage (don't know which one).  Also don't know what happened to grandfather then.  The family was all together in the 1901 census.  Can't find out when he died either.  Gosh, I wish I had asked more questions when my parents were alive.  Water over the dam now, I guess.

 

Did you all notice that the troubles I had this week all involved MEN!!!  Can you tell I'm not a happerr camper?

 

 

 

So all in all I did not have a very productive week.  I had hoped to find more.  It's very hard when your family history in another country. 

 

Have a good weekend.   I'll get some pictures over the weekend and I'll be in a better mood.

Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Tuesday May 2nd        We made it to Delta Utah, our club home park.  It is so quiet here and why you ask, because we don't have to run the air condtioner.  The air feels so good.  Our friend Kirt, the young fossell digger arrived here tonight as well.  Bob called his local golfing partner Dan and they made plans to golf Wednesday.  Being alone I tried out a new receipe for Lazy-Man Cabbage Rolls and it turned out very good.  Bob is always suggesting I make him some cabbage rolls, but it is so much work in this small kitchen, I haven't done it.  Kirt came for supper as well.  Three votes to make it again.

 

Thursday   When ever we come this way, on our way to Salt Lake, we  stop  here so now we  know a few people in the area. The Delta Senior offers a great lunch for seniors for only &2.25 and it 's all home cooked and includes a drink and dessert.  They put out a  monthly menu and often have a guest speaker of some sort,,  Today the speakers was a Cowboy

Poet.  He read a few of his poems and was a pretty funny guy. 

 

Friday.....We needed to check our minutes used on our cell phone and had to drive 28 miles to be able to get a signal to call  a rep. from Sprint.  Tomorrow our friends from Texas will be here.  YAH! 

 

Thursday  May 11  Bob and I agree this has been one of the most boring week of our lives.  I'm telling you, there is nothing here.  The reason we are here is that we are on the way to Salt Lake and resorts rates will be high there.  We are staying here for free to gain extra gas money.  The trip home could cost us $1200 or more depending on diesel prices. 

 

The other night we went to see the new movie "RV", had some funny scenes in it.  I would tell you it's a movie that you must see, but Rv'ing ourselves, it was ok.

 

Sunday    Happy Belated Mother's Day ladies.   Better late than never.  Two more long long days here.   HELP      This morning we went to the local Catholic Church and there was no priest.  A nun said the Mass, never have seen that before.  The weather here has been warm durning the day and cooler at night, the best part of Delta, I would guess.  

 

Tuesday....Finally in Salt Lake, cable, cell phone service, AM radio, Oh boy, am I happy.  I wil be around to catch up on all that I have missed in your journals.  Just need a little time to catch up.  I've missed you guys.

 

This morning I off to the History Center to find  out when my grandmother arrived in the US.  One goal a day! 

Zion National Park

 

Today we went to the Zion National Park here in Utah.   The last time we were here it was raining so bad the pictures were depressing.  Today was a bright sunny day, but there was a haze over the top of the mountains, pollution?  

 

Driving through the park in your own vehicle is not allowed, but shuttles, free of charge are available every ten minutes.  You can get off at designated stops and hop back on the next  shuttle to continue on.

 

There were visitors there from several different countries, all enjoying one of America's wonderful national parks.  We talked with a young couple from Manchester England, a town where my own dear Mother was born.   Visitors from Texas and Massachusetts also shared a few moments with us.

 

Lots of young hikers were visible along with backpackers, rock climbers and bicycling.  There were climbers seen high above on the cliffs.  They were so high up, it was difficult to see them.  They must have nerves of steel!

 

Our next stop is going to be Delta, Utah.   We are meeting a young man from Minnesota, whom we meet a few years back while he was fossil digging and another couple Joyce and Earl from Texas who we haven't seen in a few years.  They are on their way to Wyoming for the summer. Bob also has a friend here who loves to golf as much as Bob does.    We will be here around two weeks.   The only problem with Delta Utah is no phone signal.  This is what I wpuld call the boonies. Who knows, maybe it got better since we were last there.  So if you don't hear from me, I'm probably alive and still kicking in Utah.

 

Be good to each other.    Hugs till we chat again.