Mar 24, 2019 - The Winter of Our Discontent

The Winter of Our Discontent is John Steinbeck's last novel, published in 1961. The title comes from the first two lines of William Shakespeare's Richard III: "Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun [or son] of York". . After returning from our Christmas trip to visit our daughter Sarah in New York, I knew both Hazel and I needed to get serious about something not right with our medical conditions. I've had an ongoing "sore", for lack of a better word, on my cheek for the past couple of years that would...

Feb 26, 2019 - Nuggie

"Nuggie", our 17 year old cocker spaniel, died during the night. She's been in a lot of pain lately, helped with a dog-aspirin in a spoon of ice cream every evening. Nuggie's been sleeping most of the time in the past year, moving around to get food and water and to be helped outside, with eyesight and hearing failing, but still able to smell that steak cooking on the barbeque and letting us know she wanted some. . Named in honor of our granddaughter Julia's 4th and golden birthday, a...

Nov 13, 2018 - Searching for Bambi

. A week ago, just as we were getting ready to head back to Minnesota after visiting our son Tom near Washington, DC, I got a call from my old neighbor Jim in International Falls. Jim and a group of friends go deer hunting every year at Jim's hunting shack near Northome, Minnesota, and Jim called to invite me along. . While I no longer hunt, having given up the urge to shoot anything with big brown eyes, I still enjoy the comradery of getting together with old friends, a chance to catch up on what is going on in our old hometown of years...

Sep 29, 2018 - Birthday party and Apple orchard

The advenutue continues... We celebrated a birthday for our 11 year old granddaughter and had tacos, ice cream and a unicorn cake. Tried to convince her that birthday girls after the age of 10 must buy gifts for party attendees. Didn't work. We then had cousins stay in a cabin at our camp ground. So, combo slumber party and birthday. Following day was met with 32 degree temps, so of course we had to visit an apple orchard. Lucky it warmed up to mid 40s. Did the wagon ride, corn maze, animal petting, hay climbing and apple goods purchasing....

Sep 28, 2018 - 3 weeks in Prior Lake MN area

3 weeks here in the Prior Lake MN area went by quickly. the weather was great the first week, the second week was cooler with some rains, and the 3rd week was clear, but a bit cooler than usual. .. The Dakotah Meadows RV Park is adjacent to Mystic Lake Casino. We had a nice back in site that was all concrete, with a full hook up (50 amp). It is a very nice quiet park. Laundry facilities were nice, plus they had a large self service rv/car wash that we also made use of. Also on sight were fuel pumps (gas and diesel) that were competitively...

Sep 19, 2018 - Cooling

Down to our last couple of weeks and the weather is cooling along with rain. Our friend Tony stopped by with his rig and dog on his was to visit Wisconsin. Continued to hang with grandkids, but the pool is now officially closed for the season. So, we saw a movie; The Wife. It was awesome and I recommend it. Also, checked out some costumes and went to the Depot to look at nic naks along with wine, goodies and venison sausage treats.

Sep 11, 2018 - On the road again

Heading to Knoxville, IA but skirting around Minneapolis just took the stuffing out of both of us. Not used to the traffic that's for sure. Next time, will just head back to I29 southbound. Pulled into a quaint little campground just off the interstate (I35) - River View Campground. New owners, great park - much bigger than you might think - lots of seasonals - but good camping for travelers. Highway noise was overpowering, but air conditioning sure helped with the noise and the oppressive humidity. Heading for Knoxville - no camping...

Sep 10, 2018 - Oops

Sorry it's been a while but I had a booboo. Went out to CA to get the bike. Rode up to Fort Bragg CA which is about 4 hours north of San Francisco. Had a blast but when going to the beach for a Memorial service, the throttle malfunctioned and I was headed into a pack of about 100 bikes. Managed to avoid them but busted up ribs, concussion and some skin removed. With the help of friends I got back here. Meanwhile, Mary had the kids over for Memorial Day and did the picnic thing. Went up to Bemidji in North MN, to visit our friend Nellie....

Sep 8, 2018 - Made it to MN!

The trip from Sun Prairie WI to the Mystic Lake Casino Prior Lake MN was a longer one. We stayed on the highway and took advantage of several rest stops along the way. We pulled into the Dakotah Meadows Campground at 4 pm and got all set up in no time. Michelle, Patrick, Tristan and Jade came over and brought us pizza for dinner, so nice after a long trip on the road. Thanks everyone for understanding our time frame of posting our journey for the last two months. We will try to share as we go so you may enjoy our travels along the...