Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Mama!

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Mama!

Today would have been my mama's 81st birthday.  Happy birthday Mama!  I love and miss you, but I know where you are, and we will see each other again! 

Mothers Day 1992
Happy heavenly birthday today Mama!

The story my mama often shared with me..."when I was born it was around 3 in the morning.  Try as she might, she could not talk the doctor into fudging on my birth certificate to say I was born prior to midnight so we would share the same birth date.   



We've been leaving the heat off overnight since it is still a little warm, but it sure is cool in Bentley when I wake up around 5.  It was 48 outside and 51 in the rig this morning.  I turned the fireplace on, but also the furnace to knock the chill.  Per the weatherman we will only see temperatures reach low to mid 60's today (it made it to upper 60's!) Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful and in the low 70's.  Our friends David and Donna will be here around noon tomorrow and we are looking forward to their visit.  

I have a few more things I want to do this morning.  The rig needs a little spruce up cleaning and vacuuming, and I want to bring the budget report up to date.  After that we can enjoy the rest of our time here.  

I love our new mail service.  They send an email everyday they receive mail for us, with a scan of the envelope.  So far I think everything they've sent since we last received mail, is just another confirmation of our new address change.  Dean's new driver's license should arrive soon.  We'll wait until then to have them forward our mail.  

About 7:30 we headed out to walk and we were able to get in 2 miles this morning.  In the sun it wasn't too bad, but once in the shade the wind was very cold.  By the time we returned to Bentley though, I was ready to get my sweatshirt off.  I think it will be another beautiful  day!

The sun hitting these trees really enhanced the color!

Our view when we step outside of Bentley.

So pretty!

We had our morning shakes and our "juice".  We have been slipping on having our morning apple cider vinegar (typically with apple juice) and we can tell it.  The knuckle on my right pointer finger is really swollen.  It does this every time I quit drinking it.  We ran out of apple juice and I had forgotten to get anymore.  When we went to Walmart yesterday (it has to be a particular brand Walmart sells - as we don't care for others) I was going to buy a can of the frozen concentrate but they were out.  I bought orange juice instead and we are both ready to get back to having it daily, as we both notice a big difference when we do.

I think we are going to hang out at the RV this morning.  I want to do a little cleaning before our company arrives, and tonight we are thinking about going to SDC to check out Pumpkin Nights.

Up the street from Bentley.

Sun coming up!

I placed an order with Amazon this morning for a number of things I've been wanting but just kept putting it off.  Everything should be here by Thursday.  Mostly small things that I have not been able to find anywhere else.  When we are here in Branson we have it sent General Delivery to the downtown post office.  It will be like Christmas when we pick them up!

Dean bought a few things this week at Harbor Freight and Tool Time and he spent a good part of the late morning, early afternoon checking them out.  He hardly ever spends money for things he wants and I'm glad he decided to get these.  It has to be something he really needs...not just wants.  I enjoy watching him with something new.   While he was out there he cleaned my vacuum and blew the dust off the fan I use to dry clothes inside.  It was getting awful dusty - I think most of it is lint from clothes.  I notice it in the shower too after I've had them hanging there.  



We had a hot dog on our low carb tortilla for lunch today, along with celery and the pimento cheese we bought at Sam's.  Afterwards, I cut up an apple for each of us.  When we were out of the pimento cheese a few weeks ago, I ate peanut butter on my celery.  There was a bit of it left on my plate, so when I cut up apples for us that day I decided to see how it would be on an apple - and I loved it.  So now I eat a little bit of peanut butter with my apple.  If you haven't tried it, you should!  Dean saw this on Facebook today, so I had to share it.

I guess we fit the bill!  Lol!

After lunch we both showered, then I cleaned the shower with my spray bottle mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 original dawn dish soap.  I spray it on as soon as I get in.  When I'm done I wipe it down with a wet washcloth, then spray the walls with water.  I love how it sparkles when I finish.

We are meeting our friend Carolyn at 4, for an early dinner at Florentina's Italian Restaurant.  We left a little early so we could make a stop at Harbor Freight.  Dean decided he had one more thing he'd like to have, a propane torch.  Yea Dean!

We drove to Florentina's and arrived much sooner than we thought, so we decided to take a drive.  We headed south and drove Fall Creek Road over to 165, then headed back north to Green Mountain Drive, where we turned east until we were back at our starting place - Florentina's.  I backed into a spot near the road so we could see Carolyn when she pulled in.  We had only been there a few minutes when she arrived.  While we saw her last week in Carthage, we enjoy our one on one visit with her this evening.  The food was wonderful.  Even though we shared a meal, it was still way too much food.  I should walk four miles tomorrow to work it off!!  Thank you Carolyn for joining us.  I must start tying a string around my finger though - maybe that will remind me to take pictures!!

After dinner, Dean and I followed through on our plan to visit SDC (Silver Dollar City) this evening.  We made the drive out there but as we approached the parking lot there were no cars and signs that said Closed.  What?  Yes, a quick look at their website and we discovered they are on winter hours now.  They are open Wed-Sat only.  We were disappointed but we are not leaving until Tuesday of next week, so we still have plenty of time to visit.  Since we were in the area we decided to take 265 on our way back which is a nice drive with overlook views of Branson at various spots along the way, and alongside Table Rock Lake.  We do love having the car with us for these rides.  I told Dean that I would drive through the day, but from now on when it gets dark, he'll have to take over.  He enjoys having a chance to look around so I don't mind being the chauffeur.

We had not been back at Bentley too long, when Dean asked me if I wanted to go to the clubhouse, where they are having a country jam session tonight.  Why does he want to go - he wants ice cream.  He LOVES ice cream!  Where can we find room for that, after our wonderful meal tonight?  It sure was good though!

Well, it was a great day - getting things done; wonderful meal with a wonderful friend; great evening drive and Ice Cream.  It was a good day!  Thanks to all of you who follow along.  I appreciate each of you.

Monday, October 21, 2019 - Wild Night; Busy Day; Shopping; Dinner & Dancing With the Stars

Monday, October 21, 2019 - Wild Night; Busy Day; Shopping; Dinner 

I thought I would sleep like a baby last night and I did until Dean said, "Is that a tornado siren going off?"  I had my ear plugs in so I didn't hear anything except him, but once I took them out I heard a "whoop" sound twice and rain, lots of rain, thunder and more rain with wind for what only lasted about 20 minutes or so, but seemed much longer at the time.  It passed quickly.  I believe there might have been some light hail, but fortunately it didn't last long.  Dean got up, so I did too and we went downstairs.  There was nothing on the radar or any alerts on our phones about tornadic activity in the area.  I went back to bed and Dean followed soon after.  It wasn't long and the entire thing passed by us.  And, I had no problem falling back asleep.

I woke again close to 5.  It was fairly warm in the RV compared to many of the past few mornings.  I started the coffee pot then got to work.  I brought the clothes hamper downstairs last night, so I started the first load of laundry.  I turned the fireplace on low to take the slight chill off, then worked on yesterday's blog until the coffee was done.

After coffee, we walked over a mile here in the park before coming back to have our morning shakes.  

Sun coming up.  It was cool this morning but we warmed up pretty quick as we came back up the hill from Phase 4.

I had several things I wanted to accomplish today, besides laundry.  I needed to make some phone calls, file several papers; and a few other things that needed attention.  By 2:30 or 3:00 almost everything was done and we left to run a few errands.  

Our first stop was at the Ticket Office here at Treasure Lake.  As a member we get discounts on most of the shows and activities in Branson.  We are thinking about going to a couple of shows while we are here.  We picked up a list of all of the discounts and we'll look it over later.  Then on to the main office to pick up the activity going on in the park this week.  There is entertainment almost every night this week including a comedian tonight, a country jam on Tues, and a Gospel jam on Wed evening.  There are many activities scheduled for Thursday and Friday leading up to the annual meeting for owners on Saturday morning.

Our next stop was at one of the outlet malls - Branson Hills.  Dean wanted to visit Tool Town so I went next door and walked through Tuesday Morning.  I enjoyed it but did not find anything I wanted or needed.  However, Dean found something he wanted, and needed; and he bought it!  Good for him!  

A new carving on this double tree trunk that we saw on our walk this morning. 

From there we headed to Kohl's.  I was hoping to find a couple of long sleeve tops now that we are having these cooler mornings and evenings.  I was disappointed in what was available though, as I hoped to find more than the two I purchased.

The trees are starting to change in the Branson area.

Last stop was at Walmart's.  I should have made a list yesterday because I forgot a few things we needed.  It was so busy we considered leaving, but we needed some things for dinner.  From now on we need to get up early and go first thing before many people are there.  We made it back to the rig a little before 6.  I put the groceries away, then started dinner...chicken alfredo.  While it was cooking I made some coconut cream pudding for our dessert.  It was a good, simple meal.  

The last load of clothes finished drying at 9:30. 

It's been a good day with much accomplished.  I'm not sure what our plans are for tomorrow but there's plenty to do here, so we'll find something.  

Thank you for following the blog, and I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to comment.

Sunday, October 20, 2019 - Early Morning Travels; Meet up with Jarred & Family in Branson; Breakfast Out...Whoops, We Settled For Something Else; Walmart Run; Catching Up & Resting

Sunday, October 20, 2019 - Early Morning Travels; Meet up with Jarred & Family in Branson; Breakfast Out...Whoops, We Settled For Something Else; Walmart Run; Catching Up & Resting

I was up at 4:45, started the coffee, then began putting things away in the kitchen/living area while Dean was still sleeping.  He was up by 5:30 though, so I went upstairs and made the bed.  While I was there I moved the TV from the dresser to the bed, and packed up the two pictures that are not permanently attached to a wall somewhere.  After making sure everything was done up there, I moved to the bathroom, where I secured the shower doors and a few other things in preparation for our move.

I enjoyed another cup of coffee before changing into my jeans and flannel shirt, then finished the rest of the packing.  Dean headed outside to take up the water lines and store everything.  

It was 7:30 when he pulled out of the campground and I left 15 minutes earlier.  When I arrive at Treasure Lake I can check us in and get a number for the campsite.  I'll let him know where it is, so he doesn't have to drive around looking for a site pulling the RV.  

The drive was a little rough - as it was very, very foggy with the sun shining so bright it was difficult to see at times.  I can't believe how people fly down the highway going every bit of 70+ with no lights on in heavy fog.  Several miles down the road it let up a bit, but after I turned south on 65 towards Branson we ran into really heavy fog just past Ozark.  By the time we were near Branson I had to watch carefully for the exit signs.  Fortunately, once we made it to the city streets it pretty much cleared.  I stopped at the office when I arrived where I paid for 10 days, got our key card to get in and out of the park, and a number to hang at our site to show it is reserved.  Dean called me not too long after I was making my way through the park looking for a site.  I finally settled on site 200 which is pretty close to the cabin where our friends David and Donna will be staying later this week.  

The park is very full.  This weekend is the annual business meeting for Treasure Lake owners.  Other than some of the summer holidays I think it is the busiest week of the year.  They have a lot of activities going on for Halloween, which also brings many RVer's in for the weekends.  I'm glad we arrived so early this morning or it may have been difficult finding a spot.  

Jarred (Dean's youngest son), wife Andrea and daughter Emerson have been here in Branson for a few days.  They drove to the park and we met them at the office so we could visit before they headed back to Wichita.  Even though it was a short visit, we sure enjoyed seeing them.

When they left we headed to Cracker Barrel, thinking a late breakfast - ha!  The line outside of folks waiting to go in reminded me of the lines we used to wait in at Lambert's.  We are hungry - now!  As we reached the strip (76 Highway) we noticed I-Hop had the same lines.  Since it was almost 11am by now, I suggested we try the Steak and Shake nearby and Dean agreed.  We like this one in particular as it's not on a major road so not as noticeable to visitors.  Sure enough, it didn't have a crowd.  The burgers we ordered were great but we were disappointed in the fries.  While they were warm, you could tell they had been warming for awhile - they were a little rubbery.  This is the first time we've encountered that at a Steak and Shake.  I hope it was a random thing!

We made a quick run to Walmart.  I ran out of vinegar and I need to do some laundry tomorrow.  We are resting today.  Tomorrow I need to finish the laundry that accumulated while we were in Carthage last week.  I also need to make some phone calls, file some papers and follow up on a few other things.  I spent the afternoon getting the blog up to date.  My sister Jody sent me a text this afternoon that she was not getting the blog updates.  There are 8-9 people that do not use Facebook or have an email or do not check their emails often, so I send them a link to the blog in a text message.  Jody is one, as well as my step-brother Mike.  I sent links to all of the blog posts from October 1 to yesterday. Not too long afterwards I received a text from Mike telling me thank you.  I've been meaning to call him, so I decided now was a good time and an hour later we finally hung up.  Too many things to talk about when you wait so long between phone calls, right?  

We had a quick meal, warming up the white chicken chili I made yesterday.  It sure tasted good.  Once I had cleaned up from our meal, we decided to take a ride.  We left Treasure Lake on 248, where we caught 76 just a bit west, then drove the strip (76 Highway) all the way to Branson Landing, where we caught 248 north of town and took it back to Treasure Lake.  I hardly ever drive at night and when I do it's usually in Oswego, where there isn't much traffic.  The only consolation tonight:  I could drive fairly slow and it wasn't too busy.  Everyone must have been at the shows tonight!  Dean enjoyed it though, as he had a chance to actually look around and see things versus concentrating on driving.  I will drive during the day since we have the car, and he can do any night driving for the rest of this trip.  I don't know if it's the start of the cataract in my left eye or not, but I do not recall car lights bothering me as much as they did last night.

Back at home, Dean watched a little TV and as what seems to becoming a habit for me lately, I fell asleep.  Now you know why I wake up so early in the morning - I get part of my sleep before I go to bed.  Lol!

Sorry no pictures today.  It's hard to take any if I am driving.

I pray you each had a wonderful day.

Saturday, October 19, 2019 - Rain, Rain Go Away; Almost Everyone Leaves Today; Trip to Joplin; Visit from Brett & Family; Visit with Mark & Karen; Getting Ready to Move

Saturday, October 19, 2019 - Rain, Rain Go Away; Almost Everyone Leaves Today; Trip to Joplin; Visit from Brett & Family; Visit with Mark & Karen; Getting Ready to Move 

I was up before 5:00 this morning.  The rain started not too long after that and continued until around 7-8.  There was another short rain later, but then it cleared off and turned out to be a nice day.  I put a load of clothes in the washer when I got up and managed to get two more done before the day was over.

We heard our neighbors start moving around outside about 8:00.  Drena and Keith are to the north of us and Stan and Linda are to the south.  We visited with them, Linda and Alvin, Mike and Mari Anne, and Pete before they all had left - around 10:00 or so.  That left Mark, Karen, Dean and I.  Karen and I had talked about going up to the square to visit all of the booths for Carthage's Maple Leaf Festival.  I sent a text to see if she still wanted to.  She said a nap was calling her.  I certainly understand that.  Since we were so close to Joplin, Dean and I decided to drive over to Sam's to pick up a few things we wanted.  It was much closer than driving to Springfield from Branson this coming week.  We wanted to get another big container of the Slimfast we've having for breakfast, mixed nuts, grapes and the wonderful pimento cheese spread they have.  In fact I bought two tubs of it.  We love it with crackers or celery sticks.  It's not bad on a hamburger either.  As we walked through the door I saw these nice plaid jackets that were lined.  I sure wish I would have had one this past week when we set out at night.  At $14.98, I decided I did need one.  Dean was looking for something in the automotive department (which sure seems to be smaller than before).  We did buy a box of DEF for the truck but never found what he wanted.  However, as we walked back through the men's clothing we found a nice shirt that was lined that would be nice for him when sitting out at a campfire, again only $14.98.

My new jacket

Dean's lined shirt. 
It might get here in SEK this winter before we head south!  We may need these for everyday use!

From there we made a stop at Academy.  Dean wanted to look at some things in their golf department.  I looked around in the women's department but nothing appealed to me.

Next stop was Dollar General.  I've decided to get a few tubs to put certain food items in inside my pantry.  I found 1 large and 2 smaller ones I think will work just fine.  We stopped to put diesel in the truck and then headed back to the campground.

When we returned I heated hot dogs in the microwave and we had them on our low carb tortillas.  

They were actually pretty good.  As soon as I was finished eating, I started pulling things out of the pantry and rearranging things.  I tried a few things before I was finally satisfied with the outcome.

The tubs work well to corral like items in one area.  Dean is going to remove the white bar below the top shelf so it will be easier to access the items on this shelf.

Shelving I added to the door last winter

Brett called Dean earlier to see if we'd be at the campground this afternoon.  Dean told him yes, to come on by.  Brett thought it would be about 3 when they got there but it was closer to 4.  We visited for an hour or so before they left.  Tucker and Dacy came with him, and Emilee and Logen arrived about 20 minutes later.  It was good to see Dacy as we haven't really had a chance to visit with her the last time or two we saw her.  

After they left, we visited with Mark and Karen when they walked over.  They will be in Carthage for another week, then will move to Branson - arriving two days before we leave.  We hope it works out we can see each other, but if not, we'll see them down the road.  It has been fun having the opportunity to hang out with them this week and we are so glad they joined our SKP group.  They have already become dear friends.

I made white chicken chili for supper.  It tasted so good.  We've already cut the food back drastically and no sweets!  

I packed as many things as I could this evening in preparation for tomorrow's move.  Dean spent quite a bit of time outside getting as much done as possible so we can leave early tomorrow.  We hope to leave by 7:00 in the morning.

Not only was it a good day, but a very productive one!

Friday, October 18, 2019 - Final Day of our SKP Rally; Coffee; Visit to Coachlight RV Store; Lunch at Sirloin Stockade; Afternoon Rest & Walk; Goodwill; Card Bingo; Ice Cream/Desserts; Our Last Evening Fire Under the Stars

Friday, October 18, 2019 - Final Day of our SKP Rally; Coffee; Visit to Coachlight RV Store; Visit with Fellow RVillagers; Lunch at Sirloin Stockade; Afternoon Rest & Walk; Card Bingo; Ice Cream/Desserts; Goodwill; Our Last Evening Fire Under the Stars

Can you tell by the heading we had a full day?

It was around 50 when I got up this morning a little after 5.  It's our final day of the Escapees (SKP) rally here in Carthage, MO.  It has been a great week with many good times and LOTS of laughing.  Dean went up for coffee around 7:30 or so, and I followed an hour or so later, taking the trash up on my way.   After enjoying a visit with everyone, I told Dean I would like to go visit the RV Store that is next door to the park.  I wanted to see if they had any over the cabinet towel holders.  Cindy said she would walk over with us.  I didn't find what I was looking for, but Dean bought a stool that folds up.  We have one in the RV that I use all the time, but he wanted a taller one that he could also sit on when he's working on something low to the floor/ground.  It will be a great multi purpose stool that he'll probably use quite a bit. 

Once we returned to the campground I suggested we walk over and talk to our neighbors behind us.  We've been so busy we haven't had the chance to do that.   Why are we doing this?  The very first day of the rally they invited us to stop by their rig one evening for an RVillage get together at 5.  We left to go eat at 5 that evening and I didn't see the message until around 8 that evening.  I responded with that information and asked if we could stop by to visit sometime.  It's been pretty busy this week and we just haven't made it over.  We visited for about 25-30 minutes.  What a small world it is!  Mike and Tammy originally lived in Neosho.  My niece and her husband live there so I asked if they might know them, and they did.  Melissa (my niece) and Tammy actually worked together several years ago, and they knew Tim as well from a business he owned.  We will try to get together with them again before we leave early Sunday morning.

RVillage is an online group to bring RVer's together.  Often when others see someone post their location at a campground someone will suggest a get together like Mike and Tammy did.  We've been invited to two this year.  Both times we didn't see the message until the event was over, so I'm going to have to do a better job of checking my messages.  It's a great way to meet like-minded RVer's.  RVillage provides a list of topics you enjoy, so others can seek friends with similar interests.  They also have many, many groups that you can join such as Full Time RVers; Handy RV Tools and Tips; Bloggers; Christian Couples; Heartlanders (our rig is a Heartland); RV's and Instapots; etc.  I don't look at it as much as I used to, but I do enjoy going on line occasionally to look and I've asked several questions seeking information on things to see and do in places we plan to visit.

At 11:15 our group loaded up and caravanned to Sirloin Stockade for lunch, paid for by our Chapter.  The food was good and the desserts were really good.  Yes, I have a HUGE sweet tooth.  

Hi Stan!  Hi Linda!  I see you waving back there!

Dean and Mark also waving and Karen hiding!

My sweet, handsome husband!

When we returned to the campground, I went in to rest.  My eyes were heavy but my attempt at a nap disappeared as soon as I closed my eyes.  I've never been one to nap much.  Not too long after that I heard a knock on the door.  It was Karen wanting to know if I'd like to go for a walk with her and Huckleberry (her dog).  Sure, l just needed to put some different shoes on before joining them outside.  I like to walk fast, but Karen moves even quicker than me.  Thank goodness for Huckleberry stopping every little bit!!  Just kidding, Karen!  I appreciated her asking since it made me get up and move!  We had a good visit and walk, occasionally stopping to visit other dogs along the way.

At 3:00 we went to the clubhouse to play Card Bingo again.  I won three games!  Wow, I was rolling in the dough - a whole $3.  It was fun and a good way to get together for visiting and more great laughter.  If the caller could just remember a spade from a diamond it would move on just a little faster.  Lol!  

Everyone getting their ice cream before they leave.

The camp host, Mike came in and left ice cream sandwiches for each of us.  Marianne brought up her leftover snickers truffle and candy; and Linda brought her apricot bars.  I think I've gained nearly 5 pounds this week.  Actually I don't know for sure, but I feel like it!  During our games, Drena told me she had gone to Goodwill earlier and found several flannel shirts.  I told Dean afterwards I'd like to go up and see if I could be so lucky.  Unfortunately I didn't find any flannel shirts that I liked or they weren't the right size.  I did find one denim shirt I was going to buy, but then I realized I had no money and Dean had gone out to sit in the car.  I decided to just put it back and leave since the line was so long and I'd have to go out to get money from him.  Maybe I'll go back tomorrow and if it's still there I'll get it.

Around 6, the fire pits came out for the last time for this rally.  

Drena, Linda & Stan

Keith, Mike & Mari Anne

Dean, Alvin & Linda

LeRoy, Cindy, Pete

Me, Alvin & Linda

What a great week it's been.  The time flew by.  This is our last campout for 2019 together.  We start the 2020 camping season in April.  

Thursday, October 17, 2019 - Breakfast Brunch; Chapter Business Meeting; Bean Bag Baseball

Thursday, October 17, 2019 - Breakfast Brunch; Chapter Business Meeting; Bean Bag Baseball

I woke at 4:30 this morning.  I guess I've finally caught up with my sleep as I've been getting up pretty late the past two days.  It was 38 or so this morning, so I turned the furnace up a bit.  At 7:30 it is still only 42 degrees.

I spent the first few hours getting the blog done for the previous two days.  Last night I realized I had forgotten to add the last several blog posts to our "Travels with Bentley" Facebook page, so many people have not seen a post for several days.  I'm sorry about that.  Too many things going on I guess, and in a rush to get them done I just forgot about that step!

Alvin and Linda are hosting a breakfast brunch this morning at 9:30.  Dean walked up to have coffee around 8.  I stayed here to shower and do a few things before I walked to the clubhouse around 9.  It was only 10-15 minutes later that our breakfast brunch was ready, so Linda told us to go ahead and start while it was warm.  She made a sausage/egg casserole, along with a wonderful fruit salad.  It was delicious.

We enjoyed visiting with everyone as they came in.  I always enjoy visiting with Drena because she comes up with some great ideas for using things or she is always telling us about some really neat app or idea.  Today she showed up for breakfast with a plastic school box kids use to hold their pencils, pens, etc.  She was using it to carry her utensils in for their breakfast meal.  What a great idea!  I like the idea they are inside protected rather than just laying in the bottom of our carrier.  She also had her napkins folded inside, plus an extra one she could wrap the dirty ones in, in case they didn't use all of the utensils she brought to the meal.  She is so clever!

Following our breakfast brunch Alvin, as Chapter President, called our annual business meeting to order.  We had a great turnout as compared to the one held last October.  Dean and I joined this group in April of 2015.  It's hard to believe it's already 4.5 years later.  We love the people we've met through this organization.  Several have had to hang up their keys, and we miss seeing them but every year we pick up new members.  This year our friends Mark and Karen, joined our chapter, as well as another couple Wally and Nita.  Karen and Mark have lived in Missouri for many years where Mark recently retired from a career in law enforcement.  They recently transitioned from a sticks and bricks home to their new RV.  Mark and I met through our respective blogs.  Dean and I have met with Karen and Mark several times the last few years and we've become good friends.  We are really happy they have joined our Chapter.  While our paths may not cross often, I'm sure we will at various times throughout our travels.  Our blogs, Facebook and Email will keep us connected until we have another opportunity to meet down the road.  Wally and Nita are a really sweet couple and we enjoyed visiting with them when they first arrived.  We exchanged information on places we had traveled.  It's always fun talking to others about where they have been and what they've done.  We get some great information this way.

After the business meeting I walked back to the RV.  I had some things to do.  I had a few dishes to wash, plus I wanted to clean some things out of the refrigerator and wash a few containers I emptied from there.  It took another 10 minutes or so to do a good pickup and straightening of things in the RV.  Now my work is done in Bentley for the day.  

This afternoon we played bean bag baseball.  Dean and I learned about this game at our first Heartland rally.  Dean enjoyed it so much he wanted to make one for our own use.  He took measurements and pictures of the one they used.  When we returned home he got to work pretty quick on it.  We've used it several times and everyone has enjoyed playing.  Bob and Dee were the captains.  There was no rhyme or reason to who was on what team.  We just started adding names until the teams were even in number.  Dean was the umpire.  Dee's team won both games!  It was much fun and I believe everyone had a great time.

Linda L - teammate Keith on 3rd, with Umpire Peine overseeing the throw, and Captain Dee on the right.

Everyone came out to watch 

Patty with two on base - she needed at least a triple to get her teammates in to home plate.

Nita getting ready for her first toss.

Linda B looks like a pro with that throw!

Mike doesn't look too shabby himself!

We had such a good turnout, so many laughs, and just good clean fun!  Who doesn't like baseball?

Another group shot.  Notice our Bentley in the background there.

I hope I managed to get pictures of everyone in these photos.

Our team's captain - Bob the Builder - You can do it Bob!

Karen - she had a good throw - what a stance!

After playing two baseball games, we were all famished.  Several went back to El Charro's to eat.  Patty & Bob, Karen & Mark and Dean and I chose to try one of the restaurants the campground had recommended.  They even gave us a coupon for 15% off our meal.  The restaurant was A Taste of Italy.  The restaurant is located at the Precious Moments Chapel. I think everyone tried a different dish and we were all happy with our meals.  I chose a small plate that included a small portion of lasagna, a small cannelloni and manicotti.  They were served with garlic rolls.  Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar was available at the table for dipping your bread.  Its been a long time since we've been anywhere they provide that, and I sure enjoyed it.  The entire meal was fantastic.  Afterwards we took a few pictures outside.

Parking Lot plantings.

Cute little Precious Moments camper - Karen getting a closeup

The restaurant sign behind this statute.

Right at the entrance to the Precious Moments Chapel Center

We had to have a group picture.  

Karen, Mark, Dean, Patty & Bob

It wasn't long after we returned that the fire genies came out and we enjoyed another evening under the stars.  Always a lot of fun with great conversations.

Connie & Gary with Linda B 

Patty, Marianne, Mike, Bob and Stan

L to R:  LeRoy, Alvin, Drena and Linda L

How many guys does it take to start a fire - and watch over it?

Another wonderful day, with wonderful friends in a wonderful campground!  

Keith took this picture of our group.  It turned out really good for a night photo.  Later we learned he used the Night option on his Samsung phone.  The things we learn.  I didn't even know my phone had that option until seeing this picture.