Jul 26, 2010 - Farewell Winnebago land!

I have to mention that one thing I will say for the Iowans, they are extremely brand loyal. 99% of Iowa resident motor home owners support their very own brand – Winnebago. And why not? We previously owned a Winnebago Chieftain and absolutely loved the RV – we certainly would own another one in a heartbeat. At the same time I need to “fess up”. I had no idea that the name Winnebago comes from a Native American tribe. Here stupid me thought it was just the name of an RV Company, like Fleetwood, right? Tony was blown away by my confession –...

Jul 25, 2010 - Ragbrai & big decision.

Well the day has finally dawned and Ragbrai (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is upon us. As w were only scheduled to work the second half of the day we got up late and had a leisurely breakfast, so thankful that there were no storms last night and we both slept through. I don’t think I have slept through a night since my dear Mom was taken into hospital. We watched in awe as the riders poured into town. I mean poured! How in the world is a small town like this going to accommodate 25,000 bike riders and their support...

Jul 22, 2010 - No Way! Our 3rd flood!!!

We sure are not going to forget the summer we spent in Iowa!! Shortly after midnight last night the thunder started, and the storms raged, wind blew with gusts up to 60 mph and the hail pelted us, and the rain just poured in torrents. By 2 am the weather we so severe that I could not even hear the TV … we had tuned in for the weather watch. We were in two minds whether to get dressed on not, in case of evacuation. At 2:30pm the police came around announcing a flood watch and for everyone to move to higher ground and to a sturdy building....

Jul 18, 2010 - A narrow escape!

Our weather radio went off yesterday evening tell us that we were under a severe thunderstorm watch until 3:00am. We had just got off work and were loading up a load of firewood for some campers when the Police pulled in and told us that we were under a severe thunderstorm watch and should move to a sturdy shelter. We drove around the campground, each circle, telling each group of people the news that the Police has just informed us. We went home exhausted and crawled into bed. Well at 1:30am, I was first woken up by Gucci. She was puffing...

Jul 17, 2010 - My Precious Mother.

As very many of you already know, I lost my precious Mom yesterday and have found that I have good and bad moments throughout the day. Even though she has been ailing for quite a while I think the finality of it is what I find the hardest to cope with right now. Also the fact that we have decided (after speaking with my Dad) that we will not go over to South Africa for the funeral, a part of me is torn and wants to go. Thank heavens for my husband who is a pillar of strength to me right now and my wonderful sister in South Africa who has...

Jul 15, 2010 - Gearing up for RAGBRI

A huge Thank You to all our readers for your thoughtful messages - I really appreciate every one of them. My Mother is still rallying and they will be sending her home in a few days time to spend her last days at home where she is loved and will be comfortable. For months now we have been gearing up for a very exciting day here at Sunrise campground. We are the first stop on the RAGBRI route. Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia to explain exactly what RAGBRI is. “RAGBRAI is an acronym for Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. It...

Jul 13, 2010 - Sorry.......

I am so sorry - I know all our readers look forward to our frequent blog entries, but this is just a short note to let you all know that my 86 mother (in South Africa) is very near the end of her life. I am heartbroken and hardly able to work right now, although I have to. I did not want you all to think that I have abondoned you ... but I will post again as soon as I am able to. Thank you for your understanding .........

Jul 10, 2010 - A summer day in Okoboji.

A day off… Yay!!! This morning after enjoying our eggs, sausage and coffee we took off for a drive up to Okoboji again. The last time we did this trip was before the summer vacationers had descended upon the town and most of the vacation homes were closed up. What a transformation! Today there were thousands of people, most of whom are boat owners and having wonderful weather it seems like every one of them were out on the lake either boating, water skiing or tubing. The lake was just a hive of activity. I must say it really is a neat town...

Jul 7, 2010 - Grilling & Chilling.

As I type this blog it is the first time that we have had rain in a week. We have been having the most gorgeous weather, light breezes and lots of sunshine with temperatures in the low 80’s – how much better can it get. We have just come off our 2 day off period and yet again we did nothing to speak of other than enjoying this beautiful weather and grilling out each and every day. Gucci is loving it here where she can run around our site unrestricted - she's going to have a hard time when she will be back on the leash at all times again....

Jul 3, 2010 - Enjoying our 4th of July weekend.

I haven’t posted for a while because it seems most of our time has been spent at work. I don’t mean to make it sound like real “work” in the real world – but it does consume our time. We have been having a ball here, meeting new people, many of which come most weekends so we are getting to know them pretty well. Since I last posted we had a cold front come through and have experienced the most gorgeous, gorgeous weather. No severe weather, just 50’s at night and 70’s during the day and no humidity. Beautiful blue skies and light breezes….....

Jun 28, 2010 - The calm before the storm.

We have really enjoyed our 3 days off this week and we didn’t even plan a single activity. We both felt the need to rest. Yesterday I went to the grocery store and found a few new items. Yes even here in the boonies we get “special” grocery items. I found the new Jello range: Margarita, Strawberry Daquiri and Pina Colada. I bought the Pina Colada jello and made it up it was very interesting, a little tart. Also found a new (new for me) Ken’s Steakhouse Dressing – Raspberry Pecan Fat Free, so we’ll be trying that tonight on our salad. After...

Jun 26, 2010 - Our first evacuation.

Well things are hotting up around here. The daytime temperatures are now up in the 90’s, the campers are arriving in full force to enjoy their July vacation time and the tornadoes are threatening almost every day. The last two days have been really busy in the office, the phone is ringing off the hook – people looking for a camping site some time this summer, preferably the 4th of July weekend! Right! We are full to overflowing on the 4th of July weekend and are probably going to have to work late into the night on most days. Anyhow last...