Monday-Friday, August 10-14, 2020 - Elkhart County Campground & Affinity RV Group; Enjoying the Amish Countryside - Goshen, IN

Monday, August 10, 2020 

(I guess I finally adjusted to eastern time)  We made it a point to be in bed around 10 last night.  I started winding down about 9:30.  I guessed it worked.  I was up at 4:40 this morning after a good night's sleep.  That's more like it!

We have an appointment this morning at Affinity RV Group here in Goshen (4 miles from the Elkhart County Fairgrounds) to have them check our refrigerator.  Approximately 2 months ago I ran across a thermometer in an RV blog that would track temperatures in four different locations.   The main thermostat stays in the rig (on our island - where we can easily see it).  The other three modules were put in these locations:  inside the freezer and the refrigerator and outside of the rig.  The main thermostat reflects the temperatures for all locations.  

First reading with the new thermometer on June 23, 2020.  Top # is inside, bottom from left to right:  72.6 is outside; 17.7 is the freezer; and 42.0 is the refrigerator.

Right away we discovered the temperatures in the freezer and refrigerator are very erratic and often too high!  Since we are in Goshen, we asked Affinity to address a few other items too.

Our appointment is at 9:30.  We arrived shortly after 9.  We met with Skylar, who we've talked to  on the phone a few times, and Brenda.  They walked through the RV taking notes on everything we mentioned.  I shared in an earlier post how a 5# weight got behind the slide and cracked the trim.  We've been putting a piece of metal under that corner to bring the slide in and out while one of us is watching so it does not cause any further damage.  They will repair that for us.  We've been having trouble with the dining slide hitting the bottom of the island when we bring it in.  I've been standing on the slide as it comes in, and that seems to help, so they will adjust it.  We had a depression in front of the refrigerator and one in front of the dresser in the bedroom.  They recommended padded slides that can help prevent these depressions, for the kitchen area.  We bought a set to use on either side of the island.  

The dark side lays against the floor as the slide is brought in.

We noticed when we used the padded slides the dining slide did not make the creaking noise when we brought the slide in before we left Affinty.  It would be great if that solved the problem, but they will still check it out.  Outside, they took the top back panel off the refrigerator, where we noticed the coils had burned into the top of a metal plate.  Skylar said the plate was too big for what should be there and it definitely needed to be cut to size.  They reviewed the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer we have been keeping track of for the past 1.5 months after our purchase of the thermometer, along with the temperatures outside during that time.  In almost a six week period after we started tracking the temperatures on June 23, while the refrigerator was set at (9) -- which is the highest # and should keep the refrigerator the coldest -- we noticed right away the temperatures were above 40 degrees the first few days.  Twice during this time, the refrigerator reached 52 degrees, and well over 40 degrees several times.  

The thermometer that we bought to go in the refrigerator shortly after we purchased Bentley indicates the refrigerator temperature should not raise above 40.  If it goes up we need to turn the temp up - it has been set at 9 since near the first of June, and we can't increase it any higher.  For the freezer it indicates 0 is the highest temp - it should remain under 0 or below.  Since we started tracking the temperature with the new thermometer it has not been under 0 at all, and has been as high as 25.5.  

We went over a few other things, and gave them a copy of our extended warranty info, then we brought the rig back to the campground.  In the meantime they will contact both our extended warranty company and Norcold (refrigerator company). It was nearly 11 when we finished and returned to the campground with Bentley.  (We will go in on Tuesday, August 18 so they can test the hot water heater, as it quit working on the 11th).  

Brenda called us back about 11:30.  After talking to Norcold they asked us to unplug the thermister in the refrigerator for 48 hours, and to continue tracking the temperatures during that time.  Over the last 48 hours the highest temperature for the frig was 40.3 but most of the time it was in the mid to upper 30's.  The freezer readings ranged from 3 to 6.7, with the refrigeartor set at the highest setting of 9.  They will be replacing the thermister.

We were hungry so we decided we would order from Kentucky Fried Chicken (one of Dean's favorites for chicken).  We both chose chicken strips and a side.  The meal came with a biscuit and drink.  We drove back to the campground to eat.  We were both very disappointed with the chicken strips, as they were overcooked.  Our sides and the biscuit were really good though.

We were not sure what to expect when we visited Affinity, so we used most of the food we had in the refrigerator/freezer before we arrived.  Since we have not been to a grocery store since we left Oswego, we didn't have much on hand; so, this evening we went to Dairy Queen.  I had chicken fingers again and Dean chose a cheeseburger.  For a $1 I could upgrade an ice cream cone that came with my meal to a tiny blizzard, so I took advantage of it.  Dean ordered a small one, and asked them to hold the blizzards until after we had a chance to eat our meal.  In the meantime, another couple came in and set a couple of tables over from us (every other table was marked for social distancing).  We waited and waited, the couple next to us got their food, and still we waited.  The young lady that took our order asked me if we still wanted our blizzards.  I told her yes, but we haven't received our meal yet.  We finally got our meal, shortly before the people next to us left.  When we were almost done I went to the counter to let them know we were ready for our blizzards.  When they arrived we left, taking them back to Bentley to enjoy.

We knew the forecast was calling for rain and thunderstorms.  We barely made it back to Bentley when the wind came up.  We went outside to make sure our chairs were put away.  I noticed the coach next to us was doing the same.  I asked her (Nancy) if she knew if there was a shelter on the fairgrounds as the weather report indicated there may be tornadic activity.  She told us where it was located, and I'm sure glad I asked her about it.  It was just a short time later the tornado siren went off.  I gathered up a few things in my "RV bag" that we carry with us and we headed to the shleter near the entrance of the park.  People started pouring in shortly after that.  One gentleman drove to other areas of the park where people were parked to be sure they knew where to go.  I'm not sure of the exact number, but I would guess there were somewhere between 25-35 people who arrived at the shleter.  

Dean stayed upstairs near the door watching the weather with a couple of other people and I went down to the basement.  I noticed a couple sitting very near me.  I told her she and her husband looked familiar to me, were they Heartland owners?  Yes, they were.  It was Dan and Karen H.  I knew they looked familiar.  I met them when we attended the National Heartland Rally 3 years ago (2017).  Karen helped with one of the food demonstrations and I set next to her during another cooking demonstration.  I visited with them until it was time to leave the shelter.  Fortunately we were not impacted other than heavy rain and lightening.  A small town, Wakarusa, about 15 miles southwest of us did have damage from a tornado.  Here's a link to an article about it:  https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/weather/residents-begin-to-repair-rebuild-after-tornado-hits-wakarusa/article_4911349e-dc14-11ea-857d-2bf30744fc9c.html

We were very thankful it did not impact anyone or anything in the park.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 

Before I went to bed last night I sorted the laundry.  We've not had sewer hookups since Marshfield, MO, so it has piled up.  I took a load downstairs before going to bed, so I could start as soon as I was up.  I was able to finish two loads before we did a little exploring around Middlebury, IN.

Since we didn't need to report back to Affinity RV for the next 48 hours, we headed to Rise n Roll in Middlebury.  It is a wonderful bakery that we love to visit when in this area.  Dean chose an apple fritter and I went with the pecan sticky bun.  We both decided my choice was the best!  I keep telling Dean he really should listen to me when it comes to food.  He's always disappointed when he tastes my meal, and almost always asks me why I don't just order for him too.  LOL!!!

My pecan sticky bun - it was delicous, but I couldn't eat it all.  Dean had to finish it later in the day.

Dean's apple fritter.  He said it was good, but not as good as Lamar's in Wichita.  

Afterwards, he wanted to drive to Dick's Auto Parts.  We drove around the area, and soon found ourselves crossing the state line into Michigan, where we meandered around country roads just taking in the sights, before coming back to Dick's.  Besides a large showroom with all kinds of truck/auto accessories, they also do body work.  We enjoyed looking around.  Dean had heard about the variety of different tannoeu covers they have on display which was the reason for our stop.  He is looking for one that will allow him to open it right behind the cab so he can easily access the auxilary fuel tank.  The one we have now, opens from the tailgate and must be rolled all the way to the cab to access the extra tank.  He wasn't sure if the one on display would set high enough over the cap of the fuel tank, but will take a closer look.  We are not in the market for one today, but will be in the future.  He picked up a phamplet that provided more information.

Here are a few pictures I took during our drive around Middlebury and Goshen:

I loved this picture of the cows grazing alongside the corn, as they made their way back to the barn.

One of the things I enjoy most about visiting this area are the beautiful flowers we see at most properties, many are Amish farms, and of course the barns.

With this many flowers I wonder if they sell the plants too.

As we drove the highway in Middlebury.

I love the hanging flower baskets and the flag displays along the highway and Main Street in Middlebury.  

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As we returned to Goshen, we stopped at several places looking for a new quick connect set for Bentley, as well as some washers for the hose.  Dean finally found what he needed at Lowe's, after first checking out Menard's. 

In between washing laundry we made a trip to Meijer's for some groceries.  To make it easy, this evening we grilled 4 hamburgers, 2 for tonight and then 2 for tomorrow evening.  On Monday afternoon we were driving around when I noticed a vegetable stand in someone's yard.  The road was really busy so we decided we would come back later.  I saved the intersection road numbers for later reference.   This afternoon we drove back to the location (it took us awhile to find it), but it was not open.  We saw another one and stopped at it.  It was a small stand with small tomatoes, but they were fresh from the garden, not from a greenhouse.  They tasted wonderful.  There's nothing like a fresh tomato on a sandwich or hamburger.    

We belong to an online group called RVillage.  I noticed I had a message from Ed and Sandy, another couple here in the park about getting together.  Since we were out most of the day and Dean has his sibling phone call this evening I suggested we try to get together tomorrow afternoon or evening.  Dean talked to Ed later and they decided tomorrow late afternoon/early evening would work best.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 - Happy Birthday Kamron!

Today is granddaughter Kamron's 15th birthday.  I sent her a text letting her know I was thinking of her on her special day.  It's hard to believe she will be in High School this year!  

I spent most of the day updating our budget for June, July and to date for August.  It felt good to get that job out of the way.  I had not filed papers for a month or so, so I took care of that as well.  I also started working on this blog post.  The problem with not doing it immediately, I forget what happens.  I often check my pictures and receipts to remember where we went and what we did.

That took most of my day.  Dean piddled around outside and inside.  We never left the fairgrounds today.

He grilled some chicken breasts for dinner.  They were so large, we shared one and saved the second one for another meal.  After dinner and the dishes were done we moved outside.  We had a little shade, but not enough to enjoy being outside to visit with our neighbors across the road.  Dean and I got out our sun shade and put it up which provided a pretty nice shaded area.  Ed and Sandy walked over around 7 or so and we visited for the next couple of hours.  We sure enjoyed our time with them and hope we get the chance to visit with them again before we leave.  

We are planning to leave Friday to drive up the east coast of Michigan, approximately 100 miles to spend a couple of days.  It will be nice to see some different countryside along Lake Michigan for three nights.

Dean and I have failed the past couple of months with our habit of walking every morning when we had so much rain this spring, then it turned hot.  Dean still managed to lose several pounds working at the lot, but I've managed to gain a few - less than 5#'s, but I need to start walking again now, or the next thing I know, it will be 7, 8 or 10#.  We are going to try and start back.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

We decided to have breakfast out this morning at the Lux Cafe.  When we arrived it was not real busy.  We were seated immediately - with every other table empty to maintain social distancing.  We were both looking at their main menu.  While Dean was still looking, I looked through the entire menu to see what they had for lunch/dinner, when I ran across a Senior Breakfast Menu.  We both ended up selecting something from it.  Not only was it less calories but less money.  It was plenty of food for both of us - so a win-win all around.

One slice of french toast and 2 slices of bacon for me.

Dean had one egg, hash browns, a sausage patty and one slice of wheat toast.

We were both satisfied with the meal and would return here again.  We returned to the campground shortly before 10.  Later, we had a sandwich and our apple for lunch.  Shortly before 3:00 I mentioned the ice cream place I had read about in Nappanee called Rocket Science Ice Cream.  They handcraft their ice cream with liquid nitrogen.  It sounded interesting and we are always up to trying a new ice cream place.

We finally found it in Coppes Common, a former planing mill that now is home to many shops and restaurants.  My first question to the young man who was at the counter - what is the most requested ice cream?  Both first and second included peanut butter.  I love peanut butter but not in my ice cream and Dean is not a big peanut butter fan at all.  I'm still surprised he likes it on our daily apples.  I chose my ice cream with rasberries that were sweetened, with dark chocolate shavings and pieces of chocolate brownie mixed in.  I ordered a small.

Does this look like a small to you?  NO, I didn't think so either!

Dean chose butter pecan.  While he liked it, it wasn't what he expected.  I read later it had maple syrup in it, and probably changed the taste from what he ususally has from Braum's.  I should have ordered for him again...lol!  He said it was good but he was upset about the size of his order.  He ordered a medium.  Look at the difference in sizes.  He says this always happens to him - and honestly it does happen alot!

If we ever go again - and someday we probably will - I'll definitely get the next smaller size.  I ate every last bite though!!!!

We rode around Nappanee after our ice cream and I took a few pictures to share with you:

What a neat car!  I'd love to take it for a spin.

Every corner at this intersection not only had beautiful flowers, and small trees but also an interesting metal structure.  Notice the pinwheels on this one.

I had to take this picture from across the street - it's a guy on a bicycle.

I missed the sculpture here but I think it was a rocket.

The old Plaining Mill where the Coppes Commons is located - including Rocket Science Ice Cream

On our way home I noticed these pumpkins growing in a yard.  They are getting quite large.

It was a nice day, slower paced and most of all I felt like good about getting several things accomplished the past two days.

Friday, August 14, 2020 - Morning Walk, Shipshewanna, Dunlap, and Goshen

It was shortly after 7, when I asked Dean if he would like to walk this morning.  Sure, so off we headed to walk the fairgrounds.  We walked until we reached a mile, then retraced our steps for a second mile.  It was a beautiful morning with temperatures in the low 60's.  

Beautiful sunrise with this morning.

We enjoy walking through the fairgrounds.  They have beautiful flowers/bushes and trees, along with the various buildings throughout the grounds.

Cute 4-H fire hydrant

Looking back over the fairground buildings

Sunrise over the dirt race track used for selkie horse racing.  We enjoyed watching these when we were attending the Heartland Rally here in 2017.

See the two horses - they are following the truck at the pace they want them to run.

As we came back, a weight team was getting ready to weigh a fifth wheel.  It will be pulled by the semi truck, with their small car setting on the back of the truck.  Actually there were two units out there.  One was weighing and the other was weighed.  It was interesting to watch.

I love this sculpture with the corn stalks and ears of corn.  I wanted you to see it close up, so you can see the detail you cannot see in the picture above this one.

That's our Bentley - right there!

After we returned to Bentley, we had our shakes.  I did the dishes and we got ready for our day.  I wanted to finish some of my paperwork I didn't quite get finished with yesterday, and then started working on the blog.  

We stopped to have lunch and watch "Gunsmoke".  Lol! a daily thing.  I told Dean I'd like to drive over to Shipshewanna just for something to do.  We left shortly before 1.  We took some of the back roads on the way so we could admire the homes in the countryside.  I enjoy seeing the beautiful clean homes, barns and flowers that are so beautiful.  If only everyone kept their properties up like this.  Sigh!

Once we arrived in Shipshewanna, we drove through town and only made two stops.  Dean wanted to stop at Ben's Soft Pretzels.  We stopped here when we had our disc brakes put on two years ago.  I was surprised he remembered it.  While he liked the pretzels what he remembered was watching them roll out the dough, throw it in the air, then quickly wrap it into a pretzel.  We bought one, with vanilla icing to dip it in.  We walked back to the truck and shared it.  I noticed there was a health store next door.  I needed to purchase some vitamins as mine were getting low.  I was happy to get everything I needed...and we were the only ones in the store.

We didn't buy much meat when we were at Meijer's a couple of days ago, so I suggested we go back and see what else we could find, plus a few other things.  I chose a pork loin, pork chops and a package of hot dogs.  We like keeping the hot dogs on hand for a quick meal when we've been on the road for the day, plus another package of sliced ham for sandwiches.  

We watched a little TV and I made some reservations for our next few stops.  I cheated a bit and we had our first hot dogs for dinner tonight.  LOL!  Dean had a few chips and I enjoyed Janna's salsa with some tostitoes.  Yum!

We had planned to leave today, but yesterday evening we realized if we stayed here another three nights we would get one night free.  If you stay 7 nights, the 7th night is free.  I went up and paid for 3 more nights.  On Tuesday, after we stop at Affinity to have the electric water heater tested for our extended warranty we will move up the coast of Michigan Lake where we will spend three nights.  We are looking forward to it, as we have not explored this part of Michigan before.  

It was a nice evening, so we decided to take a walk about 8.  I wanted to hit 12,000 steps, but managed to get in 13,000.  Woohoo!

It was a good, productive day.