Saturday, June 29, 2019 - Travel Day to Wichita, KS; Spending Day with Family

Saturday, June 29, 2019 - Travel Day to Wichita, KS; Spending Day with Family


As usual I was up early.  I added pictures to yesterday's blog and posted it while I drank my coffee.  One of the first big stops on our upcoming trip west is Rocky Mountain National Park - where we plan to spend a week.  I spent the rest of my "coffee time" reading about all the things there are to do there.  It sounds like a wonderful place and I'm hoping the temperatures are a little cooler than the 99 degrees we had here in Kansas today.  It was brutal!

Dean wanted to go down to the garage to see how the new roof was going and I drove to the golf course to visit with my daughter Misti before we left.  Her life is so hectic - between her Physical Therapy Assistant clinicals, working at the golf course and trying to study for her state license, that I haven't been able to spend much time with her.  It's been a long year for her but she's persevered and it will all be worth the final outcome.  I'm so proud of her.

We met back up at Bentley.  When I arrived Dean already had Bentley hitched up.  I had ordered something from Misti and I needed to pay her with a check. This time I did have my checkbook with me, but I forgot I used the last check to pay Marla on Thursday.  I had to stop on the way out of town to drop the check off.  Dean went on and I followed him in the car.  We'll be doing a lot of running around in Wichita - and it's a big gas saver to take the car when we are this close to home.   

Not too far south of Neodesha, KS traffic was backed up.  We could tell there was an accident by all of the fire trucks and lights.  We set there for about 25 minutes or so, before a lifeflight helicopter left and the remaining safety vehicles left the scene.  There was a semi on the left side of the road.  I didn't notice it, but Dean told me later it evidently had a blowout as one tire was gone.  There was a car that had traveled a distance from the impact (lots of debris on the road) and was in the ditch.  Fortunately fire trucks were on site for safety but there was no fire.  I pray the person life flighted will be okay, and any others that might have been transported somewhere else. 

It always amazes me people are in such a hurry to get around cars in front of them, especially right after seeing an accident.  Since it was the weekend before the 4th of July, it was already a heavy traffic day, with many RV's and boats besides the other increased traffic.  I'd rather be late than take the chance I might cause an accident.  There were a couple of people in a big hurry after waiting for traffic to start moving again.  They just had to pass and get around everyone.  While they made it, they had to drive well over the speed limit to do so.  One was especially unnerving when the driver had to suddenly brake and slide in between Dean and I because of an oncoming car.  

Fortunately, the rest of the trip was not too bad.  We had planned to arrive by noon, however it was a little after 1 when we arrived at All Seasons RV Park on the west side of Wichita.  Fortunately, we had an easy site to access.  We quickly got set up, turned on the AC, ate a quick sandwich, and then headed to Heath's (Dean's oldest son).  He's only 2.2 miles from the RV Park which is very convenient.  Two of his brothers, Matt & family (from New York) and Jarred & family (they live five miles east of the park) were there.  Everyone was in the pool when we arrived.  We are blessed that Heath & Jarred live so close to each other and the RV park too.  Matt and Megan arrived about 6:30 on Friday evening.  Unfortunately, we could not get an RV site until today, but we get to spend time with them the rest of their time here.

Dean and I walked to the backyard and watched everyone swimming before we entered the gate where they could see us.  Everyone was having a good time in the water.  

My goodness it was hot!  Dean and I set in the shade and visited with the adults while the kids played in the pool.  

Matt & Sam (trying to get his cherrios)

 Having fun in the pool!

After an hour or so, we all went inside.  Jarred, Andrea and Emerson had to leave and everyone else went to the basement where there is a nice area for the kids to play.  

Matt, Megan with Sarah, Josh, Roman and Little Sam

Sam was teasing me.

Roman and Josh

Matt, Sam, Josh and Abram

They were watching a movie and it wasn't long before Sarah (Matt & Megan's daughter) fell asleep. 

Sarah couldn't take it anymore - she was worn out!

The rest of the kids (Heath's) Abram, Gideon and Roman, (Matt's) Josh and Sam enjoyed playing with each other, while the adults were able to visit for a couple of hours.  We ordered pizzas around 5, when we moved upstairs.  Jarred and Emerson returned sometime after 6.

Abram, Jarred with Josh on his back

Abram is a good older cousin.  Emerson on his lap, Sarah, Gideon and Roman.

Gideon animated in what he's sharing with Josh.  

Uncle Jarred is always a hit with the kids.  He's the youngest of Dean's four boys and still a big kid himself.

Josh turning flips with Uncle Jarred

Daughter Emerson

Peine Pile-up

Little Sam, 1 - for now, he's the youngest Peine.

We enjoyed visiting with everyone.  It was around 8:30 or so when we headed back to Bentley.  It had been a long day for us and we were tired.

After we got back, Dean told me when he went to the garage this morning, they already had the old roofing torn off.  He was happy it will be done before we leave on our travels for the summer.  We were ready for bed soon after.  It's been a long day.  We need to rest up for tomorrow's activities - whatever they turn out to be!

We are thankful Matt and his family had a good and safe journey from New York to Wichita, that we were safe on the road today, and the opportunity to spend time with family.  

Friday, June 28, 2019 - Busy Morning, Winding Down in the Afternoon, Fun Evening

Friday, June 28, 2019 - Busy Morning, Winding Down in the Afternoon, Fun Evening

I was up at 4:30am again this morning - but I went to bed at 9:30 last night - so it all evens out, right?  I had two more loads of laundry to do this morning....a few hours later, done and put away.   When I asked Dean about breakfast, he said "Since it's Friday I thought we'd go to Circle L this morning," and I said "okay" before he could change his mind.  A group of guys were finishing up when we arrived, and it wasn't long before Danny & Becky came in, followed pretty quickly by Betty, and her friends Jerry & Carol.  It's always nice to see everyone.

After breakfast I did the morning coffee dishes, put the clothes away and put up a few things in preparation for our move tomorrow.  Then I called Dr. Frisbee (chiropractor) to see if I could get in this morning - he said come in about 9:30.  My neck has been bothering me for a few days.  I decided it was bad enough to do something about it.  I'll feel much better tomorrow....I always do.

I really have been wanting to sweep my car out.  I don't know how we can pick up so many rocks just getting in and out of the car, but we have accumulated quite a few.  I met Dean at the garage.  He had to turn the generator on so I could run the shop vac since we do not have the electric turned on yet.

It sounds like we might get the new roof on the garage this weekend.  Yea!

I returned home and made lunch...just sandwiches and cantaloupe.  After resting a bit, we drove to Misti's so Dean could look at Haleigh's car window.  She rolled it down the other day and it did not come back up but he didn't have any luck with it today.  My next stop was Dollar General before heading back to Bentley.

Since then I've just been resting and working on today's post.  This evening we are going out to eat with my sister Cindy and her husband Elmer, then afterwards we will go to their house to play cards.  It will be the last chance we have to do this until we return in the fall.  

We picked them up at 4:20 and we headed to Carl Junction, MO.  Elmer was introduced to a new place with some of his golfing buddies recently.  He liked it so well, he suggested we try Bailey's.  It was apparent it was good before we ever walked in the door - by the number of cars already outside before 5.  There was a steady stream of people coming in after that.  Elmer, Cindy and Dean all chose the 3 piece chicken strip dinner with fries and cream gravy on the side  I ordered their southwest chicken salad.  Elmer and Cindy ordered an appetizer of onion rings and shared them with us.  Everything was delicious!  We all really enjoyed our meals.  It's a place we will definitely come back to.  Their menu was great and I wish I'd snapped a picture of it.  I had planned to ask the waitress to take our picture too.  I need to tie a string around my finger - with a little note - PICTURES!

After dinner, Dean wanted to drive through the Briarbrook area.  This is a beautiful housing addition, along with the Briarbrook Golf Course.  Several weeks ago, (while we were at Cindy & Elmer's playing cards) there were tornado warnings out.  Briarbrook took a direct hit and a number of homes were damaged.  Many homes are in the midst of construction to repair their homes.  Several others are tarped, probably waiting on insurance decisions or for contractors to start repairs.  Fortunately, there was no loss of life.  

When we returned to Cindy & Elmer's, I noticed she already had the table set up for our card game.

She quickly made apple crisp for our dessert later.  I like her way of making it better than mine, so I will try it next time I make it.  She had more topping and did not use flour.  They recently found out their granddaughter has to avoid gluten, so she's adjusted some of the things she makes for her.  I personally liked it without the flour even better.  The things we learn.

The guys waiting while Cindy makes the apple crisp.

While it was in the oven, we started our first set of three games of pitch.  As you can see our outcome wasn't as good as the guys.  This is the second time in a row they've skunked us, and we prevailed before.  We are going to have to get it together before we play again this fall.

The girls finally beat the guys on the last game.

Since our last game, Elmer bought a card shuffler.  This little contraption created lots of laughing, especially when it was my turn.  I divided the cards to put some on each side, then realized it was backwards, so twice I turned it around - a little fast - and the cards flew out.  They really like to pick on me I think, but if it means we are laughing that's okay.  

Crazy machine!

After our second game, Cindy filled the bowls with apple crisp and I added scoops of ice cream.  She was good and only gave me a small portion and I just added one small scoop to mine.  Taking smaller bites makes it last longer and I feel like I've had as much as everyone else.  Our mind can be tricked!

Yummmm!  Yummmm!  Good Stuff!

Chowing down.

There is always lots of laughing going on, sometimes to the point its hard to catch your breath.  Laughing is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.  I recently read they help tone your abs - I need to do a lot more laughing!  Lol!

Had to get a picture of Dean too!

It was a fun night.  We enjoy these Friday nights, trying a new restaurant in the area, playing cards and having a little dessert.  We'll miss you two while we are gone, but keep those cards ready....cause, we'll be back!

I hope your day was as good as ours!  

Thursday, June 27, 2019 - Busy Day, Laundry, Celebrating a Friend's Retirement, On the Run Here and There, Baking/Cooking and A Sense of Satisfaction!

Thursday, June 27, 2019 - Busy Day, Laundry, Celebrating a Friend's Retirement, On the Run Here and There, Baking/Cooking and A Sense of Satisfaction!

I woke up a little after 5:30.  First thing, I went downstairs to turn on the coffeepot, and put the first load of clothes in the washer. Since I finished my post for Wednesday last night I had a little time to catch up on the blogs I follow while having my first cup of coffee.  It didn't last long though.  Before I knew it the first load of clothes were done.  I set the combo unit to dry.  After making the bed, I had my morning slimfast drink, and got ready for the day.  By then the dryer was done, and another loaded needed to go in the washer.  I need to follow Dean to Parsons this morning.  The truck is scheduled to be worked on this morning, as well as the normal maintenance.  We need to leave Oswego by 7:30 am.  Boy, the first two hours of today went by fast.

I love these silicone muffin trays.  Easy to clean and store.

After leaving the truck, we stopped at the truck stop just south of the Chevy dealership, to wash my car.  After that, I needed to stop by son Marc's office to give him the money for the items I delivered for him Tuesday.  He met us outside, and we visited a few minutes before we left for home.

Back at Bentley, I put another load of clothes in, and did a general pick-up of things.  We will be leaving here on Saturday morning for Wichita, so I'm trying to get as much done as I can over the next couple of days.  While the washer was going, I went to the grocery store to get a few things we needed.

My combo unit working away.  It sits in my pantry.

I kept the combo washer/dryer going almost all day.  Going a week without having sewer hookups, and buying some new clothes has kept it busy.  Since I have a combo - it takes a little longer - but I love being here so I can do other things in between.  I actually enjoy doing laundry.  I wish I loved cleaning as much!  Lol!

At 11:45 I headed to City Hall.  My friend and former co-worker Renee is retiring and today is her last day.  I was unable to attend her reception last week, so I wanted to take her to lunch.  Renee and I have been friends from way back, when we first met in middle school at Chetopa.  It was such a blessing when she came to work for us.  She was a great employee, and I know everyone still there today will miss her.  I hope she and her husband Bill both enjoy their retirement!

After I dropped Renee off at City Hall, I headed to my hairdresser, Marla.  She didn't have to do much but trim the thin ends and wax my eyebrows.  I always look forward to seeing her and catching up with all that is going on with her and her family.  I have a bad habit of not carrying my checkbook - because I hardly ever use it; but today when I needed it, I'd left it at home.  😔  I told Marla I'd be back with a check.

When I returned, Dean told me the truck was done.  On the way, we stopped at Marla's to leave the check, before we headed to Parsons.  Dean wanted to wash the truck before he left, so I came on home - I was so anxious to get back to my laundry!!  Lol!  Haleigh sent me a text wanting to know if one of us could take her to work.  I told her I'd be back in time to do that.  I had some bananas I needed to do something with so I made banana bread muffins.  I baked them in the convection oven in my silicone muffin tray.  I had enough batter to make 11 muffins.  I barely had the muffins in the convection oven when Haleigh sent a text she was ready.  Fortunately she isn't too far away, so I was back long before the muffins were done baking.

We each had one, and  the other 9 went in the freezer, for another day.  

Dean returned shortly after that.  As I said in my heading today - it has been busy!  I failed to mention in my post yesterday - our shopping day was actually very relaxing, no rush while shopping, we had a nice lunch and a great visit with family.  It was a nice laid back day with my best friends!  

Tonight I made cheeseburgers for dinner (inside) and we enjoyed some mixed fruit I bought at the grocery store earlier today.  They make up small containers with a variety of fruit.  I rarely get one, but it looked too good to pass up today.  Then it was doing dishes, putting them away, folding a few more clothes and working on this post.

While it was a busy day, there is also great satisfaction in knowing things are getting done!  

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - Cheri went Shopping (with her sisters); Lunch Pictures; Visiting in Joplin

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - Sister Shopping; Lunch Picture; Special Visit; Dean was Busy Too!

Around 3:00am I woke up, only to hear rain.  I couldn't figure out where I was and why it was raining.  Moving two days in a row had me confused plus I didn't think it was supposed to rain.  After a few seconds, my head cleared enough to remember we were back in Oswego, but I wasn't too excited about the rain since I have plans for today.  Fortunately, the weather cleared and it turned into a beautiful day.

I finally gave in and got up a little before 5am, then turning the coffee pot on.  I need to leave at 7:45 this morning so I can pick my sisters up for our day of shopping together in Joplin, MO.  I read a few emails while enjoying my first cup of coffee.  Dean woke up an hour or so later and joined me.  At 6 I got up to shower and get ready.  I even had time to do a little straightening up before I left.

I picked Crystal up - she's nearby, then Cindy and finally Jody.  Soon we were all loaded, and headed east.  We arrived at Khol's shortly before 9 and waited until the doors were opened, just a few minutes, before heading in.  We spent quite a bit of time here today - much more than usual.  I ended up buying quite a few clothes - 2 pairs of jean capri's, 5 tops, a pair of leggings, a tankini top and skirted bottom bathing suit, plus a hat to wear when in the sun.  I've looked at that hat 3 times, and finally today, with my sister's approval, I bought it!  Lol!

We left there for the Mall - almost next door to Khol's - where we stopped at Penney's and Sear's.  Next, we headed to Olive Garden for lunch.  All of us ordered the soup, salad and breadsticks.  I asked our waitress if she would mind taking our picture, and she quickly obliged.

Left (front - Cheri), (back - Cindy), Right (back - Jody), (front - Crystal).

Our next stop was Sam's, practically next door to Olive Garden.  When we were here back in April Jody bought two rugs but one of them was damaged, so she wanted to pick up another one, and I needed another tub of cashews.

We made a quick stop at Academy so Cindy could return some shoes.  Even though we took time to look around, we left without purchasing anything today.

At this point we determined we were shopped out, so Cindy sent a text to see if Larry and Verna (our stepdad and his wife) were home.  Verna said yes, come on over.  We made a quick stop at Sonic to get something to drink and were soon pulling in the driveway.  They were surprised when all four of us climbed out of the car.

We had a wonderful visit with Larry and Verna for an hour or more. After hugs and goodbyes, we needed to head home.  I dropped everyone off and as I headed toward the RV Park I saw Dean turning into the park from the south.  I followed him to our site, parked, and then gathered up all my things to take inside.

When I came back outside, Dean told me it had been a busy day for him.  One of our bin door hinges broke sometime ago, and Dean's been babying it for months.  A month or so back, it got much worse.  He had our dealer order a new hinge when we had all of the work done to Bentley a month or so ago.  It finally came in while we were in Louisburg.  This morning he took the bin door off Bentley.  He took it to Chetopa RV and left it so our dealer, Darrell could attach the hinge.  I helped him get the bin door back on.  We are sure glad we were able to get this repaired before we leave on our trip west.

While he was at Chetopa earlier this morning to leave the bin door, he received a call from Westar Electric.  Dean called them yesterday about disconnecting the electric wire from the garage so our contractor could put the new roof on.  When he finished at Chetopa he met Jay, our local Westar electrician at the garage where Jay took care of it for us.  

While we were in Garnett, we emptied one of our propane bottles, so that was another chore to take care of today.  When he returned from Co-op he caulked several areas on Bentley - just routine maintenance that needed to be done.  

Granddaughter Haleigh called Papa and asked if he would take her to work, and of course he did.  After he dropped her off, he headed back to Chetopa.

I had planned to make a pizza (on the Weber grill).  Since we just returned after moving twice in two days, Dean did not have it out, and he'd have to put it right back tomorrow.  To make it easy we just ordered a pizza for tonight.  

After resting for awhile, I did a load of laundry, washed dishes, changed the sheets on the bed, and put the new clothes in the hamper to wash tomorrow or Friday.  The laundry basket is full after not having sewer for several days, but it won't take long to get everything done.

I'm just thankful for the energy God gives me every day.  It was a great day with my sisters - my best friends for life.  

Monday, June 24, 2019 - Moving to Louisburg, KS; Visit with Friends; Tuesday, June 25 - Moving to Oswego, KS; Grandkids; Delivery Mom; Laundry

Monday, June 24 - Tuesday, June 25, 2019 

Monday, June 24, 2019 - Moving to Louisburg, KS; Visit with Friends   

We were up early this morning because we are moving from Garnett to Louisburg, KS.  We decided rather than make breakfast we'd just run into town to get a roll from the Donut Shop, since we needed fuel too.  You may remember from past posts, that we both love apple fritters and that is what I picked up after we stopped at a gas station just a short distance away.

We returned to the park and ate our fritters.  It wasn't the best we've ever had.  It was overcooked, we couldn't taste any apple and it was very sugary. 

After we parked.

I quickly put things away inside while Dean took care of the outside.  I put the slides in, then came out to back the truck to hitch up the RV.  After we got the jacks up and the boards put in the truck, Dean did his walk around and we left the park at 8:50am and arrived at Rutlader RV Park in Louisburg, KS at 10:00am.  We worked together to get things set up.  I went in to turn the air conditioners on while Dean hooked up the water.  It was close to 11 before we left.   

While Dean was finishing up I called Treasure Lake to purchase tickets for Dolly's Stampede in Branson for Matt, Megan, their kids, Dean and I.  Megan made a hotel reservation yesterday for both of us for July 5th.  We are going to Dolly's at 5:30 on the 5th.  The next day we will go to Silver Dollar City.  Matt hasn't been since he was pretty young and Megan and the kids have never been, so we are excited to show them a few sights while we are there.

As soon as the trip planning was completed we left to spend the day with our good friends Donnie & Janie Allison.  After Janie retired as the Grade School Principal in Oswego, they moved to the Kansas City area where their son, wife and three children live.  We've visited them several times but it has been awhile since we last saw each other. We were not sure we were going to be able to fit this visit in while we were home, but we are sure glad it worked out.  We have so much fun, laughing all the time.  We have so many funny stories from all the years we've done things with them, as we've set through numerous ballgames together as our boys played on the same teams.  A lot of great memories have been made with these two.

We arrived around 11:30 and visited for an hour or so.  The plan was for Donnie to take Dean out to where he used to work at a cabinet shop, and Janie was taking me to the "Spice Shop" and a few shops/boutiques near there.  But first we all stopped at Goodcents for a sandwich.  It was mine and Dean's first time here, and we would go back!  We parted ways and will meet back up at their house later.  At the spice shop I found exactly what I was looking for - dried lemon peel for my all-seasoning recipe.  I also noticed they had a salt-free dry rub on display. They had small bottles so I bought one to try it out on some ribs I purchased a couple of weeks ago.  I signed up for the shop email list and received a free spice from a choice of 5 or 6.  I chose parsley since mine was near empty.

We walked through a few shops and the only other thing we purchased was a snack at a bakery.  Janie had a cookie and I chose a lemon bar.  They were very good.  After that we returned to their house.  We barely made it inside when the guys pulled up.  Their daughter, Beth Ann is visiting them for a few weeks and it was great to catch up with her too.  We all visited, laughing so hard, that I almost had tears a few times.  Donnie showed us the woodshop he has put together in his basement and some of the things he's been making in his spare time, after he retired a few months ago.

It was around 5 when we left their house (Donnie rode with Dean and I rode with Janie) to a restaurant called Burnt Ends just off 119th St and Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park.  Dean and I ordered burnt ends, and two sides that we shared.  Oh my goodness - they were so delicious.  I've never had burnt ends before but if this is what they taste like we will be having them more often.  The meat was so tender and juicy.....it was amazing!  I tried a small amount of three different sauces they had available.  I thought I liked hot - but two of them were way too hot for me.  The third one was just right!

After dinner, we continued visiting at the restaurant for awhile, before we finally parted ways.  However, with plans to get together sooner next time.

Dean and I made the trip back to Rutlader RV Park- about a 20 minute drive.  I was bushed.  I set down and fell asleep within 15 minutes.  I'm not sure how long I slept but when I woke up I told Dean I was going to bed. 





Tuesday, June 25 - Moving to Oswego, KS; Delivery Mom and Grandkids

I'm not sure I moved all night, until shortly before I got up at 5:30.  I felt quite rested and ready to face the world again.

We both drank a slim-fast meal replacement shake for breakfast today.  That limited the dishes I needed to do before we left.  Since the only thing we really used yesterday was our chairs and the bed, it didn't take long to pack things up.  It was 8:17 when we pulled out of the park and began the 3 hour drive home.

We saw quite a bit of water in a few areas from the heavy rains over the weekend, but for the most part it wasn't too bad.  The drive was pretty quiet.  I got a big "FAIL" on my picture taking for the trip back to Oswego.

We made a stop in Pittsburg to pick up our mail, which amounted to mostly junk.  The only thing we received of value was the new tag for the car.  It was a little before 11 when we pulled into the same site in Hillside RV Park, that we left earlier this month.  We have a new neighbor, and I noticed right away we were going to need a two-way water splitter for the faucet as we would both will need to share the faucet.  I sent Todd a text and he brought us one.  Dean and I quickly finished getting everything set up.  After opening the slides and getting the air turned on, we left to go pick up my car at the garage.  Our roof wasn't done yet, but we were quite happy to see shingles and the other items needed to get it done on site.  (Broc called Dean later today to let him know he would be repairing the roof this weekend).

I made us a quick lunch.  I left the park, stopped to pick Haleigh up, and we headed to Parsons. Delivery Mom Cheri stopped by son Marc's work to pick up some items he made for someone in Oswego.  I'm going to deliver them for him.  (By the way, I don't mind doing this - especially when it means I get to spend time with the grandkids.)  Our next stop was to see Kamron and Jaxson.  We had a fun visit with them.  I miss these kiddos when we are gone, as well as all of the grandkids Dean's boys have given us.  We'll get to see all of them next week when we head to Wichita, then Liberal, MO while Dean's son Matt and family are here.  

We made one last stop at McDonald's for frappes for both of us (Kamron and I definitely got Haleigh hooked on them after she tried one in Joplin a few weeks ago)!  

On the way back to Oswego we stopped at the Golf Course to visit with Misit for a few minutes.  I dropped Haleigh off at home before heading back to Bentley.  The laundry has piled up after having no sewer hookup for nearly a week - so the first load went in the washing machine.  The next load tomorrow evening - as I have another full day planned for Wednesday, June 26.

I'm so glad I keep Marie Callendar's chicken pot pies in my freezer, for these days I'm just too tired to cook.  In less than 30 minutes we were both having dinner.  They are really good on days like this!

After our dinner, I started work on the blog in hopes of finishing it up before I head to bed.  It's getting close to that time, so Good Night.

Saturday & Sunday Saturday, June 22, 2019 - Happy birthday Heath! Breakfast at Dutch Country Cafe; Lunch at Marie's Sunday - June 23, 2019 - Catching up on Blogs, Going through Emails, Family Visits

Saturday & Sunday   
Saturday, June 22, 2019 - Happy birthday Heath!  Breakfast at Dutch Country Cafe; Lunch at Marie's   

Dean's oldest son Heath is celebrating his birthday, with his family, in Cancun, MX this week.  What a way to celebrate your birthday!  We hope they are having a great time.  We've enjoyed the pictures of the kids they have shared with us.  We are looking forward to seeing them in a week.

We both enjoyed lunch at Dutch Country Cafe yesterday and since we haven't had breakfast out in some time, we decided to see how their breakfast is.  Dean had his regular breakfast and I went with a ham and cheese omelet.  When they brought our food there were enough hash browns for almost 4 meals.  I couldn't quite finish my omelet or my toast, so we got a to-go box and brought the rest of it home.  We'll see if we can't make Dean a good breakfast for tomorrow morning too.

We went back to the RV.  I did the few dishes we had, made the bed and we headed to Marie's (Dean's sister).  Marie invited her siblings (Larry, Joyce, Ruthann, Dean), her children (Tracy/Aaron, Christy/Ron, and Keith/Ruana and their families, and Brett but he couldn't make it.  Marie is a great cook; and all of her kids are too.  I know Joyce, Ruthann, Carina and Katie pitched right in doing their part as well.   For lunch we had two kinds of pork loin that Jerry (Marie's husband) cooked on their grill; fruit, cheesy potatoes, potato salad, roast beef salad, baked beans, mac & cheese, beef and noodles, corn bread casserole, spicy corn, pink stuff salad, and homemade rolls.  I probably missed something.  I took a small spoonful of everything and IT WAS ALL DELICIOUS!  That was our lunch.  For dessert we had chocolate chip cookies (homemade by Katie, I think), no bake cookies, what I call dirt cake with gummy worms on the side, peach cobbler, zucchini cake, and I think there were a few other things as well.  Oh yeah, and ice cream for the cobbler too.  You never go hungry at Marie's.  

This is the flag that our grandson Tucker made for Marie - she has it proudly displayed just outside her front door!

Larry's wife Sandi and her four great-granddaughters.

Nephews Aaron and Ron 

Nieces Tracy (blue), Christy (pink) and sister Joyce.

Ron, Gage's girlfriend, Larry

Carina, Sandi and Aaron

Ruanna feeding Canon.  He sure is a cutie!

Larry and Sandi's granddaughter Shelby, husband Scotty and their four girls; and Keith and Ruanna's son Gage, his girlfriend and her little boy Canon joined us for dinner as well.  It's fun to see all of the little ones having a good time with each other.

After lunch everyone visited.  As always, there was lots of laughter.  It was a very enjoyable day!  It was around 8 when we headed back to Bentley. 

The park was full when we pulled in this evening.

Sunday - June 23, 2019 - Catching up on Blogs, Going through Emails, Family Visits

I slept in this morning until 6:30 and woke to more rain.  I believe it rained most of the night as well.  Typically we turn the air conditioner fan on Low when we go to bed, so it will run all night long.  Sometimes it's nice when there are loud outside noises (such as a highway, train, etc.), but I've found I sleep better when the fan runs all night.  Last night neither of us remembered to change it to Low.  I think I woke up every time it went off - which seemed often.  It was about 3, when I finally got up, found my flashlight and turned it to Low so it would run continuously and I could get some sleep.  Why I didn't do it the first time I woke up, I don't know!  I slept great the rest of the night.


After our morning coffee, Dean doctored up the leftover hash browns, warmed up my remaining omelet and re-toasted the homemade toast from yesterday for his breakfast.  He said the hash browns were better today.  

This is what I saw when I walked out of Bentley this morning - not an RV anywhere.  They sure were quiet leaving.

Dean went outside to try and locate the problem with the trailer brakes.  While he was busy with that I decided to catch up on reading blog posts, and spend some time cleaning up my emails.  I've been doing this when I have an extra hour or two and I'm making some progress.  I helped Dean a couple of times outside.  When he came in he said he had found the problem.  When we bought this truck the plug-in for the RV was just above the bumper of the truck.  Dean asked the dealer to put a plug in the bed of the truck because our first truck had one in the bed and he really liked it.  What he found out today is the plug-in above the bumper works.  There is a bad connection between that one and the one they put in the bed of the truck.  We are now good to go.  He'll work on the connection between the two  of them after we get home. 

Once he was finished, we had a quick lunch.  I continued working on cleaning up my blogs until about 1 or so.  Dean wanted to stop by to see his brother Larry and wife Sandi again before we leave tomorrow.  Their son Preston, wife Erica and daughter Addison were there.  They drove up from Houston yesterday to spend a few weeks.  We had a great visit with them all before we left to drive out to Marie's.  When we got there, no one was there.  Dean called her and they were on their way to Lawrence to eat.  

Banners put up by the City of Garnett, purchased by family members to honor Veterans from Garnett.  This is Dean's brother Dale.  He passed in 2009.  Do you see any resemblance?  

Dean has been talking about visiting his cousin Ray and wife Cheri Peine in Garnett.  I suggested we stop by to see them.  Fortunately, they were home and we had wonderful visit with them .  These last few days have been great for Dean, visiting and/or hearing about family and friends still in the area.  We've driven a number of the roads around Garnett including the one leading to the home where he grew up.  While the house is no longer standing, there were a few buildings/structures he reminisced about.  The one room school he attended through sixth grade was just down the road.  I love hearing about his memories of the area and seeing where different places are.  Names that were very foreign the first time we came to Garnett now sound much more familiar to me.

We were shocked to see water on both sides of the highway from Pottawatomie Creek, which a few days ago was all open fields on our way to Marie's.  We knew it rained last night and some the previous two days but WOW!  Come to find out they had around 5" of rain last night along with a few inches over the previous two days.   

When we left Ray and Cheri's we grabbed a hamburger at Dairy Queen; then drove to Marie's.  Ruthann sent a text once they were leaving Lawrence.  On the way we decided to take a little detour and visit the Richmond Lake, then we took the back roads to Marie & Jerry's.  

Richmond Lake

We learned Richmond's ballfield was moved out near the lake several years ago, so we had to check it out.  The ballfield is in the background.

Another shot of the lake area where several people were fishing this evening.

The countryside around Garnett is really beautiful - lots of rolling hills.

Can you guess what I found interesting in this picture?  Yes, I love those old barns!

We had a really good visit with every one this evening - Jerry, Marie, Joyce, Ruthann, Tracy, Aaron, Carina and Katie.  Another great evening with a lot more laughs.  It was 9:15 when we headed home and I was able to get this last picture of what was left of the sunset.

We have one more overnight stop before we head back to Oswego.