Don't know where the time goes but things have been busy and crazy since I lasted posted in October.
As usual this time of year we have to finish up all the doctors appointments so that we can get ready to travel again the first of the new year., Well I think that is all done now along with the fact I had my gall bladder removed this past monday, November 5.
I made sure that I voted before the surgery so I would at least know who I voted for.
We did take a long weekend trip in October with Bill and Sandy Freed down to Williamsburg. We just had a nice relaxing time and met up with other friends who are going to join our camping club. Sharon and Jeff Lawrence, who had built with us in Dade City this past February with Habitat.
Getting ready to make the famous " flavored rock candy" for Christmas, this next week as we are going to Indy for Thanksgiving and have to deliver it to Ally. She calls us her "elves", so The Chief Elf is Papa as we now have this candy making down to a fine science.It takes a good bit of time but thankful we can still do it for her. One day she is going to have to take over this job.
Been working on the plans for our winter trip. We will be starting it out with a First Cousin's Reunion in Georgia in Jan and then not sure where all we will visit until we end up in Thibodaux, La in mid March to do a Habitat Build.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
October 3, 2012
We are back in Virginia after 6 weeks of wonderful travel. I am beginning to think we are feeling our age as both of us have been dragging since we got home. Larry has decided that October is not a good month for him as he is having some breathing problems again, nothing major but knows he is feeling poorly.
I had to go to Charlottesville yesterday to have what was left of a tooth removed., Just as we were pulling into Bainbridge several weeks ago I broke off the last crowned tooth that the dentist here in Louisa had done. All the ones he had crowned in the last 12 years have broken and had to be removed. I won't call any names but needless to say I am never going back there again.
We are home for a while to get doctor appointments done so we can get ready to travel again after Christmas. We are not sure where and what we will be doing other than a scheduled 2 week Habitat Build in Louisana in March.
I had to go to Charlottesville yesterday to have what was left of a tooth removed., Just as we were pulling into Bainbridge several weeks ago I broke off the last crowned tooth that the dentist here in Louisa had done. All the ones he had crowned in the last 12 years have broken and had to be removed. I won't call any names but needless to say I am never going back there again.
We are home for a while to get doctor appointments done so we can get ready to travel again after Christmas. We are not sure where and what we will be doing other than a scheduled 2 week Habitat Build in Louisana in March.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
IT WAS WONDERFUL 9-25-12
Well, the BIG REUNION has come and gone.
What more can I say other than we had a wonderful time. It is hard to describe the emotions of seeing people that we had not seen in 50 years and having a great time learning all about what had been happening in our lives.
We started out with a gathering on Friday night at the Kirbo Center in Bainbridge Georgia meeting and greeting old friends. Saturday around 10 am we gathered at the Bainbridge Marina and just did some more visiting and had a wonderful lunch of pulled pork barbeque , chips, and peach cobbler. Of course we had lots of SWEET TEA. Saturday night we had another gathering at the Kirbo Center and the program was to honor all our deceased class members, former teachers,and just visit and eat of course. We were blessed to have 61 class members present plus spouses, some friends from other classes and also 4 of our high school teachers, Mrs. Forrester, Mrs. Sullivan and Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler. Sunday morning some of us met for breakfast before saying goodbye until the next time which I am sure won't be too long.
Monday Larry and I left Bainbridge and traveled to Greer SC and are visiting with Deb and Bill Dorris for a few days before returning to Virginia for a campout weekend with the Old Dominion Cardinals . Then on Sunday we will get back home after 6 weeks of traveling, visiting, eating and more eating.
Pictures to come.
What more can I say other than we had a wonderful time. It is hard to describe the emotions of seeing people that we had not seen in 50 years and having a great time learning all about what had been happening in our lives.
Monday Larry and I left Bainbridge and traveled to Greer SC and are visiting with Deb and Bill Dorris for a few days before returning to Virginia for a campout weekend with the Old Dominion Cardinals . Then on Sunday we will get back home after 6 weeks of traveling, visiting, eating and more eating.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Sept 10, 2012 thru Sept 18, 2012
Just a quick catch up for those that are following us.
We left Indianapolis on Monday 9/10 and had an uneventful day and spent the night in Franklin Tennessee at Wal Mart. Tuesday we traveled on to Birmingham , Al and visited until Thursday with our friends, Dick and Angie Pace, who we met 12 years ago in Florida. We had not seen them in about 3 years. Angie and I did some shopping and Dick and Larry did what they do best, PEOPLE WATCH.
Thursday we traveled on down in Alabama, stopped in Prattville, Al to visit with a high school friend of Larry's, Melvin Ehrlich and then on to Dothan, Al. Had dinner with Janet and Austin Phillips ( he and I knew each other in Bainbridge) and then on Friday morning had breakfast with Stanley Sanford and his wife, Robbie. Larry and I went to school with Stanley.
Now we are in Bainbridge, Ga. awaiting my 50th high school reunion this weekend. I am working with Ann Reynolds to get everything in order for us to start having a lot of fun on Friday night. It will be a good weekend.
At the present time, Larry had gone to get fresh green peanuts to BOIL.
Oh I forgot on Saturday we attended a family reunion for Larry's grandmother Ollie Brookins Hastead's family and of course ate too much.
More later,
Mem
We left Indianapolis on Monday 9/10 and had an uneventful day and spent the night in Franklin Tennessee at Wal Mart. Tuesday we traveled on to Birmingham , Al and visited until Thursday with our friends, Dick and Angie Pace, who we met 12 years ago in Florida. We had not seen them in about 3 years. Angie and I did some shopping and Dick and Larry did what they do best, PEOPLE WATCH.
Thursday we traveled on down in Alabama, stopped in Prattville, Al to visit with a high school friend of Larry's, Melvin Ehrlich and then on to Dothan, Al. Had dinner with Janet and Austin Phillips ( he and I knew each other in Bainbridge) and then on Friday morning had breakfast with Stanley Sanford and his wife, Robbie. Larry and I went to school with Stanley.
Now we are in Bainbridge, Ga. awaiting my 50th high school reunion this weekend. I am working with Ann Reynolds to get everything in order for us to start having a lot of fun on Friday night. It will be a good weekend.
At the present time, Larry had gone to get fresh green peanuts to BOIL.
Oh I forgot on Saturday we attended a family reunion for Larry's grandmother Ollie Brookins Hastead's family and of course ate too much.
More later,
Mem
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sept 3 2012 thru Sept 9, 2012
Another BUSY week in Indianapolis. I think as of today Larry and I have finished all but a couple of the projects that Ally had for us including doing the taxi school runs most of the time and other kid responsibilities. We try to give her a little break when she has to go somewhere without having to take all four with her.
Thursday we did take time for ourselves so that we could SPEND some money. Larry took the bus to get "new shoes". Our tires were needing to be replaced so we went and got 6 new shoes and I said to Larry, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We did this 6 years ago and decided it was time to do it again to be safe.
Yesterday we had 3 soccer games with Kate and Bella. Kate had 2 games and Bella 1. Larry and I then took Kate to lunch as she had been a great help with cleaning the basement play area with me while Miss Bella sat and complained and did not help so she had to stay home. She was unhappy and of course told me how unfair I was but when we got back she had gone down and cleaned up the basement which was a mess again from her having 2 little friends over last week. Oh Doug is going to get his "due" with these 3 girls.
Ally, Doug, Larry and I went out to dinner last night and had a good time. It is nice to have a little adult time once in a while.
Today we have Noah's football game at 1:30 and then tomorrow morning we are heading SOUTH. We will visit friends in Alabama and then to Georgia on Friday for a little over a week for the 50th Class Reunion.
Thursday we did take time for ourselves so that we could SPEND some money. Larry took the bus to get "new shoes". Our tires were needing to be replaced so we went and got 6 new shoes and I said to Larry, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We did this 6 years ago and decided it was time to do it again to be safe.
Yesterday we had 3 soccer games with Kate and Bella. Kate had 2 games and Bella 1. Larry and I then took Kate to lunch as she had been a great help with cleaning the basement play area with me while Miss Bella sat and complained and did not help so she had to stay home. She was unhappy and of course told me how unfair I was but when we got back she had gone down and cleaned up the basement which was a mess again from her having 2 little friends over last week. Oh Doug is going to get his "due" with these 3 girls.
Ally, Doug, Larry and I went out to dinner last night and had a good time. It is nice to have a little adult time once in a while.
Today we have Noah's football game at 1:30 and then tomorrow morning we are heading SOUTH. We will visit friends in Alabama and then to Georgia on Friday for a little over a week for the 50th Class Reunion.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunday August 26th thru Sunday Sept 2, 2012
We had a good time at the FMCA Convention in Indianapolis. We were a little disappointed with the number of Vendors, not the usual group, but we still were able to spend a "little" money. The nightly entertainment was good on Wednesday and Thursday nights but can't say that for Tuesday night. The Dutton Family from Branson, Ms. was really really good. What a talented group of people.
Ally and Sophia came out to spend the day with us on Tuesday while the other 3 were in school. Sophia( 14 months old) was absolutely the youngest person there. Ha Ha. We enjoyed spending some quality time with Ally .
On Friday we packed up and headed back to Ally's house for a week of projects. Since Issac the hurricane or what is left of him is coming this way we plan to have time to get some inside projects done. Ally always has things for us to do. Larry is painting a wall with magnetic paint for her to be able to use for papers and etc. She and I cleaned out 2 pantrys, medicine and spice cabinet, put away lots of clean clothes and Larry tried out her new steam mop on the kitchen floor. When you have 4 kids and a dog plus 2 adults things do get DIRTY.
The weather doesn't look too good for today, Labor Day , so hopefully we will get some other things done.
We hope to get the kids pictures done at Sears so we might call and do that today.
Doug is going to Chicago on Tuesday so Larry will be doing the early morning school run on Wednesday. We are also getting new tires on the motorhome so that will take up a day.
On Saturday we have 3 soccer games and then on Sunday afternoon Noah has his first football game of this season. Busy, Busy!!!!!!
More later
Ally and Sophia came out to spend the day with us on Tuesday while the other 3 were in school. Sophia( 14 months old) was absolutely the youngest person there. Ha Ha. We enjoyed spending some quality time with Ally .
On Friday we packed up and headed back to Ally's house for a week of projects. Since Issac the hurricane or what is left of him is coming this way we plan to have time to get some inside projects done. Ally always has things for us to do. Larry is painting a wall with magnetic paint for her to be able to use for papers and etc. She and I cleaned out 2 pantrys, medicine and spice cabinet, put away lots of clean clothes and Larry tried out her new steam mop on the kitchen floor. When you have 4 kids and a dog plus 2 adults things do get DIRTY.
The weather doesn't look too good for today, Labor Day , so hopefully we will get some other things done.
We hope to get the kids pictures done at Sears so we might call and do that today.
Doug is going to Chicago on Tuesday so Larry will be doing the early morning school run on Wednesday. We are also getting new tires on the motorhome so that will take up a day.
On Saturday we have 3 soccer games and then on Sunday afternoon Noah has his first football game of this season. Busy, Busy!!!!!!
More later
Monday, August 27, 2012
Summer/Fall Trip 2012
After a wonderful weekend in Luray Va with our Old Dominion Cardinals Good Sams Chapter the "Bus" headed to Indiana. We traveled to Cambridge Ohio on Sunday August 19th and were very surprized to have a group from West Virginia Good Sams waiting for us to have dinner with them. Don and Kathy Wise are friends of ours and we knew they were camping there for the weekend but did not know they were staying over on Sunday night.
Monday we traveled on to Indianapolis and arrived around 3 pm. Ally was about to pickup kids from school so we got set up and waiting for them to come home. We stayed in Indy until Thursday morning helping her with running the taxi to school and kindergarden as Doug was out of town. Papa did a few little projects around the house for her as usual.
Thursday we traveled to LaFayette In to the Prophetstown State Park to meet our Discovery Club for a pre rally before coming to the FMCA convention back in Indy.
Had a wonderful time there. Larry and Chuck T. worked on our back airconditioner and got it working again which is really great. Had a couple of glitches on the trip but won't tell on Larry as he was upset enough with himself . Let's just say he used the wrong nossle at the Flying J and we could have had a major problem but all is well after getting advice from other motorhome friends and a deisel machanic. Then he was backing the car into the parking spot by the MH and hit the front of the MH with the car. Needless to say it has been an interesting few days.
Yesterday we caravaned with 11 coaches to Indianapolis and got all set up for the week. There are suppose to be about 1800 coaches here. Last evening our daughter invited our friends (16 ) to come to their house for a "pitch in", we call them pot lucks, and we had a great time. She has wanted to meet some of our MH friends . Bill and Deb Dorris, from South Carolina (Bill and I have known each other since 2nd grade) who are not Discovery Owners are with us also. My grandaughter Kate is in 2nd grade and her eyes got really big when I told her that Bill and I went to 2nd grade together.
It is raining like crazy this morning but suppose to stop by noon and we will then start having more fun. Actually I am enjoying staying in my pj;s and catching up on things.
More later in the week.
Monday we traveled on to Indianapolis and arrived around 3 pm. Ally was about to pickup kids from school so we got set up and waiting for them to come home. We stayed in Indy until Thursday morning helping her with running the taxi to school and kindergarden as Doug was out of town. Papa did a few little projects around the house for her as usual.
Thursday we traveled to LaFayette In to the Prophetstown State Park to meet our Discovery Club for a pre rally before coming to the FMCA convention back in Indy.
Had a wonderful time there. Larry and Chuck T. worked on our back airconditioner and got it working again which is really great. Had a couple of glitches on the trip but won't tell on Larry as he was upset enough with himself . Let's just say he used the wrong nossle at the Flying J and we could have had a major problem but all is well after getting advice from other motorhome friends and a deisel machanic. Then he was backing the car into the parking spot by the MH and hit the front of the MH with the car. Needless to say it has been an interesting few days.
Yesterday we caravaned with 11 coaches to Indianapolis and got all set up for the week. There are suppose to be about 1800 coaches here. Last evening our daughter invited our friends (16 ) to come to their house for a "pitch in", we call them pot lucks, and we had a great time. She has wanted to meet some of our MH friends . Bill and Deb Dorris, from South Carolina (Bill and I have known each other since 2nd grade) who are not Discovery Owners are with us also. My grandaughter Kate is in 2nd grade and her eyes got really big when I told her that Bill and I went to 2nd grade together.
It is raining like crazy this morning but suppose to stop by noon and we will then start having more fun. Actually I am enjoying staying in my pj;s and catching up on things.
More later in the week.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Catching up before the "Big Trip"
Last time I posted we had been to Gettysburg and since have just been at home and also over to Misty Mountain Campground with our Old Dominion Cardinals group again,. Had a wonderful weekend just hot and lot of flies but at least we had a room to do our meals in so it wasn't so bad.
As most of you know we have our house and property on the market and when it sells we will go fulltime in the motorhome for at least a year or so. Nothing has happened so far but we are still hopeful.
Next Friday we leave for Luray Virginia for a weekend with the ODC group and then on Sunday we leave for Indianapolis to visit our daughter for 3 days and then on to Prophetstown, Indiana for a pre rally with our Discovery Motorhome Club until Sunday and then back to Indianapolis to the State Fairgrounds for the FMCA Convention. We will be there from Sunday until Friday and then plan to go back to our daughters for a week to see Noah play football and then head towards south Georgia for a family reunion on Larry's side of the family and then the BIG 50th Class Reunion of my 1962 High School Class. We will be back in Virginia by the end of September.
More later--------------
As most of you know we have our house and property on the market and when it sells we will go fulltime in the motorhome for at least a year or so. Nothing has happened so far but we are still hopeful.
Next Friday we leave for Luray Virginia for a weekend with the ODC group and then on Sunday we leave for Indianapolis to visit our daughter for 3 days and then on to Prophetstown, Indiana for a pre rally with our Discovery Motorhome Club until Sunday and then back to Indianapolis to the State Fairgrounds for the FMCA Convention. We will be there from Sunday until Friday and then plan to go back to our daughters for a week to see Noah play football and then head towards south Georgia for a family reunion on Larry's side of the family and then the BIG 50th Class Reunion of my 1962 High School Class. We will be back in Virginia by the end of September.
More later--------------
Thursday, June 28, 2012
June Campout with ODC, Gettysburg, Pa. 2012
The Big A Bus left Louisa, Va. on Thursday, June 21st heading to Gettysburg, Pa with the Old Dominion Cardinals Camping Chapter of Good Sams. We met Mathenys, who also had our Madie with them, Tolsons and Simmons in Warrenton and began our caravan. It was extremely hot but after all it is summertime.
We arrived around 3pm and got the rigs set up and then had a nice dinner of pork chops on the grill with vegetables and potatoes and sherbert for dessert.
Friday we enjoyed the pool and waited for the rest of our crew to arrive. Saturday the ones who had motorcycles rode, others visited the Battlefield or the Museums. It is a very humbling experience to see this place and no how many of our people were killed.
Sunday there was another motorcycle ride, actually a tour guide with them thru the park, and the rest of us met them for lunch downtown. Monday we took a side trip to "The Sweetest Place on Earth", Hershey, Pa. We toured Chocolate World and came home with lots of candy.
We had a great time and arrived back home on Tuesday afternoon around 3 pm.
Our next adventure is in July over to Misty Mountain Campground near Charlottesville. Not sure what activities we will try to do then. Madie might like to go to Jeffersons home at Monticello as she has not been there. Last year we did the Pioneer Museum in Stauton, Va.
We arrived around 3pm and got the rigs set up and then had a nice dinner of pork chops on the grill with vegetables and potatoes and sherbert for dessert.
Friday we enjoyed the pool and waited for the rest of our crew to arrive. Saturday the ones who had motorcycles rode, others visited the Battlefield or the Museums. It is a very humbling experience to see this place and no how many of our people were killed.
Sunday there was another motorcycle ride, actually a tour guide with them thru the park, and the rest of us met them for lunch downtown. Monday we took a side trip to "The Sweetest Place on Earth", Hershey, Pa. We toured Chocolate World and came home with lots of candy.
We had a great time and arrived back home on Tuesday afternoon around 3 pm.
Our next adventure is in July over to Misty Mountain Campground near Charlottesville. Not sure what activities we will try to do then. Madie might like to go to Jeffersons home at Monticello as she has not been there. Last year we did the Pioneer Museum in Stauton, Va.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Taylor Halstead's Graduation 2012
The Big A Bus traveled up to the Matheny campground on Friday, June 15 2012 to get ready for a big weekend for the graduation from high school of our oldest grandchild, Taylor Halstead, on Saturday June 16th. Now the ironic thing is that 50 years ago I graduated from high school. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished and looking forward to watching her continue to grow and reach out for her dreams.
Larry and I had plenty of protection as you will see in the pictures. The guys from the Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club of which her Dad is President were in attendance to see that this was done right and to take care of the" two old people". Great group of guys and we love them all.
We had an open house later on Saturday afternoon at Bryant and Julie's house and had a great time. Our friends, Jim & Linda Matheny, and Skip and Jackie Edmonds were there to help with all the food to let Bry and Julie be the host and visit.
Madie entertained with her music . She played the quitar and sang several songs. She had written a special one for her sister. There were not many dry eyes in the place. I was doing pretty good until she turned and looked at me and said"Mimi" and I completely lost it.
Yesterday we did family pictures with everyone. Ally and her family had come out for the graduation so it was a great time to get everyone together .
Now the bus is heading back out to Louisa and get ready to go to Gettysburg Pa on Thursday for a long weekend with our camping chapter the Old Dominion Cardinals.
Larry and I had plenty of protection as you will see in the pictures. The guys from the Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club of which her Dad is President were in attendance to see that this was done right and to take care of the" two old people". Great group of guys and we love them all.
We had an open house later on Saturday afternoon at Bryant and Julie's house and had a great time. Our friends, Jim & Linda Matheny, and Skip and Jackie Edmonds were there to help with all the food to let Bry and Julie be the host and visit.
Madie entertained with her music . She played the quitar and sang several songs. She had written a special one for her sister. There were not many dry eyes in the place. I was doing pretty good until she turned and looked at me and said"Mimi" and I completely lost it.
Yesterday we did family pictures with everyone. Ally and her family had come out for the graduation so it was a great time to get everyone together .
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Catching Up June 2, 2012
Not sure how this is going to work since I have not posted on this new blog setup.
After arriving back in Virginia in early April we made another road trip in the car to Indiana to help out Ally and Doug while they went on a trip to Mexico. Then I went back in May for 2 weeks to help Ally with some projects, end of school activities, soccer games, baseball games, etc.
Picture are Kate, Bella , Sophia and Noah
The Big A Bus has only been on one trip to the Virginia State Samboree at Urbanna while I was in Indiana. One of the highlights of my trip to Indy was being able to visit "The Traveling Vietnam Wall" with my grandchildren and point out the names of my high school friend Johnny Gambrell and Larry's cousin Steve Halstead.
We are now getting ready for our oldest grandaughter's graduation from high school on June 16th.
We have the house and property on the market and hoping that something starts to move on that soon.
Not much else for now but will try and keep this up to date.
After arriving back in Virginia in early April we made another road trip in the car to Indiana to help out Ally and Doug while they went on a trip to Mexico. Then I went back in May for 2 weeks to help Ally with some projects, end of school activities, soccer games, baseball games, etc.
Picture are Kate, Bella , Sophia and Noah
We are now getting ready for our oldest grandaughter's graduation from high school on June 16th.
We have the house and property on the market and hoping that something starts to move on that soon.
Not much else for now but will try and keep this up to date.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
April 1 thru April 6 2012
1. Jim & Linda Matheny & Larry and Mem, Memphis Tn. after eating ribs.2. Larry and Mem with Ally's 4 children, Noah, Kate, Bella and Sophia 3. Grand Ole Opry
What a wonderful time since we left Vicksburg, Ms. Went on to Memphis Tennessee. Went to Graceland, home of Elvis Presely, downtown Memphis to eat ribs, to the Peabody Hotel to watch the ducks go back up the elevator to their duck palace. They come down in the morning and swim in a pool and go back at night. Listened to blues music and then heading on to Nashville.
What a GREAT time in Nashville, Tenn. Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Bus tour of downtown including Country Music Hall of Fame, some of stars homes, got to see our grandchildren on their way back home from spring break in Florida, saw Linda's cousin, friends from Jackson Tn came by and just ALL around had a great time.
Left on Thursday (5th) heading to Virginia. Spent the night in Dublin, Va in a Wal Mart. Got home on Friday around noon, The big A bus is in the barn until May. We are heading to Indy next week to stay with Kate and Bella while Ally, Doug , Noah and Sophia go on a trip to Mexico that Doug earned thru his company.
What a GREAT time in Nashville, Tenn. Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Bus tour of downtown including Country Music Hall of Fame, some of stars homes, got to see our grandchildren on their way back home from spring break in Florida, saw Linda's cousin, friends from Jackson Tn came by and just ALL around had a great time.
Left on Thursday (5th) heading to Virginia. Spent the night in Dublin, Va in a Wal Mart. Got home on Friday around noon, The big A bus is in the barn until May. We are heading to Indy next week to stay with Kate and Bella while Ally, Doug , Noah and Sophia go on a trip to Mexico that Doug earned thru his company.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Tuesday 3-27-12 thru Saturday 3-31-12
Well, we had a great time in Natchez Mississippi and on Tuesday morning (27th) we started out on another adventure up the Natchez Trace. WELL, after about 50 miles of good road and good driving and one stop that actually had space for our motorhomes we pulled into a camping area on the Trace to have lunch and possibly just have a short day and stay for the night and continue on up the trace on wednesday. NO WAY!!!! We had lunch realized we had NO cell service, therefore no internet, no satalite due to the trees and Linda and I looked at Jim and Larry and said, let's move on.
Well, we decided to get off the Trace and go to Vicksburg. Now two things, Linda has a friend there, unfortunately she was out of town, but there are Casinos there and Linda loves that. SO we spent one night in Vicksburg and decided to go to Memphis, Tennessee to Graceland. Larry and I had never been there but Mathenys had but were willing to do it again. So we got a campground for two nights right across from Graceland, did the tour of the grounds, went downtown, ate ribs, listened to music on Beale Street and then on Friday morning we headed to Nashville.
On the way to Nashville I decided to call the son of a friend of ours from Michigan who lives in Jackson, Tn and we stopped and had lunch with Jerry Switalski. Hadn't seen him in about 12 years.Got to Nashville about 4 pm and set up in the campground and just chilled. Saturday morning we just caught up on things that needed doing in the mh and about 3:30 went for a Backstage Tour of the Opry, had a bite to eat and then on the the Grand Ole Opry. What a show, Rickey Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Jim Ed Brown were co hosting and Crystal Gayle, Patti Loveless , John Conlee and others were the preformers, We had a great time.
Today Ally and her family are stopping by on their way home from Florida. The kids don't know we are here so it willbe a surprize for them.
Pictures later.,
Well, we decided to get off the Trace and go to Vicksburg. Now two things, Linda has a friend there, unfortunately she was out of town, but there are Casinos there and Linda loves that. SO we spent one night in Vicksburg and decided to go to Memphis, Tennessee to Graceland. Larry and I had never been there but Mathenys had but were willing to do it again. So we got a campground for two nights right across from Graceland, did the tour of the grounds, went downtown, ate ribs, listened to music on Beale Street and then on Friday morning we headed to Nashville.
On the way to Nashville I decided to call the son of a friend of ours from Michigan who lives in Jackson, Tn and we stopped and had lunch with Jerry Switalski. Hadn't seen him in about 12 years.Got to Nashville about 4 pm and set up in the campground and just chilled. Saturday morning we just caught up on things that needed doing in the mh and about 3:30 went for a Backstage Tour of the Opry, had a bite to eat and then on the the Grand Ole Opry. What a show, Rickey Skaggs, Bill Anderson and Jim Ed Brown were co hosting and Crystal Gayle, Patti Loveless , John Conlee and others were the preformers, We had a great time.
Today Ally and her family are stopping by on their way home from Florida. The kids don't know we are here so it willbe a surprize for them.
Pictures later.,
Monday, March 26, 2012
2nd week of Build, Storms, and mor Storms
We attended the St. Paddys Day Parade and got lots of vegetables. Cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrotts etc and a very badly broken fingernail.. Oh did that hurt. Oh well, as Ally said it was the purple polish I had on that was a great target. LOL
We had a good second week of the build but missed having the college students. Also it decided to RAIN, like Hell. I thought I was back in Michigan and had a storm coming across the lake. This one came out of the Gulf of Mexico and just sat and spun around for a couple of days. We did not work on Thursday due to the storm. Now we have friends with us, Jim and Linda Matheny, who have been stuck by lightening three times and this was no exception. Lightening hit a transformer right in front of their motorhome and I about jumped out of my chair when it hit. Needless to say all of us were a little jumpy the rest of the day.
We left Louisiana on Saturday morning heading to Natchez Mississippi, oh by the way, with Jim and Linda. We are staying in Vidalia La just across the river from Natchez and are sitting right by the river watching the barges go up or down river. What a wonderful sight and so relaxing. We did lots of sightseeing here in Natchez, went to a Casino and now tomorrow we are heading up the Natchez Trace and will arrive in Nashville Tennessee on Friday.
First picture: Last day of build, happy hour. Second one" Riverboat Casino in Natchez,Ms. 3rd: Tub pushing barges up Mississippi River, One of the houses in Natchez, Linda and Mem in front of Visitors Center.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!!
We had a good second week of the build but missed having the college students. Also it decided to RAIN, like Hell. I thought I was back in Michigan and had a storm coming across the lake. This one came out of the Gulf of Mexico and just sat and spun around for a couple of days. We did not work on Thursday due to the storm. Now we have friends with us, Jim and Linda Matheny, who have been stuck by lightening three times and this was no exception. Lightening hit a transformer right in front of their motorhome and I about jumped out of my chair when it hit. Needless to say all of us were a little jumpy the rest of the day.
We left Louisiana on Saturday morning heading to Natchez Mississippi, oh by the way, with Jim and Linda. We are staying in Vidalia La just across the river from Natchez and are sitting right by the river watching the barges go up or down river. What a wonderful sight and so relaxing. We did lots of sightseeing here in Natchez, went to a Casino and now tomorrow we are heading up the Natchez Trace and will arrive in Nashville Tennessee on Friday.
First picture: Last day of build, happy hour. Second one" Riverboat Casino in Natchez,Ms. 3rd: Tub pushing barges up Mississippi River, One of the houses in Natchez, Linda and Mem in front of Visitors Center.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
First Week in Louisana 2012
We arrived in Houma, Louisiana on Sunday (11th of March) and on Monday morning started working on another Habitat project. This Build we have a group of 18 college students from St Louis University , SLU, for short and they have been GREAT. In fact on of the girls is from Indianapolis and just might be a good fit for a babysitter for Ally 's kids this summer., You never know who you will meet and how things will work out.
Jim and Linda Matheny our friends from Virginia, Larry and Tracy Saulsgiver from New York are with us and two other people,. Mike Kennedy travels by himself as his wife would rather be at home with the grandkids, and Dyana Todd is single and is from Washington state.
The weather has been great except for rain on Monday afternoon but it waited until we were done working and the rest of the week was good.
Last night we went to a place called the Jolly Inn to enjoy some real Cajun music and we really had a good time. These people in La. really know how to party.
The kids are leaving today so we will be working by ourselves next week. After that the Mathenys and us are heading to Natchez Miss and up the Trace to Nashville for some good country music.
I forgot to add that we are going to a St Paddys Day parade tomorrow and I understand instead of throwing beads they throw vegetables. We don;'t need any though as we are having our cornbeef and cabbage tonight for dinner.
Later.
Jim and Linda Matheny our friends from Virginia, Larry and Tracy Saulsgiver from New York are with us and two other people,. Mike Kennedy travels by himself as his wife would rather be at home with the grandkids, and Dyana Todd is single and is from Washington state.
The weather has been great except for rain on Monday afternoon but it waited until we were done working and the rest of the week was good.
Last night we went to a place called the Jolly Inn to enjoy some real Cajun music and we really had a good time. These people in La. really know how to party.
The kids are leaving today so we will be working by ourselves next week. After that the Mathenys and us are heading to Natchez Miss and up the Trace to Nashville for some good country music.
I forgot to add that we are going to a St Paddys Day parade tomorrow and I understand instead of throwing beads they throw vegetables. We don;'t need any though as we are having our cornbeef and cabbage tonight for dinner.
Later.
Pictures of Habitat Build Louisiana 2012
Kris Massey (Indy, possible babysitter for Hedrick family |
| Papa eating crawfish |
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| Group of students from St. Louis University St. Louis Missouri |
Baker Bill making bingets for breakfast
painting baseboardsFriday, March 9, 2012
Friday, 3-9-12
Sine we will be traveling tomorrow I thought that today would be good to catch up the Blog.
This week started out with lunch over at Becky & Lew Moyers place with several friends of theirs from Canada and other from the Valley who work at Habitat for Humanity. We met Becky and Lew in Dade City several years ago and then they came to Texas to work. It was good to see them and visit with the other people. They suggested we contact the Affiliate here to see about doing some Care A Vanner work here in Texas.
The rest of this week has been just do whatever. On Tuesday we decided to go into Progresso Mexico. We have been several times when we have been down here but now with all the violence in Mexico, (which is further down in the country) some people were saying dont go and other saying it was okay. Progresso is just a little tourist town and we park on the US side and walk across the bridge. We spent about 3 hours over there and got back ok. I texted Bry and his buddy Shane if they did not hear from us by 5 pm to send the "big guys with the big guns". They understood my meaning.
Yesterday we went to the Border Patrol Headquarters in Welesco and we given a very informative tour and information about what happens when they find illegals trying to come into the US. It was really interesting and the Border Patrol people really have a hard job and work hard.
Tomorrow we are heading to Louisiana for a 2 week build for Habitat.
This week started out with lunch over at Becky & Lew Moyers place with several friends of theirs from Canada and other from the Valley who work at Habitat for Humanity. We met Becky and Lew in Dade City several years ago and then they came to Texas to work. It was good to see them and visit with the other people. They suggested we contact the Affiliate here to see about doing some Care A Vanner work here in Texas.
The rest of this week has been just do whatever. On Tuesday we decided to go into Progresso Mexico. We have been several times when we have been down here but now with all the violence in Mexico, (which is further down in the country) some people were saying dont go and other saying it was okay. Progresso is just a little tourist town and we park on the US side and walk across the bridge. We spent about 3 hours over there and got back ok. I texted Bry and his buddy Shane if they did not hear from us by 5 pm to send the "big guys with the big guns". They understood my meaning.
Yesterday we went to the Border Patrol Headquarters in Welesco and we given a very informative tour and information about what happens when they find illegals trying to come into the US. It was really interesting and the Border Patrol people really have a hard job and work hard.
Tomorrow we are heading to Louisiana for a 2 week build for Habitat.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday March 4, 2012
I was been an interesting week in south Texas. As usual the wind has been blowing and blowing. That is just part of being in the Valley of Texas. We went to visit friends from West Virginia who are down in this area working with Habitat, on Tuesday. Wednesday we went on the bus tour to different farms in the area. Some were produce and the one that I liked the best was the Aloe Vera Farm. I had never seen it growing in fields just in flower pots. Very interesting to learn all the uses for the plant.
Another big thing in this area are the Flea Markets. Now this is an experience. You can find old things, new things, probably things that you don't want to know where they came from. I got some very pretty hair bows for the little grandaughters.
Today I am baking pies to take to our West Virginia friends tomorrow as they are cooking lunch for a group of people and ask us to come.
Tuesday we are going into Mexico over at Progresso . I need a new supply of vanilla.
People are still going over there but no other towns on the border.
The rest of the week is just whatever comes along other than I think on Thursday we will go to a seminar at the Border Patrol Headquarters.
Not much else going on.
Another big thing in this area are the Flea Markets. Now this is an experience. You can find old things, new things, probably things that you don't want to know where they came from. I got some very pretty hair bows for the little grandaughters.
Today I am baking pies to take to our West Virginia friends tomorrow as they are cooking lunch for a group of people and ask us to come.
Tuesday we are going into Mexico over at Progresso . I need a new supply of vanilla.
People are still going over there but no other towns on the border.
The rest of the week is just whatever comes along other than I think on Thursday we will go to a seminar at the Border Patrol Headquarters.
Not much else going on.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sunday 2-19 thru Saturday 2-25-2012
We arrived in Schlenburg Texas on Sunday afternoon and Mary Jane and Larry Phillips arrived on Monday afternoon. We did a short ride around the area, found a wonderful place to buy pecans of all flavors, such as salted, cinnamon, Carmel, etc. After a little dinner at Franks restaurant we returned to their hotel to play games of Farkel and a new game with marbles, which I still dont know the name of.
Tuesday we did the tour of The Painted Churches, which is what is popular in the area.
There are 6 churches to see, 4 of which are Catholic, 1 Methodist and 1 Lutheran. They are amazing. I will have to say the 4 Catholic are the most impressive. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the stained glass windows are absolutely beautiful.
After a little down time we went to dinner in LaGrange Tx which is the home of the famous "Chicken Ranch" on which the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" as based.
Wednesday morning Larry and I heading on to south Texas and arrived in Mission Tx about 3pm and got set up for the next 2 weeks. Shirley and Dallas Gronefeld are here from Missouri along with other friends we have met over the years.
The Matheny, Mason and Flo and Jerry and Kenny are over in Harlingen so we are going over this afternoon to celebrate Linda Matheny's birthday.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Next adventures 2-14-12 thru 2-17-12
We spent 3 nights in the Carrabelle Florida area and enjoyed just being at a slow pace, if you call doing laundry, cleaning the motorhome and catching up on e mails and actually we did enjoy catching up on some tv programs. Ate lots of shrimp and even bought some to bring along to enjoy,
Monday we to call and enjoy our oldest grandaughter, Taylor, turning 18 years of age. Man how times has flown. She is a going to graduate in June from High School and now she is in the process of studying to become an EMT.
Tuesday we traveled to Robertsdale Alabama which is in the Gulf Shores area. We met up with Larry and Tracy Saulsgiver our Habitat friends from NY and have been enjoying bike riding. We rode 12 miles on Wed and 14 yesterday. Not sure about today due to weather. We went to Lamberts Cafe, the home of the throwed rolls, and yes they actually throw them at you. It was a great time and good food. Since it is Mardi Gr as time in the area we had to buy a "King Cake". We asked at the visitors center where to get a really good one and they sent us to a bakery. I was thinking a medium size one but I got out voted and we purchased a large one and split with Tracy and Bro( other name for that Larry). It was creme filled and OH MAN was it good.
Tomorrow we start our journey on to Texas , plan to meet friends in Schulenburg for a couple of days and then on to the Valley around Mission Tx for about 2 weeks.
Monday we to call and enjoy our oldest grandaughter, Taylor, turning 18 years of age. Man how times has flown. She is a going to graduate in June from High School and now she is in the process of studying to become an EMT.
Tuesday we traveled to Robertsdale Alabama which is in the Gulf Shores area. We met up with Larry and Tracy Saulsgiver our Habitat friends from NY and have been enjoying bike riding. We rode 12 miles on Wed and 14 yesterday. Not sure about today due to weather. We went to Lamberts Cafe, the home of the throwed rolls, and yes they actually throw them at you. It was a great time and good food. Since it is Mardi Gr as time in the area we had to buy a "King Cake". We asked at the visitors center where to get a really good one and they sent us to a bakery. I was thinking a medium size one but I got out voted and we purchased a large one and split with Tracy and Bro( other name for that Larry). It was creme filled and OH MAN was it good.
Tomorrow we start our journey on to Texas , plan to meet friends in Schulenburg for a couple of days and then on to the Valley around Mission Tx for about 2 weeks.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Pictures of Dade City Build Feb 2012
S
Feb 12, 2012
Scarecrow and Mr. Oops. Tell you more about them a little later.Okay the little fellow is Mr. Oops. He is our mascot or ice breaker, if you will, at the beginning of the builds when we have old comers and newcomers at the build. He goes home with whom ever has made a mistake or a boo boo for the day and then they have to find another home for him the next day. He went home with one guy who had Mr Scarecrow and he liked it so well he stayed a couple of days.
We left Dade City Florida yesterday 2-11-12 and came over to Carrabelle Florida for some DOWN time which was really needed. We are here until Tuesday and then we head to the Gulf Shores Alabama area to do some biking and more relaxing and then on to Texas.
Hope you enjoy the pictures and keeping up with us.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Feb 5, 2012
Well we have the first week of "the build" behind us and we have found out we are ALL getting older and slowing down. We have been split up in 3 teams which is not a bad thing but it is hard to have to share tools on 3 different sites. We did get one house completely finished with the vinyl siding, another house all interior walls up and windows in and set one wall on another foundation. This next week will be building and setting more walls and starting siding on another house.
We have enjoyed meeting new people on this build as well as working with some of the "Old friends" that we have worked with before. The weather has been great, in the 70's and 80's so on the hotter days we stop working a little early. We all enjoy the social part later in the afternoon and talk about the accomplishments of the day. Of course there is always food involved. Friday night we did a hamburger cookout with the group.
Today Larry and I are going to the Pioneer Museum here in Dade City which also this weekend has a Quilt Show and other things going on, such as cane grinding and syrup cooking. Larry will enjoy that as his Daddy used to cook syrup. Our children always enjoyed Grandaddy cutting cane for them to chew.
Tonight we are going to watch the Super Bowl with friends from New York who are Giant fans. Since I do not like the Patroits I will be pulling for the Giants. It will be fun but not nearly as much fun as it would be if the Steelers were playing.
Last night Larry and I worked on our trip to Texas for after we leave here. Think we got it all worked out, now I just have to call campgrounds and get us a place to park.
Later
Mem
We have enjoyed meeting new people on this build as well as working with some of the "Old friends" that we have worked with before. The weather has been great, in the 70's and 80's so on the hotter days we stop working a little early. We all enjoy the social part later in the afternoon and talk about the accomplishments of the day. Of course there is always food involved. Friday night we did a hamburger cookout with the group.
Today Larry and I are going to the Pioneer Museum here in Dade City which also this weekend has a Quilt Show and other things going on, such as cane grinding and syrup cooking. Larry will enjoy that as his Daddy used to cook syrup. Our children always enjoyed Grandaddy cutting cane for them to chew.
Tonight we are going to watch the Super Bowl with friends from New York who are Giant fans. Since I do not like the Patroits I will be pulling for the Giants. It will be fun but not nearly as much fun as it would be if the Steelers were playing.
Last night Larry and I worked on our trip to Texas for after we leave here. Think we got it all worked out, now I just have to call campgrounds and get us a place to park.
Later
Mem
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Jan 29, 2012
On Saturday Jan 21 we left Bainbridge about 11:30 am after having breakfast with Keith and Carolyn and headed for Florida. We took our time and arrived in Bushnell Florida to a very expensive campground, Wal Mart. We laugh that they let you park in their lots overnight because they know you are going to come into the store and spend money. WE DID. Larry needed some new Western shirts, which is all he likes to wear, so we did find those and I had found a shirt in Indy that I liked and found a few more like them there so had to have somemore of them, Ha Ha,
Sunday morning found us on the road again heading to Zypherhills Florida to Happy Days RV Resort where our friends Suzan and Jim Oneale have a permanent place. They had wanted us to come down and have a week of "playing" which we did. We went to the Big Flea Market at Webster on Monday, Tarpoon Springs (Greek settlement) on Tuesday and took a boat trip out to Anclote Island and went shelling.
Of course we also had to stop by the Habitat building site to say hello to all the people that were working this week and it was like a family reunion as we had done builds with most of them before . Suzan and I did some shopping the rest of the week along with playing cards. I learned a new game called Chase the Ace.
Yesterday we moved the MH up to Dade City to the Habitat Campground and will start building tomorrow. We have 3 more rigs to come in today and then we will have our team. Life is good and we are looking forward to working with old friends and new friends.
Sunday morning found us on the road again heading to Zypherhills Florida to Happy Days RV Resort where our friends Suzan and Jim Oneale have a permanent place. They had wanted us to come down and have a week of "playing" which we did. We went to the Big Flea Market at Webster on Monday, Tarpoon Springs (Greek settlement) on Tuesday and took a boat trip out to Anclote Island and went shelling.
Of course we also had to stop by the Habitat building site to say hello to all the people that were working this week and it was like a family reunion as we had done builds with most of them before . Suzan and I did some shopping the rest of the week along with playing cards. I learned a new game called Chase the Ace.
Yesterday we moved the MH up to Dade City to the Habitat Campground and will start building tomorrow. We have 3 more rigs to come in today and then we will have our team. Life is good and we are looking forward to working with old friends and new friends.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jan 18 2012
Just as I thought my time would not be my own when we started all the preperations for the wedding here in Georgia for Jan 14th and I haven't even had time to think about the Blog but now I will attempt to catch up.
We spent last Tuesday (10th) with Larry and Tracy showing them where I grew up, where Larry and I got married and then we treated them to a fish dinner of "sucker sides". Both of them are outdoor people so they wanted to see the whole process of how you fix the fish, something called gashing in order for the bones to be really small and when you cook them in hot grease the bones disolve. Keith, my cousin, and Larry H, were in charge of the fish cooking.
Wednesday found us hitting the floor running and we never stopped until Monday. It was set up time for the wedding resheral, helping the grooms parents, and then on to the setup for the reception with the brides family and frieds. A few little glitches here and there but all and all everything went well. Cara was a beautiful bride ad we are so happy for her,
Monday found us making list again to return things, get Carolyn, mother of the bride, ready to go back to work which meant a trip to Atlanta for all week. Tuesday was return day and after I got that done I actually spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch.
On Sunday afternoon we found out that Sheryl Kirkland (age 45), who is the daughter of Larry's first cousin Martha, was in very bad shape. She was diagnosed with leukemia last spring and was at Emory in Atlanta . She had been there since early December and received a bone marrow transplant but things did not go as expected and Sheryl died Monday afternoon around 5:30. Our plans were to leave Bainbridge on Thursday to go to Dade City Florida to start working with Habitat but now we will stay for the services on Friday and leave later.
I did have a wonderful time on Monday night having dinner with 5 high school friends who live in this area. We just had a great time visiting . Thanks to Elaine McClendon Trammel for putting that together.
Hopefully I will be able to keep up with this blog better in the future.
We spent last Tuesday (10th) with Larry and Tracy showing them where I grew up, where Larry and I got married and then we treated them to a fish dinner of "sucker sides". Both of them are outdoor people so they wanted to see the whole process of how you fix the fish, something called gashing in order for the bones to be really small and when you cook them in hot grease the bones disolve. Keith, my cousin, and Larry H, were in charge of the fish cooking.
Wednesday found us hitting the floor running and we never stopped until Monday. It was set up time for the wedding resheral, helping the grooms parents, and then on to the setup for the reception with the brides family and frieds. A few little glitches here and there but all and all everything went well. Cara was a beautiful bride ad we are so happy for her,
Monday found us making list again to return things, get Carolyn, mother of the bride, ready to go back to work which meant a trip to Atlanta for all week. Tuesday was return day and after I got that done I actually spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch.
On Sunday afternoon we found out that Sheryl Kirkland (age 45), who is the daughter of Larry's first cousin Martha, was in very bad shape. She was diagnosed with leukemia last spring and was at Emory in Atlanta . She had been there since early December and received a bone marrow transplant but things did not go as expected and Sheryl died Monday afternoon around 5:30. Our plans were to leave Bainbridge on Thursday to go to Dade City Florida to start working with Habitat but now we will stay for the services on Friday and leave later.
I did have a wonderful time on Monday night having dinner with 5 high school friends who live in this area. We just had a great time visiting . Thanks to Elaine McClendon Trammel for putting that together.
Hopefully I will be able to keep up with this blog better in the future.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Update on trip South---2012
I will not go into details other than to say we didn't get to leave Virginia as early on Saturday afternoon as we had planned due to some very unecessary rambling at a meeting we had to attend for our Good Sam Chapter.
We drove to Kannapolis NC just outside of Charlotte and spent the night in a Sams Club.Sunday morning around 11 am we arrived in Greer SC and spent the rest of the day with our friends Deb and Bill Dorris. To avoid traffic we left there yesterday very early on Monday morning (6 am) and drove to Bainbridge arriving around 2:15 pm. We had a little problem getting into the driveway at Carolyn and Keiths house so had to do a little "afro engineering" to get the car unhooked and moved due to a dead battery.
Larry and Tracey Saulsgiver, friends of our from New York, are here at the KOA, heading to Dade City to do a Habitat Build. Carolyn and I dropped by and invited them to come out for dinner at her house and they came and a good time was had by all. Today we will show them around the area where we grew up.
More later, with pictures I hope.
We drove to Kannapolis NC just outside of Charlotte and spent the night in a Sams Club.Sunday morning around 11 am we arrived in Greer SC and spent the rest of the day with our friends Deb and Bill Dorris. To avoid traffic we left there yesterday very early on Monday morning (6 am) and drove to Bainbridge arriving around 2:15 pm. We had a little problem getting into the driveway at Carolyn and Keiths house so had to do a little "afro engineering" to get the car unhooked and moved due to a dead battery.
Larry and Tracey Saulsgiver, friends of our from New York, are here at the KOA, heading to Dade City to do a Habitat Build. Carolyn and I dropped by and invited them to come out for dinner at her house and they came and a good time was had by all. Today we will show them around the area where we grew up.
More later, with pictures I hope.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Winter Trip Jan 2012 Day 1
The Big A Bus is starting out on the winter trip of 2012. After breakfast this morning Larry started with draining the hot water heaters, blowing out all the pipes in the house, I collected all the garbage, went to the dump, stopped at the post office one last time and then came back to find he was finished with the house and moving over to the barn. It didn't take him as long as thought it might since he has never done this so we were ready to roll out of the driveway after having a bite to eat. We drove over pass Charlottesville, Va. to Misty Mountain Campground as he needs to attend the Va. State Good Sam State Meeting in the morning for about 2 hours and then we will start heading towards Greenville(Greer) SC. Will have some time with Bill and Deb Dorris and then probably on Monday head on down to South Georgia, Bainbridge, as a matter of fact to attend the wedding of Cara Newberry and Jerry Gerdes. Also hoping to meet up with the Saulsgivers for a night or two. They are friends from New York who have worked with us on several Habitat Builds.
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