We woke up to very cool temperatures. I think the weatherman said it was 51. After an 80 degree day yesterday, we decided not to walk or ride.
After breakfast and readying myself for the day, I loaded the charged battery and an SD card in my new camera. That worked, so the next step was to input the date and time. Then I took a few pictures of Dean. Since I had several things to do I put it away in the case that was included. Wow-that is a very tight fit! I could barely get the case closed. I like the case for the fact it isn't too big, has a belt loop and a magnetic closure, but it very difficult to get the camera in or out without pressing the "on" button.
I'm concerned if the button to turn it on is pushed while still in the case, the camera might be damaged if the lens cannot extend. I have a nice case in our storage shed, so we'll switch it out when we return. That case has room to carry not only the camera, but also the battery charger, an extra battery as well as separate storage for SD cards.
Since we do not have any plans until 11:30, I decided to go through my clothes and see what I could store when we return to Oswego. I determined somewhat early on this trip that I brought more than I needed. Except for one or two items I removed, I've not worn them since our official full-time date of November 20, and we've encountered all types of weather since then. What I did wear I have other things I will keep that I can wear instead. We also went though Dean's closet and eliminated a few shirts from his closet to a drawer where we keep his "work shirts", for when he's working on the rig or we're just hanging out here at Bentley. I replaced the old plastic hangars I collected from stores over the years with the new skinny hangars. Wow, the closets are so roomy now with the bulk of the old hangers gone. Along with the clothes I am going to eliminate, I estimate we will remove at least two plastic tubs full (clothes as well as other items) when we return to our home base. That will free up major space under the bed.
On my side of the closet there are 4 drawers to the left. This is where I keep all of my hair "stuff" and makeup. The closet light just inside is very bright, and the closet door has a mirror on it, so I am able to do all of my "beauty work" right here.
Now with at least 6-8 inches of extra space I am no longer crowded by my clothes. It has made a big difference. While having some new clothes would be great - if that happens I'll change old items out as I add new in order to maintain this newly expanded area.
I gathered up all of the plastic hangars and placed them in the box my camera and accessories came in. When we go to lunch later, I will check with the thrift store next door of the restaurant, to see if they will take the hangars.
Another task was to call the office of one of my doctors this morning. At my December appointment, the doctor asked the nurse to schedule me for a follow-up test when we return to Kansas, and I have yet to hear from anyone. April and May are getting very close. I want to make sure I get the test scheduled during the time we are back at our home base; and, before I see the doctor again. I left a message last week at the doctor's office, but never received a return call, so I was hoping to get through by calling early this morning. Fortunately that worked, and better yet, the nurse finished with a patient while I was talking to the receptionist, so I was able to speak with the nurse right then. The nurse told me she had submitted the request in December, but she would resubmit it, and did so while I was on the phone with her. I will call the hospital tomorrow to check what dates are available. I hope it will not require changing the appointment with my doctor, but I will deal with it if it is necessary.
By now it was time for us to leave for lunch at "Ranch House Burgers" where the Heartland Owners Club (HOC) members in the area are gathering today. Yes, we were there yesterday too, but they have such a wonderful menu, you could eat here for days, enjoying many other types of food than burgers. However, the burgers are AMAZING! Today I selected the Avocado Burger. Of course, as the name indicates it included avocado, as well as swiss cheese. They place a plate with typical toppings - lettuce, tomato, onion, plus jalapenos, on the table. I like being able to choose these toppings once your burger arrives. I think of all the burgers we've ate here in the Valley - and all three were awesome burger places - this was the best burger I've had yet. It may have been because I asked for them to cook it medium rather than medium well, so it was nice and juicy. If you wear your RV park tag or club tag here, they will give you a free half order of fries. When Dean ordered he asked for the fries, with his badge. With the size of these burgers a half order between us is plenty.
At some point I realized I forgot to bring my NEW camera! We were in a rush at the last minute and I walked out and left it laying on the table next to the love seat. I almost forgot my phone, and dashed back in at the last minute to get it, but didn't even think about that camera. A new habit I must work on!
Our lunch was awesome and we sure enjoyed the conversation with everyone. Six couples attended. It is just like a big family reunion when these RV groups get together. We really feel blessed to be a part of them.
After lunch, I checked with the thrift store next door to see if they would be interested in the hangars I have. Fortunately, they took them. I was thankful we did not have to look any further. I am still looking for capris, as well as a few shirts to wear when we walk or bicycle. Another stop will be at the grocery store for a few things. With that in mind we decided to return to the same area where the new to me clothing store we visited a few days ago, Melrose, is located. There is an HEB across the road, as two clothing stores, Cato and Ross for Less. Cato was a total strike out. I am not a dressy, dress type of girl. I prefer more of a business casual if I want to "dress up". Maybe I want to be too casual! I did find 2 pairs of jean capris and a shirt at Ross to try on, however I only purchased the shirt.
Our next stop was HEB. I love this store. We've only been to one HEB since we've been here, shortly after we arrived. It was a super HEB and it was HUGE!!! This was a smaller one. I told Dean I'd like to take the time to look down each aisle. They have so many things different than other grocery stores that I just wanted to see what was available. He is so patient and followed me around the store without complaining. He chose to set in the car looking at his phone apps while I was in the clothing stores, telling me to take my time. He's a jewel. I am so blessed!
Back home I spent the rest of the afternoon working on plans for our summer/fall trip to New York and the New England area. We hope to visit New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland and West Virginia. While we've already visited a few of these states (Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland & West Virginia) we did not have Bentley. For Christmas a few years ago, our daughter Misti, gave us a state map that includes a colorful adhesive of each state. To update our state map we only add one of the states if we spend the night in Bentley during our visit. Some RVer's update their map if they pass through the state or do something as they pass through, but this is a personal decision to each RVer. Our goal is to not only visit, but to stay overnight in each state. We want to experience some of what the state has to offer while we are there. For us, that means staying there and spending some time exploring things to see and do.
We continued watching the Olympics this evening. We have really enjoyed the various competitions, and especially for me, the ice skaters. I can't even stand on a pair of ice skates without falling. I am in awe of their skill and how they make the routines seem so effortless. The commitment they have to reach this level of competition is truly impressive!
I pray each of you have a wonderful day! Thank you to all who make comments. I love hearing from you.
You have inspired me to research RV friendly clothing. I'm adding it to my list of possible blog posts. I'm hoping a lot of you full timers have some ideas and I can add my own such as not having heavy coats any longer but dressing in layers. Reading about your laundry needs added to my interest. Got me to thinking about what clothing dries easily for example. I appreciate the hanger tip.
ReplyDeleteKaren and I are going to a boy scout pancake breakfast and might sneak over to the Overland Park RV and Outdoor show after that. I've got some work to do in my home office today and going to knock that out as well. You guys are missing out on all the cold rain and ice up hear! Yet another morning of cold rain.
Mark