Happy Halloween to everyone out there. It was quiet this morning until some early shooters came to visit. God, you would have thought that I would have been used to Americans and the love they have for their guns by now. Why are these people not at work!!
We will be heading into Billings today and dropping the jeep off at a four wheel drive shop where they will install a new bumper (complete with tire carrier and gas can holders) and new tires. John tells me we then can safely take the jeep out and do some four wheeling.
I will hit up the local Walmart and hopefully Cabelas to buy myself a Tilly hat - something I have wanted for a while now. It will be my new hiking hat!!
Breakfast, showers and dishes washed and put away, we head down the road.......
The shop for the jeep was an easy find and I thank the invention of the GPS for that. We found it with no problems then decided to stop at the local Walmat before heading over to the campground.
With the shopping done we soon discovered that the campground was closed for construction, that was a bit of a bummer, now we needed to find another spot.
We travelled down this awesome little road called River Dive (which followed the Yellowstone River) and soon found a fishing access road. Awesome - turned in only to read the sign that said we could not stay in this area after 10pm. What is with that!!
Back on the road, we eventually found a truck stop we decided was good enough for the night. Not petty but good enough!! The jeep will not be ready until Wednesday so we can perhaps find a quieter spot tomorrow. I don't think any little trick o treaters are going to find us in here so I guess all those little jesey milk chocolate bars ae going to have to be eaten by us ...... I just hate that!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30/2011
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| Heading out Sun |
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| our welcoming committee |
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| our spot for the night |
We packed up and headed out of Roundup and took a rather round about way to get to tonight's camping spot. After traveling six miles on a curvy little road we ended up camping along a road in an area used for target practise. Because we were only a few mile outside of Billings, we waited for all the shooters to leave then set up camp. As we were waiting for the shooters to leave, a welcoming committee of cows came over to the fence and greeted us!! Well poor little Hogan didn't quite know what to do - he was greatly outnumbered!! The novelty soon wore off for the cows and they moved on, much to Hogan's delight as now he could relax - he had successfully protected the bus!! It was quiet all night.
Saturday, October 29/2011
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| Sunset at our campground |
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| Our first campfire in the US this fall |
The day was sunny and eventually the wind died down and we were able to stat a fire for the evening. We had watched the roughriders win their football game earlier this afternoon and were ready to just enjoy the evening.
The fire was great and this cottonwood burns with very few sparks. It throws lots of heat too. As the evening progressed and it was dark and quiet, we had a visit from the local sheriff who informed us that this campground was closed. We told him that we had not been aware of that and were planning on leaving tomorrow. We then got to talking about the flooding and he shared lots of stories about it. He said that there were still people in town that were still not back in their homes. He was one of the lucky ones as his home is on high ground so was not affected by the flooding.
He was a young pleasant fellow and I asked him why he was patrolling by himself. He said his partner had taken the day off because he had been branding cattle all day!! Holy Old Wild West!! We chatted for a while longer then he wished us a good trip and left. I guess there is not much happening in this county where the police have to worry about riding alone (but....isn't that just the time that something happens).
John cooked steak and baked potatoes tonight and it was great. It was into the shower after that as I smelled like a smokehouse then into bed. Tomorrow, we are once again on the move.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 28/2011
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| Mud packed against the ball diamond fence |
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| damage |
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| Time to get back over to the bus |
Hogan was growling at something outside and I looked and saw a rather large bushy tailed red squirrel. He was busy doing whatever squirrels do but it was certainly bugging Hogan!!
After reading about the flooding that occurred this spring, I hope to take the camera and capture some pic for the blog.
Hogan and I did indeed go for a walk and I was stunned by what I found. There must have been an incredible amount of water in this area as there was debris way up in the trees four and five feet high. Dirt and debris was packed into the chain link fence and the fence itself looked like it had been twisted beyond repair. Many of the smaller trees were still leaning over leaving a testament as to the direction the water was flowing. The tree that fell on the building is still rooted in the ground so the ground must have been so waterlogged, the root system could no longer hold it up. There is thousands of dollars damage just to this little area. Sad....
Once back at the bus, John and I collected some wood for a fire tonight if the wind goes down. If not tonight, then tomorrow will do. As it tuned out, the wind did not want to cooperate so we spent the evening inside.
Thursday, October 27/2011
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| Hwy 191 MT construction |
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| Hwy almost washed out |
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| That little creek did all this damage! |
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| Our spot in Roundup MT |
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| Peaceful enough now. Check out what it looked like last May just after we left! http://youtu.be/cpoxj5RHSro |
It is windy today so I am not sure if John wants to travel in it or not but sitting here for another day would not be all that bad either. Our next stop will be the little campground in Roundup. We stayed there this spring on our way home and it was lovely.
What greeted us in Roundup was pretty sad. Although many of the old cottonwood trees were still standing, there were so many of them that weren't. There was devastation in the whole area. There was even a tree left crashed upon the roof of one of the building at the fairgrounds. The ground was solid but there was evidence of flooding in the campground.
I remember when we were here in the beginning of May last year that the Musselshell River was flowing fast and strong and was close to the top of its banks. I hate fast moving water and remember this quite well. The river would have easily swept anyone and anything away rather quickly if it got the chance. We stayed here for a few days and enjoyed the quiet serenity of this wonderful little campground.
On May 26, 2011 the river, fueled by record rainfall and melting snow, flooded its banks and sent raging torrents of water over the highway and onto the surrounding low lands at a speed of 6000 cubic feet per second (more that ten times its usual volume). This little campground and many homes and businesses here in Roundup were flooded. Some buildings had as much as eight feet of water in them. Four teenagers decided to cross into the fairgrounds (which is just beside this little campground I am sitting in now) and were trapped by the raging water and needed to be rescued by the local fire department.
The water eventually receded and just as clean up was getting done...... On June 8/2011 the river once again flooded sending torrents of water through this area for the second time. The little town of Roundup was one of the worst hit areas in Montana.
With all this destruction to deal with, I can see why this little campground is in such a sorry state. There simply must have been too much other stuff that took priority. Perhaps the town will be able to start cleaning up this mess next year (God willing and the creek don't rise) and restore this little campground back to its quaint peaceful beauty.
There were a few deer out tonight - much to Hogan's delight but unfortunately, they were on the other side of the river so all that he could do was raise his hackles and growl!!
Wednesday, October 26/2011
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| Our spot for the night |
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| Upper Missouri River Brakes |
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| Prairie Dog hole |
With the bus in "travel mode" (everything secured), we head towards the border. Over the last few years the American side has been building new facilities and as we draw closer, it appears that the construction is finished and we will be going through at the new place. It is a rather large area and now has housing here as well.
The border guard we encountered was young and friendly. He asked us if we had any "wild" meat with us and we told him we had two packages of moose sausage. I guess taking wild meat across the border is not allowed unless you have a copy of the shooter's hunting license to show that the meat was shot legally. Because we only had two packages, he allowed us to keep it!! (FYI - Marie, eat all the wild meat before your get to the border next year!!) I did not tell him about the two deer steak in the freezer from Shirley because I was afraid that I just might have to wrestle him for it!!
We asked about the older border guard that had been working the last two years and was told that he had retired. This guard walked through the bus and chatted with Hogan (who was trying to be his best friend) and never once looked at his doggie passport. He scanned John's and mine then said have a good trip and off we went. We were there about ten minutes and most of that time spent was idle chit chat.
We stopped in Malta to fuel up and get propane and of course, beer!! ($19.29 for a 30 pack!!)
We stopped for the night along the highway in a field - it was a hunting access area. There were several huge holes in the ground and each of them had dirt piled all the way around the entrance. They looked like mini volcanos!! Hogan was busy checking out the area and sniffing around these holes which I thought just might be prairie dog holes. Before too long, several of the creatures came out to check us out and chirp at Hogan. We have never seen prairie dogs before but they reminded us of gophers only these were gophers on steroids!! They were huge and not totally impressed with us for invading their space. Hogan had a riot chasing them back into their holes and John and I sat back and enjoyed the show.
We sat outside the bus basking in the sunshine until it went down and the chill of the evening set it.
I got my arse kicked in yahtzee and I can see that this year looks to be shaping up like last year as far as my yahtzee skills go!! It is a good thing that I am a good sport!!
We had spaghetti and meatballs for supper then spent the evening watching TV.
It is warmer here tonight so I don't think we will need any heat in the bus.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25/2011
We are sitting only a few kilometers from the US border and were planning on crossing into the States today however, the dog's passport is dated for the 26th so I guess we are staying here until tomorrow. This spot is quiet and there is very little traffic on this secondary highway so another day here is quite alright.
I spent the day reading and John was busy mucking around on the computer.
It is Kim's birthday today and Gloria's tomorrow so John was busy trying to find them ecards to send. I really had no idea that there were so many to choose from!!
Jace and Kim had text us last evening to see if we could see the northern lights - they had shades of red in them which is rather unusual for us. It was too cloudy in our area to see them but John said he was able to catch some of the light show after I went to bed as alot of the cloud coverage had lifted. I wish he would have got me up to see them. He said they were awesome.
I spent the day reading and John was busy mucking around on the computer.
It is Kim's birthday today and Gloria's tomorrow so John was busy trying to find them ecards to send. I really had no idea that there were so many to choose from!!
Jace and Kim had text us last evening to see if we could see the northern lights - they had shades of red in them which is rather unusual for us. It was too cloudy in our area to see them but John said he was able to catch some of the light show after I went to bed as alot of the cloud coverage had lifted. I wish he would have got me up to see them. He said they were awesome.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24/2011
The sun is shining this morning and there are a few gophers out and about bugging the hell out of Hogan. It is still pleasant enough outside that the gophers have not yet gone to ground. Entertainment for Hogan!!
Being that we are not in any great hurry, I took the time today to catch up on this blog. I really hate when it gets behind and the job of "catching up" can often get fuzzy as to what we did and when we did it!! So, I am now officially caught up once again and have no excuse not to keep it current and up to date. We will see!!!
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| Our spot at Elrose rest area |
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| Elrose rest area |
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| Our spot just before the border |
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| Enjoying the fire and a beverage |
Sunday, October 23/2011
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| A weekend at Bernie and Gloria's (Kim's Parents) |
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| Setting up |
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| The Barn |
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| Getting ready to leave |
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| Putting on water |
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| Kimmy, Marie, Jace and Coors |
We top off the water tank, say our goodbyes and start our journey. We have a few days before we cross into the states so are not in any real hurry. Hopefully, the weather holds and we will be able to sit and enjoy a few more Canadian autumn evenings.
We stopped tonight at a little road side camp area just outside of Elrose. It is a bit chilly and John says it is going to go below zero tonight so I guess it is time for the radiant heaters to be used. It won't take long for them to take the chill out of the air and it will be more than comfortable for sleeping.
Although I hate the fact that we are leaving friends and family behind, I find myself in a state of eager anticipation for our journey and the eventual reconnection with our American friends and acquaintances.
Saturday, October 22/2011
Once up and ready to greet the day, I borrowed Kim's truck and headed into the city. When I got to Jan's, I phoned John's Mom to invite her out for lunch. Of course there was no answer. That woman is never at home!! I left a message hoping that she would finally stop all her running around and make it home in time for us to meet.
Casey phoned and asked what I was up to and would I bring him lunch. He was working today and I could come and spend some time with him before I left for the winter. I had not heard from John's Mom so did exactly that. I stopped at KFC and got him his meal then headed to the Landfill (where he was working). Who on earth has bonding time with their son at a landfill - for lunch no less!!
It was good to see him again and we sat and chatted for over an hour before he had to go back to work.
I had a few stops to make before heading back to the bus so, started on my rather short list. I had a few phone calls from Jace and Kim, adding to the list but eventually made it back only to start partying and playing cards again. I guess we didn't get our asses kicked enough last night!!
Kim's Mom Gloria cooked lasagna for supper and it was delicious. I guess Kim had planned a little party for tonight and I was so surprised to see Casey and Tori walk though the door that I was temporally stunned into silence ( a most unusual state for me to be in!!). Jace and Casey had had a verbal battle a week or so ago and were not on speaking terms so when he walked though the door, I was very surprised and very pleased. It was good to see that my boys were together again although a bit restrained. I am sure they will work out their differences and I keep reminding them that they are brothers for life.
It was fun to see many of our extended "kids" tonight and they all wished us safe travels.
Casey phoned and asked what I was up to and would I bring him lunch. He was working today and I could come and spend some time with him before I left for the winter. I had not heard from John's Mom so did exactly that. I stopped at KFC and got him his meal then headed to the Landfill (where he was working). Who on earth has bonding time with their son at a landfill - for lunch no less!!
It was good to see him again and we sat and chatted for over an hour before he had to go back to work.
I had a few stops to make before heading back to the bus so, started on my rather short list. I had a few phone calls from Jace and Kim, adding to the list but eventually made it back only to start partying and playing cards again. I guess we didn't get our asses kicked enough last night!!
Kim's Mom Gloria cooked lasagna for supper and it was delicious. I guess Kim had planned a little party for tonight and I was so surprised to see Casey and Tori walk though the door that I was temporally stunned into silence ( a most unusual state for me to be in!!). Jace and Casey had had a verbal battle a week or so ago and were not on speaking terms so when he walked though the door, I was very surprised and very pleased. It was good to see that my boys were together again although a bit restrained. I am sure they will work out their differences and I keep reminding them that they are brothers for life.
It was fun to see many of our extended "kids" tonight and they all wished us safe travels.
Friday, October 21/2011
I am up early today as I have so much running to do today that I fear I may be gone all day. My jaw is so sore that I can hardly open my mouth ( I am sure that John will think this is a blessing!!). Yesterday was a total bust so I guess that today will be busy. Oh well, I had better get started.
The jeep started for me today so that is perhaps a sign that we will be getting along. Time will tell .....
I started at the top of my list and drove from place to place eventually getting most of the jobs done. I had just picked up John's precriptions and was just leaving the area when the jeep gave a couple of lurches and eventually stalled. Oh how I hate this jeep and I swear it hates me too. Surely I couldn't be out of gas.... I just put $50.00 in it the other day!! God must have decided that I had been given enough grief with this jeep and stalled me beside a gas station and left me just enough to be able to get the jeep started again and lurched me towards the pumps. Another $50.00 later, and I was on my way.
With my list finally complete, I headed back to the bus only to find that it was no where in sight. The trailer was there but the bus was gone. I knew that there was to be an oil change today so headed over to Jimmy's shop in the hopes that it was here that the appointment was to take place. I found John and Jace there so was happy that I could at least now get the dairy and the meat into the fridge.
We were invited out to Kim's parents acreage for the weekend so were soon back at the trailer, hitching up and heading out. We stopped at the Flying J to get fuel and dump the tanks then made the short trip to the acreage.
We spent the evening playing Kaiser and enjoying the company. I told Jan I would come for coffee Saturday morning so headed to bed knowing I had more running to do tomorrow.
The jeep started for me today so that is perhaps a sign that we will be getting along. Time will tell .....
I started at the top of my list and drove from place to place eventually getting most of the jobs done. I had just picked up John's precriptions and was just leaving the area when the jeep gave a couple of lurches and eventually stalled. Oh how I hate this jeep and I swear it hates me too. Surely I couldn't be out of gas.... I just put $50.00 in it the other day!! God must have decided that I had been given enough grief with this jeep and stalled me beside a gas station and left me just enough to be able to get the jeep started again and lurched me towards the pumps. Another $50.00 later, and I was on my way.
With my list finally complete, I headed back to the bus only to find that it was no where in sight. The trailer was there but the bus was gone. I knew that there was to be an oil change today so headed over to Jimmy's shop in the hopes that it was here that the appointment was to take place. I found John and Jace there so was happy that I could at least now get the dairy and the meat into the fridge.
We were invited out to Kim's parents acreage for the weekend so were soon back at the trailer, hitching up and heading out. We stopped at the Flying J to get fuel and dump the tanks then made the short trip to the acreage.
We spent the evening playing Kaiser and enjoying the company. I told Jan I would come for coffee Saturday morning so headed to bed knowing I had more running to do tomorrow.
Thursday, October 20/2011
I got the jeep started again this morning - Woo Hoo!! I had an early dentist appointment AGAIN today and after several needles (and I mean several!!) and another $300.00, I was out of there. Since I was only a few blocks from our old acerage, I decided to drive down the road and have a look at it. I always drive by it at least once a year checking on what has changed and how big all the trees I planted are getting.
When I got there, I thought "what the hell is that noise" so got out and found that I had a flat tire!! Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I so hate this effin jeep. I did not bring the phone today as John had some phoning that needed to be done so I was stuck. Hate, Hate, Hate that jeep!!
It was a good thing that we had become friends with our neighbors before we left so I walked to Jason and Andrea's hoping that someone would be home. As it tuned out, Andrea had just had a baby five weeks ago and was home. I phoned John ( who didn't answer the phone - hate him too now!!) then phoned Jan. When in need, I can always phone my Sister.
Jan came and picked me up and I left the jeep sitting in Andrea's driveway. By this time, John had got my message and answered the next time I called. Casey was working and so he was no help to me and I did not really know where Tori was so decided to head over to her work in the hopes that she was there and I could perhaps borrow her car so that John could get to his doctor's appointment. Well Tori was not there but her friend Bailey was and she let me borrow her car - thank heavens for kids and their friends!!
I then headed back to the bus planning on getting John, driving him to his appointment then he could deal with that stinking low down dirty rotten jeep. When I got to the lake, there was no John, no bus, no trailer!! Jesus Mary and Joseph - Can't anything be simple - nothing but drama in my life today.
I drove back to the jeep, thinking that John had headed over there to deal with that and found him no where in sight. I stopped at the garage and used their phone to call him and ask just where the hell he was. Well, he had taken sixty five feet of bus and trailer to his doctor's appointment!!! Oh my shattered nerves!!
Eventually, we both headed back to the jeep where he determined that the side wall had blown out of the tire and there was no way to fix it. Do keep in mind that all this time the whole side of my face is frozen and I am talking though my teeth so that I don't bite my tongue!! I had a headache and was in a generally miserable mood so when John finally found some place to buy a tire and asked me to go get it ----- well I nearly lost it and if I could have actually opened my mouth wide enough, I would have bit his head off, thrown it in the jeep, doused the jeep with gas and lit it up!! ..... John went and got the tire, and I took some tylenol and laid down.
With the tire fixed and the jeep in running mode, we headed over to return Bailey's car then headed back to the bus and eventually made it back to the lake all in one piece!! What a hell of a day - OH, I think I can feel the inside of my mouth and oh my, is is aching!! I so just want to go to bed and have this day over with and I did just that and did not care that it was only 8 o'clock!! Tomorrow has got to be better!!!
When I got there, I thought "what the hell is that noise" so got out and found that I had a flat tire!! Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I so hate this effin jeep. I did not bring the phone today as John had some phoning that needed to be done so I was stuck. Hate, Hate, Hate that jeep!!
It was a good thing that we had become friends with our neighbors before we left so I walked to Jason and Andrea's hoping that someone would be home. As it tuned out, Andrea had just had a baby five weeks ago and was home. I phoned John ( who didn't answer the phone - hate him too now!!) then phoned Jan. When in need, I can always phone my Sister.
Jan came and picked me up and I left the jeep sitting in Andrea's driveway. By this time, John had got my message and answered the next time I called. Casey was working and so he was no help to me and I did not really know where Tori was so decided to head over to her work in the hopes that she was there and I could perhaps borrow her car so that John could get to his doctor's appointment. Well Tori was not there but her friend Bailey was and she let me borrow her car - thank heavens for kids and their friends!!
I then headed back to the bus planning on getting John, driving him to his appointment then he could deal with that stinking low down dirty rotten jeep. When I got to the lake, there was no John, no bus, no trailer!! Jesus Mary and Joseph - Can't anything be simple - nothing but drama in my life today.
I drove back to the jeep, thinking that John had headed over there to deal with that and found him no where in sight. I stopped at the garage and used their phone to call him and ask just where the hell he was. Well, he had taken sixty five feet of bus and trailer to his doctor's appointment!!! Oh my shattered nerves!!
Eventually, we both headed back to the jeep where he determined that the side wall had blown out of the tire and there was no way to fix it. Do keep in mind that all this time the whole side of my face is frozen and I am talking though my teeth so that I don't bite my tongue!! I had a headache and was in a generally miserable mood so when John finally found some place to buy a tire and asked me to go get it ----- well I nearly lost it and if I could have actually opened my mouth wide enough, I would have bit his head off, thrown it in the jeep, doused the jeep with gas and lit it up!! ..... John went and got the tire, and I took some tylenol and laid down.
With the tire fixed and the jeep in running mode, we headed over to return Bailey's car then headed back to the bus and eventually made it back to the lake all in one piece!! What a hell of a day - OH, I think I can feel the inside of my mouth and oh my, is is aching!! I so just want to go to bed and have this day over with and I did just that and did not care that it was only 8 o'clock!! Tomorrow has got to be better!!!
Wednesday, October 19/2011
I managed to get the jeep started this morning so am thrilled that I now just may have the "knack" for doing it!! John says he will be putting fuel injection on it when we are down south so then I will not have any trouble starting the damn thing.
I head over to Jan's, stopping at Sarcan to unload all the pop cans and bottles we have collected over the past few months. While in there, someone came up to me and informed me that the jeep was leaking antifreeze - GREAT. Have I mentioned how much I am getting to hate this jeep??
Once done at Sarcan, I head back to the bus, get John out of bed and have him check the antifreeze level out. He said it was fine and that it was "overflow". Oh I so want to set this jeep on fire!! This nonsense is NOT in my plans for today. I am to spend the day with Jan and the boys, take the dog to his vet appointment and bring supper home. Is that asking too much from the higher powers???
Finally got to Jan's and totally enjoyed the day. The boys are growing like crazy and their speech is so much better. I can actually understand most of what they say!! The boys were all over Hogan and he of course was shaking like a leaf. He is so not used to little boys and was scared of them!! I was worried that he might feel too overwhelmed by them so I actually locked him behind the baby gate for a while.
I took him over to the vet for his doggie passport and got his needles all up to date then headed back to Jan's. Being that we were headed south for the next six months, I planned on spending the day with her. There would be plenty of time to shop on Friday and finish all my running. Jan was working on Friday anyway and I had no appointments scheduled so would get everything done then - I could even get some of it done tomorrow as well in between appointments.
I had been craving Chinese food so once I left Jan's I stopped and picked some up then headed back to the bus. After spending the day with two little very active boys, the peace and quiet of the bus was more than welcome. The food was great and the bed was even better!!
I head over to Jan's, stopping at Sarcan to unload all the pop cans and bottles we have collected over the past few months. While in there, someone came up to me and informed me that the jeep was leaking antifreeze - GREAT. Have I mentioned how much I am getting to hate this jeep??
Once done at Sarcan, I head back to the bus, get John out of bed and have him check the antifreeze level out. He said it was fine and that it was "overflow". Oh I so want to set this jeep on fire!! This nonsense is NOT in my plans for today. I am to spend the day with Jan and the boys, take the dog to his vet appointment and bring supper home. Is that asking too much from the higher powers???
Finally got to Jan's and totally enjoyed the day. The boys are growing like crazy and their speech is so much better. I can actually understand most of what they say!! The boys were all over Hogan and he of course was shaking like a leaf. He is so not used to little boys and was scared of them!! I was worried that he might feel too overwhelmed by them so I actually locked him behind the baby gate for a while.
I took him over to the vet for his doggie passport and got his needles all up to date then headed back to Jan's. Being that we were headed south for the next six months, I planned on spending the day with her. There would be plenty of time to shop on Friday and finish all my running. Jan was working on Friday anyway and I had no appointments scheduled so would get everything done then - I could even get some of it done tomorrow as well in between appointments.
I had been craving Chinese food so once I left Jan's I stopped and picked some up then headed back to the bus. After spending the day with two little very active boys, the peace and quiet of the bus was more than welcome. The food was great and the bed was even better!!
Tuesday, October 18/2011
I am up early and ready to head out the door and unfortunately can't seem to get the jeep started!! Go ahead and ask me if I am a tad bit frustrated - double dog dare you!!! John gets up and starts it without any trouble so now I not only hate this stinking jeep, I hate him too.
The dentist is my first stop and the first $400.00 is on the credit card!! Oh I think the budget is going to take a beating today!!
Package policy for the motorhome then Walmart and on and on it goes for the rest of the day. All in all, a good day spent ...... spending!!
The only thing that did not cost anything was my mammogram!! One does have to love "free" health care.
Finally back at the bus for some peace and quiet. The jeep ran well and I finally remembered to put gas into it - $50.00 ought to do me for the rest of the running required.
In bed early tonight as I have another full day tomorrow although I will spend most of it with my sister Jan and my niece and two little nephews. Sooo looking forward to this.
The dentist is my first stop and the first $400.00 is on the credit card!! Oh I think the budget is going to take a beating today!!
Package policy for the motorhome then Walmart and on and on it goes for the rest of the day. All in all, a good day spent ...... spending!!
The only thing that did not cost anything was my mammogram!! One does have to love "free" health care.
Finally back at the bus for some peace and quiet. The jeep ran well and I finally remembered to put gas into it - $50.00 ought to do me for the rest of the running required.
In bed early tonight as I have another full day tomorrow although I will spend most of it with my sister Jan and my niece and two little nephews. Sooo looking forward to this.
Monday, October 17/2011
All packed up and ready to head to Saskatoon. There were a few town folk stop by and wish us well then it was a final beverage with Dave and Shirley then into the bus and headed to Saskatoon.
The trip in was uneventful except for the flock of ducks that came out of the ditch and into our path!! We managed to give only one a glancing blow but there was no damage to the bus despite the fact that it made a rather loud noise when contact was made.
We saw two moose cross the highway in front of us and we both thought of Dave and his gun!! That guy is never around when he should be!!
We got into Saskatoon and set up by the lake and Casey and Tori came for a visit. Tori had just got off work and Casey is busy working for Tyler. They did not stay too long as Casey had to be up early for work but it was good to see them again.
I have so much running around to do tomorrow that it was not too long before I was in bed getting my beauty rest!!
The trip in was uneventful except for the flock of ducks that came out of the ditch and into our path!! We managed to give only one a glancing blow but there was no damage to the bus despite the fact that it made a rather loud noise when contact was made.
We saw two moose cross the highway in front of us and we both thought of Dave and his gun!! That guy is never around when he should be!!
We got into Saskatoon and set up by the lake and Casey and Tori came for a visit. Tori had just got off work and Casey is busy working for Tyler. They did not stay too long as Casey had to be up early for work but it was good to see them again.
I have so much running around to do tomorrow that it was not too long before I was in bed getting my beauty rest!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16/2011
I am up early with Hogan and the grass is white with frost. The garden too is covered in the white stuff!! It really is time for us to be heading south.
Today, John and I will get the rest of the items knocked off our list so that all there is tomorrow is the final little pack up and we are gone.
Today, John and I will get the rest of the items knocked off our list so that all there is tomorrow is the final little pack up and we are gone.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15/2011
Today John and I spent the day scratching several jobs off our list. We got lots done and now have only a few things left. We actually did well.
John started a campfire as we had invited Dave, Shirley and Gary over for the final Saturday night fire of the season. It was chilly tonight but once that fire was blazing it was warm. Only when you left the close proximity of the fire did you notice the chill of the evening.
Hogan chose to spend part of this evening in the bus in front of the propane radiant heater - he is such a warm weather dog!!
Gary finally joined us after Dave and Shirley went home. He was working late (got a job installing satellite TV systems) so came over when he got home. He stayed for a couple of beer then he too headed home but not before John scared the shit out of Hogan and myself by throwing a firecracker into the fire!! How stupid can some people get?? Once John stopped laughing he finished cooking supper - our last steak and baked potatoes in Leoville this year. Mmmm Yummm
John started a campfire as we had invited Dave, Shirley and Gary over for the final Saturday night fire of the season. It was chilly tonight but once that fire was blazing it was warm. Only when you left the close proximity of the fire did you notice the chill of the evening.
Hogan chose to spend part of this evening in the bus in front of the propane radiant heater - he is such a warm weather dog!!
Gary finally joined us after Dave and Shirley went home. He was working late (got a job installing satellite TV systems) so came over when he got home. He stayed for a couple of beer then he too headed home but not before John scared the shit out of Hogan and myself by throwing a firecracker into the fire!! How stupid can some people get?? Once John stopped laughing he finished cooking supper - our last steak and baked potatoes in Leoville this year. Mmmm Yummm
Friday, October 14/2011
I am tired and weary and finally in bed. Oh the beauty of horizontal cannot be described in proper words!!
I am off to dream land - sigh.
Who the hell is playing with a siren??? Somebody, get me a gun. I now know what it is that can drive some people towards physical violence. I guess I don't need anymore sleep anyway!!!!!
Once I drag my sad sorry corpse out of bed, have coffee and greet the afternoon. I decided that I have no energy to do anything other than collect the dirty clothes and go do laundry. At least I get to sit for a couple of hours and read my book. This is probably about all that I can manage for today and it will be another job that can be scratched off the list.
Dave and Shirley came over for a while tonight and it was too cool to sit outside so we ended up sitting in the trailer with the little propane campfire going. It was warm and pleasant.
Leftovers were supper then it was into bed for me. I am tired but oh so glad that my work is over for another season.
I am off to dream land - sigh.
Who the hell is playing with a siren??? Somebody, get me a gun. I now know what it is that can drive some people towards physical violence. I guess I don't need anymore sleep anyway!!!!!
Once I drag my sad sorry corpse out of bed, have coffee and greet the afternoon. I decided that I have no energy to do anything other than collect the dirty clothes and go do laundry. At least I get to sit for a couple of hours and read my book. This is probably about all that I can manage for today and it will be another job that can be scratched off the list.
Dave and Shirley came over for a while tonight and it was too cool to sit outside so we ended up sitting in the trailer with the little propane campfire going. It was warm and pleasant.
Leftovers were supper then it was into bed for me. I am tired but oh so glad that my work is over for another season.
Thursday, October 13/2011
I am up early, of course - guess I am attuned to getting up early so might just as well get the coffee on and start on "the list".
I managed to knock a few item from the list and still was able to spend a relatively quiet day. I have to save my energy for the night shift!!
With supper eaten, I prepare for work and the final shift of this season. Thirteen hours from now I will be back here at the bus and in bed!!
I managed to knock a few item from the list and still was able to spend a relatively quiet day. I have to save my energy for the night shift!!
With supper eaten, I prepare for work and the final shift of this season. Thirteen hours from now I will be back here at the bus and in bed!!
Wednesday, October 12/2011
Chilly again this morning but I guess that is to be expected. It actually turned out to be a rather nice autumn day with the sun shining and the temperature getting into the double digits!!
John still busy getting all his tools and "whatnot" organized but is making good progress. I guess he changed the oils on the generator today so that is yet another job we can scratch off "the list"!! YES, there is a list!!
Home from work and tired by alas, I can sleep in tomorrow as my final day of work is a night shift. I will be able to get more stuff off "the list" tomorrow.
John still busy getting all his tools and "whatnot" organized but is making good progress. I guess he changed the oils on the generator today so that is yet another job we can scratch off "the list"!! YES, there is a list!!
Home from work and tired by alas, I can sleep in tomorrow as my final day of work is a night shift. I will be able to get more stuff off "the list" tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 11/2011
Another Day, Another Dollar!! I am really glad that this one is over. Two more to go and I am home free!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Monday, October 10/2011
OK - so I am up early again this morning to iron uniforms - so what - it is the last time this season that I will have to do this. This is the last four days of work for me until next year!!
I head out the door with my left over turkey in my lunch box and whistle off to work. There is frost on the ground this morning and it is chilly. Oh well, not to worry, we will be heading south before we know it.
Back home from work and ready for a few hours quiet time. Those "old folks" over at the home can certainly keep you hopping.
John was busy today getting more stuff ready in the trailer and in the shop and under the bus bays all in preparation for the trek south.
I head out the door with my left over turkey in my lunch box and whistle off to work. There is frost on the ground this morning and it is chilly. Oh well, not to worry, we will be heading south before we know it.
Back home from work and ready for a few hours quiet time. Those "old folks" over at the home can certainly keep you hopping.
John was busy today getting more stuff ready in the trailer and in the shop and under the bus bays all in preparation for the trek south.
Sunday, October 9/2011
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| Heading to Hooker Lake |
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| Crossing Slide Out |
I headed over to the laundromat and threw in a few loads of laundry (darned uniforms again!!). Linen needed to be done in preparation for the trip south. It will have to then be put into the pods later this week. I still need to do a few more "big" items ,like our heavy jackets, but that will have to wait until next weekend.
John decided that we should go for one last jeep trip down into the block (ahh, hello, I am cooking a turkey here....)
With refreshments loaded into the little yellow jeep, off we go. This will be the second trip with it on the trails, the first with the winch on and the first by ourselves.
The jeep ran beautifully and the weather was awesome. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees so the color was not as beautiful as the last time we were down there but, there is still something wonderful about nature preparing for winter. The forest is ever changing and we are so blessed to be able to witness this change.
The turkey was left cooking while we were gone but unfortunately, I can only set the timer for 99 minutes so once we eventually got home, it still needed more time to cook. Of course this is not ideal but there is not much I can do about that hateful convection oven. Man, what I would give for a propane powered oven.
Eventually, everything was ready and we enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal. Oh how I love turkey and can't help but wonder about the Christmas turkey we will be cooking under the trash can in the Arizona desert.
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| Heading home |
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| Natures chair |
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