tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39432425342203521152024-03-13T19:39:50.917-07:00Anywhere USARay/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-11014800182287291052019-08-07T17:13:00.000-07:002019-08-07T17:13:40.635-07:00A New Chapter Well it looks like we are done traveling for now. We thought we would be on the road for a few more years, but life happens.<br />
We haven't posted much about Rays health, but I will give the details now because it is a big part of all our decisions.<br />
In 2009 Ray had a biopsy of his lungs. He was diagnosed with silicosis a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, which was used in the foundry in the late 70's where he worked. It was removed from the plant in the 1980.<br />
Silicosis damages the lining of the lungs causing scarring and stiffens the lungs making it difficult to breath. This has been slowly happening to Rays lungs. He has been on oxygen since March 2017 after he was hospitalized. In April of 2017 he went to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL to be evaluated for a lung transplant ( there is no cure for this disease). He went through some testing before Mayo denied him as a candidate for the transplant.<br />
He was doing pretty good (not counting his necrotizing fasciitis) staying healthy. Last Dec. he had a flare up and ended up in the hospital again. At this point he decided it was time for a new pulmonologist and another evaluation for a lung transplant at another hospital. So on April 15 he had his initial clinic visit with the lung transplant team at UF Health Shands in Gainesville FL. They said he looks to be a good candidate but it will be a little more difficult surgery than others.<br />
May 6th began a long week of testing. We stayed at Williston Crossing RV Resort about 20 miles from the hospital instead of staying at a hotel. He has been doing pulmonary rehab since April and has had all kinds of tests every week. On Sat. he was very short of breath and ended up in the hospital for a week. he has one more test and the team will take his case to get reviewed by the board to see if he can be listed for transplant.<br />
So, our lives have been on a roller coaster and in limbo at the same time. Not knowing how to plan for anything.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YAB6dyZY6c/XUtjHOhVyuI/AAAAAAAAsrI/NsVi8tujTpoptVm4DlvNHxcnyu0i4ZpPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190807_193232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1080" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YAB6dyZY6c/XUtjHOhVyuI/AAAAAAAAsrI/NsVi8tujTpoptVm4DlvNHxcnyu0i4ZpPgCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190807_193232.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We did make a big decision.... we bought a park model at Williston Crossing RV Resort. Yes we are back in a sticks and bricks. It's 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms and the furniture was included. Ray already bought a golf cart. We moved in on Monday and it feels like we are staying in someones condo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ_1SC1oJ04/XUtnJVWQp8I/AAAAAAAAsrw/VtYrXRoKZpASHFlSK-ue8ei7bR45Ba0YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190806_090218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ_1SC1oJ04/XUtnJVWQp8I/AAAAAAAAsrw/VtYrXRoKZpASHFlSK-ue8ei7bR45Ba0YwCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190806_090218.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJgVc3qXHAo/XUtnTtvHYNI/AAAAAAAAsrw/8Gjv512k0DcwhHI7J-m5Wn87qYg14X8tQCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190806_090314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJgVc3qXHAo/XUtnTtvHYNI/AAAAAAAAsrw/8Gjv512k0DcwhHI7J-m5Wn87qYg14X8tQCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190806_090314.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aBkmiUfDMA/XUtjBtDXNjI/AAAAAAAAsrM/NtxmSfMZqmoF1eI08jG9EPknaZunkly8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190806_091349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aBkmiUfDMA/XUtjBtDXNjI/AAAAAAAAsrM/NtxmSfMZqmoF1eI08jG9EPknaZunkly8wCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190806_091349.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkajDHZSC5E/XUtm4o238-I/AAAAAAAAsrw/WLy34InXMLgXRqPPiMoo1muD_YzXrq2wQCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190805_145345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkajDHZSC5E/XUtm4o238-I/AAAAAAAAsrw/WLy34InXMLgXRqPPiMoo1muD_YzXrq2wQCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190805_145345.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FQtHXZisk/XUtm_gkgI6I/AAAAAAAAsrw/SaBkYe6H9_EYIewiutI11gWeGUTbi8YlACEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190805_145558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4FQtHXZisk/XUtm_gkgI6I/AAAAAAAAsrw/SaBkYe6H9_EYIewiutI11gWeGUTbi8YlACEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190805_145558.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vs0XJnnnFJs/XUtmxOORw4I/AAAAAAAAsrk/-hYF9Ppj-zMN98KrSdWOqJqpHSSAKSf6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190805_180737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vs0XJnnnFJs/XUtmxOORw4I/AAAAAAAAsrk/-hYF9Ppj-zMN98KrSdWOqJqpHSSAKSf6gCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190805_180737.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkSOQfYvxI4/XUtoC6PhmfI/AAAAAAAAssA/j4LyMLfRlHc4-jEwW2XnuJWksXVgsUQCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190805_145239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkSOQfYvxI4/XUtoC6PhmfI/AAAAAAAAssA/j4LyMLfRlHc4-jEwW2XnuJWksXVgsUQCwCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190805_145239.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The resort is a gated 55+ community with 430 sites including the park models. In the winter months it will be full. There will be lots of people to meet and activities to do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LqKAS7EONg/XUteIdmf6OI/AAAAAAAAsq8/UBFtcy91ag4nB36-aD3uBEg1Gopk3kyhgCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_20190715_155422_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="842" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LqKAS7EONg/XUteIdmf6OI/AAAAAAAAsq8/UBFtcy91ag4nB36-aD3uBEg1Gopk3kyhgCEwYBhgL/s200/thumbnail_20190715_155422_resized.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We enjoyed staying on our daughter Mandy and son in law Pat's little farm. But we had made over 30 trips to Gainesville ( a hour and 20 min drive) and with the possibility of the transplant, we need to be closer. We still have our rv at their house so we can stay and visit them on some weekends and the holidays.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ota2HMgrvkE/XUteCozhwXI/AAAAAAAAsqw/wniERbRy5ow7TcqK4jh3wTzfRiFtgPVpwCLcBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20190306_111251_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ota2HMgrvkE/XUteCozhwXI/AAAAAAAAsqw/wniERbRy5ow7TcqK4jh3wTzfRiFtgPVpwCLcBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20190306_111251_resized.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-35637384795743265892019-04-02T12:03:00.000-07:002019-04-02T12:03:37.508-07:00 Continuing on with 2018...<br />
<br />
*Aug.- Ray is down to one therapy appointment a week. But he is now seeing a heart doctor because of the pulmonary hypertension caused by the silicosis.<br />
We finally escaped from the heat and made a trip to WI. My brother Randy and his fiancé Lyn got married in June and were having a reception on the 25th. <br />
We stayed in WI for about 12 days. Very busy days catching up with family ad friends.<br />
*Sept- We had spent Labor Day weekend with my parents in WI. They are both in their upper eighties and live in their own home. About a week after we left and made it back to FL, my mom fell and broke her hip. So that brings us to...<br />
*Oct- We decided to go back to WI and help out. We stayed till the end of the month. The weather there was colder than normal and it even snowed.<br />
*Nov- Ray was finally done with therapy and the hand doctor said his hand was healed and he didn't need to see him anymore. Now to keep him out of trouble!<br />
*Dec- Friends from WI ( Rita & John) stopped for a quick visit on their way south. <br />
On the 13th our daughter Colleen, son in law Goyo and 2 grandsons (Lukas & Isaiah) met us and our daughter Amanda and husband Pat in Orlando. We had 4 days of fun planned. Two days at Sea World. <br />
Ray had a little bit of a cold before we left and he went to the doctor but there was nothing they could give him because he didn't have a temperature. He wanted to see the grandkids and not stay home. On the 3rd night there, he ended up getting a temp. The best thing was to go to the ER because of his breathing problems. <br />
This was the same ER he went to in Feb. One of the nurses and a doctor recognized him. They were glad he made it through all the surgeries.<br />
They ended up admitting him because of low oxygen and high heart rate. He ended up staying 3 nights. We told him he is longer allowed to go to Orlando!<br />
Christmas was a week later and the rest of the year was relaxing and quite.<br />
Who knows what 2019 will bring. We'll just roll with the flow and enjoy each day as much as we can.<br />
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-43611928493331070412019-04-02T10:56:00.000-07:002019-04-02T10:56:33.745-07:00 Well it's been awhile since we up dated. We ended the last blog with hoping to have a happier, healthier and more adventurous new year. The first month and a half went alright.<br />
* Feb.- We did some planning for another short camping trip by the gulf the end of the month. We were totally surprised by a visit towards the end of the month by friends from WI. Our daughter and son in law helped our friends, Jake and Dawn plan a trip to see us.<br />
We were surprised when they walked into the yard. They planned on staying a week with a short trip to Orlando for all of us.<br />
The first part of the week we relaxed, played cards and drove over to the beach. Wednesday we all went down to Orlando. We went to one of those escape rooms. None of us had done this before. You get a hour to try and figure out the clues to escape. Well, we almost escaped. We probably needed another half hour. It was a good time.<br />
For Thursday they planned a fishing trip for the guys and the girls Universal Studios. So the guys got up early and drove over to the Indian River area to meet up with their guide. Amanda, Dawn and I grabbed a uber and headed to Universal. I'm not one for roller coasters but I did go on the other rides.<br />
Later in the day we texted the guys to see how things were going. We got back a picture of a bandaged hand and a text saying explain later. It was clearly Rays hand and we thought he got hooked.<br />
We got back around 7 and got the details of the guys trip. Ray ended up getting finned by a saltwater catfish. It went through his little finger. He said he was fine up until midnight and his hand was swelling up and hurting. By 4 we ended up waking up Amanda and off we went to the ER. They checked him over, gave him some pain med and IV of antibiotics. We were sent back with a prescription for antibiotics and more pain med. They said he should get it rechecked in 24 hour if it wasn't better. As we were driving away from the hospital Rays portable oxygen machine quit working. He had his bigger unit at the hotel.<br />
At 9 I was on the phone trying to find out how to get some type of portable oxygen to make the 3 hour drive back home. Getting lots of run around, we're suppose to check out of the hotel and as the time went by Rays hand was looking worse.<br />
We ended up packing up and taking him back to the ER. The doctors came in, went out, came in and said they needed to air transport him to the trauma center at ORMC he needs surgery right away.<br />
He ended up getting necrotizing fasciitis caused by vibrio vulnificus. Which is a known as a flesh eating bacteria and its fast moving. The doctors said they haven't seen a case in 5 years. The infectious disease doctors are writing up a medical paper on his case. <br />
He had surgery the first three days in the hospital. The first week he was fighting for his life. The next week he was doing better but he had a long way to go. They did more surgeries to clean out the wounds and make sure it hasn't spread. He had incursions from the back of his hand to his chest and also on the inside of his arm. <br />
He was in the hospital for 33 days and had a total of 8 surgeries. The last one was a skin graft to the back of his hand.<br />
All the time he was in the hospital I stayed at the Hubbard House next to the hospital. Our son and other daughter flew in from WI the day after he was admitted. Each of our three kids took a weeks turn staying with me. If it wasn't for the Hubbard House I don't know what we would of done.<br />
*April- Ray was back home a week and a half before Easter. My sister Pasty flew in from WI and spent Easter with us.<br />
We ended up going back to Orlando for the out patient skin graft surgery on April 6. By the end of the month I was driving him to therapy twice a week.<br />
*May continued with therapy twice a week. We were driving 45 minutes up to Valdosta GA to see a hand therapist. Appointments were scheduled so we could stop for lunch before or after. We also made a trip (3 hr) to Orlando to see the doctor. The appointment was early in the morning so we stayed the night before at the Hubbard House.<br />
Rays family wanted to come down and see him when he was in the hospital but we told them to wait until he was out. So his brother Russ, and sisters Darlene and Charlene came down for 4 days and were able to celebrate Rays birthday.<br />
At the end f the month we enjoyed a visit from our grandson Alex and his fiancé Emily.<br />
*June was the same as May, therapy twice a week and another trip to Orlando. <br />
*July- The weather has been warmer than usual in FL this summer. I think its been in the 90's since the beginning of May. <br />
Ray has been doing well with therapy. he wears a splint at night and a different one during the day. They help to pull and bend the fingers down to make a fist. Still doing therapy twice and switched to a new hand doctor in Gainesville. Shorter drive (1 hr 45 min).<br />
We had a great weekend mini vacation in Tarpon Springs. Did some site seeing, a boat ride and tried some Greek food.<br />
Well this was our exciting first half of the year. Sorry no pictures.<br />
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-53341035816248774632018-01-31T07:42:00.000-08:002018-01-31T07:42:12.057-08:00Start of a New Year Yup, this is a monthly blog.<br />
Well, we had a great Christmas. Our daughter Colleen, son-in-law Goyo, 3 grandsons (Noah, Lukas & Isaiah) and our son Nate drove down from WI. Our grandson Alex flew down. They all were here by 9:00 the Friday before Christmas. One grandson from WI wasn't able to make it and another grandson was coming on Christmas day.<br />
We hired a photography to take some family pictures. It ended up to be 80 outside and our outfits we chose were jeans and long sleeves.Thankfully there was a nice breeze and we were in the shade most of the time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myQOEqM18ZE/WnD2NB9pdLI/AAAAAAAAr2o/rQsJwRvPr74wMHvXvAl8gVHucb8MuikhgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myQOEqM18ZE/WnD2NB9pdLI/AAAAAAAAr2o/rQsJwRvPr74wMHvXvAl8gVHucb8MuikhgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandsons- Isaiah, Noah, Lukas, Alex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zayqAwa2KWw/WnD2NGVc5-I/AAAAAAAAr2o/CD7Jc-zJ7dsKaHGoq71STPcLHlQkPA5SACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zayqAwa2KWw/WnD2NGVc5-I/AAAAAAAAr2o/CD7Jc-zJ7dsKaHGoq71STPcLHlQkPA5SACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kids- Colleen, Nate Mandy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9bjZUuyhjc/WnD2NJ_GiPI/AAAAAAAAr2o/PMd3gtoXRagP9zpEGUBVwMOltOU-P37NwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9bjZUuyhjc/WnD2NJ_GiPI/AAAAAAAAr2o/PMd3gtoXRagP9zpEGUBVwMOltOU-P37NwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Christmas eve we went to see Christmas lights. On Christmas morning we were all dressed in matching pjs. After a big breakfast it was time to open gifts. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3FO3IGXo4w/WnD23-PEcHI/AAAAAAAAr28/rrSbSh5T9ro27XY_xBasUYHoWh3yWl3mgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_3FO3IGXo4w/WnD23-PEcHI/AAAAAAAAr28/rrSbSh5T9ro27XY_xBasUYHoWh3yWl3mgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ae2qumvE6X0/WnD23zjMQfI/AAAAAAAAr28/lz2Wp-viXLIl3k1YE19BfFx9-j3uE29tgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ae2qumvE6X0/WnD23zjMQfI/AAAAAAAAr28/lz2Wp-viXLIl3k1YE19BfFx9-j3uE29tgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_1922.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
We didn't have a lot of things planned for the week. Two of the grandsons were flying back to WI on Tuesday so before their flight we went to one of the beaches by Jacksonville. On Thur. we drove down to Homosassa Wildlife Park. We saw a lot of manatees. Early Saturday morning the rest of the family headed back to WI.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Inqrtk-lUU8/WnD3KAR3wxI/AAAAAAAAr3E/qKjnyZgzY-gkG6dPiBLCbAyQZr35wFXzwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Inqrtk-lUU8/WnD3KAR3wxI/AAAAAAAAr3E/qKjnyZgzY-gkG6dPiBLCbAyQZr35wFXzwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3oQQ5gRrG8/WnD3KGgH4OI/AAAAAAAAr3E/BPNzCpAomv88h-8T6mloz5fAh4uOJk_sQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3oQQ5gRrG8/WnD3KGgH4OI/AAAAAAAAr3E/BPNzCpAomv88h-8T6mloz5fAh4uOJk_sQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_1946.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1EYnj62ecJk/WnD3KC9-WYI/AAAAAAAAr3E/p8rKeVyOkv8EtoSZY9DJqGXOnMm39wrhQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1EYnj62ecJk/WnD3KC9-WYI/AAAAAAAAr3E/p8rKeVyOkv8EtoSZY9DJqGXOnMm39wrhQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We enjoyed our time with the family and I know they didn't want to go back to the cold weather. Our grandson Isaiah will miss the baby goats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrlzbC1hUi8/WnD3exH_7DI/AAAAAAAAr3c/jRVEvueckBgNZ33h7Z6ZvD5aP5Vs1hLyACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171223_124507%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1280" height="176" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrlzbC1hUi8/WnD3exH_7DI/AAAAAAAAr3c/jRVEvueckBgNZ33h7Z6ZvD5aP5Vs1hLyACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171223_124507%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bj2vM-MfCzo/WnD3e3tbtJI/AAAAAAAAr3c/Zb7dgPBgBasOwPbWJ0VGv-rX5XcGUvG7QCKgBGAs/s1600/25659959_10211223313238192_8415762492583408348_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bj2vM-MfCzo/WnD3e3tbtJI/AAAAAAAAr3c/Zb7dgPBgBasOwPbWJ0VGv-rX5XcGUvG7QCKgBGAs/s320/25659959_10211223313238192_8415762492583408348_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The weather has been cold at times. We had freezing rain one day and a hard freeze for 4 nights in a row. One morning the water to the house froze until noon. Then the temps would get up to 70 for a couple of days then back down to 50s low 60s. Hopefully we are done with the freezing temps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thRIXr2TXU0/WnD6tYDAn_I/AAAAAAAAr4k/mULggaqBAXsXlguG-y9cCrA0vWIqfmYbACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20180103_084140%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thRIXr2TXU0/WnD6tYDAn_I/AAAAAAAAr4k/mULggaqBAXsXlguG-y9cCrA0vWIqfmYbACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20180103_084140%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We have been busy here at Armadillo Acres. We lost 2 goats that came down with a listeria. Another goat ended up with an emergency c section and we lost her baby, but she is doing great. On Saturday we had 3 goats in labor at the same time. Ended up with 2 sets of twins and a single birth. There are 13 babies bouncing around. They are so much fun to cuddle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3dzkutSkM/WnHd0PRU-jI/AAAAAAAAr50/-1vD1M6xt7IwgRHeP-VFieSfyPlgPRKxQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_1974%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc3dzkutSkM/WnHd0PRU-jI/AAAAAAAAr50/-1vD1M6xt7IwgRHeP-VFieSfyPlgPRKxQCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_1974%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj-_j5xa-k4/WnD4TW90MNI/AAAAAAAAr34/zZ4XJtd6MQ4Jb67wgUMwHHLuluuctDLpACKgBGAs/s1600/2018-01-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj-_j5xa-k4/WnD4TW90MNI/AAAAAAAAr34/zZ4XJtd6MQ4Jb67wgUMwHHLuluuctDLpACKgBGAs/s320/2018-01-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Right now we are taking a break from the farm. We're spending a few days at Florida Caverns State park. Two couples we worked with at Custer, Vern & Pat and Craig & Marilynn, are volunteering here. <br />
We have 2 other getaways planned in Feb. Not much more for plans. Thinking of heading north after Easter. No idea yet of our plans for the summer. At some point we will be in WI to visit family and friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqi_ZI9QU1A/WnHeGh_4aCI/AAAAAAAAr6A/oTWzkKECRVsotc4kCBJ1VyKRK4lrlkfrgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqi_ZI9QU1A/WnHeGh_4aCI/AAAAAAAAr6A/oTWzkKECRVsotc4kCBJ1VyKRK4lrlkfrgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7321.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a rough 2017, we are hoping for a happier, healthier and more adventurous year. We wish the same to all of you.</div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-76741127004971330152017-12-22T07:26:00.001-08:002017-12-22T07:26:19.701-08:00Happy Holiday Looks like this is becoming a monthly blog.<br />
I'm writing this one for Ray. The last blog was let the fun begin. Well it hasn't been all fun this month. The day before Thanksgiving we got the news that Rays younger sister Diane passed away. She was diabetic and on dialysis for about 10 years. Her son and two granddaughters will miss her along with everyone else. With trying to get through this news, we received more very unexpected news. Rays younger brother Corey, who lives in MD, died on the Sunday after Thanksgiving from a bike accident. He leaves a wife and two kids. This has been very hard on the four remaining siblings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_ByznNlUl0/Wj0hl63GVfI/AAAAAAAArh4/wo4TbJOyIEsZZxMf23L9fk0jX8qycC4sACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171127_215538%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1080" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_ByznNlUl0/Wj0hl63GVfI/AAAAAAAArh4/wo4TbJOyIEsZZxMf23L9fk0jX8qycC4sACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171127_215538%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corey and Diane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The families planned a funeral for both of them in WI on Dec. 9th. Seeing that Ray is not suppose to fly, we drove to WI. Our daughter came with us and our son-in-law would fly up later. Well Pat didn't make it, his flight was cancelled because of the snow in Atlanta. We only had a dusting of snow in WI.<br />
We made it through the weekend with lots of support and hugs from our family and friends.<br />
We were home for a day when one of the goats, Daisy was in labor. Pat & Mandy stayed up most of the night helping to deliver 2 little ones. Both were doing fine but Daisy was in rough shape.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ASqXGzoD8/Wj0e8UFspYI/AAAAAAAArhc/pXGukmFOICMdRw6C_trxD79LcCJ2vjQ5QCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171214_082203%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-ASqXGzoD8/Wj0e8UFspYI/AAAAAAAArhc/pXGukmFOICMdRw6C_trxD79LcCJ2vjQ5QCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171214_082203%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy & Ricky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pat & Mandy had plans to go out of town so we were in charge. I had to do the bottle feeding which was every 4 hours. the 1st night wasn't to bad. Ray woke me in the morning and said there were 2 more babies. I thought he was joking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pli7dl_WrhE/Wj0fGxsiQ9I/AAAAAAAArhg/LB_qAw5CLMgYLLYqkZhWT_af6Dfyc62ngCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171220_151419%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pli7dl_WrhE/Wj0fGxsiQ9I/AAAAAAAArhg/LB_qAw5CLMgYLLYqkZhWT_af6Dfyc62ngCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171220_151419%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom & Jerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Daisy didn't make it through the second night. Oh boy, bottle feeding every night. That afternoon another goat, Stripe ended up having twins. They were premature and stillborn. We rubbed some of the scent from those babies onto Lucy & Ricky. Stripe has now adopted them as her own! We are so glad that Stripe has a little family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyScv3_8rMg/Wj0hEOtSahI/AAAAAAAArhs/fry-m1URfMwLkCqqnyjB0wEO1qY-pIo4wCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171216_161532%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyScv3_8rMg/Wj0hEOtSahI/AAAAAAAArhs/fry-m1URfMwLkCqqnyjB0wEO1qY-pIo4wCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171216_161532%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We are waiting for our daughter Colleen, her husband Goyo and 3 of their sons, our son Nate and Mandys son Alex to arrive today. Some are staying till Tuesday and the others will be here till Friday. We can't wait!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENiDbBTmvQo/Wj0hJKRI5DI/AAAAAAAArhw/D_aEVFAzDZkKZ9X1LQdo0n0jW6OlqPb0gCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171202_125214%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="919" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENiDbBTmvQo/Wj0hJKRI5DI/AAAAAAAArhw/D_aEVFAzDZkKZ9X1LQdo0n0jW6OlqPb0gCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171202_125214%255B1%255D.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray, Wendy (me), Mandy & Pat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JANcellj3ss/Wj0hZKSrWSI/AAAAAAAArh0/iFzf-_Mz53sjQ31jpsEsxZwJ5ot1Gq0SwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JANcellj3ss/Wj0hZKSrWSI/AAAAAAAArh0/iFzf-_Mz53sjQ31jpsEsxZwJ5ot1Gq0SwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1820.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy (RIP)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-59815243197886542882017-11-14T12:09:00.002-08:002017-11-14T12:09:15.864-08:00The fun begins Well we moved about another 90 miles to East Bank Campground. This was another corp park on Lake Seminole outside of Chattahoochee FL. There are 65 sites with a few right on the lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3DubkgrUNc/WgtLNgHBhKI/AAAAAAAArHA/0DTpYDDu9xElElftZuvsbY4xIlq4ygo2QCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171027_175723_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3DubkgrUNc/WgtLNgHBhKI/AAAAAAAArHA/0DTpYDDu9xElElftZuvsbY4xIlq4ygo2QCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171027_175723_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUyS3xIfNEY/WgtLNlSxyUI/AAAAAAAArHA/KpXzeyWw8mQlSLuE32CH0U7nFwrII7DYQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171027_141835_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUyS3xIfNEY/WgtLNlSxyUI/AAAAAAAArHA/KpXzeyWw8mQlSLuE32CH0U7nFwrII7DYQCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171027_141835_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We found another festival to check out. So off we went on Sat. to Quincyfest and Porchfest. Quincy is a small town and this ended up to be a very small festival. We listened to some music and walked around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp2SIFOdyCQ/WgtLXgZ7umI/AAAAAAAArHM/9Q32wkvY2wAFViR3Mbazz1K31qUP3O0BwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171028_115805_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp2SIFOdyCQ/WgtLXgZ7umI/AAAAAAAArHM/9Q32wkvY2wAFViR3Mbazz1K31qUP3O0BwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171028_115805_resized%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
After 3 nights stay we headed out for the final 140 miles to our winter home. We made it to our daughter and son-in-laws, Amanda & Pat on Halloween.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVN6u3kVF8/WgtLmTy-P8I/AAAAAAAArHQ/WV346QFlsw4KirQAqs8QZwXx4mhtSwUvQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171031_144352_resized_1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVN6u3kVF8/WgtLmTy-P8I/AAAAAAAArHQ/WV346QFlsw4KirQAqs8QZwXx4mhtSwUvQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171031_144352_resized_1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They both were at work when we arrived, so we started our set up for our long stay. As we were doing this there was a ruckus coming from the goat area. Somehow a gate was open and the male goats & donkeys were in with the female goats! They were running after each other. It took us awhile but we did get them all separated. We'll see how many little goats there will be in 5 months.<br />
Amanda had been looking for different things to do on the weekends. Our 1st weekend we headed to Jacksonville to check out the air show. Traffic was terrible and we ended up going downtown to a BBQ Fest. This was a small festival for the size of the area. We enjoyed some bbq and listened to some very good country music.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaEW68SqsII/WgtLsWNodlI/AAAAAAAArHU/-ZFE7moutA0LwhoIpFnEABbZF2-1TUc0QCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uaEW68SqsII/WgtLsWNodlI/AAAAAAAArHU/-ZFE7moutA0LwhoIpFnEABbZF2-1TUc0QCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last weekend we headed to Gainesville for the 36th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show. The festival featured 240 local artists. Some very interesting one-of-a-kind pieces. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LItmjtlXWuM/WgtLxJnYzrI/AAAAAAAArHY/_DvqMSQ9iaY97Zw6OqLNEGAuk0Uit2pOQCKgBGAs/s1600/Backgrounds8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LItmjtlXWuM/WgtLxJnYzrI/AAAAAAAArHY/_DvqMSQ9iaY97Zw6OqLNEGAuk0Uit2pOQCKgBGAs/s320/Backgrounds8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It hasn't been all play since we got here. It's pecan season! Nuts are produced every other year and this year there are plenty. So far we have taken 100 lbs in to be cracked and blown. Then we go through the pieces and take out the remaining shell pieces. Still a lot more on the trees.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQDoSYFgiT8/WgtL_iXzmnI/AAAAAAAArHk/0Uz0TMAxXuo2oavOZzixtCZY9XwWk3gegCKgBGAs/s1600/23231520_10208485136526367_985708475612308881_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQDoSYFgiT8/WgtL_iXzmnI/AAAAAAAArHk/0Uz0TMAxXuo2oavOZzixtCZY9XwWk3gegCKgBGAs/s320/23231520_10208485136526367_985708475612308881_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nauUsLEtxcs/WgtL4de6d8I/AAAAAAAArHc/Y0pPn_cHmA43uBVeYkRkm_fvNB1PN6-lgCKgBGAs/s1600/23031418_10208468497950413_6460056537579320105_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nauUsLEtxcs/WgtL4de6d8I/AAAAAAAArHc/Y0pPn_cHmA43uBVeYkRkm_fvNB1PN6-lgCKgBGAs/s320/23031418_10208468497950413_6460056537579320105_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How they look after they're cracked and blown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2KuDwhnuvc/WgtMFAwH2bI/AAAAAAAArHo/bVbTdmZK8TYJae_iWmTRHn-hKVnWNa-IQCKgBGAs/s1600/23376434_10208486162350089_7997182356608120009_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2KuDwhnuvc/WgtMFAwH2bI/AAAAAAAArHo/bVbTdmZK8TYJae_iWmTRHn-hKVnWNa-IQCKgBGAs/s320/23376434_10208486162350089_7997182356608120009_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-60648307334699034592017-10-26T20:07:00.000-07:002017-10-26T20:07:19.693-07:00Slow MovingHi all,<br />
So, not sure of where we were headed, a roll of the dice and Alabama was decided. Wendy had found a state park with some nearby waterfalls that sounded neat.<br />
Little River Canyon National Preserve located in northeast Alabama just a short drive from Fort Payne, Alabama. This was barely a hours drive which we sure won't complain about. It actually lies on Lookout Mountain which is really more of a range than a actual mountain.<br />
While here we stayed at Desoto State Park, a nice shaded forest campground with 94 sites.<br />
There were two pretty good falls in the area, Desoto Falls about 5 miles from the park, and Little River Falls only 10 miles or so away. These falls are known as "wet falls" being they are mostly the result of rainfall. Luck was on our side this time as there had been good amounts of rain so the falls were flowing pretty good. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpMEZ8bJJ5w/WfKYHGamXqI/AAAAAAAArDM/CO5cqEX9oqEVgkUP62r2v6ZHXVG7sf1RACKgBGAs/s1600/22519134_10208338536579537_7471291119623695394_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpMEZ8bJJ5w/WfKYHGamXqI/AAAAAAAArDM/CO5cqEX9oqEVgkUP62r2v6ZHXVG7sf1RACKgBGAs/s200/22519134_10208338536579537_7471291119623695394_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_YvepQwOSM/WfKcbNBmlyI/AAAAAAAArEM/s9cBbqlLyEU8bS4kGokzcTjPBM-bPe1fACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171018_113929%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_YvepQwOSM/WfKcbNBmlyI/AAAAAAAArEM/s9cBbqlLyEU8bS4kGokzcTjPBM-bPe1fACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171018_113929%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Upper DeSoto Falls</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLdxdNSinBc/WfKcbNR7UeI/AAAAAAAArEM/2AeEmcEo_VMjKF2ob8j6sA0GUUVvpXGdgCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171018_113632%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLdxdNSinBc/WfKcbNR7UeI/AAAAAAAArEM/2AeEmcEo_VMjKF2ob8j6sA0GUUVvpXGdgCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171018_113632%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lower part of DeSoto Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a nice visitor center where we were given thorough info on the Little River Canyon. We then headed for the falls and 11 mile scenic drive. It was a great drive with well marked pull offs for some awesome views. </div>
The drive gets a bit dicey not to be done with trailers or big RVs, but perfect for the Silver Bullet haha. It continues along the river to the Canyon Mouth picnic area. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzZmOHGMds/WfKdL-H597I/AAAAAAAArEY/GbOPSEciWTQ5-GcEwpzk-jIIUEl_kaakgCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171016233247%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdzZmOHGMds/WfKdL-H597I/AAAAAAAArEY/GbOPSEciWTQ5-GcEwpzk-jIIUEl_kaakgCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171016233247%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little River Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUmRxd8aQcI/WfKdL7_JP7I/AAAAAAAArEY/C6UANR8NDuUrNUGN9LfiE_wswUocfb9UwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171017015016%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUmRxd8aQcI/WfKdL7_JP7I/AAAAAAAArEY/C6UANR8NDuUrNUGN9LfiE_wswUocfb9UwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171017015016%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slfnY4wJ8xQ/WfKdLyhurZI/AAAAAAAArEY/IV2HFsePmfEIYU83h6_HZJqKgqC7zLcDACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171017004049%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slfnY4wJ8xQ/WfKdLyhurZI/AAAAAAAArEY/IV2HFsePmfEIYU83h6_HZJqKgqC7zLcDACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171017004049%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mushroom rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbb3U1iG4IU/WfKdL5yV8HI/AAAAAAAArEY/mq3e2hBtLL0_xOywHYRDEY_f6OySki8QwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171017013005%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbb3U1iG4IU/WfKdL5yV8HI/AAAAAAAArEY/mq3e2hBtLL0_xOywHYRDEY_f6OySki8QwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171017013005%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graces High Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3k7w50FsiSU/WfKdL7T81KI/AAAAAAAArEY/AbCH3ovKcD8TxpwmBRq0YCtL-42JldfgQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171017002535%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3k7w50FsiSU/WfKdL7T81KI/AAAAAAAArEY/AbCH3ovKcD8TxpwmBRq0YCtL-42JldfgQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171017002535%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Little River Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While in the area we checked out Mentone a small artsy village that during the week was pretty quiet. We enjoyed lunch at The Wildflower Café, offering gourmet American fare in a hippie chic atmosphere. We were entertained throughout lunch by a local musician all quite fun. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axELekypslw/WfKfsnpd16I/AAAAAAAArEs/BASj9z69Gd83b-i1ZAVwjUPFW588P8PUQCKgBGAs/s1600/20171018_130957%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axELekypslw/WfKfsnpd16I/AAAAAAAArEs/BASj9z69Gd83b-i1ZAVwjUPFW588P8PUQCKgBGAs/s320/20171018_130957%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Next we drove another short piece 150 mile to Whitetail Ridge Campground on West Point Lake, La Grange, GA. This was right on the Georgia, Alabama border. <br />
This was a Corp park with only 55 sites, although there are other corp and county parks located on the large flowage. We sure like the Army Corp of Engineering Parks as they usually are kept up well and the cost about $24.00, of 1/2 of that if you have Golden Passport. They are mostly at large lake or reservoir locations. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBk_dot8lm4/WfKf4US3NQI/AAAAAAAArEw/7teB9EjSMlAM3roOYGZn711xgIwT0n-BwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171022_155618%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBk_dot8lm4/WfKf4US3NQI/AAAAAAAArEw/7teB9EjSMlAM3roOYGZn711xgIwT0n-BwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171022_155618%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On the weekend here we took a little drive to Hogansville which was holding the Hummingbird Festival. A fun little town fest with almost 200 craft vendors and food, music, and games for the kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4otUupHEzY/WfKgBYssVCI/AAAAAAAArE4/t-964hi1XU85AThNQmng6P9tFTYCMSz-ACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171023_121404%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="122" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4otUupHEzY/WfKgBYssVCI/AAAAAAAArE4/t-964hi1XU85AThNQmng6P9tFTYCMSz-ACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171023_121404%255B2%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Onward south we go another 100 miles. I am really getting to like this style of traveling. Another corp park White Oak Creek Campground just south of Eufaula, AL. This park holds 130 sites with many on the creek, which is more of a river and on Walter F. George Lake. We really lucked out and got a great site on the water. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZWSlfYnWv8/WfKgNR7jiqI/AAAAAAAArE8/8HQ1FGTQrlgZYQ-fDrk4MDFMwY6_8LqMQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171024_135011%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZWSlfYnWv8/WfKgNR7jiqI/AAAAAAAArE8/8HQ1FGTQrlgZYQ-fDrk4MDFMwY6_8LqMQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171024_135011%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Wendy struck gold again and found a great drive to make. She really should have been a travel agent. Off we went to Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area. This is also known as Georgia's Little Grand Canyon. It was actually created by poor farming practices in the 1800's where land was stripped of trees and foliage for cotton fields. Soon the rains washed the sandy soil away gradually creating the Canyonlands. They are now about 150 feet deep and 300 feet across and slowly growing in wet weather. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVfNkXPLBTA/WfKgX0QqyHI/AAAAAAAArFA/RaC5vPpHMysGHZGrXvfSpFomDGqtszdSQCKgBGAs/s1600/Backgrounds7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVfNkXPLBTA/WfKgX0QqyHI/AAAAAAAArFA/RaC5vPpHMysGHZGrXvfSpFomDGqtszdSQCKgBGAs/s320/Backgrounds7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-55863559080993674462017-10-23T11:04:00.002-07:002017-10-23T11:04:27.970-07:00Trekking South<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hi Y'all,<br />
Now that we are in the south we have to get the lingo down.<br />
This has been a nice drive down to our winter destination (Live Oak, Fla.). We had not planned much of it, usually making a reservation just ahead for a few days. One does have to make a plan where they will be on the weekends as things get full yet. <br />
Our last blog had us leaving Indiana where we then made a stop at Lake Malone State Park, central Kentucky. This was a small 26 site campground off the beaten path as one might say. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQGXCCGnWU/We4qfq8TATI/AAAAAAAArAs/n9brAJhQYdQpImSZlCE0ThtSQNauakZygCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171006_161824%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySQGXCCGnWU/We4qfq8TATI/AAAAAAAArAs/n9brAJhQYdQpImSZlCE0ThtSQNauakZygCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171006_161824%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlcdYzhI1dw/We4qZJmHR7I/AAAAAAAArAg/9RCLTvXsuFgDDdeQAx-S53_BOwTl3kTfQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171006_154450%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlcdYzhI1dw/We4qZJmHR7I/AAAAAAAArAg/9RCLTvXsuFgDDdeQAx-S53_BOwTl3kTfQCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171006_154450%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did a short loop drive of the area and watched as tobacco was being harvested. Other than that it was just a nice quiet place to relax a bit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfZPrAuxSd8/We4pt0PtIOI/AAAAAAAArAI/pGBOIpvgxr8cGBd7QfOb_hdw2nE8sqjiACKgBGAs/s1600/Backgrounds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfZPrAuxSd8/We4pt0PtIOI/AAAAAAAArAI/pGBOIpvgxr8cGBd7QfOb_hdw2nE8sqjiACKgBGAs/s320/Backgrounds3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our next plan was a corp park in Tennessee but as we were packing up my portable oxygen concentrator quit. A call to the service center deemed not much help, a new unit would have to be shipped to us. So we changed plans and skipped the corp park to drive on to a Chattanooga KOA that would accept delivery of the unit. Luckily we now have the on board generator so we were able to fire it up and use while en route. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zG7Wwm4CIe0/We4rAraW89I/AAAAAAAArAw/-5yH8dsKYJgGAOjG1E-qbTZPCDdoa-BYACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171010_123514%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zG7Wwm4CIe0/We4rAraW89I/AAAAAAAArAw/-5yH8dsKYJgGAOjG1E-qbTZPCDdoa-BYACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171010_123514%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F__O164FrfI/We4rAjnqI-I/AAAAAAAArAw/wMyyyXgBsOobj3RrT4dVSn7j1dbsHioDACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171009_155912%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F__O164FrfI/We4rAjnqI-I/AAAAAAAArAw/wMyyyXgBsOobj3RrT4dVSn7j1dbsHioDACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171009_155912%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So without the portable unit we were pretty much stuck in the campground. The new unit would take 24-48 hours to arrive. So since we had made the initial call on Monday as later Wednesday was looming I called to get a tracking number to check on it. Now the frustration really begins, for unknown reasons the unit had not even been sent. GRRR!! two days waiting and find this out. I try and speak to someone in supervision but that goes bad. Every time we made a call it was about 30 minutes on hold just to get a live person to speak to. I tried to be as civil as I could but said I expected the new unit to be shipped overnight. Well thankfully it arrived Thursday morning so Wendy and I could start exploring the area. <br />
The Chattanooga area is a beautiful area with Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River offering great views and entertainment options. There is great history to be learned here as this was a major shipping artery during the Civil War and a great battle was fought in the area. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xczwcAV-KmA/We4rigycqyI/AAAAAAAArBA/7UZBAh8jPokkhWOvjFcKZT470Se4A7pqQCKgBGAs/s1600/Backgrounds6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xczwcAV-KmA/We4rigycqyI/AAAAAAAArBA/7UZBAh8jPokkhWOvjFcKZT470Se4A7pqQCKgBGAs/s320/Backgrounds6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Park on Lookout Mt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The number one attraction in the area is the Incline Railway that has been taking people up Lookout Mountain since 1895. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4NeYzM9RfM/We4rYtLxe6I/AAAAAAAArA8/nU1UiZfx0BATWPGQzZJAWrQ-8dolKCXgACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171012000243%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4NeYzM9RfM/We4rYtLxe6I/AAAAAAAArA8/nU1UiZfx0BATWPGQzZJAWrQ-8dolKCXgACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171012000243%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wim2OY_jhyk/We4rSKAhTQI/AAAAAAAArA4/DGv2W83Y-cg03v2wzy8nRCU1nZgOR9SzwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171011235924%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wim2OY_jhyk/We4rSKAhTQI/AAAAAAAArA4/DGv2W83Y-cg03v2wzy8nRCU1nZgOR9SzwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171011235924%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
While in the area we also visited downtown Chattanooga, a free shuttle service takes you all around town. We also drove up Raccoon Mountain, and checked out nearby Cloudland Canyon Sate Park. All pretty cool, the only downside was we were to early to see much fall colors yet. It must be an amazing sight then.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1BjHHZdtU/We4uj7pg6lI/AAAAAAAArCI/Zoitl0NRNxsWt3r7ECtOQ2V2BSDQBiC3gCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1BjHHZdtU/We4uj7pg6lI/AAAAAAAArCI/Zoitl0NRNxsWt3r7ECtOQ2V2BSDQBiC3gCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-075.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Chattanooga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PA9brgw0a8/We4syyWiE3I/AAAAAAAArBs/SmV4VFFkXyE1NE-TU0Vv6uW8p06w3n7EQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171014012219%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PA9brgw0a8/We4syyWiE3I/AAAAAAAArBs/SmV4VFFkXyE1NE-TU0Vv6uW8p06w3n7EQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20171014012219%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View at Cloudland Canyon State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWI8UFwjnTo/We4rqb4JKtI/AAAAAAAArBI/LpiQM5unCnEFlF_ccgSjisJAUpjzW3AfACKgBGAs/s1600/Backgrounds5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWI8UFwjnTo/We4rqb4JKtI/AAAAAAAArBI/LpiQM5unCnEFlF_ccgSjisJAUpjzW3AfACKgBGAs/s320/Backgrounds5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from Raccoon Mt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hit a small Mountain Festival that had crafts, Kettle corn, and some good local bluegrass music. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsvBDwqmnew/We4sGtVthaI/AAAAAAAArBU/7P7FQwjU4XkY78ISp8Z1nldZQMiL-VVhACKgBGAs/s1600/22528194_10208363111475817_415898037129931569_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsvBDwqmnew/We4sGtVthaI/AAAAAAAArBU/7P7FQwjU4XkY78ISp8Z1nldZQMiL-VVhACKgBGAs/s200/22528194_10208363111475817_415898037129931569_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eipW8XKfPL8/We4sGvVkKVI/AAAAAAAArBU/G-LaWlgyLg0rZg7_W3LBymggO59enLkkgCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20171014_121900%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eipW8XKfPL8/We4sGvVkKVI/AAAAAAAArBU/G-LaWlgyLg0rZg7_W3LBymggO59enLkkgCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20171014_121900%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Not to be overlooked one reason while here was hooking up with an old work buddy who had relocated down here. We met Jeff and his wife Stephanie for dinner on Sat. And then were able to enjoy lunch and a Packer game with them on Sunday. This was fun as we had not really seen each other in over 10 years so a lot of catching up indeed. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHmlMBGonk/We4sPAZKK3I/AAAAAAAArBY/0D0Xm-bKDYArds8dyAaWEVN2NMgor-rawCKgBGAs/s1600/22490147_1447989028603546_8715548117996906563_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="856" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHmlMBGonk/We4sPAZKK3I/AAAAAAAArBY/0D0Xm-bKDYArds8dyAaWEVN2NMgor-rawCKgBGAs/s320/22490147_1447989028603546_8715548117996906563_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Jeff, Stephanie, Wendy and me</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-83669190938070539722017-10-07T15:32:00.000-07:002017-10-07T15:32:33.005-07:00And We're Outta ThereHi All,<br />
Not that we plan it but looks like we are down to our once a month blog post. I find it difficult to blog about being home in Wisconsin getting family and friend visits in. Time goes by quick and we just don't do as many interesting things. <br />
We did enjoy our time back home and got in many good visits. We always come up short on a few and are sorry we just couldn't check em all off. But that is a good reason to come back so we look forward to seeing you next year.<br />
We are also bad that we visit, have fun, and then kick ourselves for not pulling out the camera and getting the pics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1c3KCxLFw8/WdlQz0YKyZI/AAAAAAAAq8w/dSSRI3uq3HoJ77PJI6qssCem2F-FYM9zACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170911_085547%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1c3KCxLFw8/WdlQz0YKyZI/AAAAAAAAq8w/dSSRI3uq3HoJ77PJI6qssCem2F-FYM9zACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170911_085547%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our high school gang! 40 years getting together!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07rAR4rzSsc/WdlQz2jxyQI/AAAAAAAAq8w/hQRCMvCYpsYw86qzV_EyH9dBLu4qJAoggCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170925_112219%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07rAR4rzSsc/WdlQz2jxyQI/AAAAAAAAq8w/hQRCMvCYpsYw86qzV_EyH9dBLu4qJAoggCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170925_112219%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad in his favorite spot watching the birds and drinking coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsxbRDoUb2o/WdlQz-OYXNI/AAAAAAAAq8w/L2RIpVxvYFsxVsWE-75PS5m_dwtbMUJMACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170923_120443%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsxbRDoUb2o/WdlQz-OYXNI/AAAAAAAAq8w/L2RIpVxvYFsxVsWE-75PS5m_dwtbMUJMACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170923_120443%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple picking with grandsons Lukas and Isaiah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs-KjNkEwe8/WdlQz0VkpXI/AAAAAAAAq8w/rvWoU0ILY6YxoOuG1VXpwgidoqTP4j8cgCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zs-KjNkEwe8/WdlQz0VkpXI/AAAAAAAAq8w/rvWoU0ILY6YxoOuG1VXpwgidoqTP4j8cgCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween Campout with Nate, Colleen, and grandkids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxQENU30XTM/WdlQz9nUP0I/AAAAAAAAq8w/xCyYlPyszE8KIeUYEzDum2xBJimFpce9QCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxQENU30XTM/WdlQz9nUP0I/AAAAAAAAq8w/xCyYlPyszE8KIeUYEzDum2xBJimFpce9QCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-071.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Bon Voyage thrown for us by Ray's side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have now completed our 5th full year of full time RVing. Always a nice time to reflect back on the good times we have had and friends along the way.<br />
We headed out on Oct. 2nd, our plans pretty sketchy only knowing that we will be wintering down by Amanda and Pat's farm in Live Oak, FLA. We want to drive slow hoping to enjoy some fall colors. We plan to keep the drives short in the less than 200 range. <br />
Days one and two were spent driving through Illinois a quick overnight stop at Hickory Hollow Campground Utica ILL. Then to Peaceful Waters Campground <span style="background-color: white;">in Bloomingdale Indiana. We really wanted to spend time here as there are 31 covered bridges in the area. But the all rain forecast has made a return trip to this area a necessity.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> Day 3 we have stopped at Lincoln State Park just outside Santa Claus, Indiana. A very nice state Park with Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial just across the street. </span><br />
This is a memorial to Abraham Lincoln as he spent ages 7 to 21 on the 160 acre farm. The memorial features some very exquisite relief sculpture works, a small museum, along with recreations of the original homestead. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-By_GZe_t19s/WdlREBDnOQI/AAAAAAAAq80/1DaVSTyIDjIjQe_hZO9Q8woPm4BNXz_RgCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-By_GZe_t19s/WdlREBDnOQI/AAAAAAAAq80/1DaVSTyIDjIjQe_hZO9Q8woPm4BNXz_RgCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-072.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSXoaaikPrQ/WdlREKethFI/AAAAAAAAq80/43PYQTWBfGgXsmCHptvbGlu__Q_zr7bHACKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSXoaaikPrQ/WdlREKethFI/AAAAAAAAq80/43PYQTWBfGgXsmCHptvbGlu__Q_zr7bHACKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoBXaw3d8gA/WdlREPdKnkI/AAAAAAAAq80/RVmD-o7v9egogcAdmvZsLlA7W5Pfz5tcQCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-10-074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoBXaw3d8gA/WdlREPdKnkI/AAAAAAAAq80/RVmD-o7v9egogcAdmvZsLlA7W5Pfz5tcQCKgBGAs/s320/2017-10-074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And yes it is Santa Claus, Indiana. Looks like a booming place if the Holiday Worlds Entertainment Park is operating. Off season not to much of a stop unless you need that one hard to find Christmas ornament. But a picture of the post office is a must.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90XKr93x3BE/WdlSo6dsUOI/AAAAAAAAq9A/2cj3_JEDMk4-DbTaIbbb_Z3Sq2yLkZYegCKgBGAs/s1600/20170915_121313%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90XKr93x3BE/WdlSo6dsUOI/AAAAAAAAq9A/2cj3_JEDMk4-DbTaIbbb_Z3Sq2yLkZYegCKgBGAs/s320/20170915_121313%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Wendy didn't sell was left at nephews flowershop for resale. Time to restock.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-87687916638053978582017-09-09T09:22:00.001-07:002017-09-09T09:22:42.366-07:00Enjoying time with familyHi all,<br />
Things just keep rolling along. We completed our mini vacation to Michigans Upper Pennisula. This is one large area that one needs to give themselves plenty of time to explore. We just covered the central area and easily could have spent more time. It is just such a great area when the hot days of July and August are stifling in the south. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLZkYfiwm0o/Wa7V1aC2-RI/AAAAAAAAqys/becVpmzgBCs8OhgrqA0JX24MAAP5pCl6QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLZkYfiwm0o/Wa7V1aC2-RI/AAAAAAAAqys/becVpmzgBCs8OhgrqA0JX24MAAP5pCl6QCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_1462.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPikx622BQ/Wa7V1TjqRcI/AAAAAAAAqys/d1-k5vFjXcohTNOeI28ADDDBWZGZTuWdACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPikx622BQ/Wa7V1TjqRcI/AAAAAAAAqys/d1-k5vFjXcohTNOeI28ADDDBWZGZTuWdACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTY2kYKTTew/Wa7V1S7_KdI/AAAAAAAAqys/cklYcNHtkMYEs10iaiZtU5v3Ponh7SDQwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTY2kYKTTew/Wa7V1S7_KdI/AAAAAAAAqys/cklYcNHtkMYEs10iaiZtU5v3Ponh7SDQwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bond Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2K0-EkrIfk/Wa7V_sZV-EI/AAAAAAAAqyw/YZCjF3DHx4smYC0cDAaqzMQ9nLf80RIBQCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-08-212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2K0-EkrIfk/Wa7V_sZV-EI/AAAAAAAAqyw/YZCjF3DHx4smYC0cDAaqzMQ9nLf80RIBQCKgBGAs/s320/2017-08-212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SucsTcprSkc/Wa7V_gU2nxI/AAAAAAAAqyw/ViTffUyTN3kn2lZwSTpVFsDNq7Y4FDNwACKgBGAs/s1600/2017-08-211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SucsTcprSkc/Wa7V_gU2nxI/AAAAAAAAqyw/ViTffUyTN3kn2lZwSTpVFsDNq7Y4FDNwACKgBGAs/s320/2017-08-211.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery in Marquette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEJI3LHWhQY/Wa7V_kaBDsI/AAAAAAAAqyw/NWMhVhcOgrcCWZ35TINmlcWBz4v7_2lwQCKgBGAs/s1600/2017-08-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEJI3LHWhQY/Wa7V_kaBDsI/AAAAAAAAqyw/NWMhVhcOgrcCWZ35TINmlcWBz4v7_2lwQCKgBGAs/s320/2017-08-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakenenland Sculpture park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Od_4SbxG5A/Wa7V1VORKRI/AAAAAAAAqys/XvexiBvGmbIaToPRMYIjGsNUksUbv1ImwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Od_4SbxG5A/Wa7V1VORKRI/AAAAAAAAqys/XvexiBvGmbIaToPRMYIjGsNUksUbv1ImwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1485.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper part of Bond Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meanwhile back at Wendy's folks we are having nice visits. Colleen and the grand sons came up and we enjoyed a weekend with them. The following week Nate and a buddy came up to do some fishing on the Petenwel Flowage. Weather wasn't to great so I bowed out on that. <br />
We got in a visit with Marilyn and Bill from our Excel camping club. They live in not to far in Marshfield so we joined them for a nice lunch and chit-chat. <br />
Wendy and I took a little ride one day and ended up at Stevens Point Brewery. This is the second oldest brewery running in the original location. It began in 1857 one year before the town of Stevens Point was founded. It was a nice little tour although we hit at cleaning and maintenance week so no production was going on. They had a neat sampling area where good sized samples were available. Good thing we could use our sample tokens on some of their brewed soda so someone could drive home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYB1ldh2Pss/WbQRr5cUw1I/AAAAAAAAq0Q/kR10I7L4jpEt_-aygtBwVFxaVen7M4hYACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170831_125545%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYB1ldh2Pss/WbQRr5cUw1I/AAAAAAAAq0Q/kR10I7L4jpEt_-aygtBwVFxaVen7M4hYACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170831_125545%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It is nice getting to spend time with Wendy's parents, at 85 and 87 they get along pretty good. Her dad is actually going to work again and assist with the cranberry harvest. He has done this in the past and though he doesn't need the income he just has to stay active. He surely is something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06WIGojetYs/WbQRyFYyzaI/AAAAAAAAq0U/MIm1J383vCc0O7qyAxy4VGzNxS-4SKotwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170825_171045%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1152" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06WIGojetYs/WbQRyFYyzaI/AAAAAAAAq0U/MIm1J383vCc0O7qyAxy4VGzNxS-4SKotwCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170825_171045%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtWqT8h098E/WbQRyAczKCI/AAAAAAAAq0U/gXbiljKY5oQT9sySsqlLEvr3PqgIK_aWACKgBGAs/s1600/20994037_10210307160574948_3427373753990327491_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtWqT8h098E/WbQRyAczKCI/AAAAAAAAq0U/gXbiljKY5oQT9sySsqlLEvr3PqgIK_aWACKgBGAs/s320/20994037_10210307160574948_3427373753990327491_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaiah and great grandpa celebrating </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWWaINdq1d8/WbQRyPeYMPI/AAAAAAAAq0U/Nfvy6P8A0m4BbhGO_dAaTikgkr4lL7hfQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170825_190259%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWWaINdq1d8/WbQRyPeYMPI/AAAAAAAAq0U/Nfvy6P8A0m4BbhGO_dAaTikgkr4lL7hfQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170825_190259%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lukas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next plans are to head down to Mukwonago (our old home grounds) and get more visits with family and friends there. We will hang there until the end of September and then begin a slow drive back to Florida, route not planned yet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-7410308028525830162017-08-14T16:26:00.003-07:002017-08-14T16:26:37.446-07:00Enjoying Upper MichiganHi all,<br />
Hows it going eh?? Seems the lingo here is a cross Minnesota and Canada, yes I'm sure I fit right in. We have been having some great weather with sunny days and cool nights and the mosquitoes and flies are behaving themselves to. <br />
I think late summer is the best time to visit although fall during color change I'm sure would be stunning. We have even seen a few trees with outer limbs beginning the transformation. <br />
The jeep has been getting a good work out. Not on to many trails but some of blacktop roads here are worse than many of the dirt roads we have driven, but that just makes it fun to me. <br />
We took a short ride to Fayette Historic State Park on one day. It lies on a peninsula with Lake Michigan and Big Bay De Noc on its sides. <br />
Fayette was a bustling community that centered around the iron smelting industry from 1867 to 1891. There are more than 20 buildings that have been restored to show what life was like in a nineteenth century company owned town. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKriirwXdZQ/WZIrpda0gYI/AAAAAAAAqew/taESVtl0PtUtKKyReoz0gd1XP1aTYT_agCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKriirwXdZQ/WZIrpda0gYI/AAAAAAAAqew/taESVtl0PtUtKKyReoz0gd1XP1aTYT_agCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPxx6Dq7WGk/WZIrpVPb4gI/AAAAAAAAqew/DwTSH02E5n0Sd-HhwU16xMuY1YN4EXLpACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPxx6Dq7WGk/WZIrpVPb4gI/AAAAAAAAqew/DwTSH02E5n0Sd-HhwU16xMuY1YN4EXLpACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a furnace used in the coal producing required for iron ore production</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaJ3lO5CGAE/WZIrpfTSGKI/AAAAAAAAqew/axpVkUkSvpMbr-JNkSfEq9UyJ8RakpktgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaJ3lO5CGAE/WZIrpfTSGKI/AAAAAAAAqew/axpVkUkSvpMbr-JNkSfEq9UyJ8RakpktgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1yfbbBAEJ0/WZIrpRNijJI/AAAAAAAAqew/UmssZ23QEgQ7jbBYaAz2iaovJqJJMgbdACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1yfbbBAEJ0/WZIrpRNijJI/AAAAAAAAqew/UmssZ23QEgQ7jbBYaAz2iaovJqJJMgbdACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home to the company supervisor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-HlY0xW9uQ/WZIrpb7b-HI/AAAAAAAAqew/QjXmt9vgRAYYrZOb7RAH5eTBF0PwtThXACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-HlY0xW9uQ/WZIrpb7b-HI/AAAAAAAAqew/QjXmt9vgRAYYrZOb7RAH5eTBF0PwtThXACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qviR5MULy_Y/WZIrpUpCwjI/AAAAAAAAqew/WytoPoY4vcAFCnrkTzqgyShdBXflkdHGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qviR5MULy_Y/WZIrpUpCwjI/AAAAAAAAqew/WytoPoY4vcAFCnrkTzqgyShdBXflkdHGQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-150_GTX6c2s/WZIrpRegmlI/AAAAAAAAqew/9Ly4jKg1-XEmZecEaYAZfr8H030OVRaNACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-150_GTX6c2s/WZIrpRegmlI/AAAAAAAAqew/9Ly4jKg1-XEmZecEaYAZfr8H030OVRaNACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIF0VNiTUzg/WZIrpWwlnxI/AAAAAAAAqew/GdAhRmnNGrISMgPS1JMUe9D3x4Rqugg7wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIF0VNiTUzg/WZIrpWwlnxI/AAAAAAAAqew/GdAhRmnNGrISMgPS1JMUe9D3x4Rqugg7wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There is a campground and a small marina also run by the State Park.<br />
Drive number two was to the north to the Munising and Pictured Rocks area. Along the way we stopped at a couple waterfalls. There are so many waterfalls in Upper Michigan that one could spend all thier time checking them out. I know that from past experiences some years ago, this time we just wanted to hit a few. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJZpjS39sFg/WZIr8Z1RZYI/AAAAAAAAqe4/r7XsXotA6esNcbrbcgxGv4UiAMtbVql-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJZpjS39sFg/WZIr8Z1RZYI/AAAAAAAAqe4/r7XsXotA6esNcbrbcgxGv4UiAMtbVql-QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x51tstjzUMI/WZIr8ZnZLOI/AAAAAAAAqe4/JbDRHXSKmXog65aD8w7qiSvqvs165XxNwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x51tstjzUMI/WZIr8ZnZLOI/AAAAAAAAqe4/JbDRHXSKmXog65aD8w7qiSvqvs165XxNwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior was the first lakeshore to be designated a National Lakeshore in 1966. It offers over 100 miles of fabulous hiking trails.<br />
Many enjoy sea kayaking along the shores or you can choose one of the many commercial boat trips offered out of Munising. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3yVqKJCkdo/WZIr1on2rEI/AAAAAAAAqe0/Y7PVOPWMXZ4HUk11XkddoUijY_3dZMEQgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3yVqKJCkdo/WZIr1on2rEI/AAAAAAAAqe0/Y7PVOPWMXZ4HUk11XkddoUijY_3dZMEQgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfNTPDc8BwA/WZIr1uxUDQI/AAAAAAAAqe0/1A8z8KFF9qwSbdcEwYEG5ZIHvj61lcS0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfNTPDc8BwA/WZIr1uxUDQI/AAAAAAAAqe0/1A8z8KFF9qwSbdcEwYEG5ZIHvj61lcS0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXIECDb1vag/WZIr1nHK9RI/AAAAAAAAqe0/7Nmsa_XgUywzfOSFTkqvkY39mcJyqT7nQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXIECDb1vag/WZIr1nHK9RI/AAAAAAAAqe0/7Nmsa_XgUywzfOSFTkqvkY39mcJyqT7nQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzyh5W7l3xo/WZIr1jb9c9I/AAAAAAAAqe0/mL9Sw-M9pg0rSedQtNUMcjpI3H5M56AGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzyh5W7l3xo/WZIr1jb9c9I/AAAAAAAAqe0/mL9Sw-M9pg0rSedQtNUMcjpI3H5M56AGQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miners Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our plan was to enjoy some of the famous views as we jeeped along, stopping where ever we felt the itch. We had picked up some smoked fish and had an impromptu picnic on a beach. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuD7I7RTgrU/WZIsYG3AhjI/AAAAAAAAqfE/tWRrJqYC_9kzZGrulavYuFx1rklR6i1RQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuD7I7RTgrU/WZIsYG3AhjI/AAAAAAAAqfE/tWRrJqYC_9kzZGrulavYuFx1rklR6i1RQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifes a beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another quick side trip while here was Palms Brook State Park and the Kitch-iti-kipi,(The Big Spring) The spring looked like many we had seen in Florida but at a year round temp of 45 not one you would want to dip in. It measures 200 feet across, 40 feet deep and 10,000 gallons a minute flow from its fissures in the limestone below. The neat thing here is riding the man or kid powered raft out into the trout filled pool. It has a glass bottomed viewing area to view the sand being ever changed by the incoming waters. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yMiwqCi0ZA/WZIsEmx6QdI/AAAAAAAAqe8/f93Ngx62-eIeqvrjNGf62S82Y-jAR35TgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yMiwqCi0ZA/WZIsEmx6QdI/AAAAAAAAqe8/f93Ngx62-eIeqvrjNGf62S82Y-jAR35TgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb9KI4vVo68/WZIsEs-iaaI/AAAAAAAAqe8/k5j7k5TnfbowKp3bGMMaUrBiiQZ8KfkXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wb9KI4vVo68/WZIsEs-iaaI/AAAAAAAAqe8/k5j7k5TnfbowKp3bGMMaUrBiiQZ8KfkXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next up for us is to relocate to the northwest a bit and do some more touring of the U.P. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwQVqh8gLFI/WZIsROizfuI/AAAAAAAAqfA/4LgNXFganDwO-Mulr5PPFc-8Tc16OQYUwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwQVqh8gLFI/WZIsROizfuI/AAAAAAAAqfA/4LgNXFganDwO-Mulr5PPFc-8Tc16OQYUwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-68519126148428453622017-08-10T10:10:00.000-07:002017-08-10T10:10:16.661-07:00Off to the UPHi all,<br />
Nothing better than time on the road. After a quick one week stay at our old hometown we headed north to spend some time with Wendy's mom and dad. <br />
At 87 and 85 respectively they are doing pretty good. Wendy's mom sure hates to be idle long. She barely gets one meal done and she is prepping for the next. Meals are big here and we have a hard time to keep from gaining weight while here. <br />
Her dad stays on the go to, he spends a lot of time in his huge garden and taking care of a couple dozen chickens. In the past he hired on part time during the cranberry harvest, working in the processing plant. He hinted that he wants to do it again this year. He says when the garden is done he gets bored sitting around, he already has filled the wood shed for the winter. I guess this shows how to live to a ripe old age. <br />
So while here Wendy helps doing some of the things her mom can't do. We also helped by making some blueberry jelly. We sure have done our share of canning this year and tomatoes are just starting to ripen here. <br />
On one Saturday Wendy's sister Patsy planned a family reunion at her place in Pardeeville. It has been a number of years since the family has tried to gather.It was nice seeing many of the gang again. The turnout was fair as two of her sisters were unable to attend and many of the grandkids were missing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCylXYX9zXM/WYyLsWegTXI/AAAAAAAAqWw/a8zhXuO8HWYEXLa7oooKnojKTjSLTDhBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCylXYX9zXM/WYyLsWegTXI/AAAAAAAAqWw/a8zhXuO8HWYEXLa7oooKnojKTjSLTDhBwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1173.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy's dad with the Great-great grandson Carson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF6EiGpmFzc/WYyLsdnRLAI/AAAAAAAAqWw/DwDCk8dJPm82B0ODevbIE6LxPz0K3T6-gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JF6EiGpmFzc/WYyLsdnRLAI/AAAAAAAAqWw/DwDCk8dJPm82B0ODevbIE6LxPz0K3T6-gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqemVcFhebk/WYyLmcMuiBI/AAAAAAAAqWs/7Z3SgKqgyRgoogdIgS_ylDv5RCeLAo-HQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YqemVcFhebk/WYyLmcMuiBI/AAAAAAAAqWs/7Z3SgKqgyRgoogdIgS_ylDv5RCeLAo-HQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back left, Patsy, Peggy, Wendy, Rich front Donnie, Barb, Ed, and Randy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They want to try it again next year giving better warning to some for a better turnout.<br />
Another day we got a visit from our son Nate and grandson Alex with Emily his gf. Alex also has a jeep so we took the tops off for a ride about. We drove the Sandhill Crane Refuge in nearby Babcock. We had a great weather day and Alex was able to get some cool drone shots along the way. Nice way to spend some time with the boys.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-tF4PGjRPs/WYyNlZwc_EI/AAAAAAAAqXI/jnmdst6IjzoicccdGGODZjPxPSZcoc2GACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170805_122203%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-tF4PGjRPs/WYyNlZwc_EI/AAAAAAAAqXI/jnmdst6IjzoicccdGGODZjPxPSZcoc2GACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170805_122203%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XsUp981MXQ/WYyNlYTnn0I/AAAAAAAAqXI/yx4hXHDswqMUJRcgU-u4on_JQV25LmmowCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170805_122221%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XsUp981MXQ/WYyNlYTnn0I/AAAAAAAAqXI/yx4hXHDswqMUJRcgU-u4on_JQV25LmmowCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170805_122221%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So we don't get sucked in to all work and no play Wendy and I planned a little vacation. In the past we had taken a few vacations to Michigans Upper Penninsula and has been many years since our last visit.<br />
And almost on the way is Lambeau Field home of the Green Bay Packers. So a little twist of Wendy's arm and a stadium tour was in the plan. And when Wendy's sister Patsy heard of our plans they drove up to Green Bay and joined us. <br />
Luck had it they were holding practices and the public is allowed to attend. So we got to attend a practice, get a stadium tour, and enjoy a great day with Patsy and Sonny. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTVrNiOO1r8/WYyL4_17qnI/AAAAAAAAqW0/iPucM0X0XHcQyEFix-CRiw31suz0FW7bQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTVrNiOO1r8/WYyL4_17qnI/AAAAAAAAqW0/iPucM0X0XHcQyEFix-CRiw31suz0FW7bQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1204.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a neighborhood fence, all things G.B.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-caZMMtY1c/WYyL4wJJy4I/AAAAAAAAqW0/A8-5VdilFmQNcgBO15j5LRf18-1RJPg6QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-caZMMtY1c/WYyL4wJJy4I/AAAAAAAAqW0/A8-5VdilFmQNcgBO15j5LRf18-1RJPg6QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonny and Patsy and us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2y34RW4a7E/WYyL44ZnTsI/AAAAAAAAqW0/-xAH2zwVXk4ckaOPsvTyUG5CjwMqp8tTACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2y34RW4a7E/WYyL44ZnTsI/AAAAAAAAqW0/-xAH2zwVXk4ckaOPsvTyUG5CjwMqp8tTACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvBtjWDOY6U/WYyL45oY9SI/AAAAAAAAqW0/PnnMy6FXjJs7TiElVgMrE80bAz5akpCXQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvBtjWDOY6U/WYyL45oY9SI/AAAAAAAAqW0/PnnMy6FXjJs7TiElVgMrE80bAz5akpCXQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45_PummjQRA/WYyL49rVKcI/AAAAAAAAqW0/CD5--38ZMMgjHqLUkBXYLF5QiNxxAiHlgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45_PummjQRA/WYyL49rVKcI/AAAAAAAAqW0/CD5--38ZMMgjHqLUkBXYLF5QiNxxAiHlgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Packer tradition area kids offer there bikes to players for a short ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqqsUN3o_Ts/WYyNzu59s6I/AAAAAAAAqXM/pDda5S4g6xwKZ92xgTwiZy1iYephZFAZACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170807_151452%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqqsUN3o_Ts/WYyNzu59s6I/AAAAAAAAqXM/pDda5S4g6xwKZ92xgTwiZy1iYephZFAZACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170807_151452%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hyguy_i8Fq0/WYyL4zj8ZwI/AAAAAAAAqW0/pdNMAy4ii3QS1_I-dGvs5sliPEFAKSHVgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hyguy_i8Fq0/WYyL4zj8ZwI/AAAAAAAAqW0/pdNMAy4ii3QS1_I-dGvs5sliPEFAKSHVgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1185.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhaq5U3IHIk/WYyN5yS_sTI/AAAAAAAAqXQ/pOcesm8cX-cENIAJcof60h63H9ZZ5jwnwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170807_175116_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhaq5U3IHIk/WYyN5yS_sTI/AAAAAAAAqXQ/pOcesm8cX-cENIAJcof60h63H9ZZ5jwnwCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170807_175116_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great way to end the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tuesday we headed up to Indian Lake State Park just outside Manistique, Mich. We will camp here for five days and do some jeep drives. Then we will head to other parts of the U.P.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdw4lRIq3BY/WYyMEOgO_lI/AAAAAAAAqW4/PhvBYGvwoAAnOWRIUVhj59JDhN4_6143QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdw4lRIq3BY/WYyMEOgO_lI/AAAAAAAAqW4/PhvBYGvwoAAnOWRIUVhj59JDhN4_6143QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6oSDA2HVUE/WYyMEEkpY9I/AAAAAAAAqW4/Dbg8Hv2OW2oVuvc7q6bzZHo0lpVgAjyqgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6oSDA2HVUE/WYyMEEkpY9I/AAAAAAAAqW4/Dbg8Hv2OW2oVuvc7q6bzZHo0lpVgAjyqgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsM2Pth6n6M/WYyMEBqlABI/AAAAAAAAqW4/uE3R0DvrFhweOYgcaD2PmvNT9pdhWsK1ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsM2Pth6n6M/WYyMEBqlABI/AAAAAAAAqW4/uE3R0DvrFhweOYgcaD2PmvNT9pdhWsK1ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dA75-qHt2F0/WYyMEJrilfI/AAAAAAAAqW4/EREihUGVh-Qoo6YQL3bSgHzxZTqAs6G0QCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170809_114550%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dA75-qHt2F0/WYyMEJrilfI/AAAAAAAAqW4/EREihUGVh-Qoo6YQL3bSgHzxZTqAs6G0QCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170809_114550%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaL9FkAsErU/WYyMEJniskI/AAAAAAAAqW4/1wIQNGQ6oY4-p28aovyWgNMcBq2j_OBCACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170809_114630%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaL9FkAsErU/WYyMEJniskI/AAAAAAAAqW4/1wIQNGQ6oY4-p28aovyWgNMcBq2j_OBCACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170809_114630%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-59444889547502178992017-08-03T10:37:00.001-07:002017-08-03T10:37:54.231-07:00On the goHi all,<br />
Yeah, finally back in Wisconsin. We rolled into Country View just outside Mukwonago on Wednesday (July 19). This has been the park we have used most since going full time. Not loaded with much frills or activities it is located near family and friends.<br />
We wasted no time and began our visits with family. Our plan is to stay here a week then travel to central Wisconsin to visit Wendy's parents. There is a family reunion planned which will be nice as it has been a while since the whole family got together. <br />
On Thur. we stopped to visit Wendy's brother Randy and fiancé Lyn. Then on Fri. a fish fry to celebrate my sister Darlene and Dennis 45th anniversary, also along for the celebration was my brother Russ and his wife Mary.<br />
Sat. we went with daughter Colleens family to the Farmers Market in Madison. None of us have gone, so we didn't know what to expect. The market is around the capital, you go one way around with the crowd. Lots of veggies, fruit and cheese. The capital is open so we took a little tour. We got to go to the observation deck.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xem9h2etJo8/WYNbWBOonnI/AAAAAAAAqTA/Yq9ytFMJAJsOMer5mVg8syAa-Byu3OqswCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170722_123024%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1083" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xem9h2etJo8/WYNbWBOonnI/AAAAAAAAqTA/Yq9ytFMJAJsOMer5mVg8syAa-Byu3OqswCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170722_123024%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lukas, Colleen, Goyo, Isaiah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAq8QX1UGwY/WYNbb903WDI/AAAAAAAAqTE/ghcmHDONxUYEk7blk-l_VE1vsQkqXGd4gCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170722_111320%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAq8QX1UGwY/WYNbb903WDI/AAAAAAAAqTE/ghcmHDONxUYEk7blk-l_VE1vsQkqXGd4gCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170722_111320%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6CDZLoAqYU/WYNbOXARAsI/AAAAAAAAqS4/XCWs26OsWic8X83Zz2FumESanJjTyrGcACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170722_115847%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6CDZLoAqYU/WYNbOXARAsI/AAAAAAAAqS4/XCWs26OsWic8X83Zz2FumESanJjTyrGcACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170722_115847%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
After we ate our way around the market, we went to the Henry Vilas Zoo. This is a small free zoo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FLJpZEHuQ0/WYNb2I1kZRI/AAAAAAAAqTM/WJU4m3r6yQo2sirRxeiMjvOBs_WtIWsLACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170722_131415%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FLJpZEHuQ0/WYNb2I1kZRI/AAAAAAAAqTM/WJU4m3r6yQo2sirRxeiMjvOBs_WtIWsLACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170722_131415%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPbovqk2wGg/WYNbyYoMrxI/AAAAAAAAqTI/dmw8Qao5_J4nw5BW4I4rU9EK7J9Dz_C-wCKgBGAs/s1600/20156152_10210036736854524_2536346597724111134_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPbovqk2wGg/WYNbyYoMrxI/AAAAAAAAqTI/dmw8Qao5_J4nw5BW4I4rU9EK7J9Dz_C-wCKgBGAs/s1600/20156152_10210036736854524_2536346597724111134_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On Sunday we went for a ride on our son Nate's pontoon boat. Enjoyed a swim with the grandkids.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BWov5a_tgU/WYNcGf5B2lI/AAAAAAAAqTU/5oMJ31Kb5T8m14viT6yL4QDwOSFH0YcnwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170723_164131%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BWov5a_tgU/WYNcGf5B2lI/AAAAAAAAqTU/5oMJ31Kb5T8m14viT6yL4QDwOSFH0YcnwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170723_164131%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaiah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPs2jtTzBSY/WYNcB5apfMI/AAAAAAAAqTQ/KoLiRDlHnQQNsNHU0PQBCUjlcLmjUw6HQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170723_185333%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPs2jtTzBSY/WYNcB5apfMI/AAAAAAAAqTQ/KoLiRDlHnQQNsNHU0PQBCUjlcLmjUw6HQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170723_185333%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also enjoyed a couple of visits with Dad at the nursing home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are now at Wendy's parent house until Sunday. Then we are headed to Green Bay and Upper Michigan for a couple of weeks. We will return back to Wendy's parents till after Labor Day then head back to the Mukwonago area to visit family and friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-31474817363960877832017-07-23T09:49:00.000-07:002017-07-23T09:58:49.687-07:00Heading north Well it's been awhile since we blogged. Ray said it was my turn, so here it goes...<br />
We watched the fireworks in Live Oak on the 4th. We decided to leave FL on the 6th of July hoping the holiday traffic wasn't heavy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ERtYR6I278/WWrSHy2sbXI/AAAAAAAAqJ0/yffrcodn9X0ueKrWLeqxdK9_icz8ib0XQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170704_212604%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ERtYR6I278/WWrSHy2sbXI/AAAAAAAAqJ0/yffrcodn9X0ueKrWLeqxdK9_icz8ib0XQCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170704_212604%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
We left by 9:00 and drove the back roads through FL, GA and into AL. We made it to the town of Troy, AL for the night. In the morning we headed north taking more back roads. Alabama has some hills and curvy roads but the drive was beautiful. We made it to Athens at the top of the state.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08yQrLkKGOE/WWrSPisfiGI/AAAAAAAAqJ4/JoftvEf9X_sFMVhzErbeZUcgVzQ7tVk8gCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170707_124026%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08yQrLkKGOE/WWrSPisfiGI/AAAAAAAAqJ4/JoftvEf9X_sFMVhzErbeZUcgVzQ7tVk8gCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170707_124026%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Seeing how it was the weekend, we decided to spend 2 nights. On Saturday we drove over to State Park. It's on the Tennessee River and has a marina, lodge, campground and restaurant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYh4nWJKSro/WWrSXl1NbGI/AAAAAAAAqJ8/ot9FulLTKKoeiRTJMdPHNwgaj1TRfws1gCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170708_113701%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYh4nWJKSro/WWrSXl1NbGI/AAAAAAAAqJ8/ot9FulLTKKoeiRTJMdPHNwgaj1TRfws1gCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170708_113701%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our next drive was only 190 miles. We made reservations for 4 nights at Poole Nob ( COE park) southeast of Nashville. After we arrived, we met up with Jim & Nanc ( fulltime RV friends) for dinner. It was great seeing them and catching up on their travels.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXDarFrJFK0/WWrScfq2IkI/AAAAAAAAqKA/fflswIuKvtIi6uqNZjZvXsD-lj7qLtldACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170709_174647%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXDarFrJFK0/WWrScfq2IkI/AAAAAAAAqKA/fflswIuKvtIi6uqNZjZvXsD-lj7qLtldACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170709_174647%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray, Jim, Nanc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We thought we were going to leave all the hot weather in FL but we were wrong. Nashville area had there hottest week while we were there. We didn't feel like walking around downtown in the heat. So we just relaxed at the campground.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrlQcsIGjtU/WWrSmD8OHZI/AAAAAAAAqKI/-yorTO6lW5UHceA-_HL2kZullgDZnrO7ACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170710_195544%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrlQcsIGjtU/WWrSmD8OHZI/AAAAAAAAqKI/-yorTO6lW5UHceA-_HL2kZullgDZnrO7ACKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170710_195544%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDgq8MsieeA/WWrShwPow5I/AAAAAAAAqKE/ggsEm2qt4KwT6gqaPVoG4tAJBl90eWVkACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170711_192438%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDgq8MsieeA/WWrShwPow5I/AAAAAAAAqKE/ggsEm2qt4KwT6gqaPVoG4tAJBl90eWVkACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170711_192438%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
One day we did take a ride about 20 miles south to Stone River National Battlefield. Very informative visitor center on the battle which was one of the Civil War's bloodiest encounters. The park preserves a small part of the original battlefield. Points of interest can be reached on a self-guided auto tour. you can hike or bike the route.<br />
We left that area and continued our travels north. We did take the interstate for awhile and then went on more back roads. We have been getting used to the new rig and pulling the jeep. <br />
We have been at Rend Lake Corp Park in southern IL. This is a very large body of water with many campgrounds ( COE, state park and private) boat launches and day use areas. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7nSp3gGLXg/WWrVC3hrIFI/AAAAAAAAqK8/jPTTDlAALNMzptgPQZWsq3WVSC_pqLtmQCKgBGAs/s1600/20170713_162413%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7nSp3gGLXg/WWrVC3hrIFI/AAAAAAAAqK8/jPTTDlAALNMzptgPQZWsq3WVSC_pqLtmQCKgBGAs/s320/20170713_162413%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Onward north we planned a visit with camp host friends from Arizona Bob and Rose, they summer host at Shabbona Lake State Park just south of DeKalb, ILL. We had a great time catching up with them. Shabbona Lake is one of Illinois better fishing lakes and the campground is pretty nice. Note they do not allow lake swimming so no need to pack your speedo's. haha.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8WF_lI4GLc/WXTVbeRzeOI/AAAAAAAAqPI/T0LDc9wUamwiKtETC-bQ9tRHX57pp2zhwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170718_094543%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8WF_lI4GLc/WXTVbeRzeOI/AAAAAAAAqPI/T0LDc9wUamwiKtETC-bQ9tRHX57pp2zhwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170718_094543%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shabbona Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWWcrHtdOfs/WXTVYN15qsI/AAAAAAAAqPE/R6aWJywbTZY5Q7SO-AXYvonsDxrJwBZ4ACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170718_173134%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VWWcrHtdOfs/WXTVYN15qsI/AAAAAAAAqPE/R6aWJywbTZY5Q7SO-AXYvonsDxrJwBZ4ACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170718_173134%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with Rose & Bob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-26881520731323948912017-07-03T13:13:00.001-07:002017-07-03T13:13:44.147-07:00The Next Big AdventureHi all,<br />
The Fourth of July is fast approaching, hope you have some great plans to celebrate. Y'all remember to keep safe as them roadways will be packed. <br />
Wendy last left you with a teaser of some big changes coming our way. Well we done it, with a tear almost literally in my eye, we traded in the Excel RV and dually truck. This definitely was not in the plan but with my health issues we needed something easier to pack up and go. I looked at it as making the decision now sooner rather than later. Wendy keeps saying it's just a new adventure path for us.<br />
We figured we will be holding up here in Florida more and all we do in it is sleep and watch a little tv. The new unit also had to be something Wendy could handle setting up and driving. <br />
So what did we get?? We downsized quite a bit going to a small 25 foot Jayco Melbourne with 2 slides. We figure it will make some nice trips while we winter here and be a little easier to set up. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9XKwdzjk4Q/WVqedSz2g2I/AAAAAAAAqCY/PFCgwHnGVdsJiab3icXg5yiMLqkhzt9_gCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170616_153331%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9XKwdzjk4Q/WVqedSz2g2I/AAAAAAAAqCY/PFCgwHnGVdsJiab3icXg5yiMLqkhzt9_gCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170616_153331%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We looked til our heads hurt but coming back to this unit. A big requirement to me was comfortable seating and this unit had added theater seats. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcLKpkRxkzE/WVqiyOfs3ZI/AAAAAAAAqCw/0whngF1tNxMDaq4nc3K0VnBItCvKB_4rACKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170630_124939%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcLKpkRxkzE/WVqiyOfs3ZI/AAAAAAAAqCw/0whngF1tNxMDaq4nc3K0VnBItCvKB_4rACKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170630_124939%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
To ease some of the pain Wendy allowed me to get a Wrangler Jeep as our tow vehicle. Something I have been wanting for some time. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5i2iZGXggU/WVqi9CMamZI/AAAAAAAAqC4/RdR7c3uNXgwZpeQmja7DefFnXpt9KDSDgCKgBGAs/s1600/FB_IMG_1497806278473%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5i2iZGXggU/WVqi9CMamZI/AAAAAAAAqC4/RdR7c3uNXgwZpeQmja7DefFnXpt9KDSDgCKgBGAs/s320/FB_IMG_1497806278473%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGsYHYaF9Z8/WVqi5WV7MHI/AAAAAAAAqC0/tLwMaym8Bg415E_izI5HMMGubjary9RRwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170618_114914_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGsYHYaF9Z8/WVqi5WV7MHI/AAAAAAAAqC0/tLwMaym8Bg415E_izI5HMMGubjary9RRwCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170618_114914_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off for a ride with Mandy & Pat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To do the switch, we emptied the 5th wheel and truck here. Let me tell you there was no way we thought we had so much stuff in that 5'er. We loaded the 4 wheeler up and made several trips to an extra bedroom in the house. Pat and Mandy couldn't believe how much we had. I thought we downsized five years ago but this is crazy. A storage shed may be in our future. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHbUH55Q5QM/WVqjSAOC3fI/AAAAAAAAqC8/mswOPaVlJOEBMglKtQSQfI_Whd76pA2pwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170612_110622%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHbUH55Q5QM/WVqjSAOC3fI/AAAAAAAAqC8/mswOPaVlJOEBMglKtQSQfI_Whd76pA2pwCKgBGAs/s200/thumbnail_20170612_110622%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the STUFF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then the fun of putting in what we wanted in the new little guy. Wendy would take a box of stuff out and then bring half of it back. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so-SnwqItnU/WVqjfQD5MaI/AAAAAAAAqDA/9zA0tiNv5T4dhHt2830iXoepGea4v6tfgCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170630_124731%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so-SnwqItnU/WVqjfQD5MaI/AAAAAAAAqDA/9zA0tiNv5T4dhHt2830iXoepGea4v6tfgCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170630_124731%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMOtI7NoE3k/WVqjfRvNoiI/AAAAAAAAqDA/yxsIpj8PqoEYYBN545OP-78wvuUnhwfHwCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170630_114136%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMOtI7NoE3k/WVqjfRvNoiI/AAAAAAAAqDA/yxsIpj8PqoEYYBN545OP-78wvuUnhwfHwCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170630_114136%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
So now we can get on the road again, it has been fun here on the farm but not where we want to spend the summer months. (Temps have been in the low 90's.) We are grateful to Amanda and Pat for there open arms allowing us to stay as long as we needed. 0f course they will be the ones missing the good dinners Wendy had ready for them. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGZM9HNcDB8/WVqj4WGBMII/AAAAAAAAqDE/yssc_6JzeYgUNVuA8XnxdzmwRoTheBxZQCKgBGAs/s1600/thumbnail_20170621_083500%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MGZM9HNcDB8/WVqj4WGBMII/AAAAAAAAqDE/yssc_6JzeYgUNVuA8XnxdzmwRoTheBxZQCKgBGAs/s320/thumbnail_20170621_083500%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar & Spice....newest members of the farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our only travel plans are to meander up to Wisconsin and some much needed time with family & friends there.Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-57417257087879329932017-06-12T09:32:00.002-07:002017-06-12T10:35:57.143-07:00Life Well, time is getting away from us. It's been almost a month since Ray has blogged. He said he wanted a break from blogging. I said I would do it because we have family that are not on facebook and read the blog. So....<br />
Time does go by fast. Facebook reminded us it was 5 years ago that we were moving our stuff into the RV. We moved to a local campground until Ray retired at the end of Sept 2012. It's been great running around the country like two teenagers without a care. We have seen so many beautiful places, learned a lot and met so many wonderful new friends. We know we made the right decision.<br />
We know life isn't perfect and you have to roll with the punches. Ray has been dealing with his health issues since he got sick before Christmas. With finally getting into see doctors at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, we thought we would get some good news. After all the appts. (@ 18), they came to the conclusion that he has a rare case of siliceous and pulmonary hypertension. There is nothing they can do and he is not a candidate for a lung transplant. He is on oxygen most of the time unless his level is above 90. He has a new portable concentrator and a small one in the RV.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFocQZTF3bY/WT7PUHy1cEI/AAAAAAAAp9A/vqvD8w1padMUj6Z6aN-XQN9r4mp36MDHwCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170517154558%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFocQZTF3bY/WT7PUHy1cEI/AAAAAAAAp9A/vqvD8w1padMUj6Z6aN-XQN9r4mp36MDHwCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170517154558%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach time by Jacksonville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3i9i8RTsWh8/WT7POjkXPnI/AAAAAAAAp88/45r-SkbwZ24trHBYdCnTobU8r4Og65dmQCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170517142308%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3i9i8RTsWh8/WT7POjkXPnI/AAAAAAAAp88/45r-SkbwZ24trHBYdCnTobU8r4Og65dmQCKgB/s200/thumbnail_20170517142308%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We are adjusting and going on with life. We have been to a few festivals. Watermelon Fest, Blueberry Fest, and Florida Folk Fest. We decided no more festivals if it's 90 out. No fun! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Zbx4Iyd0s/WT7PuVcB_4I/AAAAAAAAp9E/kHmL7OC30t8EhxQf4O9PpfFYCc4sqkAfQCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170520_115023%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Zbx4Iyd0s/WT7PuVcB_4I/AAAAAAAAp9E/kHmL7OC30t8EhxQf4O9PpfFYCc4sqkAfQCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170520_115023%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you are ever in the area for the Folk Festival, it is well worth going to see. The 65th annual fest had 12 stage areas, food area, craft area and kids area. There was a wide variety of music. We even listened to some Cajun music and they had Cajun dance lessons. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2grxNDVPJ0/WT7P86cO7kI/AAAAAAAAp9M/vL0yRn_s6TELJFIE4EgJqvSrVc8_olnIwCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170612_125815%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2grxNDVPJ0/WT7P86cO7kI/AAAAAAAAp9M/vL0yRn_s6TELJFIE4EgJqvSrVc8_olnIwCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170612_125815%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jM3xBYvckn0/WT7QDSKOrxI/AAAAAAAAp9Q/_c5rc5myN2IkjrBgveB1tsok3p87zRTkwCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170527_172453%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jM3xBYvckn0/WT7QDSKOrxI/AAAAAAAAp9Q/_c5rc5myN2IkjrBgveB1tsok3p87zRTkwCKgB/s200/thumbnail_20170527_172453%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDvj_NJUUMA/WT7P2O_Ag3I/AAAAAAAAp9I/ReYAjN2qDw0PZg6fLas38OUVN2-hx9mwwCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170527_124959%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDvj_NJUUMA/WT7P2O_Ag3I/AAAAAAAAp9I/ReYAjN2qDw0PZg6fLas38OUVN2-hx9mwwCKgB/s200/thumbnail_20170527_124959%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTZFLzYvg5c/WT7QM5gj_sI/AAAAAAAAp9U/OaaDO-vorDMp32UM02OyOxPV_U4q92j3QCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170527_123452%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTZFLzYvg5c/WT7QM5gj_sI/AAAAAAAAp9U/OaaDO-vorDMp32UM02OyOxPV_U4q92j3QCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170527_123452%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The farm is also keeping us busy. Things in the garden are ripening. We have done some canning, something I didn't think we'd be doing. Made some relish, dilly beans, bread n butter pickles, dill pickles and jam. Put some green beans, strawberries and blueberries in the freezer. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vnHwaH4_bg/WT7QTbqjO9I/AAAAAAAAp9Y/gp68WVdp_wUfbjy4Ue9mb3nxL-epb61uQCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170602_192424%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--vnHwaH4_bg/WT7QTbqjO9I/AAAAAAAAp9Y/gp68WVdp_wUfbjy4Ue9mb3nxL-epb61uQCKgB/s200/thumbnail_20170602_192424%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXDaE2oriwA/WT7QYvLXNPI/AAAAAAAAp9c/-1ActUE95RQdpD-0YAzQUG_0C8_dDfcTgCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170602_191416%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXDaE2oriwA/WT7QYvLXNPI/AAAAAAAAp9c/-1ActUE95RQdpD-0YAzQUG_0C8_dDfcTgCKgB/s200/thumbnail_20170602_191416%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVM9jTvsRLo/WT7QeyfNFgI/AAAAAAAAp9g/CvM7b2IDlOItLXarcUPw6HNQj4CAAsHJACKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170530_171944%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVM9jTvsRLo/WT7QeyfNFgI/AAAAAAAAp9g/CvM7b2IDlOItLXarcUPw6HNQj4CAAsHJACKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170530_171944%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The weather had been very dry and hot (90's), but last week and this week we have had a lot of rain. The grass needs mowing often.<br />
We are hoping to leave FL after the 4th of July and head to WI to visit family and friends. We have somethings to finish taking care of first. We have a big change coming with ..... a new adventure! <br />
Will explain in next blogRay/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-69633293683884564922017-05-15T10:32:00.000-07:002017-05-15T10:32:00.408-07:00Rolling with the punchesHi all, Hope y'all had a great Mothers Day.<br />
It's been quite a while since our last post. Sorry if you keep looking and wondering but all we can say is life happens.<br />
So what have we been up to? Well we have kept busy checking out some local entertainment that we find. We checked out the Live Oak EAA Air Show, pretty small but saw a few old planes and some other different things that only the bravest or craziest would fly off in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyxvSiWGM1k/WRnhND3fJqI/AAAAAAAApLI/Ui9TW8CIG3I4LGrRVSaxnHOlu42jwxqfwCKgB/s1600/2017-05-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyxvSiWGM1k/WRnhND3fJqI/AAAAAAAApLI/Ui9TW8CIG3I4LGrRVSaxnHOlu42jwxqfwCKgB/s320/2017-05-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A big well known thing down in this part is the Spirit of Suwannee River Music Park. This is a large venue with a large campground, bar, restaurant, and dance hall. They also hold a some huge music fests with multiple stages going on. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD8g54bQ50Y/WRngdizGelI/AAAAAAAApKs/Re9EH4QlmT07TwcHDf-_MqUmafpPNrplQCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170506_160243_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD8g54bQ50Y/WRngdizGelI/AAAAAAAApKs/Re9EH4QlmT07TwcHDf-_MqUmafpPNrplQCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170506_160243_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FraWn0Fnccs/WRngdiU3pVI/AAAAAAAApKs/CI6kjrbvYo4JLEJnO6GYZr3Ss56KinkaACKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170506_204148_001%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FraWn0Fnccs/WRngdiU3pVI/AAAAAAAApKs/CI6kjrbvYo4JLEJnO6GYZr3Ss56KinkaACKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170506_204148_001%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Used to be you had to buy the multi day pass to attend an event but they now have started selling one day passes. So we headed to the Suwannee River Jam on the highlight Saturday show. Pretty much just country music, first on the main stage was some stars of the 90s Neil McCoy, Aaron Tippin, and Sammy Kershaw. Then opening artist Hunter Hayes and highlight performer Billy Currington.<br />
We thought it was a pretty good show and the crowd was not near as large as we expected. We also hit great weather for this, even needing sweatshirts in the evening. <br />
So other stuff going on for us was a couple trips to Jacksonville for a few appointments for my COPD at the Mayo Clinic. We figured out how to sneak in some beach time and make the best of being there. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csKHyH4wZus/WRngjJQDAEI/AAAAAAAApKw/FWsLXZd2bPw7wUiOddbpSJJSDaD6h_yHgCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170509_103047%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csKHyH4wZus/WRngjJQDAEI/AAAAAAAApKw/FWsLXZd2bPw7wUiOddbpSJJSDaD6h_yHgCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170509_103047%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayo Clinic- beautiful setting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well we then got 5 more appointments set, oh boy!! Cool Amanda has a time share nearby and some accrued points that she will lose if not used. Well we don't want that to happen so we planned 3 nights at The Grand Villa at World Golf Village. Pretty swanky place located just outside St Augastine and not to far from the beach. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSwa-ibNt8w/WRngpOG2gnI/AAAAAAAApK0/Zzy2q2ot-8URPy3bjMJvLeVzG3_HH5VLgCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170509_141033%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSwa-ibNt8w/WRngpOG2gnI/AAAAAAAApK0/Zzy2q2ot-8URPy3bjMJvLeVzG3_HH5VLgCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170509_141033%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4uGAZoBtzE/WRng1iaHcRI/AAAAAAAApK8/qm8MTb7ryeQjyLm4ZSO1n9m22kdfnozQACKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170510_193643%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4uGAZoBtzE/WRng1iaHcRI/AAAAAAAApK8/qm8MTb7ryeQjyLm4ZSO1n9m22kdfnozQACKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170510_193643%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXqfjyQ3Llo/WRnhCOzEptI/AAAAAAAApLA/o6pI4000FV44vLJEcdKYu_xxgUxaxkdVwCKgB/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXqfjyQ3Llo/WRnhCOzEptI/AAAAAAAApLA/o6pI4000FV44vLJEcdKYu_xxgUxaxkdVwCKgB/s320/IMG_1042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally tried my hand at surf fishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNEjY5kjfqQ/WRngpNTputI/AAAAAAAApK0/OJQKWTqC6VU7_J3dmspegiIME7aXRatnACKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20170510_172009%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNEjY5kjfqQ/WRngpNTputI/AAAAAAAApK0/OJQKWTqC6VU7_J3dmspegiIME7aXRatnACKgB/s320/thumbnail_20170510_172009%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Trying to keep this short but 5 scheduled appointments turned into 13! Sure put a damper on our fun time, oh well good to get them done why we are there. <br />
So we did find out a lot from the test explaining my more recent shortness of breath. The doctors at Mayo gave very thorough detail of what showed in tests. <br />
Not all the news we wanted to hear but at least some things to better plan for in our future. I am thankful I have Wendy and all she does to keep me positive, and this living on the farm has been a blessing, thanks to Amanda and Pat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlQspzMQRE8/WRnhIqpUHSI/AAAAAAAApLE/EFSKUi1O3UsqIMsMiTlC1TGI20ys0ycbQCKgB/s1600/2017-05-151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlQspzMQRE8/WRnhIqpUHSI/AAAAAAAApLE/EFSKUi1O3UsqIMsMiTlC1TGI20ys0ycbQCKgB/s320/2017-05-151.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These northern Mockingbirds nesting in the goat house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have a couple more tests and then devise a treatment plan. So we still hope to get out and travel but will probably not be work camping along the way. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqDowx4XAX4/WRngvhlxiFI/AAAAAAAApK4/W71O5ZgKpQgmNq2wB-SVDaZkKhDprtwTgCKgB/s1600/2017-05-153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqDowx4XAX4/WRngvhlxiFI/AAAAAAAApK4/W71O5ZgKpQgmNq2wB-SVDaZkKhDprtwTgCKgB/s320/2017-05-153.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy still cranking her basketry- (dyed needles for new projects)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-52017896664756447432017-04-18T14:47:00.000-07:002017-04-18T14:47:18.880-07:00Happy EasterHi all,<br />
Hope everyone had a joyous Easter. Ours was pretty good spent here on the farm with Amanda and Pat. We got in a nice video chat with Colleen and the boys. Wendy cooked us a delicious ham dinner and we totally over stuffed ourselves. <br />
It has been pretty quiet around here, we haven't had any new goat babies in a while. We have begun mowing the lawn and the garden is looking pretty decent. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxyhEUNyhcQ/WPaDzcQOnnI/AAAAAAAApE8/uJOCGFsH2xccI7hGeTAvqoYKxerIo5fRACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170407_114559%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxyhEUNyhcQ/WPaDzcQOnnI/AAAAAAAApE8/uJOCGFsH2xccI7hGeTAvqoYKxerIo5fRACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170407_114559%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5ivg7PCu8/WPaGGTbgNAI/AAAAAAAApFY/IB9_mXssM-o-3kClGsU0f_aamqlUqFiEACPcB/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5ivg7PCu8/WPaGGTbgNAI/AAAAAAAApFY/IB9_mXssM-o-3kClGsU0f_aamqlUqFiEACPcB/s320/IMG_1023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We had seen some action around the bluebird house I had made two years ago. After seeing a nest and egg in side I made a few more and have been seeing activity near them. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H90oRolxXg0/WPaF_2n7jwI/AAAAAAAApFQ/SySzGVkGQDg-ley-1vP3By2Vkc7XpTAGgCPcB/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H90oRolxXg0/WPaF_2n7jwI/AAAAAAAApFQ/SySzGVkGQDg-ley-1vP3By2Vkc7XpTAGgCPcB/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIp7py13nFo/WPaFzMP5cmI/AAAAAAAApFI/maAGprWECDUZZ92UcopX9Kane8nDanJfQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIp7py13nFo/WPaFzMP5cmI/AAAAAAAApFI/maAGprWECDUZZ92UcopX9Kane8nDanJfQCPcB/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This week I spent time building a few bee traps. They have these large carpenter bees that are really damaging some of the wood around the shed. From what I have read these bees are not good pollinators so hopefully we can just get them to lessen some of the damage they are doing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6eOpyizoGg/WPaGLx9k9VI/AAAAAAAApFc/4GIydGBwbSYtY_QhsIMlVL2yfbkAhlofwCPcB/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e6eOpyizoGg/WPaGLx9k9VI/AAAAAAAApFc/4GIydGBwbSYtY_QhsIMlVL2yfbkAhlofwCPcB/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The last couple weekends we checked out a couple area festivals. A strawberry fest was held in Starke, a nice medium sized festival they had a good amount of craft booths, some music, and of course we got in on the strawberry shortcake. Wendy even picked up a flat of berries so we got to spend an afternoon making some homemade jam. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIjohq1TT8w/WPaDtO3oG9I/AAAAAAAApE4/FfoZbXY2-wQR5813hD6-RNDP888mM1MJgCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170418_165641%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIjohq1TT8w/WPaDtO3oG9I/AAAAAAAApE4/FfoZbXY2-wQR5813hD6-RNDP888mM1MJgCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170418_165641%255B1%255D.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N58PgIl0bdU/WPaDodMfbhI/AAAAAAAApE0/Q_X_P0DFAscZdpwiaX8U8ZNi_8D7AJLhgCPcB/s1600/Backgrounds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N58PgIl0bdU/WPaDodMfbhI/AAAAAAAApE0/Q_X_P0DFAscZdpwiaX8U8ZNi_8D7AJLhgCPcB/s320/Backgrounds2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPRBw9KkssU/WPaD4CO4BoI/AAAAAAAApFA/8bpK8t-AgXUmTRXK0gBHY4vNQvjDVjaUgCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170408_131026%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPRBw9KkssU/WPaD4CO4BoI/AAAAAAAApFA/8bpK8t-AgXUmTRXK0gBHY4vNQvjDVjaUgCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170408_131026%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This weekend we found a catfish festival at nearby Branford. This was only about the third year and still pretty small. We did get a good catfish lunch and heard some local musicians that were good. <br />
Hopefully our plans for the upcoming summer can start to unfold. I have appointments at Mayo clinic in Jacksonville and although there will be no definitive answers we hope we can get a better idea of where I stand now and for the future. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SIwSuTYeE/WPaD8uT432I/AAAAAAAApFE/QpEcXebnIUwxAhAXMu-g1VkNqAQY9vxzACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170404_095527%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_SIwSuTYeE/WPaD8uT432I/AAAAAAAApFE/QpEcXebnIUwxAhAXMu-g1VkNqAQY9vxzACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170404_095527%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-51719276433443580852017-04-03T13:58:00.000-07:002017-04-03T13:58:15.007-07:00Heating up Hi all,<br />
Things are starting to heat up hear in the southland, daytime temps in the 80s are the norm with an occasional 90 mixed in. Evening and morning temps have been pleasant so if we have outside work to do or we want to walk that is the time to do it. <br />
The past few days we have been finishing off the garden, we had a hard freeze that took out some of it and a couple bunnies that pigged out on new plantings. We erected a fence and replanted now we can wait to see how it goes.<br />
It's not all work here, we mixed in a couple fun days to. A trip to Amelia Island State Park on the north side of Jacksonville with Amanda, Pat, and his mom Gayle. This beach was a bit different as the tides create serious currents so no swimming allowed, but is very popular with the fisherman. It is also one place where you can drive your vehicle right to the waters edge. But, beware four wheel drive is required and that tide really moves in fast so don't walk off and leave your vehicle for any length of time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8pLBb74OBY/WOKY4m5BY-I/AAAAAAAAo3w/Kd0gokPw24kXyWGavLXOCj5dBGiEEejsgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8pLBb74OBY/WOKY4m5BY-I/AAAAAAAAo3w/Kd0gokPw24kXyWGavLXOCj5dBGiEEejsgCPcB/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parking on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJrGGJDw4fg/WOKY7LmdgMI/AAAAAAAAo30/t7BQnO6VV84Seh78beP7JRKuDugMpCCUwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJrGGJDw4fg/WOKY7LmdgMI/AAAAAAAAo30/t7BQnO6VV84Seh78beP7JRKuDugMpCCUwCPcB/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda & Gayle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another day Amanda took us to the Gulf Coast Livestock Auction in nearby Madison. This is a two day event as they sell not only standard livestock but exotics to. They say if Noah had it on the ark you might see it here. Amanda was a good girl and didn't expand the farm today. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h030XejBL2I/WOKv-l37ASI/AAAAAAAAo54/Pwy2d4ntETgCdqWTg5KcKAcyXKz1w2zpACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170331_113617%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h030XejBL2I/WOKv-l37ASI/AAAAAAAAo54/Pwy2d4ntETgCdqWTg5KcKAcyXKz1w2zpACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170331_113617%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF0k0ri0akE/WOKv_k_FaeI/AAAAAAAAo58/-xrabeh-DJ85XXlpTxGnF1y1t0-ilyDnACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170331_111119%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF0k0ri0akE/WOKv_k_FaeI/AAAAAAAAo58/-xrabeh-DJ85XXlpTxGnF1y1t0-ilyDnACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170331_111119%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYLT_JnH9mc/WOKwAflxNWI/AAAAAAAAo6A/jJL56LooZeEtKVVueibSMNHQMq8cRBZHQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170331_111237%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BYLT_JnH9mc/WOKwAflxNWI/AAAAAAAAo6A/jJL56LooZeEtKVVueibSMNHQMq8cRBZHQCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170331_111237%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZW11x9q8Tc/WOKwBLhhQSI/AAAAAAAAo6E/iBV69CYCu8IqwvKXcFfbLU1f0meNLnD2ACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170331_111142%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZW11x9q8Tc/WOKwBLhhQSI/AAAAAAAAo6E/iBV69CYCu8IqwvKXcFfbLU1f0meNLnD2ACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170331_111142%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We did have a couple new farm experiences this past couple weeks. One day we got to assist with the alpacas getting sheared. A lady came in and sheared, trimmed the hooves, and lower teeth of the three alpaca. Anne Shroeder came from Maryland. She travels a big circuit and really knows her job. She explained really well so we knew how to help with no one getting hurt. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SutoPcoiV8g/WOKgzD7sUpI/AAAAAAAAo5c/noLGyLnVay8iqN_q0Ca9tg4QjrWsaKyaQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170324_124654%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SutoPcoiV8g/WOKgzD7sUpI/AAAAAAAAo5c/noLGyLnVay8iqN_q0Ca9tg4QjrWsaKyaQCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170324_124654%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking care of the teeth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhq4wE0u1Wk/WOKg1tQixWI/AAAAAAAAo5g/PQYhAM6n8Mg6tz24UN-9-EyyPRYf6yLoACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170324_131442%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhq4wE0u1Wk/WOKg1tQixWI/AAAAAAAAo5g/PQYhAM6n8Mg6tz24UN-9-EyyPRYf6yLoACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170324_131442%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One done, one more to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ESheVrEESw/WOKg3jPauPI/AAAAAAAAo5k/4Q2BovnKnL4FWoeyPNwOuZqBRGrCI5omQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170324_133737%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ESheVrEESw/WOKg3jPauPI/AAAAAAAAo5k/4Q2BovnKnL4FWoeyPNwOuZqBRGrCI5omQCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170324_133737%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat holding Jazzie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She also does it so smoothly and quickly to not stress out the animals. It was all pretty neat, and Patrick was the only one who got spit on, Haha we had fun with that. <br />
The other newbie for us was Amanda had bought her first alpaca in November and it was suppose to be pregnant due in March. Turns out not the case, well the seller was good on their word and brought a male over on Sunday for breeding. So we got a whole lesson in how alpacas breed. The females don't go into heat but need to almost be put in the mood for the act to take place. Pretty funny as the lady who brought the male actually had a recorded breeding to get the female into the mood. <br />
Saturday Wendy, Amanda, and I ventured to Tallahassee for the annual Springtime Fest. They had craft booths, music, and lots of good food. We were quite impressed with downtown Tallahassee and need to plan more time checking it out. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31jNj0npEa4/WOKYVOeuBbI/AAAAAAAAo3I/4y-M9xDP_oUGJqh8CQW9fhDNJtDGPOWIwCPcB/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31jNj0npEa4/WOKYVOeuBbI/AAAAAAAAo3I/4y-M9xDP_oUGJqh8CQW9fhDNJtDGPOWIwCPcB/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5WjSdBcDSI/WOKYa1icTSI/AAAAAAAAo3M/uKzlVSrP8a8_N7r_Mrl2KuOH9heaRuRSACPcB/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5WjSdBcDSI/WOKYa1icTSI/AAAAAAAAo3M/uKzlVSrP8a8_N7r_Mrl2KuOH9heaRuRSACPcB/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">War memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Regt9d3Fb-4/WOKYf98ISjI/AAAAAAAAo3Q/Bxd1sFHTnsY8xCnrL6pVpLwnZF2RMkIQwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Regt9d3Fb-4/WOKYf98ISjI/AAAAAAAAo3Q/Bxd1sFHTnsY8xCnrL6pVpLwnZF2RMkIQwCPcB/s320/IMG_0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YIbjVCDn7Y/WOKYkFQPuKI/AAAAAAAAo3Y/lQkNwJtM9BIrCqVptWZRHTkbih_d2cgygCPcB/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YIbjVCDn7Y/WOKYkFQPuKI/AAAAAAAAo3Y/lQkNwJtM9BIrCqVptWZRHTkbih_d2cgygCPcB/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3liLOzQRoNU/WOKaDIOVShI/AAAAAAAAo4Y/RqnKUg1pjbYd95NGC1DIgaXY6ysuH-PKACPcB/s1600/2017-04-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3liLOzQRoNU/WOKaDIOVShI/AAAAAAAAo4Y/RqnKUg1pjbYd95NGC1DIgaXY6ysuH-PKACPcB/s320/2017-04-03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large parade. Lots of beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q28WEqbjPr0/WOKY_CsF7GI/AAAAAAAAo34/GedFcG9FiV8PTXAfHZ-1UlBqF8cYDvyJwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q28WEqbjPr0/WOKY_CsF7GI/AAAAAAAAo34/GedFcG9FiV8PTXAfHZ-1UlBqF8cYDvyJwCPcB/s320/IMG_0993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After spending time there Amanda drove us the gulf for a peak at one of the beaches she had used. We also checked out St Marks Lighthouse that dates to 1842.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXZhKo5mf7o/WOKX5gPB7xI/AAAAAAAAo2w/97Fj-otIhdkq4sN-h7kYcnpVk-ScVMg2wCPcB/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXZhKo5mf7o/WOKX5gPB7xI/AAAAAAAAo2w/97Fj-otIhdkq4sN-h7kYcnpVk-ScVMg2wCPcB/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGVzuLZXkRo/WOKYEBLoluI/AAAAAAAAo20/D6_tx1eqzrEAOoupBFkU7a_xNSowUaYiwCPcB/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGVzuLZXkRo/WOKYEBLoluI/AAAAAAAAo20/D6_tx1eqzrEAOoupBFkU7a_xNSowUaYiwCPcB/s320/IMG_1010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o79rGtS1-PY/WOKYI68j_YI/AAAAAAAAo28/VctAG7CmRXonzE1URhk2iNxhYkBpZ23RQCPcB/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o79rGtS1-PY/WOKYI68j_YI/AAAAAAAAo28/VctAG7CmRXonzE1URhk2iNxhYkBpZ23RQCPcB/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-55484061246064629322017-03-22T13:08:00.001-07:002017-03-22T13:08:33.550-07:00Spring Has SprungHi all,<br />
Happy Spring to you all. Time to think flowers, gardens, and summer plans.<br />
We have had some difficulty with the garden here. Usually the weather allows for early planting and we jumped right on it. Bad news as a hard 27 degree freeze struck and even with covering some things in the garden much was lost. The worst hit was two peach trees that were really looking promising with a lot of young fruit already. We covered them with sheets but they still froze, losing all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TV8Kx09b7g/WNLSTIQKY3I/AAAAAAAAoxU/ev5iGeR6gxUiVUT7F8KKVn1gKkjGkFFPQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_TV8Kx09b7g/WNLSTIQKY3I/AAAAAAAAoxU/ev5iGeR6gxUiVUT7F8KKVn1gKkjGkFFPQCPcB/s320/IMG_0955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moved the RV over to the completed site.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqVDdCxzOd8/WNLSYdnsIrI/AAAAAAAAoxY/vKLC6TBn7qg9kt3qHvfC7uifAKVON8CpQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqVDdCxzOd8/WNLSYdnsIrI/AAAAAAAAoxY/vKLC6TBn7qg9kt3qHvfC7uifAKVON8CpQCPcB/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the brown beyond the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the garden not only the freeze but a overeating bunny wiped about half of it out. But at least with the garden we can replant and still get a crop. <br />
Another thing down here has been a severely dry winter and spring thus far. Wendy and I think we have only seen 4-5 rainy days since November. Everything is usually totally green and lawns needing mowing by this time. Now everything is just brown unless you are irrigating, not usual for spring in Florida. <br />
One afternoon I spotted smoke down the road, as there is only one other occupied house on this road we hopped on the 4 wheeler to check it out. We watched as a grass fire quickly pushed toward some pines thankfully the wind pushing away from the residence. We heard dozers making a track around the fire and soon saw fire departments able to contain it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncyJaWhasDU/WNLPDsLtU6I/AAAAAAAAoww/Nn7Jiq9KSkcATkKk3jpHtFO5jD9sRoxaACPcB/s1600/2017-03-081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncyJaWhasDU/WNLPDsLtU6I/AAAAAAAAoww/Nn7Jiq9KSkcATkKk3jpHtFO5jD9sRoxaACPcB/s320/2017-03-081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Spring is festival and fair time in Florida squeezing them in before the weather heats up. We made a short drive to Valdosta GA for the annual Azalea Festival. Not to big but nice to get some festival food in. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GIUxQoWbw4/WNLPB0Q7oKI/AAAAAAAAows/j_lQT8UsPssPtzcgfHbOF0JoUZIwNKr6gCPcB/s1600/2017-03-082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GIUxQoWbw4/WNLPB0Q7oKI/AAAAAAAAows/j_lQT8UsPssPtzcgfHbOF0JoUZIwNKr6gCPcB/s320/2017-03-082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We had a fun weekend last week spending time at the Suwannee County Fair. We went on Saturday night to see the demo derby which was cool but didn't get much of a turnout of competitors. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JD369xOUe8/WNLP9RkEeVI/AAAAAAAAow4/yDacP5yksDUfqH5q3Q1hf60JLN_4D7yHQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170318_203202%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JD369xOUe8/WNLP9RkEeVI/AAAAAAAAow4/yDacP5yksDUfqH5q3Q1hf60JLN_4D7yHQCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170318_203202%255B3%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Grat1-H0h18/WNLP90Z7khI/AAAAAAAAow8/O4mBQQ4pzTM1CLyYZXal58X4CoLki4AywCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170318_203216%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Grat1-H0h18/WNLP90Z7khI/AAAAAAAAow8/O4mBQQ4pzTM1CLyYZXal58X4CoLki4AywCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170318_203216%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzoi7_xdzIE/WNLP_LeEhVI/AAAAAAAAoxA/ZOo6agYiK8MQ7IOlybXMHehm6LYUGDmlQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170318_183801%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzoi7_xdzIE/WNLP_LeEhVI/AAAAAAAAoxA/ZOo6agYiK8MQ7IOlybXMHehm6LYUGDmlQCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170318_183801%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JT2IMSWu63M/WNLQAYI7EzI/AAAAAAAAoxE/VASYIHnomC8LnyMK3D_96Nz7jqMXzTMtACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170318_183519%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JT2IMSWu63M/WNLQAYI7EzI/AAAAAAAAoxE/VASYIHnomC8LnyMK3D_96Nz7jqMXzTMtACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170318_183519%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
On Sunday we headed to Lake City to attend a rodeo. Yes they do have horses and rodeos in Florida. Pat's mom Gayle who has been visiting from WI had never been to a rodeo. Amanda also invited Andrea a coworker who was brought up in Peru, a rodeo was new to her also.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNyo_hMIX2c/WNLPFaLZDqI/AAAAAAAAow0/Ozhqggnqn6ctOri-goRhWts_Y-gmzBlcQCPcB/s1600/Backgrounds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNyo_hMIX2c/WNLPFaLZDqI/AAAAAAAAow0/Ozhqggnqn6ctOri-goRhWts_Y-gmzBlcQCPcB/s320/Backgrounds1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Armadillo Acres had another goat spurt recently. As we had just had the first set of triplets at the last post two more goat mommas had their first kids.<br />
On March 14 Lucky Bobbi had a baby girl. Wendy had found her secluded and coaxed her to the goat house. Amanda came home at lunch to check and ended up donning the rubber gloves and assisting the birth. I never thought Amanda would turn out to be this farm girl actually helping with births, but just shows you can do anything you set your mind to. With the trouble she gave at birth the new kid received the fitting name Trouble.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLvjcLhi3Z4/WNLO890ukUI/AAAAAAAAowk/5xN91qAb9hYHvZB_6ytA2pqiAf4_5e-ngCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170315_191742%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLvjcLhi3Z4/WNLO890ukUI/AAAAAAAAowk/5xN91qAb9hYHvZB_6ytA2pqiAf4_5e-ngCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170315_191742%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Not done yet on the 15th Judy Smores gave birth to a set of twins girls. The births of Chloe and Zoey went along smoothly although momma did not want to clean them after birth and took some coaxing to allow her to let them nurse. We were thankful she finally succumbed saving us bottle feedings every 4-6 hours. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzDLa5xO9PE/WNLSROE07kI/AAAAAAAAoxQ/bt2kWZyNTfgu38LpIx5ftg_2HMFXr5C9QCPcB/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzDLa5xO9PE/WNLSROE07kI/AAAAAAAAoxQ/bt2kWZyNTfgu38LpIx5ftg_2HMFXr5C9QCPcB/s320/IMG_0959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQymIdYf-EU/WNLO-7FNTqI/AAAAAAAAowo/jPgbION0Hcs5OAvVFqHRgIk_9YDWBbkywCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170322_132147%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQymIdYf-EU/WNLO-7FNTqI/AAAAAAAAowo/jPgbION0Hcs5OAvVFqHRgIk_9YDWBbkywCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170322_132147%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max ready for the dog days of summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-23308904049604020152017-03-08T07:58:00.000-08:002017-03-08T07:58:55.460-08:00Happy AnniversaryHi all,<br />
Time to catch up again, seems we don't have much to write on and then when I do there is a lot to fit in. <br />
I am writing this on our 42nd anniversary!! Hoo boy, how Wendy has put up with me this long is a wonder.) We took a ride yesterday to check out Horseshoe Beach about 60 miles south of here on the gulf. Horseshoe Beach is a small town with some neat homes. We found a county park nearby that had a nice looking beach area. It was nice to get out and explore some new place. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3E1TiZi704/WMAk4yOwh6I/AAAAAAAAoqE/LxXe85DVKRIMe50PiCB5GAjZN9vYWqkuwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3E1TiZi704/WMAk4yOwh6I/AAAAAAAAoqE/LxXe85DVKRIMe50PiCB5GAjZN9vYWqkuwCPcB/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some unique housing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49kimig8Elg/WMAk6n51FVI/AAAAAAAAoqM/B2OhPFBCxgwlVm5yR4d-EDloLLOiUqSzQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49kimig8Elg/WMAk6n51FVI/AAAAAAAAoqM/B2OhPFBCxgwlVm5yR4d-EDloLLOiUqSzQCPcB/s320/IMG_0912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more interesting housing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJSVYeuP-FY/WMAk-R5h_yI/AAAAAAAAoqQ/c-s7NWuyr20X3rv1APW9jS8AWTxgfAeIQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fJSVYeuP-FY/WMAk-R5h_yI/AAAAAAAAoqQ/c-s7NWuyr20X3rv1APW9jS8AWTxgfAeIQCPcB/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dijHU57-_s/WMAlBbkwQrI/AAAAAAAAoqU/zXiJzgF4WCUQ1dKN-WajBDgf85E33HIiQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0dijHU57-_s/WMAlBbkwQrI/AAAAAAAAoqU/zXiJzgF4WCUQ1dKN-WajBDgf85E33HIiQCPcB/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwggMjjtyyE/WMAlEAgBcuI/AAAAAAAAoqc/J9KLpjPXQxU-Xgq0aMQnBPfUZ-A96ZMNwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwggMjjtyyE/WMAlEAgBcuI/AAAAAAAAoqc/J9KLpjPXQxU-Xgq0aMQnBPfUZ-A96ZMNwCPcB/s320/IMG_0931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzta0i26eAk/WMAlIFrVPkI/AAAAAAAAoqg/-exvz-hM7ugh_AsEgPpzH9fKGvLN_GtNACPcB/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzta0i26eAk/WMAlIFrVPkI/AAAAAAAAoqg/-exvz-hM7ugh_AsEgPpzH9fKGvLN_GtNACPcB/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qbjOG_PIU/WMASpokWpGI/AAAAAAAAomA/iUs5XKZFdVgTxb-w1HDAwonogDrn9vKbACPcB/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qbjOG_PIU/WMASpokWpGI/AAAAAAAAomA/iUs5XKZFdVgTxb-w1HDAwonogDrn9vKbACPcB/s320/IMG_0934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have been pretty productive here on the farm. We got back into some fence painting and pretty much have all the road side done. Well that's the only side people will see so we're good, right?<br />
We got a big job complete last Saturday adding the septic system to our RV sites. It was a big undertaking (no pun intended) but we did it ourselves and saved a couple thousand I'm sure.<br />
Pat was the main man working the backhoe like a pro. Wendy and Amanda weren't afraid to jump right in and shoveled when needed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfcnwTrnpE/WMASgrRW5qI/AAAAAAAAomA/Lng7ZbuMEJ0Ae4EU8hFRNkzHLhS6QNmWwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnfcnwTrnpE/WMASgrRW5qI/AAAAAAAAomA/Lng7ZbuMEJ0Ae4EU8hFRNkzHLhS6QNmWwCPcB/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx8ihKc4wN4/WMASR0oeyKI/AAAAAAAAolU/7z2VEpqjoQgSS28G-Uc9ngfCa-6jVLFEQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx8ihKc4wN4/WMASR0oeyKI/AAAAAAAAolU/7z2VEpqjoQgSS28G-Uc9ngfCa-6jVLFEQCPcB/s320/IMG_0893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V3638lkji0/WMASX4ycBuI/AAAAAAAAolU/ZENUUMVvIhU1ZvBA-ZMVT-SaQI0qlDtDgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2V3638lkji0/WMASX4ycBuI/AAAAAAAAolU/ZENUUMVvIhU1ZvBA-ZMVT-SaQI0qlDtDgCPcB/s320/IMG_0895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tDdq5DasTQ/WMASdAHQw-I/AAAAAAAAolU/e-oZoWVSFyERdmbI_XJhe32RYK0xi3oTgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tDdq5DasTQ/WMASdAHQw-I/AAAAAAAAolU/e-oZoWVSFyERdmbI_XJhe32RYK0xi3oTgCPcB/s320/IMG_0896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So all set now with a finished site for our RV and room to hook up another so if any of you are traveling by and need a place to stop near the Suwannee River give us a shout, we will be more than happy to have you stop by. <br />
And speaking of stopping by we got a surprise call from Deb and Roy, members of our WI Excel camping club. Turns out they were passing by and wanted to hook up for supper. So we thought we would take them to the Suwannee Music Park for some good barbeque, but when we pulled in we were told that the bbq. place had shut down two weeks earlier. Wow, we were disappointed as they had some of the best bbq and Brunswick stew to die for. Oh well, we ended up at another bbq joint and had a good meal and fun conversation. Thanks Deb and Roy for stopping in.<br />
We did sneak in a nice kayak trip on the Itchetucknee River. We had a great weather and sunny skies for the trip. Sadly we did not see the manatees that Wendy and Amanda had seen on a earlier trip. Seems the warmer weather has pushed them on. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJdhCnU_y8E/WMAgm67QkfI/AAAAAAAAopE/QD1kc6OOPvgyryQm5qpB9rQOuv2n9pAlQCPcB/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJdhCnU_y8E/WMAgm67QkfI/AAAAAAAAopE/QD1kc6OOPvgyryQm5qpB9rQOuv2n9pAlQCPcB/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qfZLikmOHY/WMAgt-HIDeI/AAAAAAAAopM/nOlfhMDPIugrqWdKxBuqM3km3VeA3fz3gCPcB/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qfZLikmOHY/WMAgt-HIDeI/AAAAAAAAopM/nOlfhMDPIugrqWdKxBuqM3km3VeA3fz3gCPcB/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">haha- I told the kids a Cialis moment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICIi-JfSZtc/WMAg2lJlqEI/AAAAAAAAopQ/Vzopk8rj2AICqhc_rFxdnqEv5jn2wcyUgCPcB/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICIi-JfSZtc/WMAg2lJlqEI/AAAAAAAAopQ/Vzopk8rj2AICqhc_rFxdnqEv5jn2wcyUgCPcB/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnOqpbnhjsw/WMAhAMOjpYI/AAAAAAAAopU/QBPCvUzKePUO4F91gzv1uuDf818rB8eigCPcB/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rnOqpbnhjsw/WMAhAMOjpYI/AAAAAAAAopU/QBPCvUzKePUO4F91gzv1uuDf818rB8eigCPcB/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B5UNobClxA/WMAhGtj6bNI/AAAAAAAAopc/yFT9bPtTLQsMW2jZ328Kmkphrxs8Q9hswCPcB/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B5UNobClxA/WMAhGtj6bNI/AAAAAAAAopc/yFT9bPtTLQsMW2jZ328Kmkphrxs8Q9hswCPcB/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And can't forget the big excitement here at Armadillo Acres. They had the first set of triplet baby goats!! We knew Ruthie was due and with her size we expected twins. Wendy first noticed her missing from the herd and found her off in a secluded area in the goat yard. She was licking the newborn, but had given birth in a loose area of dirt and the baby was a mess. Well Wendy didn't hold back and quickly scooped up the still gooey newborn and coaxed momma to the goat house. So for over the next hour we monitored Momma as she would lay one way and the other with contractions. After well more than an hour passed we began to get worried, so Amanda donned some rubber gloves to assist. Not really knowing totally what to do she must have pushed the right button as soon Ruthie was pushing out baby #2. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MvYnMpdpEw/WMATvrRvArI/AAAAAAAAomA/z8tdgnRlLwUgakU45Z00DEyT7TgsorTVwCPcB/s1600/2017-03-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MvYnMpdpEw/WMATvrRvArI/AAAAAAAAomA/z8tdgnRlLwUgakU45Z00DEyT7TgsorTVwCPcB/s320/2017-03-08.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dot, Polka, and Skeeter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well we had dinner cooking so some of us went in to tend to that, Pat was cleaning up the area. Soon though Ruthie was on the ground again and lo and behold pushing out #3.<br />
How cool as they had just on Sunday sold one of the boy goats and got one boy and two girls to replace it. <br />
<br />
Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-77038705337491602092017-02-22T13:06:00.001-08:002017-02-22T13:06:14.690-08:00Meanwhile Back at the FarmHi all,<br />
The vacation with the kids is over and we are happy to get back to a more normal routine. Although it was fun we were pretty wore out and took a couple days to recoup. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHd-v2wois/WK30nG4r-RI/AAAAAAAAoDk/IIHNTt4q-XQk9dyn3epO6ci7FEawrU5vQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170221_181005%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHd-v2wois/WK30nG4r-RI/AAAAAAAAoDk/IIHNTt4q-XQk9dyn3epO6ci7FEawrU5vQCPcB/s200/thumbnail_20170221_181005%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We have our RV septic all planned out and as soon as we can get the backhoe we will tackle that. That will complete our full hook up sites so anyone passing by or looking to just hang out on the farm is welcome.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JYCAaMM_C0/WK30e9gnscI/AAAAAAAAoDY/-nrVAe5rc080pKptg8a57z5YfiGEIS5ggCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170217_131909%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JYCAaMM_C0/WK30e9gnscI/AAAAAAAAoDY/-nrVAe5rc080pKptg8a57z5YfiGEIS5ggCPcB/s200/thumbnail_20170217_131909%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gravel pad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So back to normal is doing some odd jobs around the place. Usually Amanda plans one weekend day as a work day and really get in to some projects. Wendy and her were cleaning the flower beds and adding new mulch. Patrick was pruning the fast growing crepe myrtles. I was floating between helping where I could. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VCERnwMto/WK30k7e8fUI/AAAAAAAAoDY/eFzr7shUpC461Npx5HyveHh-cyTqQB3-QCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170219_143407%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VCERnwMto/WK30k7e8fUI/AAAAAAAAoDY/eFzr7shUpC461Npx5HyveHh-cyTqQB3-QCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170219_143407%255B1%255D.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWfTh3Y0Wxw/WK3uv6w6elI/AAAAAAAAoAY/EoQEmQg1sEEUDu1s7SZUoUyp2q3lGm7jgCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170219_143217%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWfTh3Y0Wxw/WK3uv6w6elI/AAAAAAAAoAY/EoQEmQg1sEEUDu1s7SZUoUyp2q3lGm7jgCPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170219_143217%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnnm2bIHel0/WK3utMbB40I/AAAAAAAAoAY/Q7_icFJymdIi4iK5zsbq4VDLr3QxIKYMQCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170219_164246%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnnm2bIHel0/WK3utMbB40I/AAAAAAAAoAY/Q7_icFJymdIi4iK5zsbq4VDLr3QxIKYMQCPcB/s200/thumbnail_20170219_164246%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
During the week Wendy and I got back on our long term fence painting job. We made good progress but I think when we get done it will be time to start on it again. Joking. <br />
Wendy has tried to get back into making some new baskets, with so much other stuff going on she has not done as much as she would have liked. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMIPtSpAkRg/WK3umfxJAtI/AAAAAAAAoAY/fb2EOyXY108ky7XqEfyeU3BO4OwJBkDlQCPcB/s1600/2017-02-15%2Ball%2Bphoto%2Boff%2Bnew%2Bcamera-%2Bbeach%252C%2Bdisney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMIPtSpAkRg/WK3umfxJAtI/AAAAAAAAoAY/fb2EOyXY108ky7XqEfyeU3BO4OwJBkDlQCPcB/s320/2017-02-15%2Ball%2Bphoto%2Boff%2Bnew%2Bcamera-%2Bbeach%252C%2Bdisney.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm7OVfL_SlI/WK3up_JcTXI/AAAAAAAAoAY/N6FYXCDRkw8-OPTLsv6V4AeTLPv7NU0cwCPcB/s1600/2017-02-15%2Ball%2Bphoto%2Boff%2Bnew%2Bcamera-%2Bbeach%252C%2Bdisney1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pm7OVfL_SlI/WK3up_JcTXI/AAAAAAAAoAY/N6FYXCDRkw8-OPTLsv6V4AeTLPv7NU0cwCPcB/s320/2017-02-15%2Ball%2Bphoto%2Boff%2Bnew%2Bcamera-%2Bbeach%252C%2Bdisney1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Wendy put finishing touches on a bathroom remodel. Pat picked a nautical theme and though a small bathroom they had fun with the change. <br />
We have been discussing summer travel plans but it has been hard as we don't fully know if I will need more follow up pulmonary care. We have a couple appointments in March and will see how things go. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpPpojfY_1s/WK3uzBHNYqI/AAAAAAAAoAY/FJOXV7Trw-EFPm02cuVCBKFkODa3QGGKACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_20170221_142709%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpPpojfY_1s/WK3uzBHNYqI/AAAAAAAAoAY/FJOXV7Trw-EFPm02cuVCBKFkODa3QGGKACPcB/s320/thumbnail_20170221_142709%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this little guy along the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-394586693985701582017-02-15T09:14:00.002-08:002017-02-15T09:14:53.586-08:00Lots of family timeHi all,<br />
Holy cow, it's been a while since our last post so time to catch up. <br />
Our son Nate and grandson Alex came down from Wisconsin for a few days. Alex is Amanda's son and has been here a few times but it was the first trip here for Nate so we planned a busy few days for them. <br />
We took one day to relax out by the beach by Jacksonville, the boys enjoying the warm weather and cold ocean temp really showed they were northerners. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EMHoU9Bs4/WKR3WmHUYiI/AAAAAAAAnHo/bK10IkhfOLE1seh1T36ebIBVjst1j0UuQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_EMHoU9Bs4/WKR3WmHUYiI/AAAAAAAAnHo/bK10IkhfOLE1seh1T36ebIBVjst1j0UuQCPcB/s200/IMG_0137.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS2UFsGgU0I/WKR3cw4lzbI/AAAAAAAAnHo/uymnBsjwTt8xrdJOPIOd18rCVIKwz4lkQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sS2UFsGgU0I/WKR3cw4lzbI/AAAAAAAAnHo/uymnBsjwTt8xrdJOPIOd18rCVIKwz4lkQCPcB/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLhfz1DbaY/WKR3ObsmMEI/AAAAAAAAnHc/40HCv_dsrkEW83HbzWzTEEy1cVFMGyeyQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLhfz1DbaY/WKR3ObsmMEI/AAAAAAAAnHc/40HCv_dsrkEW83HbzWzTEEy1cVFMGyeyQCPcB/s200/IMG_0118.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Wendy and Amanda took the boys on a kayak ride on the Ichetucknee River. They got a special surprise as manatee were cruising the river and they got some nice close up views. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTr7aA4MPo/WKR8ZflTRKI/AAAAAAAAnKE/juuRpLt_ZF87OtLmnzs0j_gnhVkbu8PzgCKgB/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTr7aA4MPo/WKR8ZflTRKI/AAAAAAAAnKE/juuRpLt_ZF87OtLmnzs0j_gnhVkbu8PzgCKgB/s200/DSC_0338.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V3r0zR3rJM/WKR8ZQPyrGI/AAAAAAAAnKE/Y6UCC1XNDYk7KVTlYec-oDaGWAFx2OxuACKgB/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V3r0zR3rJM/WKR8ZQPyrGI/AAAAAAAAnKE/Y6UCC1XNDYk7KVTlYec-oDaGWAFx2OxuACKgB/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIzcMwO-Co/WKRxpqeQCrI/AAAAAAAAnFA/42pE5R7OpmIeOUfSGyfTeeMzjizqLnDKgCPcB/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfIzcMwO-Co/WKRxpqeQCrI/AAAAAAAAnFA/42pE5R7OpmIeOUfSGyfTeeMzjizqLnDKgCPcB/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw 12 manatee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1dJYSBODZg/WKR8ZU0pfaI/AAAAAAAAnKE/NN3sCC940og4neE350pMC1IRsz1YUbiUQCKgB/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1dJYSBODZg/WKR8ZU0pfaI/AAAAAAAAnKE/NN3sCC940og4neE350pMC1IRsz1YUbiUQCKgB/s320/DSC_0335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQo7WeJWs3k/WKR8ZVtuf8I/AAAAAAAAnKE/paMvj1pejUMkjbCjyyuuF4i5Wiai0j3OgCKgB/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQo7WeJWs3k/WKR8ZVtuf8I/AAAAAAAAnKE/paMvj1pejUMkjbCjyyuuF4i5Wiai0j3OgCKgB/s200/DSC_0337.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a new venture to check out Cedar Key, a gulf coast town that had taken a good hit from hurricane Hermine September 2nd. They suffered a lot of damage but are working extremely hard to get things in order for the spring tourist they so rely on. The area is most noted for the abundance of clams although not in season at this time. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9_GTqnrs6M/WKR3n1RqjqI/AAAAAAAAnHw/0bKV8pfSSP4famNATxSvN02OgsqtzmjRgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9_GTqnrs6M/WKR3n1RqjqI/AAAAAAAAnHw/0bKV8pfSSP4famNATxSvN02OgsqtzmjRgCPcB/s320/IMG_0237.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watched a few dolphins </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFj2Fb7kmes/WKR3q0o0m3I/AAAAAAAAnHw/CZg0L3cBn5Y9-SmMYnvasMF4roITj8GWgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFj2Fb7kmes/WKR3q0o0m3I/AAAAAAAAnHw/CZg0L3cBn5Y9-SmMYnvasMF4roITj8GWgCPcB/s200/IMG_0191.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz7Owkksegg/WKR3wJs385I/AAAAAAAAnH8/_tlogKd0UgAO6pHfFnFJsJkN2d141ucXwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz7Owkksegg/WKR3wJs385I/AAAAAAAAnH8/_tlogKd0UgAO6pHfFnFJsJkN2d141ucXwCPcB/s200/IMG_0192.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKRjOsAm7Q8/WKR3k3-UX_I/AAAAAAAAnHw/F4sknAN4dpwZ0JjirONd3LDXGqvEpPdfwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKRjOsAm7Q8/WKR3k3-UX_I/AAAAAAAAnHw/F4sknAN4dpwZ0JjirONd3LDXGqvEpPdfwCPcB/s200/IMG_0189.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backside of stores on the main street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGo8DmRNJ0w/WKR3m_9neWI/AAAAAAAAnHw/vFd8rZcVRf0d0-rudWEIWirc37dro5RKwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGo8DmRNJ0w/WKR3m_9neWI/AAAAAAAAnHw/vFd8rZcVRf0d0-rudWEIWirc37dro5RKwCPcB/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex and Nate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We rented a pontoon boat and cruised around some of the nearby islands. We beached at Atsena Otie Key for a short walk, this small island is noted as a birthing site for horseshoe crabs. <br />
Amanda said the boys needed a work day on the farm, have to earn your keep here you know.)<br />
We had them dig and install the water line to the RV. A mere 200 feet, they did a great job and no leaks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3YovQMUOjk/WKSGPkwOqvI/AAAAAAAAnQM/-8_6vX0h9LAGwO1XGAOItm4VMGTIhiweQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3YovQMUOjk/WKSGPkwOqvI/AAAAAAAAnQM/-8_6vX0h9LAGwO1XGAOItm4VMGTIhiweQCPcB/s320/IMG_0142.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvN2I3dEYoE/WKSGVVdHrTI/AAAAAAAAnQQ/BUdJuMmqX8MonOIM6ap6awEd6yQSKgtfgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvN2I3dEYoE/WKSGVVdHrTI/AAAAAAAAnQQ/BUdJuMmqX8MonOIM6ap6awEd6yQSKgtfgCPcB/s200/IMG_0143.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxsq38Ujfes/WKSGaxce25I/AAAAAAAAnQc/2Uj33sJ4Ajsn1idpr2s24P48RPpQK2KCACPcB/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxsq38Ujfes/WKSGaxce25I/AAAAAAAAnQc/2Uj33sJ4Ajsn1idpr2s24P48RPpQK2KCACPcB/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a cool day, good for working</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amanda had made the plan that they would fly out of Orlando early Wednesday, and as we were headed that way to meet up with our other daughter Colleen we would just go down early and enjoy some pool time at the hotel. <br />
So the boys left out Wednesday and Amanda and Pat drove down that evening, Colleen, her hubby Goyo, and sons Lukas, and Isaiah arrived after midnight. <br />
Amanda had laid out plans for four full days at Disney. Amanda takes after her mother in planning vacations, it is go, go, and go. But really she did a great job getting things figured out.<br />
Day one had us touring Animal Kingdom, that was a good plan as we didn't have to arrive to early and that park closes early. I will let Wendy's pics tell about the parks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhfcAtb_SuU/WKSGAyWpYPI/AAAAAAAAnQA/xPnK8A_wNPUkMXTiIBH0P68y5YCRrFI8ACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017040663401287_7944492508_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhfcAtb_SuU/WKSGAyWpYPI/AAAAAAAAnQA/xPnK8A_wNPUkMXTiIBH0P68y5YCRrFI8ACPcB/s320/thumbnail_wdw2017040663401287_7944492508_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Day two we got going early and hit Magic Kingdom. With the entry passes we had we were allowed to schedule 3 fast track passes allowing you to bypass some long waits. But you also had to schedule these in a one hour time frame so again the planning part was key. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q_VwzCbHxU/WKSDO-8TQsI/AAAAAAAAnO0/ACeCV-nuVv0Nt8z4A5XSpIqv6tCF_MLAwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q_VwzCbHxU/WKSDO-8TQsI/AAAAAAAAnO0/ACeCV-nuVv0Nt8z4A5XSpIqv6tCF_MLAwCPcB/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpMNss7Oa-s/WKSF9ABxZFI/AAAAAAAAnP8/i0I8Gcod0Cg4Bi2JUofKQqxbTluJtlnNgCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017042664452368_7945851677_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpMNss7Oa-s/WKSF9ABxZFI/AAAAAAAAnP8/i0I8Gcod0Cg4Bi2JUofKQqxbTluJtlnNgCPcB/s200/thumbnail_wdw2017042664452368_7945851677_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
That day we headed out of the park for supper, Wendy and I headed back to the hotel to relax but the kids returned to the park for more rides and the night closing show. <br />
Up again early day 3 had at Epcot, we had planned on hitting one of the popular rides early before long lines formed. Bad luck as the ride was having issues and would not open til after 10. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qisLD_KO5c/WKSF0fDEhAI/AAAAAAAAnPs/bAzXytxfb_0Fuw-CSzGGxA16W5h1yNFVwCPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017042664780848_7946294503_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4qisLD_KO5c/WKSF0fDEhAI/AAAAAAAAnPs/bAzXytxfb_0Fuw-CSzGGxA16W5h1yNFVwCPcB/s320/thumbnail_wdw2017042664780848_7946294503_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B3%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFWcitN1psA/WKSF4oRYdUI/AAAAAAAAnPw/5agOOgkXlA4LcK1YLqVGS1_HgFgRAnOVACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017042664743693_7946247654_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFWcitN1psA/WKSF4oRYdUI/AAAAAAAAnPw/5agOOgkXlA4LcK1YLqVGS1_HgFgRAnOVACPcB/s200/thumbnail_wdw2017042664743693_7946247654_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We enjoyed Epcot and most notably the Soaring ride, although we learned you might not want to do this on a Saturday. Pre wedding parties and groups seemed to make drinking around the park quite the game. <br />
Last day!! we still had Hollywood Park left. This day Amanda switched a early fast pass to allow a little sleep in. We had a nice time there and really enjoyed the Fantasmic closing ceremony there.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZNnlXf7KmQ/WKSDgQ_gFYI/AAAAAAAAnO4/Rglm7oQ89r4is6hW8HUPwPbvFEInHJWhgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZNnlXf7KmQ/WKSDgQ_gFYI/AAAAAAAAnO4/Rglm7oQ89r4is6hW8HUPwPbvFEInHJWhgCPcB/s320/IMG_0690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trading Disney pins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgd4qoj6eCw/WKSDleLsL2I/AAAAAAAAnPA/E68hE3JNNpAR3vNYhLz_2pWsdDDtvyseQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgd4qoj6eCw/WKSDleLsL2I/AAAAAAAAnPA/E68hE3JNNpAR3vNYhLz_2pWsdDDtvyseQCPcB/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jedi training</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9OaAOyz66g/WKSF6nPhb4I/AAAAAAAAnP4/hF7NbNLGHZ8thSqwRfon4PgRmPs2MGbiACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017041664053745_7945333273_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9OaAOyz66g/WKSF6nPhb4I/AAAAAAAAnP4/hF7NbNLGHZ8thSqwRfon4PgRmPs2MGbiACPcB/s200/thumbnail_wdw2017041664053745_7945333273_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-tmp%255B1%255D.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWOfEwVD35k/WKSDsCUPfuI/AAAAAAAAnPA/M_m7w14a_s4Llazl735U8vKdkGIloCERACPcB/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWOfEwVD35k/WKSDsCUPfuI/AAAAAAAAnPA/M_m7w14a_s4Llazl735U8vKdkGIloCERACPcB/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantasmic show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uncLmVfYdOo/WKSDvCUZFGI/AAAAAAAAnPA/9w0uxEQvuVQbN6h6VnW5GuInxis_jPSCwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uncLmVfYdOo/WKSDvCUZFGI/AAAAAAAAnPA/9w0uxEQvuVQbN6h6VnW5GuInxis_jPSCwCPcB/s200/IMG_0799.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4zBtfnIu1E/WKSDpNGXygI/AAAAAAAAnPA/ZU_RipDQ4h4TYDq51tjg-quF1I4eqNDIACPcB/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4zBtfnIu1E/WKSDpNGXygI/AAAAAAAAnPA/ZU_RipDQ4h4TYDq51tjg-quF1I4eqNDIACPcB/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One other nice feature we took in while at the parks was a Disney photo pass service, they have photographers placed at entrances and various locations. We could walk and easily get our whole group shots plus they had features for some fun shots adding images. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0yXCWODkQ/WKSIH1b3CSI/AAAAAAAAnRY/wx43htIlxYsPJX5L0u_-UFfUJA2y5N1DACPcB/s1600/thumbnail_wdw2017043665298966_7946981077_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-reg%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9u0yXCWODkQ/WKSIH1b3CSI/AAAAAAAAnRY/wx43htIlxYsPJX5L0u_-UFfUJA2y5N1DACPcB/s320/thumbnail_wdw2017043665298966_7946981077_dsnyRes-base_dsnyLoc-reg%255B2%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We were so happy to be able to spend this time with the kids, what great fun and the memories we will have. Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-693268352162566262017-01-20T12:04:00.000-08:002017-01-20T12:04:34.327-08:00Looking BackHi all,<br />
First off I want to thank everyone for the get better wishes, it seems to be working as I feel better every day. A return trip to the doctor was positive I can start weaning off oxygen and get exercise.<br />
So as I was recouping Wendy and I spent some time reflecting on where we have been and what we have done since beginning our fulltime RV lifestyle. (Lots of pictures, click on them to see them bigger)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvsBBNuwS-I/UIYQCBOXW8I/AAAAAAAACLM/Y2WC-NZTlT4D71P9Hs8rD2lnJnaUOHHuQCPcB/s1600/DSC_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvsBBNuwS-I/UIYQCBOXW8I/AAAAAAAACLM/Y2WC-NZTlT4D71P9Hs8rD2lnJnaUOHHuQCPcB/s200/DSC_2346.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
We are now into year five, which that alone is hard to believe. Seems we had planned so many years before we did it and then never thought the day would get here, and now you know the saying time flies when you're having fun.<br />
So here we go with a short recap. We have traveled through 26 of the states, while a decent number, we know we have a whole lot more to explore. <br />
Our work camping has helped allow us to do this but does settle us down for three to four months at a time. Also our love of returning to the Black Hills of South Dakota four summers has been great but we know it is time to move on. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bgReXcoNE4/UaJBNqvBOKI/AAAAAAAAE88/MNsCh6jnuoQZxXImRkC4yr4FSkvc4X9EACPcB/s1600/DSC_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bgReXcoNE4/UaJBNqvBOKI/AAAAAAAAE88/MNsCh6jnuoQZxXImRkC4yr4FSkvc4X9EACPcB/s200/DSC_3508.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p14rcVu0oVE/UdOgTl4IO1I/AAAAAAAAFLc/5TOI7hVTjPUknMqmQVaGe3RwtPD1oclxgCPcB/s1600/DSC_4010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p14rcVu0oVE/UdOgTl4IO1I/AAAAAAAAFLc/5TOI7hVTjPUknMqmQVaGe3RwtPD1oclxgCPcB/s200/DSC_4010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YOa8EJBKXE/UdOgy9SsyKI/AAAAAAAAFMM/e3HT2FLuisEFvpAi5PrOU-M84NfiP3ZxQCPcB/s1600/DSC_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YOa8EJBKXE/UdOgy9SsyKI/AAAAAAAAFMM/e3HT2FLuisEFvpAi5PrOU-M84NfiP3ZxQCPcB/s200/DSC_4074.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent two great winters volunteering at Roper Lake State Park in Safford Arizona. We loved exploring the area, with Chiricahua National Monument a favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZtH01_2WGA/Ur-BOJ9VgJI/AAAAAAAAGUk/XzHdtKOQlNgh-vUnD4wSSgLXvFjm-NHTwCPcB/s1600/DSC_5691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZtH01_2WGA/Ur-BOJ9VgJI/AAAAAAAAGUk/XzHdtKOQlNgh-vUnD4wSSgLXvFjm-NHTwCPcB/s200/DSC_5691.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roper Lake SP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5a7E004c0Q/Uq0QiK3lRiI/AAAAAAAAGLE/xwrTzolpDxAGZLB0RTdQh3nTRAtMwQILACPcB/s1600/DSC_6379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5a7E004c0Q/Uq0QiK3lRiI/AAAAAAAAGLE/xwrTzolpDxAGZLB0RTdQh3nTRAtMwQILACPcB/s320/DSC_6379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiricahua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also volunteered one winter at Suwannee River State Park. A nice place and was close by our daughter Amanda's new location in Live Oak, Fla.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqUNQYrTo6I/VF2PNzBqbQI/AAAAAAAAJkg/T0p8bF6r_gcYDTpEhkNi_Gn1WxHTKdcLQCPcB/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LqUNQYrTo6I/VF2PNzBqbQI/AAAAAAAAJkg/T0p8bF6r_gcYDTpEhkNi_Gn1WxHTKdcLQCPcB/s200/DSCN2139.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suwannee River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have never had a bucket list but do say if there is one thing we always make a point seeing are our national parks and monuments. These are definitely things we try to hit upon when in a given area and Wendy collects stamps for her national park passport.<br />
So how have we done there? Not taking the time to sit and count each I will give a short list of our favorites. <br />
In Utah, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, and Capitol Reef are all places that rate high. Arizona has Organ Pipe, Saguaro, Grand Canyon, Chircahua, Fort Bowie, and Monument Valley. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJCKwjJOvxQ/U0dMkx5J1WI/AAAAAAAAIQo/y7HVe-j51E0mcN8iSbTvKqEbBksVgBP3wCPcB/s1600/DSC_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJCKwjJOvxQ/U0dMkx5J1WI/AAAAAAAAIQo/y7HVe-j51E0mcN8iSbTvKqEbBksVgBP3wCPcB/s200/DSC_0766.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4woZ7tvjI/Uz17eW_CZmI/AAAAAAAAIEg/FKVdjsx1LFkTEMQPX0jZyQCk8osR9KtqACPcB/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4woZ7tvjI/Uz17eW_CZmI/AAAAAAAAIEg/FKVdjsx1LFkTEMQPX0jZyQCk8osR9KtqACPcB/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCuhL0V78sE/Vxqdin1lPgI/AAAAAAAAijI/bR2OYXNlru4R84FJidk9VRHzcQh58m-JQCPcB/s1600/DSC_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCuhL0V78sE/Vxqdin1lPgI/AAAAAAAAijI/bR2OYXNlru4R84FJidk9VRHzcQh58m-JQCPcB/s200/DSC_0933.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZMhCJ1yPws/UzJe-n98W-I/AAAAAAAAH1Y/qhXDPf_YtvAwd1ATpKQvQdQDbmRKECQuwCPcB/s1600/DSC_7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZMhCJ1yPws/UzJe-n98W-I/AAAAAAAAH1Y/qhXDPf_YtvAwd1ATpKQvQdQDbmRKECQuwCPcB/s200/DSC_7570.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Organ Pipe</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We have not spent a great deal of time in Texas but Big Bend National Park was special, also The Alamo and Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park were worthy. We only touched slightly into California but Death Valley was amazing. Nevada holds Lake Mead National Rec. Area that we spent time checking out this past spring. In New Mexico we toured the famous Carlsbad Cavern and believe all other caves may not quite match up and also White Sands National Monument was breath taking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubCf2uo3yW8/VjAIiEZ4cPI/AAAAAAAAduo/KqGoh9u1F-k_iClVaZi5eGK3tyxGDxYqwCPcB/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubCf2uo3yW8/VjAIiEZ4cPI/AAAAAAAAduo/KqGoh9u1F-k_iClVaZi5eGK3tyxGDxYqwCPcB/s200/DSC_0042.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Sands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ie7u5vT6Z8/VwaqKgqXgAI/AAAAAAAAhtQ/EErsRX2PXr4sPQgdyopF0DVG2C5vtFokgCPcB/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ie7u5vT6Z8/VwaqKgqXgAI/AAAAAAAAhtQ/EErsRX2PXr4sPQgdyopF0DVG2C5vtFokgCPcB/s320/DSC_0571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzmON0j5iks/UUpuaJMTj1I/AAAAAAAAEDk/qR0rKbjnUNUx9SY1g_MM4LIBjlf1CE3mgCPcB/s1600/DSC_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzmON0j5iks/UUpuaJMTj1I/AAAAAAAAEDk/qR0rKbjnUNUx9SY1g_MM4LIBjlf1CE3mgCPcB/s200/DSC_2130.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Big Bend</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, I am not close to naming all and we could have lists with refuges, fish hatcheries, and forts. We also could make a page list of state parks, another thing we check out frequently.<br />
Now while great being able to travel and see new things the best part of this lifestyle is meeting some of the greatest people along the way. We have met people from so many states and always enjoy the interactions that work camping presents. We have made many friends for life in some of our jobs. We have also met other bloggers whom we have made good friends with. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVt6uODqG6s/WIJrl4IJTxI/AAAAAAAAnBg/HUBELSXjwT8ilOPEofggh9VpnxiVzW9hACPcB/s1600/dvd%2Bpictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVt6uODqG6s/WIJrl4IJTxI/AAAAAAAAnBg/HUBELSXjwT8ilOPEofggh9VpnxiVzW9hACPcB/s320/dvd%2Bpictures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Abbeville in Louisiana, specifically Betty's RV and the people we have met there stand as one of our favorite stops. The food, music, and people are just like no where else. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7RCoTUXM-M/USvIZa0hdII/AAAAAAAADnY/cMGxwfeAliUM4C6Pb6nDRNBjW_3LpQBagCPcB/s1600/DSCN1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7RCoTUXM-M/USvIZa0hdII/AAAAAAAADnY/cMGxwfeAliUM4C6Pb6nDRNBjW_3LpQBagCPcB/s200/DSCN1352.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group of new friends from Betty's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Also a big part of this lifestyle is still remaining a part of our families and friends lives that we had before. We have returned back to our Wisconsin area each year for a couple months to spend time with them. That time is most cherished and we always can't wait to get back to be with our kids and grandsons. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV69mi633Ew/V4PInMaE4TI/AAAAAAAAj-0/_IKwmaUOhSgrdRSJ92SPbD5Fr6Vf8H7igCPcB/s1600/DSC_1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV69mi633Ew/V4PInMaE4TI/AAAAAAAAj-0/_IKwmaUOhSgrdRSJ92SPbD5Fr6Vf8H7igCPcB/s200/DSC_1614.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our grandsons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8cwhab_F14/V4PYCPDctZI/AAAAAAAAj_o/iAap6j-Y2NY67hfE3Rws6YRcPYQR813PQCPcB/s1600/13631679_10205293854946322_3618654409318728031_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8cwhab_F14/V4PYCPDctZI/AAAAAAAAj_o/iAap6j-Y2NY67hfE3Rws6YRcPYQR813PQCPcB/s200/13631679_10205293854946322_3618654409318728031_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Our kids- Mandy, Nate and Colleen</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So on we go well in our fifth year with no regrets and looking forward to continue with new adventures and new friends. We are truly blessed to have been able to do this.<br />
We appreciate you all for following along and feel free to comment in anytime. <br />
Thanks again, Ray and Wendy<br />
<br />
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3943242534220352115.post-15557062448145400712017-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:002017-01-12T18:31:03.345-08:00Bad News / Goood NewsHi all, <br />
Dang, dang, and dang. Thought I was doing pretty good even started needing oxygen only at night,and then around new years something hit me again. <br />
Monday morning I ended back at hospital with severe breathing difficulties. So now I will get treated for pneumonia. With my COPD condition they have a difficult time diagnosing pneumonia.<br />
It was slower healing this time and we finally started to get better towards Thursday. I was released the following Sunday. <br />
I dang well take my time to recoup this time, although I didn't think I was pushing it last time.<br />
I thank God I have Wendy and Amanda and Pat here to help us get through this. <br />
Further out I will be seeing specialist in Jacksonville for more pulmonary care.<br />
So life goes on at the farm, a couple more baby goats making 6 since just before Christmas. Man, they are a blast to watch when little at the bouncing around they do. We got some interesting colors in a couple to. Rose a black goat who had 3 births in the past gave birth to tawny colored baby, her previous were black like her. Another tan colored goat gave birth to a chocolate and white goat, man that's a pretty goat. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNucGFiTi7w/WHeRWGSoQeI/AAAAAAAAm7o/wwmw3CKq9HY8-KUrFZViuH5hpx7I6oi1QCKgB/s1600/20170111_170031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNucGFiTi7w/WHeRWGSoQeI/AAAAAAAAm7o/wwmw3CKq9HY8-KUrFZViuH5hpx7I6oi1QCKgB/s320/20170111_170031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaggy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acu96UAcgik/WHeRWGpIiWI/AAAAAAAAm7o/mVSS92PmXpk5s0ofzaOYsd8yw_uNYwWsQCKgB/s1600/20170111_165930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acu96UAcgik/WHeRWGpIiWI/AAAAAAAAm7o/mVSS92PmXpk5s0ofzaOYsd8yw_uNYwWsQCKgB/s320/20170111_165930.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raylee </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgLdqzYBhRo/WHeRWFGZxcI/AAAAAAAAm7o/4b40YJPVnagl1ZWpUShI_lDsc3aNcwSEgCKgB/s1600/20170111_164743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgLdqzYBhRo/WHeRWFGZxcI/AAAAAAAAm7o/4b40YJPVnagl1ZWpUShI_lDsc3aNcwSEgCKgB/s320/20170111_164743.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tippy and momma Daisy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kinda weird liking these goats, I worked on a dairy farm and Wendy was raised on a farm but we never had anything to do with goats. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihYo7AjSbTQ/WHeQ5TkwJ5I/AAAAAAAAm7M/0j8WdJfkBwUVnizdBy4AhzG4cnrPv8T6ACKgB/s1600/20170102_173928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihYo7AjSbTQ/WHeQ5TkwJ5I/AAAAAAAAm7M/0j8WdJfkBwUVnizdBy4AhzG4cnrPv8T6ACKgB/s320/20170102_173928.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly and Jolly born on Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pNLLizB_rc/WHeQ5fK69zI/AAAAAAAAm7M/efkQzeFnPWcYeLm3IkSCai0fjCVLGHtQQCKgB/s1600/thumbnail_20161227_102622%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pNLLizB_rc/WHeQ5fK69zI/AAAAAAAAm7M/efkQzeFnPWcYeLm3IkSCai0fjCVLGHtQQCKgB/s320/thumbnail_20161227_102622%255B3%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinkerbell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Pat and Amanda took control of our lean to project and finished it off. Pat and I had gotten pretty far before I started to get sick. The lean to was to give the Alpaca cover in rain or shade from the sun. Great success we see the alpaca staying there most nights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyPx9YzEqzc/WHg3LM3b66I/AAAAAAAAm88/tJ_8bde8-jsU0D_-vpsN-9MTOPOBisxAgCKgB/s1600/20161228_100610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyPx9YzEqzc/WHg3LM3b66I/AAAAAAAAm88/tJ_8bde8-jsU0D_-vpsN-9MTOPOBisxAgCKgB/s320/20161228_100610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rps-xaPEMxM/WHg3TDTaS-I/AAAAAAAAm9E/89IOEjjciUUi37q6zVSX2kpguT1jPAQHQCKgB/s1600/20161229_134601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rps-xaPEMxM/WHg3TDTaS-I/AAAAAAAAm9E/89IOEjjciUUi37q6zVSX2kpguT1jPAQHQCKgB/s320/20161229_134601.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nice using the neighbors tractor- beam was 4x8x24feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rAbi6CTIv8/WHg5rNNKJ5I/AAAAAAAAm9Q/mUHRAFXgcs8bKbR7AptWyJIYiUzUTw-4wCKgB/s1600/392.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rAbi6CTIv8/WHg5rNNKJ5I/AAAAAAAAm9Q/mUHRAFXgcs8bKbR7AptWyJIYiUzUTw-4wCKgB/s320/392.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Got more great news as our son Nate and grandson Alex will be flying down for a couple days at the end of the month. That along with our other daughter Colleen and her hubby and 2 younger grandkids flying down for a Disney vacation in February, looking forward to that. So I better get my health in check so we can have fun.<br />
Wendy continues to do some basket work and help around the house. She also helped Amanda repaint and decorate a bathroom, and all while running to see me. Yeah, I owe big time.<br />
Thanks all for the well health wishes, very much appreciated. <br />
<br />
<br />Ray/Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17070999001682050980noreply@blogger.com6