Day 82...Cameron MO

Hello,

Not far to Des Moines now.. maybe 2 hours. Didn't want to bother Terri and family so late so will be there in the morning sometime. Depends on how late we sleep.

There wasn't any Motel 6s so we picked a Best Western in Cameron, MO. Sure is an expensive one... $74.00. We were to tired to check around. Our room has a great shower but must be hard water. There will be a free hot breakfast in the morning. I wonder what that will be. Maybe oatmeal.

We stopped in Joplin MO for lunch and then visited the Chrome Shop Mafia. It is a big chrome store with truck parts. The Mafia guys have a TV show where they make someones old truck look new. We didn't see these guys of course.

We had lunch at the Petro truck stop and it wasn't much good. Looked for a Denny's again for supper. I think we were in Kansas City at supper time.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. so will say good night. I won't be writing again until we get home. So look for closing remarks about Tuesday night.

Hugs and God Bless

Day 81...North bound

Howdy all ya'll, Maybe I can't say that now that we aren't in Texas anymore. ha~~

We were at the safty meeting until 11:30. Can't say we learned anything but it was good. They had a great meal for our lunch... 2 kinds of chicken and pulled beaf. mixed veggies, sweet potatoes, 2 kinds of bread, jello and choc pudding. mmmmmm

The afternoon meeting was business awareness. We learned a lot there. They gave us a bookkeeping program. I will try it. I designed my own program that I have used for years so it will be hard to do something different. Theirs gives pretty much the same info as mine but hopefully a little simpler.

We got done at 4:30. Headed out of town. Dallas traffic was bumper to bumper. It took an hour and a half to get out of town. We stopped at Denny's for supper and waited for the rest of the traffic to go away.

We are now in McAlister OK for the night. We stay at Motel 6 all the time as they allow doggies. Seems funny that a chain motel doesn't have the same prices. Never know what we will be charged. Anywhere between 41 and 51 dollars.

We get to sleep in a bit tomorrow. yaaaaa.....
But very tired tonight. Good night hugs and God Bless

Day 80....Grand Prairie, TX

It has been a long day but a good one. We got here about 7:30 tonight.

I set the GPS to the motel address. Checked and rechecked to be sure I had it right. BUT it took us to the wrong place. The motel is at 110 Airport hwy in Euless. I guess there is a 110 Airport hwy also in another town. About 10 or 15 miles away. But my own personal GPS...Mel, got us turned around and drove right to it. We checked in and then drove to where the meeting is going to be so we wouldn't waist time looking for it in the morning. We have to be there by 8. It is only 6 miles away.

You should have seen Molly when we stopped at a rest area and it had nice soft grass instead of gravel or weeds with stickers in it. She didn't want to get back in the car. She had to just smell every blade of grass there. I think she went 7 times... Yesterday is when she got into stickers. I couldn't figure out why she wouldn't go for a walk until I noticed the bottoms of my shoes was full of those awful stickers. Had to carry Molly back and check her paws.

We visited a museum in Pecos that was really interesting. Lots of history about the area. It was in a big 3 story hotel and every room was full of things. Pictures at another time....

I miss not seeing the mountains but the green trees and grass makes up for it.

Little Kylee slept better last night and is trying to eat some. Thanks for the prayers. Please continue.

Good night youall. as they say in Texas. God Bless.

Day 79...Pecos TX

It was a good day. No rain, no wind. We went about 475 miles today.

We are in a motel in Pecos TX. Kind of a sad town. So many houses and business's closed and falling apart. And some in poor shape and are lived in. Weeds over grown in all the yards.
But the government buildings are beautiful... the post office, court house and federal courthouse. Some churches are empty and a few are nice and open.
Some of the business's near the interstate are in good shape like this motel. Just so sad.

We had a Chinese buffet for supper. Wasn't as good as Austins but not bad.

Prayers needed for my little great grand daughter, Kylee. 3 years old. She has what is called "hand, foot, & mouth". this is blister type things mostly in her mouth and she is sooooo uncomfortable. Nothing can be done for it. Poor little girl. I love you Ky.

I took several pictures today but my cord to get them on the computer is packed someplace other than with my computer. :-/ I will have to post them when we get home.

The storms up there is kind of scaring me. I hope everyone and everything is ok.

Good night, God Bless

Day 78...Benson, AZ

We had a good day. Up at 6 (not 5 as I planned) put the last few things in the car. Brought the big deck chairs in, set the water jugs around. Seal the potty with Saran wrap, shut off gas, water, electric. Had a quick breakfast. Said good buy again to the neighbor threw her window. Then off we go.

We stopped at friends in Wellton (near Yuma) for a while. Howard and Joyce Ronken. They are from Kenyon. They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary soon. Then on to Green Valley. (South of Tucson)

First we went to Jerry and Phylis's home. Wow...was that nice. They stay here for 6 months.
Then to the casino buffet and we met Jackie and Don Schacht, from Rochester, Jerry Parkin and Phylis, from Hastings, My cousins Jack and Jan Hoeft, from Elysian MN and Bill Hoeft and his wife from Washington.
We sure had a great visit. I hadn't seen Billy for years. It was sea food night at the buffet. It was so good. Crab legs, shrimp of all kinds, salmon, crab cakes & more...... mmmmmmm

Now we are at a motel in Benson AZ. Want to be gone by 7 tomorrow. We have a lot of miles to cover tomorrow.

I better go to bed. Good night, God Bless...

Day 77....again

Hello, This will be my final post from Brenda AZ. We are all packed up and hope to leave about 6:30 in the morning.

We packed all day with a brake after the race and went to the music jam in our park.

Speaking of the race...NASCAR that is. It was a good race until the end... Kyle wasn't suppose to win.... My driver, Mark Martin came in 12th.

The car if pretty full. Still room for a bed for Molly. We even found a place for my orchids.

Tomorrow we are going to visit friends near Yuma for breakfast and then on to Tucson and meet other friends for supper.

It depends on how late it gets but I probably won't be writing tomorrow night.

Not even 10:00 yet and I am ready for bed. See you in a couple of days.

Good night and God Bless

Day 77,,, Thanks

I found my camera. It was packed and in the trunk. yaaaaaaaaaa!!! Thanks for your help.

Day 76...One day left in Brenda

Just us ! :-)... (picture by Audry Wilson)

This was taken by the Dos Amigo restaurant.

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Good Evening,

We had a fun day. We packed all morning. Almost done. Just have the suitcase left to fill and go threw the kitchen area. This afternoon we were at Wilsons for supper. Audrey had fried chicken, potato salad and home made pie for desert. It was sooooo good. They are parked in Ehrenberg along the Colorado river. Audrey and I sat by the water and just talked and enjoyed the scenery. Mel and AG sat by the motor home and probably talked trucks.

Molly just barked at the other doggies going by.

We went on to the Blythe race track. It was pretty good racing. It got kind of chilly so I was very happy wearing my Minnesota coat.

The bad part of the day was that I can't find my camera. I had it last night when I put the pictures on the computer so I know it is in the house someplace. I have looked everywhere!

The only thing I can think of is that I packed it. Mel has everything I packed so far in the car already. So will check out a few bags tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Tomorrow we will finish the packing then the sad part is to say good bye to our friends here.

I will have the Bristol race on too. My favorite race.

I better get to bed. So Good night and God Bless...

PS...find my camera for me, ok?

Day 75...fish night

One of the many carts at Dos Amigo's restaurant. They are for sale @ over $1000.

The start of my Cod dinner. Their own special batter. mmmm good.

A.G. & Mel waiting for us. Audrey and I was watching the sun set. A big ball of fire going down over the mountains. A car was in the way of getting a picture... Notice how foggy the mountains are today.

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Hello, I just realized that with the time change my posts always dates the next day. I never changed the time on here so still posts home time. 2 hrs later than here. And it is usually 9 or 10 or 11:00 when I write. I guess I made it in time tonight.

I washed cloths today. That is one thing I will miss when we get home. Having the washer and dryer on the main floor. (I hate steps)

I sorted a pile of papers. Read the packet of mail we got. Visited with a neighbor. That was about all I got done today.

Wilsons came about 3:30. I will miss them too when we go. They joined us for the fish supper.

Just think, we only have 2 more days here. And busy days they will be.

Tomorrow we are going to Ehrenberg and have supper with the Wilsons. Then go to the local races in Blythe. The Bandalaro's (sp?) will be racing. The drivers of these little cars are only 9 - 14 years old and they go like crazy.

Good night hugs and God Bless

Day 74...Slow computer

Hi there,

For some reason my computer doesn't want to hurry up tonight. I have emails trying to send and don't. And I almost couldn't get into my blog. So I am going to make this short in case it won't work. I froze up once and had to restart.

We had a good day. It was cooler. About 84. We got most of the windows covered. We left the window open that Molly looks out of when we leave her home and the window by the table as that is the one I look out. (when I am not by the computer.)

We had cornbeef and cabbage at the club house at 1. It was so good. There was potatoes and carrots with it. And ice cream for desert.

Home for the afternoon. I made a steak supper and the steak was soooo good.

The dance was at 7 and lasted all the way to 9:30. "Barefoot and Boots" was the name of the band. They are good.

Back to packing tomorrow...

Good night and God Bless

Day 73...Bonfire

.....Roasting marshmallows........ Man with hose was cooling people off......ha!!

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Hi everyone,

More packing today. Even have my jewelry packed. That was a job by itself. Lots of our cloths packed too. One of the vacuum bags got a hole in it so will have to think of something else to put stuff in.

It was a warm one today. 90 something. And then the bonfire was at 4. I thought it was kind of a dumb time for a bonfire but it was fun. Everyone brought something and there were hotdogs and marshmallows to roast.

Mel spotted a big bus turned motor home for sale so he went to look at it again. Oh please let it be sold to someone else.

Happy St Pattys day tomorrow. We will have a corned beef dinner at 1 and a dance at night. I suppose it will be a late one again. At least until 9. Ha!!

So goodnight hugs to all and God Bless

Day 72...Bead shopping

Roger, Betty, and their 2 boys. Our Idaho friends.

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Hi friends,

I can't believe we only have 6 days left here. Time went so fast but I am soooo ready to go home. But will probably be on the road for a few days before we find Dexter.

Is the snow gone yet? I heard no..... geepers!!

Mel talked to our friend, Elwood today. He had the lung surgery a while ago. And blood clots too. But I am happy to say he is doing very well. Thanks for your prayers.

I washed some cloths again today then we went to Quartzsite for a while. Now that I know how to make earrings I had to get some beads. I hope the ideas for the designs come to me.

I am not good at that.

Tonight we went to the Gospel Jam at another park. Always so good there. Hard to count but I think there was 30 musicians playing. Lots of people have gone home already so not as many in the audience.

Tomorrow night our park is having a bonfire. Sounds fun.

Good night and God Bless

Day 71..Start to pack

Hi there,

The good news is that my mouse works again. I have no idea why it stopped. This computer is haunted I think. But ...... still no big monitor.

Started packing today. Didn't get very far but it is a start.

This afternoon I had a lesson on how to make beaded earrings. Now I get to make another trip to Gem World to find some stuff. I just hope I remember how to do it when I get home.

Went to our last Music Jam in Hope. They had 36 singers there. Many are leaving for home so there will be less and less. Tomorrow night is the best jam... A Gospel jam at Desert Gold. I hope we can get there.

That's about it for today so good night and God Bless.

Day 70...Company, Jams, sunshine, stake, phone calls... NICE!!

Mel & I, Mary & Jerry Taylor from Northfield, A.G. & Audrey Wilson from Gilette WY, and friends of Wilsons. (I can't remember their names but enjoyed their company) We all enjoyed the afternoon together including a Music Jam.

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Hi, Did you all remember to change the time? We did only to find out that AZ don't go on savings time. So had to change back again.

Mary and Jerry came about 11 this morning. We went to the Kofa restaurant for lunch and back to our parks Music Jam. We sure enjoyed their visit. They are from Northfield and is staying near Phoenix for a month. AG & Audrey surprised us and came to the jam. They are camped near Parker AZ. They brought along some friends of theirs. It was a real enjoyable afternoon. After the jam Taylors headed back to Phoenix and the rest came to our place for a while.

Mel and I had supper [T-Bones :-) ] and then went to another Jam in Black Rock. It was really good tonight.

Being the weather has been so warm the news is warning us that the snakes are waking up. I didn't really need to know that. We heard that one was found somewhere in our park today. I hope it was way out in the gulf course.

We have been wishing we could spend another week or two here. It is Mel's job that is calling us home. Just want to have better weather at home before we get there. Other than the weather I am so ready to be home.

Tomorrow I am going to get a lesson on making earrings. You know I might need some more someday. ;-) I have to start oiling my cupboards too. This helps them from getting so dry during the summer.

Must be bedtime. Good night and God Bless

Day 69...cooler today. Only 86

These are wild little daisy type flowers. Just starting to bloom. They spread like weeds.

So pretty when they get thick. The locals spay them dead. I wish I could bring some home.

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It was a glorious day. But it seems so many things don't want to work. The latest being my wireless mouse. Before it was the shredder...... Say nothing about my big monitor - this still doesn't work. A beaded purse chain broke. Oh well, almost time to go home anyway.

We went to Quartzsite for a while. Not many vendors left. I stayed at a jewelry store while Mel got gas. Maybe that was a mistake.... naaaaaaaaa !!!

Home again and found the neighbors sitting outside so we joined them. This is Bev and Bob.

They live here year around and they watch over our place when we are gone. A very sweet couple in their 80's.

I hope you didn't forget to change your time.

Company coming tomorrow. Lots to do before they get here. So Good night and God Bless

Day 68... Company here.

Our great grand daughter, Kylee. This picture is a few months old but so cute.

Our great grandson, Hunter Thomas, ready for summer on grandpa Toms boat.

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Hello,

We had another 90 degree day. No humidity. Just hot. Nice though. Just wish I had a pool here.

We had a surprise guest this afternoon. A friend from Oronoco stopped in. He was visiting relatives in Blythe. We had a nice visit.

I had supper in the crock pot but we decided to go out for fish. The fish is so good and hard not to go. The meat in the crock pot will still be good tomorrow.

I have been going to bed late and sleeping late. I think I better go to bed earlier tonight.

Prayers to all involved from the earthquake and tsunami. So very sad.

Good night and God Bless

Day 67... Another beautiful day

hello,

I think it got close to 90 degrees today. I have to admit that it was kind of hot. But still enjoyed it. I sat in the sun a while but I warmed up fast.

We had our Idaho friends, Betty and Roger, over for supper. Roger helped Mel put the inside of our new bedroom together. Mel grilled brats and I made a crab/shrimp mac salad. Also had beans, fruit, and cherry cheese cake for desert. It was a nice evening.

We did start up the AC for the first time. But not for long. We like having the doors open.

Today would have been Mel's mom's birthday. We miss her. ^j^

Sending good night hugs and Gods Blessings

Day 66...Grocerys... $$$ :-(

The Colorado River on the CA side, north of Parker AZ.

Our friends, the Wilsons, are camped in the upper left side of picture.

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Hi everyone, How is the weather? It was 85 here today. Awesome sunny day!!

We had company today. Julie and Chris was trucking by so we met them for lunch and brought them back to see our place. Julie is my granddaughters mother. Was good to see someone from home.

After we took them back to their truck we went on to Parker. (about 45 miles north of us)

We visited the Wilsons for a while and then went to Safeway to get groceries. I didn't think we needed much but it sure did add up. We had a Subway for supper and headed home. The road home was kind of spooky in the dark.

We hope to have the neighbors over and grill supper tomorrow night.

I am still trying to convince Mel that we need a gas grill but I am not getting very far. He likes our little charcoal thingie. So I shall grill a supper on a 12 inch grill.

More company coming on Sunday. Next week we start to pack.

The movie I am watching tonight should make my grandkids proud... "Twillight, New Moon"

So Good night and God Bless

Day 65....Me day

Hi,

Mel and AG made a trip to CA today. Mel wanted to look at a trailer. A semi trailer that is.
He seen one in an ad but the real thing wasn't as nice as the picture. He needs a dry van now instead of a reefer.

I got some time to myself as I stayed home. I just putzed all day. Washed a load of cloths, cleaned, a couple of phone calls, took a shower, & on the computer of course.

It was another cool and windy day. I shouldn't complain after hearing what your getting at home. I hope not as bad as the news is saying.

I hope you can make it to the cities ok, Terri and Bob.

Mel got home at supper time. We had a bit to eat and then went to our favorite jam... the Gospel Jam in Desert Gold. We sure will miss them.

We were hoping our groceries would last until we leave but the cupboards got kind of bare.
Tomorrow we will have to get some.

I am not going to get started with a movie tonight. It was 1:00 last night.
I said yesterday that some of the movie channels are free for Feb. but it is free until Feb of 2012. Starz and Encore anyway. Tonight I am watching Criminal Minds.

Good night and God Bless

Day 64... Watching Michael Jackson's "This Is It"

Howdy,

Awesome dancing in the MJ movie.

Didn't do much today. I did wash some cloths and make a crock pot supper. Was outside a bit but it was so windy. So just played on the computer and watched TV.

This evening we went to the music jam in Hope. Not many left to enjoy so we want to go to as many as possible the next couple of weeks.

I keep waiting for a commercial and there isn't any. I am not used to Encore. The shows are free for this month.

So Good night and God Bless

Day 63... Nice and warm...85 degrees

Mel is waiting for the Spring Fling to start...

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Good evening....or morning.

First I want to send my sympathies to all who knew and loved Pastor Bob Nervig. He went to his Father in Heaven this morning. He was a special friend and mentor to my son in law Bob, my daughter Terri and Bobs family & friends in Brooklyn NY.

Our Pastor in "The Little Church in the Desert" was married yesterday. He and his wife was at church this morning and then left on their honeymoon. We probably won't get to see him again before we leave.

After lunch today we enjoyed the music jam at our park. Some of our new friends are leaving for home tomorrow so we got to see them once more. I hope the weather works for their trip home. They live in Northern MN.

Home for a while until we decided to go out for supper and then go to another Jam at Black Rock. We ate at Dos Amigo again. It was a chicken dish tonight. Sure was good.

It got pretty hot today. About 85 but got really windy this evening. It is suppose to cool to the 60's for a few days then get in the 80's again.

We decided to leave here on the 20th. Will visit friends near Yuma and Tuscon and then on to Dallas TX for a truck meeting. Head north from there. Will visit Terri and Bob and then should b e home by or before the 1st. Mel has some minor work to do on the truck then go to work.

I hope the truck isn't berried in a snow bank!!!

No plans for tomorrow. Not yet anyway.

Good night and God Bless

Day 62.. Shopping & show

Hi,

This morning we headed for Quartzsite for a day of shopping. It was a good day. Two different people greeted us that we hardly knew. Such friendly folks here. The first couple was from our church. Our pastor was married today and they told us all about the wedding. We didn't recognize them but was glad to get to speak to them. And the second was a lady who has a hamburger stand in Quartzsite. We haven't even been there this year but she remembered me and greeted me with a hug.

We shopped in a grocery tent and when it came time to pay I realized I didn't have my purse. ohoh...... Did I get scared!! I headed back to where I thought it might be and thought to look in the car.... Yup. it was there. I set it down when I put Molly's leash on her. What a relief!!

Mel checked out the tool tent and I checked out the jewelry places. :-)
So much to see even though many of the vendors have left already. I did find some gifts for the grand daughters though. Just a little something. We still have the grandsons to find something for.

We got gas and had some Chesters chicken. Also bought some strawberries. Great big ones.

As we went threw Brenda and stopped for a "Stevie burger". It is a 1/3 lb burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, big slice of cheese and onion rings on top with BBQ sauce. It is about 6 inches high. Finger licken good !!!

Home long enough to bring in our purchases, wash up a bit and get to the club house for the "Spring Fling". What a fun show. Many people from our park put on little skits. So funny.
We had some good laughs. After the show we all had ice cream, compliments of one of the campers. He does this every year in memory of his wife.

This was a good day. Tomorrow there will be more.

Goodnight and God Bless

Day 61...fish night

Hello,

Another quiet day. It was cool and windy until late afternoon so I stayed inside. It got to about 72 today.

I did vacuum and wash dishes. The rest of the day was just talking with Mel or playing on the computer.

Mel put up another shelf in his shop. I think he is done in there now.... Until he thinks of something else anyway.

We met A.G. and Audrey at Dos Amigo's for the fish supper. Sure is good eaten. Our friend "Gunny" stopped on his way by. He is trucken from CA to WI. He joined us for supper.
Gunny lives in Kenyon.

We all came back to our house for a good visit.

That's about it for today. Tomorrow will be busier. See you then

Good night hugs and God's Blessings

Day 60...already!

Hello,

We had another beautiful day. I think it hit 80 today. I sat out in the sun for a little while but Molly had other ideas... She must have not liked the heat and kept going in the house. She wasn't tied so thought I better go in anyway.

I washed cloths today. Yes, I did get it done. But thats about it. I did have a nice phone chat with Russ.

Tonight we played bingo. It was kind of fun. But we didn't win a thing.

Thats about all. So good night and God Bless

Day 59...Beautiful sunshine

These are pictures made out of stones. All the stones are their natural colors. No paint used. They are in the big yard in front of our house. Made buy a few in our park

Hi there,

We spent most of this beautiful day in Quartzsite with the Wilsons. Lots of visiting !! Had lunch at the Mountain Quail cafe.

We got home by 3:30 so we could get ready for the free Spaghetti supper sponsored by an insurance company called MASA. It is a company that pays for emergency trips to any hospital. We have a better one called "Air Med". So we just went for the spaghetti. :-)

Our son Tom flies with Air Med as one of the paramedics.

Tonight was just TV watching and computer playing. I should have washed cloths but tomorrow is another day.

Good night hugs and Gods Blessings

Day 58... 75 degrees :-)

Howdy,

What a beautiful day. I hope it stays like this.

The dog show went well. Must have been 20 dogs there. Big ones, little ones... all sizes and breeds. Many of them were well trained. But Molly did well in spite of it. Not much training there. She just goes because I go... Up the ramps, threw a tunnel, over jumps, around milk jugs. I know she would have even got better times if I could run. But walking kind of fast just didn't cut it. She ate the hot dog that was in water pretty fast though. Doesn't she look proud?

After lunch we went to the shooting range in Bouce. Mel wanted to shoot his black powder gun but something he would load in it was missing from his bag. So we just shot the 380.

It was fun.

After supper we met Wilsons at the Gospel Jam at Desert Gold. Many of the band members were missing. I think some have gone home already. It was still awesome music.

I hope all is well back home and where ever you happen to be reading this.

Good night hugs & God Bless