The End of 2016

I can't believe that another year has passed!
Looking back at all the changes, it really has been a busy year.

Some things have stayed the same, and yet so many have changed.

I am so thankful to be able to write this blog and say that our family is all very healthy and doing well.
As far as changes, I am sure I will miss a few of them, but a big one for me was turning 65 years old.
Along with getting "OLD".....I have closed my sticks and bricks business, and gone totally mobile.
Chuck convinced me to do this, and I am so glad I did! 
I am loving the freedom that it brings.

If anyone would have ever told me that we would live in Arizona part of the year, I would have laughed at them.
That is where my wonderful husband comes in and makes my life so much fun.
This was his dream, to have an RV, and be able to go to other parts of the United States.
Little did I know we would make Arizona our new "winter" home.
Big Bertha and the Taj-mah-hauler is residing there as I type and we are living the desert life.
I love living amongst the saguaro cacti.
We went back to Oklahoma to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas and on December 27th we headed back to the warmer climate.

It has been so much fun experiencing the Arizona life with our friends Cindy and Terry, (that live in Tucson).
They have even been blessed with their first grandchild on December 30th. 
Lilly is a very lucky little girl to have such a great couple of people to call grandparents.
Lilly came a little earlier than expected, and Cindy is working on her beautiful quilt that she is pouring her heart into for this sweet little girl.

How lucky to have such great friends in Oklahoma and Arizona.
When I am in Arizona I miss my BFF Diana, that is back in Oklahoma.
She has had an awesome year of weight loss, and I can't even tell you how proud I am of this girl.
I am still trying to talk them into coming to Arizona and getting the lot that is next to us. 

The newest group of friends are our neighbors at Desert Gardens.
The one reason we purchased the lot we did is because of these wonderful people.
It was a total delight to see everyone make their way back here over the last few months, and I can truly say we picked up where we left off.
I love the melting pot of people from every walk of life merging into the park and becoming friends. 

We have also been able to reconnect with Larry and Lesa, our friends from Oklahoma that moved to Gold Canyon Arizona several years ago.
We had no idea at the time we settled in Florence that they were only about 15 miles from us. 

We got back to Florence in time to send 2016 packing and welcome 2017.
Our neighbors Don & Donna hosted a New Years Eve party.
We had so much fun.
Donna had Charades and The Newlywed Game for us to play.
With 16 people present it was a laugh a minute.
Our friend Joanne won a prize for the most questions answered correctly on the Newlywed Game, and I won a prize for the least questions answered correctly....LOL....Yep, I got one right!!!!

Our son and daughter in law have moved.
They have purchased their "forever home.
It is beautiful, and the kids along with mom and dad are enjoying their new neighborhood.

The grand kids are doing very well in school and love being in the same school as their mother teaches. 
They are both growing up so fast. 
Christmas Eve services, Cooper surprised us all by reading a scripture for the children's portion of the service.
She tells us later that she had to audition for the part.
Cooper was the first one to read and she did wonderful.
The others that read did a great job as well.
I was so proud of her and how she stood up there without any fear and delivered her lines like a pro.
Cash sang his heart out as well.
These two are so amazing. (proud grandma speaking)

We have had a few friends leave this world this year.
It is so sad to think that they are gone, but makes me even more appreciative of each breath I take.

This is the final entry for 2016, and I am as usual very excited to be able to send it to Print My Blog and have it printed. 

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday,
We look forward to 2017 and all the things that this world has in store for us this year. 
I wish everyone health and happiness for the coming 365 days and beyond. 

Christmas Traditions 2016

Traditions are something that we all seem to have.
Some are things that we have done for a very long time.
Others are new to us.


I for one love traditions, and I am happy to say that I have one that our daughter in law and our granddaughter have been doing for the last few years
The Nutcracker is just that tradition.




We go to the Oklahoma Ballet to see The Nutcracker every year when the holiday season comes around.

I love that we have a tradition that we can share.

We never know how the weather is going to be in Oklahoma.
This year it was cold...very cold!
Last year we had a tornado warning, so as I say, we just never know.

We enter the building and navigate our way to the area that they are selling Nutcracker memorabilia.
Cooper spots a Nutcracker with a cupcake on his head, and that is the one she wants.
Another girl was looking at the same one, and since it was the last one of its kind, when the girl decided she wanted another one, I nodded to the lady, and she bagged it up for us. 
Cooper was excited with the newest addition to her growing collection.

Our celebratory picture was taken beside the giant Nutcracker that was in front of their large Christmas tree.
(Thanks to the lady that took them for us.)



Being we have done this a few times, we know just where our seats are, so we navigate our way upstairs and find our entrance.
Settled in, we wait for the curtain to rise.

As we watch the ballet, I can see in Coopers eyes that she is dancing every step that they are on stage.
In fact, I am told that when she gets home she dances around most of the evening.

Not to leave our grandson out of the mix, he gets a Nutcracker as well.
I had found a cute Soccer Nutcracker for him during one of my shopping trips.


Before you know it, two hours are gone, and the final curtain goes down on this years ballet.
So glad that we get to have such a wonderful "tradition" to keep us all young at heart.

Thanksgiving 2016

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and enjoyed spending time with their families.
We got back to Oklahoma on Monday November 21st.
It was really nice to see the house.
I have to say I thought I would be homesick while in Arizona, but I wasn't.
Everything was just where we left it, with just a little more dust on it.  :)

The plan is a standard plan for our Thanksgiving.
My mom makes the cornbread dressing.
I cook the turkey.
We fix some other dishes, and boom, we have a feast.




One of the traditional dishes we have every holiday is a cranberry, cool whip, and marshmallow dish that my grandma Murray would always make.
We have a bowl that is always used for this dish...just one of those family things that we do.


The kids and grands show up and it is time for the feast to begin!
The food was great as usual.
We all ate too much, but isn't that what we are supposed to do!

Heather brought a yummy dish of mac and cheese.
She also brought a pumpkin roll, and a pumpkin cheese cake.

We had way to much food, but that's fine because the left overs are part of the festive times.

After we finished our meal, we got everyone outside for the Thanksgiving picture that I try to take every year.
I just love to see how the kids have changed each year..and of course the older folks haven't aged one bit!

That concludes Thanksgiving at Chukadi Acre.
I am so thankful for our small but mighty family.
Blessed for sure.

November's Desert Report 2016

Where is the time going?
The beautiful sunsets keep coming and each one has it owns spectacular color.
Seems we just got here and we have been in the desert for a month already.
Things are changing on our site with all the additions of plants.
It is really a treat to plant in the sandy and somewhat harsh environment and actually see things grow.
We have made our way to a couple of different nurseries and have enjoyed learning about the plants that grow here.
The Avocado Nursery was one of the places we bought a few plants.
Oh the knowledge we got from Si!!!



We got to experience our first rain at the park.
The rainfall was quite an event, as it rained a little 2-1/2" in less than an hour.
This made us very aware of where the water runs on our property.
We got out to go to eat with some friends, and I got to see my first full rainbow.
It was absolutely beautiful.
The water didn't stay long.
The retention ponds were actually full, which is something we have never seen.
I know the plants appreciated the moisture because the next few days, we had blooms on our Palo Verde tree!





We have traveled to Tucson a couple of times to see Cindy and Terry.
We rode the Harley one Saturday and I have to say the wind therapy was wonderful.
Our visit with the Lingel's was so much fun!
They took us to a local Mexican food restaurant and we really enjoyed the meal.
We were all non stop talking so I don't know if it would have mattered if it was good or not.
We had a great time catching up.
Terry and Chuck talked about motorcycles.
Terry has acquired his own fleet of them due to someone else misfortune.
I will leave that story alone for now but I have to say he acquired some nice bikes.
Our visit was over way too fast and we had to start back to Florence.
The ride home was very nice.
I just love seeing the landscape of Arizona on the back of a bike.
I feel so lucky that Chuck is such a great rider and takes me on so many great rides!

Our second trip to Tucson was this last Friday.
We took Bronco and spent the night at Cindy and Terry's Bed & Breakfast.
Cindy shows off her cooking skills and makes a wonderful dinner.
The dish was "chicken crack" and it was very tasty.
Not sure that Terry would agree as he doesn't like chicken, but he endured it that evening.
We had talked about going to a cavern that is in the area and after checking online to buy tickets we find that everyone else had the same idea.
Seems everyone is celebrating Veterans Day weekend and with the schools being out on Friday we aren't going to be able to make this event happen.
I suggest we go to the town of Tubac and shop.
The guys were so excited!!!!
But the plan is made anyway.

We get up and are on our way shortly after 8am.
As we make our way towards the border of the United States we see all the abandoned copper mines that were once busy with miners.
Now they sit silently as a reminder of what once was a big part of Arizona's economy.
Terry ask if we want to stop at the mission that was coming up quickly and we say sure we are up for anything.

I for one am so excited that we stopped.
The name is St. Xavier Del Bac Mission and it was a very interesting and worthwhile stop.
They are doing a complete restoration of the area
It was said that a few years ago vandalism cause quite a bit of damage to the place and they are now trying to put it back to a pristine state.
The architecture and work was breathtaking.
After we walk around and visit the gift shop we head towards the car.
I see a bloom from the desert spoon plant that Terry makes his walking sticks from.
Upon further inspections we find another set of shops and a place to eat.


We end up having an awesome breakfast and try some of the local cuisine.
What a fun and very unexpected stop this has been.





Back on the road and heading towards Tubac we see signs for a missile launching pad and more copper mines.
I see more exploring needs to be done around this area but today we are shopping.
We reach Tubac and explore all the small shops.
They are so colorful and full of all the Mexican pottery and items we have seen in Florence and Mesa, but seems like the prices are even better.
At least on a few things that is.
We stopped in at a cute little restaurant and had some Republic of Tea Sangria Iced Tea.
It was a very refreshing stop and we got to try something different!
Refueled and ready to head towards the car we make another detour to see all the wonderful wind art.
Chuck and Cindy check on the prices of the art and decide we won't be taking any back with us.
Beautiful for sure but too rich for our blood!

What a great day with Cindy and Terry.
I see many more outings like this in our future.
It seems Bronco and Simon could even become friends.
Probably not BFF's but at least friends. ;)
When we get back to the Lingel's house it seems that Simon has broken away from his confined area and joined Bronco in Terry's room that is off the garage.
Upon checking the security camera it appears that Simon joined Bronco about 12:30pm and went to his Cataminium and basked in the afternoon sun.

We have quite a few things to take back with us, as Terry has made me another beautiful walking stick.
Cindy gave us some of their Mexican limes, that are to die for!
The visit was a blast for sure.
It totally amazes me that we are so lucky to have such wonderful friends to share a part of our life with.
Blessed for sure!













Monday, our friends Jo and Ernie asked us to go to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park.
This was a really interesting place to see all the plants that grow in the area.
I can see we will be coming back for more exploring, as we only got about 1/3 of the area covered today.
One nice thing is that we can bring Bronco and let her explore with us.
So glad we were invited to check out this wonderful place.
Chuck bought me a plant from there today as well, so we have to go home and give it a new home.








Our group of friends along with us have had our first of the season pot luck dinner.
It was quite a success and my bowl that was full of goulash was totally empty by the time we left.

We also had our first meet and greet.
I took those wonderful brownie bites from Sams and didn't bring a one home.
I am seeing a trend here.
These people love to eat!
All the food was wonderful.

We played Bingo last Monday and I came home $6 richer than when I left.
Our friend Danny is calling this week and Chuck is his assistant.
Kinda like Vanna and Pat on "Wheel of Fortune"
Bingo may never be the same after tonight. ;)
By the way, I came home $15 richer this week....winner winner!












Chuck wanted to get out and use up some of the gas on the Harley as we will be heading to Oklahoma soon, so we rode to Miami Arizona.
We have driven this rode thru Superior a couple of times now, but I have to say, on a bike was truly spectacular.
We even make it to Top of the World Arizona.
The elevation goes up, and the last time I saw it marked was 4000 feet, and I am thinking I should have probably had on a jacket.
I toughed it out, as I knew as soon as we got back down in elevation I would be wanting it off.
We also detoured and explored a few back roads that we have seen that take us into Queen Valley.
Like I said before, we have a lot of riding to do around here, as it is totally uncharted for us.




We start our trip back to Oklahoma on Sunday November 20th.
The ride was nice and uneventful.
Some of the roads we traveled were new to us, and we really got to see a part of New Mexico that we have never seen.
I was so glad to get to see "The Narrows" in Cubero, NM.
The fields of lava are totally amazing to look at.
We have always seen them when traveling I-40 but we are back in around them and it was great.
Still didn't make it to Pie Town NM, but I bet the next time we travel this way, we make a point to drop in that little town.

We make it to Oklahoma on Monday afternoon, and have to admit it was really nice to see the house.
Fall is showing its colors really nicely in our yard, and so are all the leaves...LOL.
Looks like we have some raking to do!


The new mobile Blinds & Designs Too is going well.
I am still able to sell my blinds and other products without having the shop.
There is some learning curves as far as being mobile but I think it is working great.
I hope my solid base of customers from the past 35 years continue using me and recommending me to their friends.
I have to admit that sometimes change is good!

Dinner at the local Mexican food restaurant with friends

Living in the Sonoran Desert October 2016

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere totally different?
I think we all dream that dream sometime in our life.
Whether it is on a lake, by the ocean, someplace cold, or someplace warm, the thought has surly crossed your mind.

I thought Chuck had lost his mind when he talked about going to Arizona.

You all know how that turned out, now don't you?
I truly am enjoying the thought of being nice and warm when it is splitting snow and ice in Oklahoma.
I look forward to the beautiful sunsets that the desert brings.
What an adventure this season is going to be!

As I posted in the last entry we are getting our shed next week.
This is fairly exciting as it will allow us an area to put our "stuff".
You know what that is.....it's something that all Americans collect and think we can't live without. LOL.


I put a hummingbird feeder out last week and am happy to report that we have 3 regulars.
There is one little guy that really would rather not share the feeder but he seems to be calming down a bit and sharing with the other two.

They just sit on the branches and don't seem to be bothered by us humans.

Snakes have been spotted in the park.
We saw one that had been killed by a resident and it (rattler) was about 2' long.

A large rattler was killed over in another section on Saturday night.
At the same time the people were killing it, the guys were closing up the pool maintenance area and he walked in and saw a giant snake there as well.
Chuck is deathly afraid of snakes and I have to say they aren't my favorite either.
Hopefully the same wranglers can rid the park of these pest!!!!

All the talk about snakes has everyone watching. 
We came back to our rig and as soon as I got inside I realized I forgot my phone in our golf cart.
As I walk out and almost get to the cart our air bags in the truck make their usual noise and scared the crap out of me.
Chuck sure got a good laugh when I came back in and told him what had happened.  :)

We wentplant shopping on Saturday and brought home a few.
We found some golden barrel cacti and also bought a few hummingbird yuccas.
Got another plant called a Good Luck Plant.
With a name like that of course we had to have one.
It resembles the an ocotillo in a way.
I am wanting an ocotillo as well, but until we get the shed built I think we will hold off on purchasing anymore.

Paint colors for shed

The guy that is building the shed came by today to make final arrangements.
He will be here Thursday to install. 

Our colors are Medallion for the shed, with trim of Persian Carpet...sure hope it looks ok!!!

We had several "firsts" this last week.

Our activity directors, Joe and Kathy, have already been busy planning all kinds of things for us old people to do.
This is their first year as activity directors and we have taken a liking to them as they enjoy laughter about as much as we do!  (Our kind of people)
They have already earned nicknames from Chuck and I.
One of their emails they sent out was telling everyone of times of events, and the AM and PM in a few of the times were incorrect.
OK, so most people know that if they are telling you about a breakfast event, if you see PM, you can use logic and realize they meant AM.
Well,it seems some people had to make a bigger deal out of it and notified the higher ups that it was incorrect.
Anyway, we all just laughed it off and before the evening was over we had dubbed them AM and PM....
Inside joke, but so funny.

OK back to the things we did this week.
We had a "FIdo Friday" and yes it involved our dogs.
The town of Florence has a dog park, so we went to the park with the dogs and let them run and play.
Bronco is not that social with other dogs, but by the time the evening was over, she was getting the hang of it.
She met Chimmy, which is Joe and Kathy's little part chihuahua and min-pin, I think.
Murphy was there as well, he is a soft coated Wheaton Terror.
A few other dogs joined the group and it was so much fun watching them get acquainted.
There were a lot of laughs as we watched Chimmy bounce across the green grass chasing anything that moves.
Murphy was like a referee.
If he thought anything  or anyone was getting out hand he would come and break it up.
There will be more dog get togethers and we are planning on joining again as it was a lot of fun.
Hope Bronco enjoyed it too.

We had our first "Ice Cream Social" this afternoon.
We enjoyed meeting some new people and of course spending time with the ones we know.
We start another week of desert living and can't wait to see what is in store for us......as long as there are NO snakes!!!!!

Transitioning 2016

Transitioning is a big word with big things attached to it for me.
I am making a lot of changes in my somewhat normal routine.
First I have transitioned my sticks and bricks business to a mobile business.
That alone was a major undertaking.
The store officially closed on October 14th but we actually were on the road to the second transition on Monday October 11th
As far as the store goes, I am pleased at the technologies of the 21st century in that I can take my business line of 25 plus  years and convert to a cellular phone.
My office is set up at the house and it turned out great.
I am getting the hang of carrying my phone and doing business right on the spot.

It was quite a whirlwind making all this happen in a timely manner  but I am happy to say that it is all coming together quite nicely.
I think I will be happy with the outcome of it.







So I said we left on Monday October 11th for the second transition.
That involves hauling our 43ft Taj-Mah-Hauler to the deserts of Arizona.
Some people just wouldn't like this dry dusty climate but Chuck and I took a liking to it.
So much that we purchased a little piece of the Sonora Desert in March of this year.














We spent a couple of nights on the road and about the only exciting thing we saw was that Bronco was up close and personal to a little cotton tailed rabbit on our stay in Tucumcari NM KOA RV Park.

Our trip went a whole lot smoother than our first trip out here in March.
We made it here with all tires inflated. ;)
We plugged into our power supply and had no problems.
If you wonder why I say this I will add the link to our last trip to Arizona and you can understand my concerns for a few of these things.First trip to Florence

It was wonderful to see all the beautiful saguaro cacti start coming into view as we made our way to Florence.














Our lot was just as we left it....well almost!!!!
No weeds.... so it looks like the advise from others to spray with a good weed killer before we left was spot on!
We are the proud owners of a very very large ant bed, but not for long!
I got out my spray and powder and by the next morning, there was just a very large area of dead ants!!!!!














We are set up and getting settled in with our new 60x70foot lot, and just like last season, we are seeing some beautiful sunsets!!!











The planning stage of where to put the new storage building has begun.
Since we are in a Co-op the process to add a building involves drawing plans as to the location of the shed.
Chuck and I have agreed where we think it should go
The paint color has been chosen and now it goes to the board member for approval.

We are looking at cacti that we want to add to our landscape.
You see our lot consist of one Palo Verde tree (that I dearly love)  and it provides a nice shaded area for our temporary pergola.




Chuck is now playing horseshoes with the guys three days a week
I will start water aerobics soon
 Our little golf cart is a wonderful mode of transportation when we need to take trash to the dumpster or I need to do laundry as I am doing now.

We have met up with friends that we met in March that are in the park and also met some really nice new ones.







The park is beginning to fill with Snowbirds.
There is also a lot of movement with new park models being built.


We are getting the RV washed and waxed on Thursday.
After the love bugs it is in real need of some TLC.

The winds are blowing quite nicely today. (which is actually unusual)
Reminds us of Oklahoma ;)
Everyone is talking about how high they are, but to us it is just a breeze....LOL



I just had to share this picture of a song that was playing on the radio as we drove into Florence one day.
Chuck told me to check it out, and of course I had to take a pic to prove it was happening.








Things are calming down and it is time to enjoy our home away from home.
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress.

By the way....we got approval to build our shed, so looks like next week is going to be a very busy week,  as our contractor has told us instead of the November 11th date he originally told us, has now moved up to next Wednesday!!!!!
AWESOME, love when a plan comes together  :)

Big Bertha & the Taj-mah-hauler Go to Florida Coast (part 5)

9-15-16

We are up and out of the park by 8:20. 

We take another route out of Destin. 

We travel Hwy. 331 and catch I-30 so we miss all the traffic that we experienced as we drove in.  

The stop and go traffic as we drove in is a killer when you are pulling a trailer.











We did get to see another "Plane on a stick" as I call it....LOL..in Florida.
Noticed them before but didn't have my camera ready...so here it is....LOL

By about 10:45 we have crossed over into Alabama. 












We make our way back through the tunnel once again.













Mobile Alabama  and Lupi decides to take the scenic route and we are going down some fairly narrow tree lined streets with the trailer.
Not happy with Miss Lupi!!















I was so excited to stop at a Starbucks in Alabama and find my "you are here" cup!
Its the little things sometime  :)








We made a stop at New Augusta Mississippi for diesel and decided to grab some lunch. 

As we got out of the truck those damn lovebugs attacked. 

Looking at the trailer you knew they were still here in army strength.

When we got back on the road, Chuck said he didn't know how people could handle those bugs. 
They are so terrible!!!
Check out this link: Lovebug

We stop at Clinton Mississippi for the night. 
The Springridge RV park is as far as we are going. 
 


We get here about 4pm 

We walk to Popeye's Chicken and take it back to the RV. 

That was the extent of our evening.
Oh, but I did see a Starbucks, so that evening while filling the truck, we made a little drive there to see if they had Mississippi cups.
Nope, seems Mississippi doesn't have the "you are here" cups that I am collecting.  
Bummer... 
But we did see a beautiful sunset!!!!!!

9-16-16

We pulled out around 9 and get on I-20 and pointed the truck west. 

Had a little issue getting out of our site this morning and the truck is now sporting a couple of small dints on the chrome bumper. 
I was watching the back of the trailer, keeping it out of a pine tree and didn't get up to the front to tell Chuck to not got any further forward!  
It's bound to happen, but never makes you happy!  


It doesn't take long for me to not be impressed with the driving skills in Mississippi!
The drivers don't seem to know they have signals and as soon as they pass they dart back in and almost clip the front of the truck. 

The roads in Mississippi are fairly bumpy, but actually I think Louisiana's were even worse. 

We complain a lot about Oklahoma but I truly think these were right up there at the top of the list. 

We stopped for a quick lunch and got fuel. 

One of the workers at the station asked how old our red heeler was. 
I was surprised he knew what breed Bronco was. 
In Florida most everyone had no clue.

We get back on the bumpy road and I for one was never so happy to see the Texas state line. 
Smooth roads ahead.  

Our stop for the night will be in Canton, TX. and Chuck says for me to find a spot to stay. 

I search the Internet and like the looks of the Mill Creek RV resort. 

We have two different directions to go and one calls for a u turn and that is not going to happen. 

We take the first exit and all was going well until we come to a fire truck in the middle of the intersection and a fireman directing traffic.  

We turn left onto this narrow two lane road. 
There is no place to get back to the road we need to be on as the streets are so narrow. 

We end up going straight back to I-20. 

Chuck pulls over and we put the address into Lupi. 
 She takes us down to the second exit. 
All's good until she tells us we have reached our destination and there is a McDonald sitting in the spot. 

As Chuck continue to drive I see the sign for the park but it's too late, so we go across the street and do a drive through at a somewhat temporary looking RV park.
I am sure it is full when Canton's First Monday is going on. 

We make our u turn after all!  
Back at the entrance Chuck doesn't turn in as it says "no big trucks". 
I am about to have a heart attach and he goes ahead and turns in the second entrance. 
Still a sign says no big trucks. 
What the heck!!!!

Okay. So now the RV park is visible and we make our way to check in.  
Geeze, there has to be a better way to so this. 
This is just about too much for me. 

This is very close to the same pain as having a root canal!!!

After all the dust finally settles, Chuck comes back with instructions to make our way to #8 site;
The site is 100' long so there will be no truck hanging out or crooked parking for us tonight.

There was a little Mexican drive through place in front of the RV entrance and we got street taco's for dinner. 
We bring them back to the trailer and have to say, they were very tasty!  

Did I mention that it's hot. 
It got up to a smoking 95 today. 

I am tired. 
Chuck is tired. 
Think it is time to chill for the rest of the evening.  

9-17-16

We are on the road by 9 am. 
Time to get this chariot home. 
Traffic is moderate and the drivers are driving like they are on fire.

By the time we make it to Dallas the traffic had picked up even more. 

The construction is on going and lane shifts are inevitable. 
I have to say Chuck handles it well. 
I would be ready to run into every last one of them. 
They are the most uncaring drivers.  
Everyone is in such a rush and they don't care who they hit or cut in, to get where they are going. 
I think the stress of me being the back seat driver has gotten to me as I am ready to park the Taj-mah-hauler and be done!  

We make it out of the Dallas area without incident. 
Hopefully we will have smooth sailing the rest of the way home. 
We have been told that Trump is on OKC and is going to the OU/Ohio State football game. 
Just hope we can get through downtown easily. 

We got almost to Purcell without any slow downs and then it happened. 
The highway is closed down to one lane. 
The line is growing and all the people in the left lane have to merge to the right. 
Chuck ends up straddling the middle line to stop the people from zooming up and diving in. 
One of my big pet peeves is people think they don't have to wait their turn. 
I swear they would do the same thing at Walmart if they didn't think you would confront them. 
A highway patrolman pulled over a biker that was going down the service part of the road. 
The biker was with several others but his brothers left him to fend for himself. 

Can you tell that all the traffic is wearing one me!

We make it home by around 3pm.
So glad to be home...and now the unloading begins!

The unloading was pretty quick and we only had a few more things to do, and when I finally looked up, the skies have darkened, and do I hear thunder in the near distance?
Yep...there is a storm brewing.

We had both been so busy and didn't have our phones on us to notice all the alerts that are going off on our phones.
High winds and hail, are coming and we don't have time to get the trailer put away.

We stand in the house and watch the winds hit....then the hail starts....it isn't very large hail but it's hail!!!!

I am happy to report that Big Bertha and the Taj-mah-hauler didn't have any damage that we could see.
Thank goodness!!!

The trees on the other hand...well, we had tree leaves everywhere.

We are home, safe and sound, with 2604 miles under our belts, hauling a big ole trailer to Florida for a wonderful vacation.
Believe it or not, we will do it again!!!! 

I wanted to add that the day we left for this vacation we had a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook us out of bed. 

What a send off!!!

Big Bertha & The Taj-mah-hauler Go to Florida Coast (part 4)

9-12-16

We have to move the trailer today to the site next door. 
Our new lot is #162. 

We get out for a bit this morning and I got a little retail therapy out of my system. 

In fact one of the places was actually called "Retail Therapy". 
It was like a market. 
Different people have booths in a very large location. 

It was so refreshing to see all the ocean colors in most of the decorating pieces they had.

The creams and whites with all the light aqua tones were just breathtaking. 

Okay, back to reality and we go back to the trailer to see if the site we are moving into is ready. 

Our neighbors had pulled out while we were gone so we got in gear and started moving stuff and hooking up the trailer for this long drive...LOL 

It was extremely hot and humid and both Chuck and I were drinched by the time we got into the space. 

I have to say I really like the spot much better as it gives us room to spread out and actually open our awning. 

It's also long enough that we have room for the truck to fit without tucking it under the 5th wheel. 

Not a bad move at all. 

After lunch we actually sat outside with our fan going and enjoyed the weather. 

The skies have darkened and the sound of thunder is close so it makes a nice peaceful backdrop to our new home for the next few days. 

The shrimp was so good from the market we went back and bought more. 
Chuck brought seafood gumbo this time as well. 
Our dinner is planned for tonight.

After we finish eating dinner we walk Bronco so we can catch the 6:00 pm tram to the beach. 
Our first evening to see the sunset. 

We had met another couple a few nights ago and we met up with them at the tram. 

Candice was having some issues with their dog Riley. 
 Seems Riley likes to bark and carry on when they leave. 
You know me, I had to tell her about the pheromone collar. 
They had gone the next day and bought one and Riley is doing very well with it. 

Okay back to the sunset. 






It was beautiful. 
We so appreciated Candice and her husband Rich as they were able to take a picture for us. 
We obliged them and got a few great shots for them. 

We pack up and head back to the 7:00 pm tram. 
The last one for the evening, and there were quite a few people on it. 

We invited our new friends over to see our trailer. 

Riley 

 After they checked ours out, we went and checked out their class A.  
Riley was there to meet us as they open the door. 
There was no sign of anything torn up. 
They had videoed her so the play back of the last hour will tell the tail on Miss Riley's behavior.  Love their rig...really nice! 

Riley was a very good girl according to the video and it looks like the collar is doing its work!!!

We are back at our trailer about 8:00 pm and it's time to kick back and relax. 

9-13/16

We decided to make a quick trip over to Destin. 

Bronco was left at the trailer to guard it today. 

We make a stop at Starbucks and get something to drink and head west to Destin. 

Golly, never knew two people could spend so much time at a Walmart. 

The bikes caught our eye and we spent some time looking at them. 

Chuck needed a new phone case so we had to pick out just the right one. 

We check out and get back into the truck to make our way on to the next stop. 

Well that stop never happened as we got to talking about the bikes we had seen and decided to go and take another look. 

Good golly, we are like two old people buying a car. 
I loved the banana yellow bike and that was the one I wanted. 

Chuck liked the Panama Jack bike. 

We decided to get them and as you know a bike has to have accessories. 

We picked out a bell for my bike and Chuck got a horn. 

They even had a cool rear rack bag that I thought could come in handy. 
Man we are fixed up. 

Finally we are back at the truck with two bikes. 

We jockied around with them trying to get them to straddle the fifth wheel connection. 
I swear we were out in that parking lot for a good thirty minutes. 
I bet if they check their camera footage they could have a good laugh with us old folks attempting to get the new bikes situated just right to make the 15 mile trip back to the RV park. 

We make it back safely and after we drive through the check area Chuck stops the truck and gets my bike out. 

I get on "Yellowrose" and peddle back to our spot. 

We take the bikes out again and ride down to one of the lakes that is on the nature trail. 
We didn't see any wildlife but it was fun to be able to ride the bikes. 

As we rode Chuck's bike had a knocking sound. 
He inspected it and all seemed okay. 

We decided to load the bike up and return it to the Walmart that is close by.

At the customer service center we met the manager and he said he used to own a bike shop and that the issue was that the chain is too tight. 

In time it will stretch but seems this is really tight. 
He suggest Chuck loosen it a little.

I drive the truck back and Chuck rides. 

As he makes his way back to our site he says that the traffic on Hwy 98 was a bit scary. 

He will adjust the chain in the morning and see if this guy actually knows what he is talking about. 

9-14-16

Chuck gets his bike out and loosens the chain as the guy suggested. 

He rode it a little and sure enough there was no noise. 

Guess the manager knew his stuff!!!! 

We drive to a bike shop just to see if they have the disconnects for the front tires for easy hauling. Well I am here to tell you our cheap little Huffy's are no match for these $2000 bikes. LOL

They have the disconnects but we would need to bring the bikes back to them to get the correct size, and that isn't going to happen this trip!

It's time for lunch so we visit a local Mexican restaurant. 
Wasn't bad food, but the service...well.....it was very slow!  

We get back to the RV and walk Bronco so she can get some exercise. 

Walmart is about a mile away so later we ride our bikes over to check on a few cheaper accessories for the bikes. LOL

It's time to start packing up as we pull out and head home tomorrow morning. 

We will be hauling two new bikes in the Taj-Mah-Hauler. 
Kinda lightweight load for her. LOL

Time to get some rest for tomorrow we travel. 

Friday Night Dinner Ride 7-22-16

I haven't written much on the blog lately, but really haven't had a lot going on.
Today, we at least rode to dinner.

We ate at Johnnie'sCharcoal Broiler Hamburger on the south side of Oklahoma City.

As we left the house, I took a picture on my iPhone and used the Insta-weather app to see what the temperature was.
The news had been saying we would reach 100 today, and it did exactly that!
The picture tells the result I got....officially 100.

We got on the highway and the breeze was nice....now I wouldn't want to be sitting in traffic, but while moving it was fine.

We were the last ones to show up, and the others had gotten our table situated in an area that wasn't our usual spot.
I say this because there was a large group of people in the area we normally sit.
They were about as noisy as we were.
As we sat there the group got even louder.
It seems that a guy asked his girlfriend to marry him....well, that was a first for us. LOL
After the marriage proposal was done, they brought out Uno cards and got into groups and proceeded to play Uno....another first for us...LOL

Next time we come, I think I will bring a board game for us to play....NOT!!!!! Just teasing

We sat and talked and noticed that the restaurant was pretty bare of patrons....had we stayed too long?
The wait staff was kinda hanging around our tables.....so it was time for us to head out.

As we exited Johnnies, I looked at the time and we actually were fine, as they stayed open until 10 and it was only 9:20.

We start saying our goodbyes, and Lynn said something about trying to go by the new Wheeler Ferris Wheel area because this food truck that sells biscuits, (I think), was going to be there.
The trucks were supposed to be there until 10, so Chuck and I decide to ride with them and check it out.
We made it to the Ferris wheel a little before 10, and meet up with Lynn & Keith's son, Andrew.
Andrew is training for a triathlon and had been running fairly close, so he dropped by to see his parents.
I think Lynn bribed him with the thought of biscuits...
We make our way to the two food trucks, and would you believe the biscuit truck was still there, but they were closing up.
We missed it by just a few minutes. ;(
No biscuits for us tonight....but there is always next time.
The other food truck had mini donuts....and we had to try them....and they were good....very good.

We finish our donuts and walk towards the Ferris wheel.
There are a lot of people gathering around the large OKC letters to have pictures made.
All of a sudden, we are right in the middle of a crowd that was gathering around a couple of people.
The crowd had signs, and before we knew it, the guy that was with the girl is on one knee....you guessed it....another marriage proposal.
The signs said " Will you marry me" and then they switched them around and they read "She said YES!"
Golly this has been an evening for proposals...and we all thought the one at the Ferris wheel trumped the one at Johnnie's ten fold!
Before we left we asked Andrew to take our picture in front of OKC and the Ferris wheel.

And that concluded our Friday evening...pretty eventful for sure.
Lynn and Keith pointed their bike towards Duncan, and we headed to Yukon.

Fun evening but no biscuits....but there is always tomorrow. :)

Meet and Greet in Fredricksburg Texas May 11-16 2016

5-11-16
We are part of a group on Facebook for fellow RVers, called Fifth Wheels, Trailers and Motorhomes, and a Meet and Greet was planned several months back for us to meet in Fredricksburg, TX. and we are going to participate.



We pulled out from the house around 11am.
"We" as in Chuck, Bronco, and I.
Bronco wasn't supposed to be going on this trip, but she was not going to let us leave without her.
Can't leave that sweet baby behind, and she promises to be good!!!!
Diana & Chris are going as well, but they can't leave for awhile so Chuck takes the slow road to Vernon, TX.







We take I-40 out to Clinton, OK. and then head south.
I love seeing all the small towns along the way.
Seems Texas and western Oklahoma have the court houses right in the middle of the town square.








The roads were pretty good and not a lot of traffic.  Before we know it, we are in Vernon, TX.
Our home for tonight will be at the Rockin' A RV Park.
I was so excited that we are walking distance from Walmart.
After we get set up we make our way to Walmart and pick up all the things I think we might need...LOL
Diana & Chris make it around 6:45pm, and after they get set up, Diana and I walk to Walmart and pick up the fried chicken that I had ordered earlier.
We sit outside and have a nice little dinner!






The weather is supposed to come in this evening and I noticed our neighbor was tying down his awning...or was he tying down the awning to protect his truck.
I have to say I have seen a lot of red neck things in my life, but never this one!





The storms rolled in about 2am.
We only had some wind and rain...no hail thank goodness!
Guess the guy didn't need to worry about his truck after all.








5-12-16
The rigs are ready to pull out by 9am.
We don't go too far, as we stop at McDonald's for breakfast.
Fueled and ready to make some miles we point the rigs toward Fredricksburg!
The air is cool, and the skies are blue...and the storms are no where to be found.











Diesel stop around noon in the little town of Coleman, TX.
Took us what seems forever to get the pumps to work.
There were 3 vehicles with campers trying to get fuel, and finally one of the ladies came out and got things working for all of us.

As we paid, I asked if there were any good places to get a burger.
One lady piped up and said the little convenience store down the road was pretty good.
Since we are stopped and it IS lunch, we decide to try it.
It was a little hole in the wall type place, but there were quite a few people in there eating.
The burgers probably weren't the best we have ever eaten, but they really weren't that bad!

Back on the road, and Lupie (our crazy GPS) has a mind of her own.
Diana and Chris's GPS,(Debbie) had her own directions she was wanting to go, but since they were behind us, they followed the leader  :)
Chuck made the comment that sometimes a good ole paper map is still the best!
At some point Chris takes the lead, and we just follow them to our destination.









No U-turns today, but a few miss directions, but we make it to our park around 3:30pm.
We will be staying at the Fredricksburg RV Park for this shindig!











Diana & Chris check in first, and I am crossing my fingers that they have us close to them.
Not only close but we are right next door....perfect!
By the time we get set up and meet a few of the members that are already at the park, it is time to think about dinner.
Chris grills some brats, and we pull out the chicken from the night before.
Not bad left overs!

By now, we have met a few people and it's decided that we need to drag our chairs out into the street and make ourselves comfortable!
The weather is mild, and actually a little cool, but at least we don't have rain!
It was a nice evening to sit and swap stories, and get acquainted with our new friends!
Before you know it, it is 10:30pm or maybe even later and we decide to call it an evening.
Everyone gathers their chairs and coolers, and head back to their trailers.
Today was a great day, and we are so glad to be in our home away from home for a few days.
Goodnight world!




5-13-16
Plans are to ride the bikes today as the weather is supposed to be dry until later in the day, so we get on and make a stop on the way out of Fredricksburg at an Amish Store that Chris had noticed as we came in yesterday.





I was sure I had seen the same store, so we drove right to it.

























As we drove up, this wasn't the one that Chris was thinking of but we went ahead and checked it out.
They had some really beautiful pieces of furniture....but the only thing I walked out of there with was some "popcorn".
Their selection of popcorn was amazing...and of course Diana and I had to get some!

Chris leads out of town, as he is on a quest to find this Amish store he had seen, and about 5 miles out of town, he does a turn around.
Can't seem to find it.


As we turn around and head back to the Kerrville cut off, he notices a place with some furniture out in front...not what he thought he had seen the day before, we continue riding.
Chuck takes the lead and we make it to Kerrville around 11am...and it wasn't too soon for me to be wanting some lunch!
I was starving....so Chuck remembered this little Mexican food restaurant we had stopped at before, so we do just that.
Gosh, I was so glad to eat  :


Bellies full, we get  back on the bike and head towards Bandera, TX.
There is a lot of road work along the way, but the traffic moved quite well.
The sun has come out and it is getting warm and the humidity is really high as well.
We basically do a drive by in Bandera, and make a loop around the high school.
At the light where we did the loop, there were several police cars and police out by a fence.
I laughed and said all I could see was a bull, but when we drove back the other direction, there actually was a dead cow by the fence line.
Excitement in Bandera for sure.
We stop at the local gas station and fill the bikes, and you will never guess what I see.
A DQ is right next door!
The Texas stop sign  has worked again...(for those of you that don't know....DQ ran adds saying they were the Texas stop signs)
By the time we finish eating our ice cream and cooling off a bit, we head back to our RV park.
The storms are supposed to start popping later in the afternoon, so we feel it is time to get back and not get wet!
I am sure it is time for Bronco to get out of the trailer for a bit as well.


Back at the RV Park, Diana and I decide to run to Walmart and pick up a few things.
We also stopped at the Liquor Store and pick up what we need to make margaritas.
One of the ladies gave us a recipe for her margaritas, and I wanted to try to make some.
We bought frozen lime concentrate at Walmart, and tequila, and cointreau...so we are fixed up!
Thanks to Debbie Wood for the recipe. :)




Diana & I make an executive decision to go and find some BBQ for dinner.
We had noticed a little restaurant as we drove into town and decided to try and find it.
Just like two bloodhounds, we sniffed out the said BBQ place.David's Old Fashion BBQ
Our take out order was ready before we knew it and we were loaded up with all kinds of good eats.


Back at the trailer I mix up some margaritas, and I think the one step that needs to be done for sure next time, is to let them rest for awhile, or as Debbie said, "let them ferment"....LOL

They were really tart, but as the ice melts into them they get a lot better.
The recipe was supposed to be frozen, but heck, we couldn't wait to try them!
It was a little quieter time in the RV Park tonight, and it was a bit cooler, so what a perfect time to bring out the new fire pit and try it out.
Our little circle got larger and larger and we had a nice group of people sitting around the lovely warm campfire.
Another day is coming to an end, and again we have met some really nice new people.

5-14-16
Cloudy day, and a bit of drizzle is what we wake up to today.
It is going to make for a wet shopping day in Fredricksburg, but heck, we won't let a little rain stop us.
I know the guys would have rather sat at the RV, but they decided to go with us.
Being tourist today was fun...we stopped in several shops and looked at clothes and a little bit of everything.

Shopping really takes a lot of energy and by noon it is time to think about eating.
Tucked in the back of a driveway next to a couple of buildings we see a little burger place, and they have a sign outside promoting their "tornado fries"....well, that is all it took for us to make this our lunch stop.
Jennies Smoked Burgers






We get in the newly built building, and order our burgers.
None too soon, since as soon as we sit down, the place gets really busy.
Guess that sign is working for them!!!
The "tornado fries" were basically a spiral cut potato on a skewer.
They were really seasoned well, and had a little kick to them.
I could have probably made a meal just on the fries!

We finish up shopping and the guys are totally worn out!
Time to get back and see what is going on at the RV Park.

The RV park has a couple of areas that are indoors to have our scheduled dinner, and the ladies arrange for us to be at the one that is closest to most of our rigs.
The gather is beginning around 3:30 so the foods can get prepared and ready for us to eat around 5pm.
I was in charge of the crock pot hot dogs.
Never have I heard of these(such a sheltered life :)...)
Well, if that wasn't the easiest thing I have ever done...lets see, crock pot and hot dogs....put the dogs in the crock pot and turn it on...done!
The room is full of people running around getting the food ready.
A lady by the name of Sally (she is from Oklahoma as well) was over making a punch, and she needed to get the wine bottles opened, so I run back and get our cork screw.
How many people does it take to remove 6 wine corks from the bottles...well, let me count.
I think we had Chuck, Chris, Diana and myself...Yep, we are a team!
The sangria punch that Sally made was so good!
Our table really enjoyed it, and I really want to write the recipe down for it, as it was a winner!

The get together dinner was really nice.
The gentlemen that started the Facebook page is not with us as he is in Oregon having some treatments for cancer, and today is his birthday.
Paul may not be here, but he is in spirit.
Trina was in charge of setting this all up, and she had a fellow RVer video all of us singing Happy Birthday to him.
Another one of the group, Kim, brought the cutest cake for us to celebrate with him.
Again, Trina presented the cake to Paul via video.

There is a whole lot of food for this group to eat.
I think there would be enough for the whole campgrounds to eat and still have left overs!

Cindy made 2 of the cutest pies with a camper cut out on one, and one that says "Happy Camper" on it.



After everyone is stuffed to the gills, we start the clean up.
Cindy  made the cutest wine bottle and glass holder for our hostess Trina.
Diana & I got Trina a thank you card and a solar flower for all her hard work.
Since we have the room for 24 hours, it is decided to leave the food so everyone can come and go if the get hungry again.


Back at the trailer, Chuck pulls out the fire pit and we have a good gathering of people.
Kim and Robert are a joy to be around.
Seems that Kim buys and sells RV's for a living.  Kanar RV Sales
The Landry's that are right across from us are celebrating their wedding anniversary today as well.
Cindy and Tom have been a real delight to be around as well and have a lot of motorcycle tales to tell as well.

Sally the lady that brought the wonderful punch, and her husband Bob came over to enjoy the fire.
As the evening slowed down, there was talk about a few of the attractions around the area, and the LJB National Park was discussed.
Kim and Robert wanted to go check it out, so we decided we would go tomorrow and do just that.
Time to get some shut eye and get ready for tomorrows adventure.





5-15-16
Our destination for this morning is the LBJ National Park.
As we get around and ready to head out, Trina and her husband are riding with Debbie and Brad, and Diana, Chris, Chuck and I are riding with Kim and Robert.















As we enter the main office area, the movie was about to start, so we go into the room and watch it.
I have to say it was very interesting to know a few facts about LBJ that I had no idea about.
The park guide was very nice at the desk, and showed us on a map which direction to go first.
We walk the path to the working farm that is on the site.









Apparently the rangers that are at the farm work it as they would have back in the day.
They have chickens running around,  and we see a blacksmith area, barns, and cows.
We later find out from one of the rangers that the cow is "Buttercup" and she had given birth the day before we came.











As we make our way to the home that LBJ was born in, (actually the home was rebuilt several years ago, but was recreated to the original), we can smell something cooking.
The smell was Divine, and we had to seek it out.
Chuck beat us to it, and tells us they are cooking fried steak over in the kitchen.
You have never seen a group gather around a location as fast as we did.




Hoping to get some of the food, we stand around and ask questions.
The guy that was cooking, takes up the steak, and begins putting flour in the fry pan to make gravy.
He tells us since Buttercup hasn't been milked for several months, they have no milk, so he pours water from a mason jar into the gravy mix to create his gravy.
We were all so hungry by the time we left that kitchen area, I don't know if we saw anything else!




The farm was really a neat and interesting area.
The workers really played the part well.
As we make our way back to the vehicle, the wild flowers were really making a show.
Lady Bird Johnson really loved her flowers and I can see why with the hills and valleys covered with all the beautiful colors from their blooms.










Robert drove us by the airfield that was for Air Force 1/2 when President Johnson was in office.
One of the rangers told us how the landing strip grew in length as Johnson went from senator to Vice President, to President.

Seems the runway was never long enough to land Airforce 1 so they got a helicopter to vehicle to get the  President from Austin or San Antonio to his farm.

The small jet (Jetstar) was used for direct flights from Washington.
Johnson named the Jetstar "Air Force One Half.
The Air Force One Half was on display as well.

It was sent to the graveyard some years back, and the pilot that flew for the President was told it could be found in Arizona, so it was purchased and refurbished and finally returned to its home at the ranch in 2010. 
It sits next door to the Johnson's home.
We didn't take the tour of their personal home, but I think next time we are here, I would like to come back and see it.




With food on our minds, we make a quick stop to get a picture of the water bridge that LJB was so proud of, and then it was peddle to the metal to start searching for food!




Mamasita's was the restaurant of choice.
It is in the heart of Fredricksburg, and luck would have it, as we must have missed the Sunday crowd, and only had about a 10 minute wait.
The margarita's and the fellowship of these people were absolutely priceless.
Seems we were the noisy table as usual.
We had a laughter filled lunch, and enjoyed every minute of it.









Time to get back to the trailer and let Miss Bronco out.
The afternoon became more and more overcast.




The guys have to go over to the Landry's and check out their little scooters they had brought down.
We laughed so hard and Chris and Chuck riding these little pint size motorcycles.
The drizzle has started by late afternoon, and it continues through the night.
We sit under the Biggs awning and attempt to stay dry.














Tonight we cut a little short and head back to our rigs as the rain has taken its tole on us, and some of us are COLD!









5-16-16
Monday morning and there is a lot of bustling around the camp.
The drizzle has continued through the night, and it is time for everyone to be packing up and leaving.
We had planned on staying until Tuesday, but since the weather was going to continue to rain, we decided to go ahead and head home as well.

We say our goodbyes to Kim and Robert as they are the first ones to pull out.
Diana & Chris aren't far behind them.

We depart around 11am, and start the journey home.
What a great time we have had.
I think the Meet and Greet has been a real success.
We have met some really nice people and look forward to the next time we get together.

Our drive home was uneventful, thank goodness, and we pull into the drive around 8pm.
I know Chuck was tired but we are glad to be home, and able to get the trailer in the barn before the weather, if any, makes its way here.

What a great life I have, and so thankful for all the people that make it so much fun!