Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13, 2020 - Preparing for our Move Tomorrow; Lunch with Grandkids; Chores in Joplin; Visiting my Step-Dad; Quiet Evening at Home

Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13, 2020 - Preparing for our Move Tomorrow; Lunch with Grandkids; Chores in Joplin; Visiting my Step-Dad; Quiet Evening at Home

Saturday, September 12

When I said yesterday we would have a busy day today I was not exaggerating!  Both of us spent the morning getting things done in preparation for our move tomorrow.  I headed to the grocery store at 7am to get a few groceries before we leave.  Dean needed to take some things out of Bentley's basement - our old grill, extra chairs we had taken with us to Pennsylvania, and a cooler.  He took these to the garage, and while he was there he seasoned the new grill before we use it for the first time.  We had received a message this morning that the other items I ordered from Amazon had been delivered here at the park.  They leave them at the office, so he stopped to pick those up, as well as another package that was delivered to the Post Office this morning - our protein powder made it here before Monday!  We were happy to hear that since we won't be back in Oswego for 2-3 weeks.  

He was happy to get the grill tools I ordered for him to use on the Blackstone as well.  The gift cards the boys gave him helped purchase these two items!!  I washed all of those so they would be ready to use while we are at out campout.

While he was gone I vacuumed, dusted, etc. and started putting things away I knew we would not be using before we leave tomorrow.  I also made some some changes in the desk storage area.  I always struggle to get my cookbook out, so I moved it to the storage area in the middle, where I can easily open it and pull it out while sitting at the desk working.  The things that were there, we don't use nearly as often (manuals for Bentley), but we need them with us; so they moved into the emptied area where the cookbook had been.

We are meeting our grandkids (Brett's) in Columbus at 11:00 for lunch at Las Lunas.  They are two very busy kids.  Dacy is attending Missouri Southern in Joplin, MO and working at Walmart.  She is an order picker, and she loves it.  Tucker is a Senior at Columbus High School.  He plays soccer, and runs cross-country.  He works at the restaurant at the Columbus Golf Course.  We had a difficult time finding a time that would work between their two schedules, but we made it happen.  We haven't seen them since Dacy's graduation back in July.  It was great to catch up with them and even though it was short since Dacy needed to leave for work, we enjoyed our time with them.  The food was excellent too!

We headed to Joplin after that.  On our way there we came upon these cars west of Baxter Springs.  It was slow going, as we followed them in to Baxter Springs.  They made it through the light, but we had to stop.  Unfortunately, cars were in the way going through the intersection to get many pictures, so I asked Dean to turn left and drive by them so I could get a few pictures.

Just outside of Baxter Springs.

Waiting at the light as the last one made the turn.

Only two I could get good side pictures of, as we made the turn at the light.

A few pictures where they set alongside Main Street on Route 66.  

I texted my step-dad's wife Verna earlier this morning to see if they would be home.  She replied they would be, and to stop anytime.  It was our first stop in Joplin.  It was so good to see them.  It's been a few months since we've been there.  We had been visiting for awhile, when Verna received a call from my sister Crystal.  She was in Joplin and her car was making a noise.  She was able to make it to their house.  We visited for another 15 minutes or so, before we had to leave.  We have several errands to do this afternoon.  When we left Verna was calling Chevrolet to see if they could look at Crystal's car.  I told Crystal to call us, if she ended up needing a ride home, as we would be here for a few more hours.  I intended to take a picture of Larry & Verna before we left.  I wish we could get all seven of us girls together - his three and the four of us for a picture.  A project to work on!!!!

Our first stop was Harbor Frieght for a couple of things Dean wanted, then Sam's.  When CIndy and I were at Sam's last Saturday I bought some towels in their kitchen supply area since I was needing new ones.  When I opened them after we returned home, I was shocked at how large they were, twice as big as what I wanted.  I returned them.  Dean wanted to talk to the hearing aid specialist about his hearing aid, so we took care of both of those errands.

We had a little time left before an appointment at 3, so Lowe's was our next stop.  Dean is looking for a new blade for the band saw he bought from Brett.  He's not had much luck finding one and no luck there either.   We did purchase a couple of storage tubs.  I needed a small one for the RV and he wanted one to store the anniversary clock he recevied from his former workplace until we can hang it in our house someday.  Brett had been using it, so we picked it up last week along with the other items.  Hopefully the storage tub we purchased is the right size.  

It was now time to head to the Toyota dealership to have the oil changed in the car.  After leaving the car with a mechanic, we moved to the waiting area.  A short time later, a young lady walked over to tell us the air filter needed replaced and there was quite a bit of debris on it as well.  She wanted to know if they changed it did we want to have them clean it out, if any debris had dropped down through the filter.  We told her yes to do both if needed.  Fortunately, for us only the filter was needed.  It didn't take too long and a little over 30 minutes later we had one more stop to make before going home, and that was at 7th Street Walmart.  We didn't need too much.  Dean has been wanting to get a rain suit he can wear when we have to set up or tear down in the rain and a couple of things I wasn't able to get in Oswego when I went to the store early this morning.   

We were ready to head home and glad to see it when we got there.   After unloading everything, he got the hair clippers and we headed to the garage, as he really needed a hair cut.  With that done, we could now go home and relax.

We were both tired.  Dean relaxed in front of the TV and I read some more of my book until I could not keep my eyes open.  It was too early to go to bed, so I got up and did a few more things in preparation for tomorrow, before reading a little more.  I think we were both asleep within minutes after our heads hit the pillow.  

Sunday, September 13

I was up early (as usual) this morning.  I managed to get almost everything packed up before I left for church.  We did not plan on leaving Oswego until 1pm, as check in time at the park is not until 4pm.  It was too wet to mow yesterday, so Dean mowed the front part of the lot this morning.  It was still too wet in the back but you can't see it from the road, so we'll take care of it when we get back.

After church, I made our sandwiches (in a 5 carb tortilla), added a view carrots to our plate and some deviled eggs.  As soon as that was cleaned up, we took the car to the garage.  Dean got a battery tender to put on the car while we are gone to keep the battery charged, then we headed back to Bentley.

It didn't take us long to finish the last bit of packing, then putting the slides in, and hooking up.  We pulled out of the park at 1:16.  It was turning into a beautiful day for a ride.  We took some backroads rather than the Interstate.  We love these roads the best.

I've always wanted to visit this National Monument.  I'ts on our list of things to check out this fall, that are close to home!

Of course, I could not help but take pictures of barns.

I couldn't get my camera turned on in time to miss getting the mirror in it.  What a neat stone barn!

We made it to Arkansas - only a few more miles to Pine Tree Campground below Beaver Dam.

I always wonder about the stories behind these old homes.  

We arrived at our campsite and parked at 4:17pm - 3 hours almost to the dot.  It was a nice leisurely drive.  We have not stayed in this particular campground before, but we did stay at the one just below the dam that we passed on our way to Pine Tree Campground.  It is a beautiful area.  I'll take some pictures to share tomorrow and post them later.  

We were the first ones here of the three of us that are camping this week.  At 4:37 I sent a note:  We're all set up waiting on our friends to show up!!  Within a minute or two, Dean said here comes Alvin & Linda.  Only minutes later Drena said we're here!  For once we got to watch them park rather than the other way around.  Dean always enjoys watching others park, rather than everyone watching him!  HAHA

Soon they were set up.  We visited a bit before having a little dinner.  I was sure glad I bought those chicken pot pies - perfect quick meal after a travel day.  Later we got our Fire Genie out and everyone moved over to enjoy a fire outside.  It was a great day.  Four more days here and I'm looking forward to every one of them in this beautiful setting with some good friends.

Friday, September 11, 2020 - Another Rainy Day; Making RV Park Reservations; Reading; Jaxson Comes To Visit; Dinner at MJ's

Friday, September 11, 2020 - Another Rainy Day; Making RV Park Reservations; Reading; Jaxson Comes To Visit; Dinner at MJ's

The temperatures were up a little this morning, 59.2F.  It rained off and on most of the day.  I spent most of my morning making reservations between Eureka Springs and Goshen.  I only had to make three, but I had a tough time finding a place.  We planned to stop near St. Louis the first day.  However, the parks I called (several) were full for the day we wanted to stay.  While I looked at several others in the area their rate was either more than we were willing to pay or the reviews were not very good.  So, we will have an extra long travel day next Friday.  We do not like to do that, but we decided it was worth it.  We'll have two shorter travel days after that.  I struggled to find a site for the second night to, but by adjusting our route a bit we found one that will work.  Fortunately, Eklhart County Fairgrounds did not have any major event, so we had no problem obtaining a site there.  

I think I may have mentioned this, but I have decided I need to do more "book in hand" reading, and I am enjoying it very much.  I've already found another book I want to read, thanks to my friend Donna that we met in Rolla a few weeks ago, about pioneer women in Kansas.  I hope our library has it so I can take advantage of it when we are back there for a few days.

Marc called me later in the afternoon.  He often calls me when he is on the road, driving from one spot to another.  He was making a stop in Parsons at Ace Hardware to purchase a few things before picking Jaxson up at school.  He started telling me something and we were cut off. Later after he picked Jaxson up, he called again and we were able to talk.  I suggested he drop Jaxson off on his way back through Oswego.  We had a good time visiting and playing until it was time to go home.  Dean spent the afternoon at the shop.  Last week he ordered a Blackstone grill and it arrived this morning.  Since it was raining off and on, he took it to the garage so he could season it.  

We left to take Jaxson home about 5:30.  We visited with Marc for 10 minutes or so before stopping at MJ's Burgers just a few blocks from their house.  We fell in love with their homemade french fries the first time we stopped.  So far they are at the top of our list for homemade fries.  Dean had a burger and I chose one of their specials, a brisket sandwich.  They were both very good.

Before going back to Bentley, we stopped at the garage for Dean to do something.  While there I took pictures of the birdbath/plantars we brought home from Brett's a few days ago.  Dean needs to get someone to help him put the bowl back on the stand.  They are extremely heavy.  We'll do that when we return.

A close-up of the vine.

Back at home later, Dean watched TV, while I read my book, in between doing a few things in preparation for our move on Sunday.  We have a busy day tomorrow, so as I think of things that need to be done I take a few minutes to do those in between pages.  Multi-tasking, right?

I hope each of you have had a great day!  

Thursday, September 10, 2020 - Cooler Morning; More To-Do's; Spending a Few Hours with my Sister; Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Thursday, September 10, 2020 - Cooler Morning; More To-Do's; Chicken Alfredo Pizza 

Brrrr!  It was in the mid-50's this morning and barely over 60 inside the RV when I got up.  I turned the fireplace on at 70.  Soon, it was perfect inside.  I love the cooler temperatures, but still want to be comfortable inside!    

After finishing yesterday's blog and posting it, I started reading the blogs I follow.  I made it about half way through when I needed to stop and make breakfast.  We haven't had our protein shakes for over a week now as we ran out of the powder.  I ordered more protein powder from Amazon and at some point during the order I must have done something that caused it to change the address I had added from Oswego, back to our mail service in Texas.  I didn't catch it before ordering it.  You can imagine my surprise when the mail service said it was in Livingston, TX.  Not only do I need to pay the postage to get it here, but it arrived over Labor Day.  I'm just hoping it arrives by Saturday, or it will be another two weeks or more before I'll get it.  The woes of ordering online.  Misti gave us this particular brand of protein powder when she moved.  We like it much better than the others we've been able to buy in the stores, and it costs slightly less than the other brand we were using.  I'll just have to be more diligent in the future!

So, without the protein powder for our shakes, this morning I had to cook breakfast.   We had bacon and pancakes.  When they were done, I realized we didn't have any syrup in my pantry, when I remembered we had a small amount of Vermont syrup still in the refrigerator.  It was just enough for the both of us!  Guess what's on my list for my next grocery trip?  Now, what to have for breakfast tomorrow?

I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that after we returned from our trip to PA, the battery in my car was dead when we returned.  After Dean got it recharged, it made a change I did not like.  Everytime I back up now, it beeps at me until I put it in drive.  I want it changed back.  Another option that Dean changed awhile back was when his fob battery died.  Because of that, it would cause my car horn to start honking.  He was able to make a change to fix that, but I have to insert my fob in the car dash to start it, where as before I just had to have the fob on me.  It would automatically unlock my door when I got to the car.  I really like that and I want him to change it back, so he's been working on that this morning.  Sometimes things are too sophisticated for their own good.  What was wrong with the simple life?  LOL!!

I enjoyed watching The Pioneer Woman this morning.  I enjoy her cooking show, mainly because it's usually very down to earth, since she actually makes dishes I would actually consider making.  Today she was making enchiladas and pulled pork for tacos.  One of my favorite things to eat is Mexican food.  I will be keeping those recipes.

I updated our password sheet with changes that have been made over the past year.  I make notations on the old sheets, but it's nice to have an easy to read sheet rather than hunting for the updates.  Can you believe I've already made to changes to the new sheet?  I like them printed out as we are constantly looking them up for one reason or another.

Dean left for the garage around 10 where he will work inside today since we've had rain most of the morning and they are calling for more.  I woke up to heavy rain around 4:30 this morning and it continued until around 7 or 8am.  It is supposed to rain more the few hours.  

It was 11:30 when Dean returned to Bentley, pushing a big box through the door - his new Blackstone grill has arrived.  Too bad it was raining and nasty today.  Hopefully he can get it out and season it before we leave on Sunday morning.

Our lunch today, turkey breast with swiss cheese rollup, deviled eggs, carrots and pimento cheese.  Yum!

After lunch, I read the remainder of blogs I follow, then spent some time looking at campgrounds to stay on our trip to and from Goshen to have the work done on the RV.  The parts have arrived.  We will leave Friday (Sept 18) after our September casual campout near Eureka, Springs, AR next week.  It will be a quick trip there, however, we will have a couple of extra days on the way back to visit a couple of city's we've want to visit.  Unfortunately, because my doctor's appointment was changed the only date available was Sept 30, without a long wait.  Since I need to have a prescription refilled (and since it may need to be changed) I didn't want to put it off until later in October.  You have to do, what you have to do!

My sister Cindy called me after lunch.  She needs to go to Joplin to return an item she purchased last week, wanting to know if I wanted to ride over with her.  I agreed and we had a nice visit on the ride over and back home.  When I walked out of Bentley with my coat on, she said what are you wearing a coat for?  It was cold outside.  She is a cook at the Oswego Schools and after being in the kitchen all day, she thought it felt great!  She did get cold on the way home though!  LOL!

Dean was still at the garage when she dropped me off, but he arrived a short time later.  I made a pizza for dinner, using the leftover alfredo sauce from a couple of days ago.  I bought a rotissere chicken at Sam's when Cindy and I went last week.  I spread some of the alfredo sauce on the pizza dough, added the chicken, then added the remainder of the alfredo sauce, topping it with mozzerella and parmesean cheese.  I had to bake it a little longer than the sausage pizzas I make, but we both declared it a winner - we will alternate in the future between these two.  It was so good!  Notice there is no picture - that's the problem when you're hungry!  

All in all, it was a great day.  

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 - Another Day of Ticking off the To-Do List

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 - Another Day of Ticking off the To-Do List

It was a little chilly when I got up this morning with temperatures in the low 60's, not that I am complaining about it.  I'm ready for fall - just not COLD weather.  A nice sunny day in the 50's-60's range is a great day outside.

Dean made an appointment at the Chevy dealer in Parsons for work they recomended for the truck, last time we took it in for an oil change.  He wanted to get it taken care of before we leave Sunday.  The appointment was at 8:00 am this morning.  Dean left shortly before me, but I wasn't too far behind him.  It was a foggy morning.  I turned off the road here to take a picture of our water tower; 

and a short way up the road, I stopped since no one was coming either way to snap this picture where you can see how foggy it was this morning.

Dean was waiting for me at the Chevy dealership when I arrived.  After he got in the car, our next stop was breakfast at Pizzo's, just a short distance north.  They make a great breakfast!  Wow, it was way more food than I could begin to eat.  Sorry, I forgot to take a picture.  We both ordered biscuits with our meal (we don't normally).  They were large and delicious!  I probably more than filled myself up with it and could not finish all of my hash browns or bacon.  Dean at least ate the bacon.  Our next stop was Walmart.  We both had a list.  I needed some scotch tape, and hair items (pony tail holders, scrunchees and some new barettes).  Yes, my hair has finally gotten long enough I can use these! 

Dean had a few things he wanted for the garage and we needed to replace one of the smoke alarms in the RV.  I believe it started beeping continually while we were at Jellystone Park.  We replaced the battery, but that didn't work.  It just quit.  (Dean replaced it as soon as we returned home from Parsons.) 

By the time we finished eating and shopping, almost two hours had passed since we dropped the truck off.  They said it could take up to 3 hours or more.  So we took a spin around town.  We were not too far from the dealership when my little beeper went off telling me I was down to the last few gallons of gas.  We found a gas station and took care of that.  Dean wanted me to go ahead and drop him off.  He said he would just wait until the truck was done.  When we pulled up, they already had the truck outside.  Super!  All he needed to do was pay them!!  There is road construction on Highway 59 through Parsons.  I drove west a couple of blocks to miss it.  When I pulled back on to Highway 59 south of Main Street, I looked in my rearview mirror - guess who followed me all the way home?  Yep, my Dean!  

Dean had a few things to do at the garage and here at the RV after we returned.  After putting things away, I set down and finished up the two blog posts I wrote last night, adding a few pictures and making corrections.

Neither of us wanted any lunch after that big breakfast.  We went to the garage so we could bring back a few winter clothes we had removed shortly before we headed to Pennsylvania.  We are supposed to have a few cool days.  We will be leaving for a campout Sunday morning.  THe temperatures are to be in the 80s during the day, but drop into the low 60s in the evening.  It can get a little cool in the evening, even sitting around a campfire, so we are at least going prepared for all types of weather!  While we were at the garage we moved some things downstairs up into the loft that have been accumulated recently.  Items from Brett, and a few things I had taken out of the RV, etc.  Now Dean has a little more room on the main floor of the garage.

I also brought back a couple of pot pies and the pre-made hamburgers I bought at Sam's the other day.  When we returned to the RV, I broke them apart and separated a few into smaller freezer bags, then put most of them back in the original package to take back to the garage freezer.  We'll just take a few out as we need them to save room in the RV freezer.

Our car taxes are due at the end of this month.  Dean gathered up the required items and headed to the courthouse to get our new stickers for our current tags.  When he returned he put the new stickers on our existing tags for the truck, car and the RV.  That's done for another year.  When we leave Sunday we won't be back until near the end of September, when they expire.  I'd hate to get stopped for getting that little task.  Lol!

Our next stop was at the local Co-op to refill a propane bottle that ran out the night before last when I was making dinner.  I was hoping to say hello to my cousin Randy while we were there, but he wasn't in the office.  After we had the propane bottle filled, we noticed he was outside mowing.  We at least got to wave at him!  Sorry we missed you Randy - maybe next time!

We drove through the park to check on the progress of the new playground equipment.  The city crew was there working on it.  We visited with them a few minutes before we headed back home.  It looks pretty awesome.  It looks like it is still in the early stages of putting it together.  It looks like quite a project, but they'll get it done!  I think Jaxson will be excited the first time I take him to see it.  Maybe by the time we return to Oswego for a few days, I can take him out to enjoy it.

We've accomplished quite a bit today.  To me, it always feels good to check things off my list.  

We love leftovers, and that's what we had tonight.  It's so nice not having to cook every night.  I enjoyed reading the rest of the evening.  It was a good, productive day!

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - Another Busy Day

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - Another Busy Day, But Some Good Fun Thrown In

Over the weekend I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish today.  Dean left to play golf about 8:30.  I needed to order a refill on a prescription, that we will pick up this afternoon.  I dropped a check off for my great-nephew Kass with his mom, as he mowed our grass while we were gone.  Reservations for a rally in October were made, and a day was added to another one we will be attending the first week in October.  The time seemed to fly by, before I left to run a few errands downtown.  One thing I wanted to do was check with Dacy and Tucker to see if we could meet them for lunch or dinner one day this week before we take off again.  We finally decided on Saturday in Columbus at noon.  That acutally ends up working well for us, as we have an appointment to have my car serviced in Joplin at the Toyota dealership in the afternoon, and Dean wants to stop at a couple of places while we are there.  I havent seen my step-dad in a few months due to our travels, so I want to stop and see them as well.  If we aren't too full, we might have dinner with one of the gift cards some of the kids gave us.  We have several choices in Joplin.

When I returned I set down to bring the blog up to date with highlights of the past week.  I wanted to include a few pictures before posting it, but didn't have time to get those added so hopefully I'll get them posted in the morning.

When Dean returned from his golf game we had lunch, then drove the truck to Vinita.  We had another stop downtown before we headed south to the Cherokee Health Center to pickup a prescription at the drive-through.  You can no longer go inside to pick up a prescription due to Covid.  

We wer surprised that we had to wait in a long line at the pharmacy window.  I've been behind one or two cars before, but it was several today.  We finally made it to the window, where the receptionist asked my name.  After retrieving the medicine, she asked me for my birthdate and I confirmed it.  She handed me the package.  I realized immediately they had only given me a 30 day supply rather than 90 as I requested.  I was able to catch the young lady at the window before she closed it.  Fortunatley, she went back and they gave me the additional medication.  I'm sure glad I noticed before having to turn around and come back again.

Dean pulled in to Braum's on the way back.  I've been putting him off about eating ice cream.  I'm trying very hard to stick to my diet.  I did get some, but only one dip in a cup.  It sure was good!  

It rained quite hard on us on the way down between Bluejacket and Vinita.  After we return to Oswego, we will take the car to Columbus to watch Tucker play soccer.  His game starts at 4:30 and they were just getting started when we arrived.  The clouds started building and they called the game for a short while due to lightening in the area near the start of the second half.  While they lost 4-0, the Pittsburg, KS team only made one point in the second half.  Knowing the kids were tired by then, I thought Columbus did a great job on defense in the second half by holding the other team back.  Tucker did a great job and of course I took several pictures that I must share.

The storm that stopped the game for a short while.  It never rained, but it sure cooled off.

He looks so much like his dad in this picture - except Tucker is taller.  

Tucker in the front middle, #25.

Brett was at the game so we had the chance to visit with him one more time before he heads west tomorrow on their way to Winnemucca, NV to start his new job.  

The skies were getting darker on the way home:

It started to sprinkle on us as we neared Oswego.  It continued at the RV Park.  Dean needed to empty our tanks, and fortunately the heavy rain held off until after he was done.  The temperatures dropped too.  I had planned to make tacos for dinner, but realized I did not have everything I needed, so we had chili instead.  It fit the weather we were having.  The rain continued for a few hours.  No storm, just a steady rain.

We watched some TV (where I promptly fell asleep) before getting up and doing the dishes before we went to bed.  I do not like waking up to dirty dishes, although I confess it happens occasionally. Lol!

Good night and I hope your day was as good as ours.  As always thank you to everyone who follows along.  I apprediate each and everyone of you.  Please feel free to comment on the blog. I love hearing from you!!

Tuesday-Monday, September 1-7, 2020 - Catching up Since We've Returned to Oswego

Tuesday-Saturday, September 1-7, 2020 - Catching up Since We've Returned to Oswego

Tuesday, Sept 1

It has been a very busy week after returning home.  I was surprised my cousin's RV Park was still so full.  We only had two sites to choose from.  We chose the one where our back window is open to the south.  When we look out that window all we see is a large grassy, open area

After choosing our site, we were soon set up, then headed to our lot to get my car.  Ah-oh, my battery was almost dead.  Dean put the charger on it for awhile, then we took a drive around town to let it charge on its own.  As we drove past the Oswego Golf Course, we noticed a bunch of young people there - I forgot today is Kamron's first golf tournament, representing Parsons High School.  She is the only girl at their school that went out for golf - she loves it and for a young lady who's only been playing a few years, she does a great job.  There were several schools involved and she had a good showing, coming in at 15 or so.  She said her first 4 holes were tough - nerves, I'm sure - and then she played well after that.  This will be a great opportunity for her to meet new people and build on her golf skills.

Wednesday, Sept 2, was a busy day getting caught up with things I haven't had time to do, laundry mostly.  Later in the day, Dean and I drove to Brett's to pick up a few things that Brett stored for us after we sold our house.   Dean owned a house before we married, he owned.  The lady who lived there before him was quite the gardener.  She had beautiful flowers all over the yard as well as these two gorgeous concrete bird baths that she had planted with a beautiful moss like greenery that flows down the sides of these structures.  The concrete bird bath sits on top of a concrete stand.  It is held in place with a metal pole in the center of the stand, and the bowl portion is then centered on the stand.  One of the poles had rusted causing the top of it to fall off.  Fortunately, it did not break.  We brought both of the birdbaths home with us.  Over the years we've been married, we have have received many comments and inquiries about the mossy vine in them.  I hope this will be the last time we ever have to move them again - well, except to determine a location on the lot for them.  For now they will sit near the garage near the eaves, allowing any rain water to reach them.

Another item at Brett's that we gave him was the sofa table that Dean made for me.  I asked Emilee what they were going to do with it.  She told me probably sell it as they didn't have room for it.  About the same time Brett said it's going in the truck - our truck!  I was thrilled about that, even though it will be at least a year or two before we have a house.  At least now we have the garage to store some things in!  I asked Brett if he still had any rolls of Blue & Gold sausage.  He did and since they only had enough room for one roll in their refrigerator, I paid him for the other three.  I love this sausage, and they will last me for quite awhile.  I'm so glad we have the refrigerator at the garage so I can store extra frozen items now.

Thursday, Sept 3, Kamron came to spend the day with me.  She doesn't start school until Tuesday, September 8.  As I left to pick her up, I caught the edge of this spiderweb with my arm.  I'm glad I didn't walk right into it.  Eek!

Kamron was still in bed when I arrived at their house, but she hopped up and got around while I visited with Marc.  We had a wonderful day together.  We played five games of Yahtzee, which was a fun time laughing and visiting with each other.  She enjoys teasing me and especially Papa.  For lunch, Papa, Kamron and I rode to Chetopa to eat at the Hornet's Nest, then followed it up with a Sting (similar to a Blizzard).  She has golf practice in Parsons at 3:30.  

Papa took a couple of pictures of us playing Yahtzee.

We played one last Yahtzee game before we left Oswego.  We had to get her home in time to change and grab her golf clubs.  Marc called earlier to see if I could take her to practice, then pick Jaxson up at school.  I sure can!  After dropping Kamron off, I stopped to get gas before leaving Parsons.  I was thankful for the beeping sound that made me look at the dash to see what the problem was, and I was still in town!!!   

As I pulled up to the school, I got out and was standing outside of the car putting his booster seat in the back seat.  When he saw me his face lit up and he ran so fast to hug me, it made my day!  

I took him by the lot so he could say hello to Papa.  Dean had spent the afternoon at the garage mowing and doing little chores.  We left there and returned to Bentley where we played and visited for awhile before taking him home around 6:30 or so.  It gave me a chance to visit with Marc and Jen too and I really enjoyed that!

Misti called and is going to be in Oswego this weekend.  I invited her and Haleigh to stay with us Friday evening.  We are looking forward to seeing them!!

It was a busy day, but seeing Marc's family, and knowing Misti and Haleigh were coming tomorrow, made me a very happy Mama and Nana!  The only thing better would have been Logan being here too!  

Friday, Sept 4, I spent a good part of the day on the phone and running errands.  Marc called to see if I could pick Jaxson up this afternoon.  Again, I was glad to do it.  He was surprised to see me again and wanted to go to the RV.  I told him I wasn't able to do that today as we had plans this evening.  Since I have to come back through Oswego to take him home, we did take a drive through Riverside Park.  I wanted to show him what was happening there.  

The city has had a really old double slipper slide in the park for many years.  It was there when I was a child and many years before that.  All of our kids and most of our grandkids have also enjoyed it over the years.  It had finally reached its last days.  Recently the city removed it and they are constructing a large, new playground set to go in it's place.  Afterwards, he wanted to drive down by the river.  He enjoys looking at the low water dam to see how much water is going over it.  We visited on the way back to Altamont.  I visited with Marc for a several minutes before heading back to oswego.

Around 5, Dean grilled a pork tenderloin for dinner.  We finished our dinner and put things away, just in time to head to Cindy & Elmer's to play Wahoo and pitch.  The girls won 3 out of 4 Wahoo games and the guys beat us in pitch.  Misti called to let us know she was in Oswego and to call her when we got home.  It was good to see my girls - Misti and Haleigh.  We inflated the air mattress in the couch for them to sleep on and visited for awhile before going to bed.  It feels so good to have them here.  

Saturday, Sept 5, I stayed in bed for quite awhile before going downstairs to start the coffee.  Very few people like getting up as early as I do - although Misti is a pretty early riser herself, but Haleigh is not!  Once we did get up, I suggested Haleigh go up and lay on our bed.  I think she was glad for a couple more hours of sleep.  We visited with Misti until a little before 9, when Cindy showed up.  Cindy and I are going to Joplin this morning to get a few things at Sam's and Walmart.  We had scheduled a pickup order at Walmart but we'll go in to Sam's for what we need.  I'm also making a quick stop at Hobby Lobby to pick something up for Marc.  Cindy normally honks to let me know she's here, but since Misti and Haleigh were here she came inside to visit for a few minutes before we left.

Since Misti and Haleigh were ready to leave, we all headed out together.  That crazy spider built another web over night and Misti walked right into it -- right in the same place where I caught the edge of it earlier this week.  It gives me the creeps just thinking of it.  Fortunately  there was no spider in it either time, but those webs are so sticky.  She and Haleigh left after hugs and goodbyes, as they had plans for the day.

Cindy and I arrived a little early.  She wanted to make a stop at Sally's Beauty Supply to pick up a hair product she uses.  It wasn't open yet so we walked next door to the Dollar Store, waiting for Sally's to open.  We both ended up buying a couple of things.  She had been looking for some acrylic photo stands.  I had no intention of buying anything but while we were in line, I noticed a long handled spatula.  I've been wanting to get one, but never think of it when I'm in a store, so I grabbed it.  Since I started buying large jars of peanut butter because we eat some almost daily, I am always getting the peanut butter on me trying to get it out of the jar because my spatula's are so short - now that problem is fixed!

Our next stop was Sam's.  I have a few things I buy their regularly but today I bought a few things I have not purchased before.  A friend of mine, Drena, brought some hamburger patties to one of our rallies - 1/3# patties.  They were really good and cooked up nicely without shrinking.  She told me she purchased them at Sam's.  I had to call her to make sure I got the right ones while I was in the store.  Thanks Drena!

Our last stop in Joplin was at Walmart, where we both placed online orders.  She did hers first for the time frame of 11-12, and when I did mine I had to choose 12-1, so we arrived shortly before noon.  A young lady, Kayli, came out to wait on us.  Talk about a jewel.  She had a wonderful personality and we enjoyed the few minutes we had to interact with her!  We both turned in high remarks for her on the email they sent us about our visit later that day.  

By now we were both hungry, so we made a quick stop at Sonic in Galena to get a cheeseburger and drink.  We both miss our Oswego Sonic so much!!!!  

Cindy dropped me off and helped me carry in my groceries.  On the way over I remembered I was supposed to pick up a shirt at Black Crow (a flea market here in Oswego) that I ordered on Thursday when Kamron and I stopped in there.  I was putting my groceries away when Cindy called to remind me not to forget the shirt!  She knows me well!  LOL!!

I needed to take some frozen items to the garage to put in the freezer, so I made a quick stop at Black Crow to pick up and pay for my shirt.  

When I arrived at the garage I noticed Dean had already managed to put a new metal pole in the stand of the concrete birdbath.  Once it is set good, he'll cut off a portion of the pipe, and we'll set the bowl back on it.  In the spring I will transplant some of the vine into it.  Hopefully, we'll eventually have both stands full of this beautiful mossy vine again!

I left soon afterwards and returned to the RV.  After getting all of the groceries put away, I wanted to set down for a few minutes.  That's when I realized I could not find my phone.  Surely I had laid it down in the RV somewhere - nope, in my car - nope, at Black Crow - no, at the garage - no, in the yard area t the RV - no.  I went back to the garage one more time as I was sure I had it when I was there, but still no luck.  When Dean returned from the garage, we looked some more, even pulling two bags of trash out of the trashcan and trying to call my phone, in case I had accidently knocked it off the counter.  There was only one place we had not looked, and that was in Dean's truck.  Guess where it was?  I have no idea what I put in the truck or got out of the truck, and I guess it doesn't matter, because my phone and I reconnected.  LOL!!!!   I am just thankful we found it.

Afterwards I made a pizza for dinner.  I tried something different, by using some of the leftover pork tenderloin.  I cut several thin slices, then chopped those up to use on a pizza.  We weren't sure how it would be, but I can attest we will definitely make it again, only we'll add a little more meat to it next time. 

Sunday, Sept 6

One of the things I wanted to get done today was to order Dean a new grill.  He received some gift cards from his boys for Father's Day.  I was able to apply one of them, but the second one that came through Gift Cards.com would not work because per both Gift Cards.com and Amazon, I must enter the security code.  I called the Giftcards.com three times and Amazon three times trying to resolve the issue.  The problem (according to Giftcards.com) was a security code was supposed to be in the email Dean received, but there wasn't one.  I still had the original email.  They even resent it again and still it wasn't there.  No matter what I said about I did not have a security code, they kept insisting I call Amazon and order it over the phone.  I can tell you Amazon will not do that.  I did ask Amazon about the possibility of moving it to my "wallet" but that did not work or was not feasible either.  Finally, I called Matt who had sent it to Dean, and asked him if he could call Giftcards.com and ask them for a refund or something because we had no way of using it without the security code.  I can't believe it was such a hassle with them and that they didn't just cancel that one and issue a new one, even though I suggested that.  I was more than frustrated.  I wasted well over 2 hours dealing with it.  We were supposed to be at Brett's around 1:00 and we were running late.  I hurried around, made us a quick sandwich, and we were soon headed to Lamar.  Today we picked up a band saw that Brett was not taking with him, and some metal that Dean had asked Brett to store for him when we sold our house, as well as a few other pieces of metal Brett was not keeping.

We enjoyed our visit with them before we headed home.  I used the last of the pork tenderloin to make stir fry - using a package of frozen mixed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, added to a bowl of rice, with a little soy sauce.  It was a great throw together meal with enough leftovers for Dean to have for lunch tomorrow.  The pork tenderloin was worth every penny to get three meals out of it, plus leftovers!

Monday, Sept 7

It's hard to believe it is Labor Day.  Dean left to play golf at 8:30 and I had a list I was going to finish no matter what.  I almost accomplished everything on it.  I won't bore you with it all, it was just stuff that needed to be done, including a little cleaning in the RV.  

It was a nice quiet day of getting things done at home and for Dean, the garage later in the day.

I have already made myself another list of things to do tomorrow.  Mostly phone calls and such.

So, I am caught up and hopefully back to daily posts again.

Monday, August 31, 2020 - Moving to Rolla, MO

It was 8:35am when we pulled out of Mill Creek Park Campground, Marshall, IL and began our trek to Rolla, MO for one last overnight stay before returning to Oswego.  It was a very quiet morning in the park, not a soul stirring - they all must have needed to sleep in after that late night karaoke.  LOL!  

The beautiful sign at the entrance to Mill Creek Park.

It wasn't too far past Casey that we passed Effingham, IL - another City along I-70 that I would enjoy visiting.  I love their city slogan - Crossroads of Opportunity.

Another place I hope to in Effingham - 

Cross at the Crossroads 

We ran into rain about an hour outside of Rolla

An accident along I-70 of Rolla, MO.  

Fortunately, the rain let up as we neared Rolla.  We have a reservation at the Ozark Farms Family Campground south of Rolla on MO-72.  I have to admit we were quite glad to arrive.  It seemed like a very long drive today.  We pulled in to the park and started looking for the office.  We saw some guys at what looked like might be the office, but when we asked them if it was the office, they advised there is no office.  We finally determined we were supposed to park on Site 5.  There are a number of mobile homes at the back of the property, with a number of RV sites in the front.  The RV sites were a very nice size with full-hookups.  It didn't take us long to get set up.  I sent a text to our friend Donna to let her know we had arrived.  They are going to stop at the park to pick us up and we'll go have dinner around 5.  We are really looking forward to spending time with them.

When they arrived, they suggested Colton's Steak House & Grill, and it sounded great to us. We had a fun evening visiting with them and enjoyed a wonderful meal.  We returned to Bentley, and we visited for another hour or so before they needed to head home.

I forgot to take a picture of these two - so I'll share this picture from when we got together last October in Branson, MO.

Donna & David

Tomorrow, we will be back in Oswego.