News Flash

Dateline: Fentress Texas
Leisure RV Resort Clubhouse
December 29, 2012  4:30pm

The results of 2nd annual chili/cornbread cook-off have been posted.

First place for her famous 'White Chili Surprise':  Michigan's very own June V...

First place for her newly created 'Hot Pepper Corn Bread' : Sharon M ...

And cash prizes to boot!

Sharon and June with Cook-Off organizers

Not bad for a couple Yankee babes, I'd say.  Take that Texas.  With about 18 competitors, the contest was hotly, shall I say ...  contested.  With chili temperatures ranging from mild to 'it's a good thing it was served in a Pyrex bowl', there was lots to like.

Anyway ... the thunderous applause has subsided, the high fives finished, and the crowd has dispersed to find the nearest bottle of Tums.  Our work is done.  Yankees 1... Texans 0.

Still livin' the dream in the Texas outback.

Phil

Texas travels

Just in case I missed telling you ... Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you.  From Helsinki Finland ... to Sidney Australia ... to Mountain View California ... to Upper Saranac Lake New York and all points in between.  Sharon and I wish that you have a safe and restful holiday.

I think most of you know we don't sit around the RV all day munching Fritos and drinking RC Cocola but are snooping around the countryside seeing how the local live and what they do.

Even though we've had extremes in weather the past week or so (high near 80, low of 23) we have managed to find a few interesting things to bring to your attention.

First was another, (yup ... third time) stop to the Brisket Capitol of the Texas ... Lockhart TX.  Aside from the famous, but not too fancy beefatoriums (new word), Lockhart has one of the neatest, and most well kept county courthouses around.  Nothing sleek and modern about this old girl.  Style and grace is what the Caldwell County centerpiece is all about.  Finished in 1894 this grand dame of court houses was actually the third court house built on this site and I think you'll agree ...they finally got it right.

Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart Texas

Getting lost in Lockhart isn't easy but with a wrong turn here and there, we stumbled across two unique places missed by most.  The N.O. Reynolds Saloon, or what's left of it, was discovered down a dank alley we accidentally ended up in.  If walls could only talk.

N.O. place like home

Here's another interesting, though a little worse for wear, sign from the past.  Does our friend Miki know about this?  This appliance store is still in business though it's good years may be long gone.

Who knew?

Heading north from our camp, the 45 mile trip to Bastrop was a gentle back roads journey across some of the famous Texas oil fields and cattle county.  Oil and cattle seem to get along pretty good but I'm not real sure where all the money earned from these resources is spent.  Many of the folks who live out in the country on these ranches aren't exactly living in 'South Fork' like dwellings (if you remember the old TV show Dallas).  So my conclusion is that even though you have a half of dozen pumping oil wells in your back yard and 200 head of black Angus cattle, you're probably just the caretaker.

Anyway it was a pleasant trip and found the historic town of Bastrop interesting.  A mix of old and new and at least the city fathers had the foresight to keep the two separated.  WalMart and the like were kept away from the historic downtown area.  We ate dinner at a forgettable little eatery in the historic district and had my first example of chicken fried steak.  Now talk about a meal that stays with you!  This is some heavy eating. I think they even had the local cardiologist's phone number listed on the menu for backup medical services.  The pulverized slab of beef (?) was dipped in a heavy batter then deep fried a golden brown.  Then and only then was it smothered in a layer of flavorless white gravy like substance with the consistency of sorghum on a cold December day.  With a side of mashed potatoes and green beans this is true Texas gourmet.  However this may be my last chicken fried steak.

On one of the side streets in Bastrop we found an old time opera house.  Still in business (but not open) it looked like one of those places that warrants a return trip.

Bastrop Opera House

On occasion we'll take a trip to Austin.  It's about 35 miles or so north and we do it strictly for the chance to drive on Interstate I-35.  Six lanes of folks all wanting to get someplace faster than I do.  It's sort of like taking a stress test.  Anyway the state capitol of Texas is without saying, one of the fastest growing cities we've been to in quite a while.  Spreading out in all directions there was nothing recognizable to me as I once lived here some 60 years ago.  It's hip, it's cool, it's music, food, and shopping.  They apparently cannot build enough roads fast enough to satisfy the growth.  However as I age the tranquility of the countryside appeals to me far more than all the hustle.  As they say ... 'a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there'.  But if you're in the area ... do plan on stopping.

Sprawling capitol building, Austin Texas.  Built in 1888.

So there you have it.  Another slice of life from the slow lane.

Still livin' the dream in central Texas.

Phil

Our world

Just a short follow-up on the place we're parking our rig for a few months.  Rural and not too fancy.  Quiet and peaceful, the Leisure RV Resort does have some attractive vistas to admire.

Here are a couple of images that can get your mind wandering.

Louise the one-eyed llama munching away behind our coach

The San Marcos River without the kayaks and canoes

So with llamas and black angus in the backyard and the blue San Marcos River but 100 yards to the front, I think we've found a place to relax.

Still livin' the dream

Life in Luling

Luling Texas.

Located about 10 miles east of our camp alongside the San Marcos River, it's somewhat like stepping back in time.  The main street is lined on one side with railroad tracks and the other with buildings dating back maybe 150 years or so.  Its beginnings as a railroad town transformed into a cattle town in the late 1800's.  As a stop for cowboys driving cattle on the Chisholm Trail, it was a rough and tumble town that once earned the reputation as the 'toughest town in Texas'.  However the towns fortunes and reputation soon changed as  a guy named Edgar B. Davis discovered oil here in 1922.  The oil field eventually was determined to be about 12 miles long and 2 miles wide and by 1924 was producing about 11 million barrels a year.  And at a going rate of about 75 cents a barrel it was, at the time, quite a big deal.  I suppose some of the towns 5000 inhabitants are still in the oil business but my guess they've moved on to work in the big cities of Austin and San Antonio nearby.  Oil wells are still pumping in and around town so I guess they've not drained the reservoir yet.

So with the railroad and oil production activity on the sidelines what's exciting Luling?  Well let me tell you.  Watermelon thumping.  I'm not sure what thumping is all about (watermelons are not in season) but I could figure out what they do by the sign below.  The main street location is where the championship watermelon seed spitting contests are held in July.  Nobody was practicing today (surprise surprise) so I guess we'll have to return for all those festivities next year.

One thing this little town, just north of interstate I-10 about 140 miles west of Houston, has is some pretty good places to eat.  We've had three recommendations so far:  The Luling City Market (www.lulingcitymarket.com) is known for its BBQ, Edna's Diner on the outskirts of town and housed in an old railroad dining car, and the Rusty Rooster.  So far we've only made it to the Rusty Rooster and with maybe the exception of Babes in Dallas, it had the best tasting fried chicken we've had since our dear late friend Lydia Higgason recipe came into our lives some 35 years ago.

Also located in little Luling is the old Zedler Mill on the banks of the San Marcos.  We have not taken the time to tour the place but it is a neat place to take a picture or two.

So if you thought we spend all our time in the big cities hanging out at Sams Club and WalMart think again.  We livin' the dream out in the oil fields of Texas and having a great time.

Phil

What goes up ... must come down

Here's a challenge for all you marketing experts out there.  What do you think of the local skydiving outfits advertising efforts?  Makes you want to sign right up doesn't it?

Apparently they are quite successful as this place has been providing me a great deal of entertainment lately. They seem to be constantly dropping people out of airplanes for my personal amusement.  

I don't know the story of this old bird above but I'll bet it's an interesting one.

Still livin' the dream in central Texas.

Phil

Ultimate RV

Attention fellow RVer's.

I'm nominating this beauty as the ultimate RV.  What more could one want?

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

It's a bird ... it's a plane ... it's a

So where do I begin?

Let me tell you about those strange things in the sky.  Actually there are several peculiar things over head and maybe it was the sounds I was hearing at first more than what I saw.  First there was a small airplane circling above.  Engine at full throttle, it began climbing rapidly in a wide circle above.  Around it went, rising higher and higher until I lost sight of it.  My attention waned and I continued my slide into a partial nap while slightly reclined in my chair next to the picnic table outside.

Almost asleep, this odd little sound appeared from above ... not one, not two but a string of puffs of noise that reminded me of someone snapping the wrinkles out of a bed sheet after taking them off the clothes line.  ( I know many of you are far too young to remember but before clothes dryers, people actually hung their clothes outside on a line to dry).  Pooft ... pooft ... pooft ... pooft ... and on it went.  Apparently it was just enough sound that it brought me back to consciousness and I opened my eyes.  Directly above, maybe five thousand feet or so, was a line of skydivers.  The colorful formation of parachutes, eight in total, began forming a huge, but ever dimensioning circle above and were slowly descending.  Now I've been to enough air shows and county fairs to have seen skydivers before but this was almost like it was a personal show just for me.  Our camp is out in the country a bit with few people around and there I was, half awake, head tilted back, a bright blue Texas sky and I was getting my own private skydiving show.  Pretty neat.  As it turned out they slowly drifted further north, landing near a small private airport about a half of mile from me.  But before long another plane repeated the experience this time dropping off four jumpers this time.  By then I found my binoculars and enjoyed the show up close.  This went on for another hour or so ... then I drifted off to sleep again.  Life is good.

I'm not much of a bird watcher but out here in central Texas there a good number of big birds flying around.  Sort of like UAV's (unmanned aerial vehicles),  they float around on the thermal currents looking things to do and probably eat.  A couple zoomed over the other day that forced me to get out the 'bird book' to help identify these large black with white wing tipped critters.  The locals would have had a laugh it I had asked about them as they are pretty common down here but these turkey vultures were interesting to watch.  Not as colorful as skydivers but they do keep the road kill cleaned up.

The next and final aerial mystery happened when we were at the local pecan farm buying some of the delicious native nuts.  BTW there are lots of pecans grown around here and the season is short so we try to stock up.  Anyway we were just leaving the pecan store and I could hear a helicopter flying very close.  It was tightly circling just about the scrub brush across the road when all of a sudden there was gunfire nearby.  Lots of high caliber gun fire.  It was so close you could see it was a shooter hanging out to open side door of the helicopter blasting away. Puffs of smoke from each round fired was silhouetted against the bright blue sky.  Needless to say lots of things were going through my mind as this was all taking place.  Strangely taking cover wasn't one of them but getting closer to see what was happening.  I opened the door to the store and asked the clerk what in the world was going on and he said they were probably shooting wild pigs.  Apparently these ornery little tusked critters like to eat pecans and make a mess of the ground surrounding the nut trees so they were not well liked here in pecan country.

Relieved that they were not shooting at people but pigs, we hopped into the car and looked for a way to get a closer look.  I quickly located a small road leading to a series of building adjacent to the field where all the shooting was going on.  As we approached the building the copter swung around our way, low to the ground with the open door (and gunner) away from us but heading for the barn as we were.
 

We arrived at about the same time as the copter did and as it sat down a person dressed in all black and welding an M4 style semi-automatic emerged from the open door.  One of the ground personnel approached and took the gun and the shooter took off their helmet.  Out from under that menacing black helmet flowed locks of long blond hair.  A women?  Just then another young woman approached our car and wanted to know what we wanted.  I explained my curiosity and said I wrote a travel blog and thought this might make an interesting story.  She was the marketing director of the outfit providing the helicopter and training that satisfied the requirements to license people to shoot things from helicopters here in Texas.  As it turns out, todays trainees were all from a women's shooting club in Austin who each had paid $350 each for the 4 hour training session and live fire helicopter ride.  So the ladies weren't shooting at pigs but at human like targets placed in the brush.  Bet you don't say no to one of these gals if they ask you out on a date.

I guess shooting pigs from the air is a sought after sport, but somewhat costly to undertake.  I was also told that any pigs taken were usually donated to the local food bank so some additional good comes from this unique way of hunting.  I also think the outfit probably trains law enforcement sharpshooters as well but she didn't volunteer that information.  I asked the marketing girl if I could return at a later date and take some pictures and she gave me her number and suggested I give her a call when I could come out.

And so it goes.  Continuing to seek out the weird and unusual while still livin' the dream.

Phil

Okinawa US Army 1966-1967

This is not one of my normal entries but a search for some old Army buddies.  I'm gathering material for a book about my military days and I'm looking for a little help.  In my other website (www.philipdean.zenfolio.com) is a folder named "Okinawa 1966-1967". In it is a series of images I took as an Army photographer while assigned to the 999th Signal Company 1st Special Forces Group based on Okinawa in 1966-1967.  I would like some assistance in locating any of the individuals depicted in the images or who were assigned to that unit during that time.

My poor memory has only given up a few names from that period so if anyone knows the whereabouts  of any of the following individuals please contact me (or have them contact me) through either the 'comments' section of this site or the 'email: send message' section of my photo sites main page:

Person                              Last known location

Ladd Graham                     California
Leroy Daniels                    Alabama
John Sutton                        Michigan
Bob Garrity                        Midwest
David DeAntonio               New York area
Mitch Mitchell                   Texas

So thanks for indulging me on this little excursion into the past.  But please pass the word to friends and family and maybe with a little luck I can get some help on the research.

I'll be back in the swing of things next time with details on strange flying objects in the sky over our coach and our first day trip to Austin.

Still livin' the dream in east central Texas ... and BTW ... It's still in the 80's

Phil

Kicking back

We've circled the wagons.  The horses are tied up and the beans are cooking on the campfire. 

The sun was blazing away this morning against a very blue sky and it was 34 degrees.  No ... we're not in Michigan, but in central Texas.  Yup.  Down here in the land of longhorns, bluebonnets, beef brisket, and all things big and wonderful.

It's been a long haul getting here ... some 1600 miles, but we've had a good time.  I noted in our last entry we were in Hot Springs Arkansas and on our journey west, we passed to the east of Dallas and on down I35 through Waco and Austin. 

We spent a couple of nights in Waco because we were physically and mentally drained from the traffic from Dallas south.  I also had a chance or two to use my big air horns along the way too.  I always enjoy that.  Of course I received a honk or two myself, as well as an assortment of widely recognized hand gestures, but we managed to get through without any damage to the coach.  But it was trying on the nerves.

Here's a shot of our coaches at the I35 RV Park north or Waco.
(www.i35rvpark.com)

By the way ... this park is a nice stop-over if you're heading south to the Rio Grande Valley.  It's not fancy but they have big pull-thru sites and a great FREE breakfast served by some of the friendliest folks you'll ever run across.  Rates are reasonable and the laundry and showers are neat as a pin.  One other little (?) attraction you find here is probably best described as a good example of a "dogs life".  This old guy has got it made.

We did venture out for a bite to eat and ended up at a place called BJ's.  I think it's a chain as we saw others along the way ... but it was worth stopping at.  Very interesting menu with more than enough choices of libation.  Check out the bar.  More beers, tequilas and vodkas than you can shake a stick at.

We cruised around Waco a bit and it had surely changed since I was last here in the early 50's.  My family was driving north from Austin then and drove into the town about and hour after a huge tornado almost completely destroyed the town.  Store merchandise was scattered everywhere as Dad dodged the debris driving through the downtown.  It was an event that is still very vivid in my memory.  I even have the 8mm movies he took while we were passing through.

Some follow-up on the camp we're at now.  Leisure Park in Fentress Texas (www.leisurecamp.net), is about 15 miles east of San Marcos which in turn is located roughly between Austin and San Antonio off I35.  The access road off FM80 is rough and bumpy but the setting here is very pleasant with the park located on the banks of the San Marcos River.  A very clear aquifer fed river that stays a constant 72 degrees year around. We were looking for a quite place to unwind for a while and this might just be the place.  And did I mention the price?  Well if I told you ... you would not believe me, so I won't.  But it's a good deal.

One other little note ... I couldn't help myself yesterday and called my son-in-law Scott to rub in the fact that I was sitting in Black's BBQ joint in Lockhart about 10 miles from where we are staying.  You see Scott and I were at this very place a couple of years ago on our personal pilgrimage to the beef brisket capitol of the world and sample the wares of the best-of-the-best BBQ places. Not disappointed, I had again ordered the brisket and a little smoked turkey and it was as juicy and tender as before. I washed it all down with a cold Shiner Bock and life is indeed good.  And as a special treat, the co-owner of this 80 year old establishment Kent Black, gave us a personal tour of the back kitchen where all the action was.  Brick smokers, built by his Dad back in the 1940's, are still in use today and are able to keep up with todays heavy traffic at the restaurant.  They strictly use post oak wood to fire the smokers.  A very dense oak, it got its name from it regional use as fence posts.  Kent told me they usually serve about 5,000 customers a week so I think is at least a ton of meat each and every week.  The clientele ranges from folks right off the ranch to gents in three piece suit. Of  course we looked like typical Midwesterners ... whatever that means.

So we're off to a good start this winter.  Stay tuned for more good stuff.

Still livin' the dream but now will a belly full of that goooooooood beef brisket.

Phil


Ouachita Mountains retreat

I stumbled across our next overnight camp through a little browsing on the net. We'd been in the Hot Springs Arkansas area several years ago and thought it was worth a return trip. Rich with history ranging from ex President Bill Clinton's boyhood home to the famous hot springs that provided the healing mineral waters for the various health spas located here ... this is a neat place. Catherines Landing RV Park (www.catherineslanding.rvcoutdoors.com) is located on a mile long stretch of shoreline on Lake Catherine in central Arkansas and is about five miles from the center of town. Very well maintained and all the good stuff you'd expect from an upscale RV camp. We're in an end pull-thru site overlooking the lake about 100 feet away.

We had but a short amount of time to look around the area so I'll have fill you in later on what we find.

Still livin' the dream in the Ouachita Mountains.

Phil

Tom's place

Thanksgiving day.  Our rig is parked on the banks of the Mississippi River in West Memphis Arkansas (just across the river from Memphis Tennessee). We arrived at the Tom Sawyer's RV Park (www.tomsawyersrvpark.com) mid afternoon and settled in at our site.  About a sand wedge from waters edge, I could now better understand why Mark Twain admired this national treasure so much.  Even though the water level is as low as its been in years, the power of this flow is still mighty.  Within just a few minutes a large tug boat was guiding a barge downstream past our rig.  You hear and feel the tugs engines straining to aligned this floating truck to the rivers center where the water was the deepest.  So close ... so close you could see the captain working away at the helm.  This is good stuff for me folks.

Since we had been traveling all day we had completely missed the big traditional meal we usually have on the holiday.  Snacks on the road just aren't the same as turkey and all the trimmings.  So we did a little checking and found a casino/race track (guess who found this place?) about 3 miles away that was serving a traditional turkey dinner.  They also threw in some roast beef and catfish just to spice things up a bit.  I know we were all extra hungry but this food was fantastic.  One of the best casino buffets we'd ever had.  And priced at $11.95 ... seems like it was 1982.  

We're off to Hot Springs Arkansas tomorrow for a few days stay.  We are expecting a little rain tonight but clearing and cooler.  It was in the 70's here today and we like that.

So I hope you all awoke from your afternoon nap in time to get to bed early cause' all those big pre Christmas sales are already underway.

Still livin' the dream and wishing I had some leftovers to snack on.

Phil

Another stop along the way

Just a couple of hours down the road and we're now at Whittington Woods Campground (www.whittingtonwoodscampground.com) near Benton Illinois.  A well kept, wooded property with big pull-thru sites, a small rental cottage or two, RV supplies and a surprise.  After taking care of the paper work Sharon emerged from the office clutching a half dozen eggs.  A welcoming gift that we really welcomed.  After pulling into our site I began hooking things up and was greeted by several large, friendly chickens.

Clucking around the coach ... looking for whatever morsel we park newbies carried in, they were eager for a handout but soon discovered they were clucking up to the wrong rooster.  I stopped carrying chicken feed years ago ... just wasn't worth it.  Accomplished and well mannered, they (I neglected to learn their names)  didn't make pests of themselves and soon wandered off to greet the next RV coming in.  Within just a few minutes a Canadian couple, who I think they (the chickens of course) knew, arrived and before long I over heard them talking about the grain futures market.  Ya' know ... those Canadians can just about talk to anybody!  Next to arrive was Bill and June.  Delayed at the repair shop in Effingham, they're now the proud new owners of a shiny, brand new A/C unit for their rig.  Bill is beginning to learn the ways of the ancient ones ... The journey of a thousand miles begins but with a new Discover card.

I'm at a loss to figure out how we manage to attract people who so ardently dislike birds.  You know ... those beautiful little creatures that seem lighter than air, graceful beyond description, and sing the melodies of nature.  It may seem a little odd but the previous two years our dear friend Carol and hubby Jim divulged a secret that she has a total disdain for our feathered friends since she was a little girl. I swear she is the first person I had ever met that didn't like those sweet little things.   O' contra ire ... how wrong was I!  No sooner than Bill and June pulled into the park yesterday I discover the second person in the world who hates birds.  June.  Yes June.  Now my plans to visit all the aviaries in the Mississippi River watershed are dashed.  Oh darn! But what about all the quarters I'd saved to buy birdseed from those little dispensers?  Maybe I can better use the money elsewhere ... perhaps a slot machine in Biloxi. 

We've spent a little time looking around the area and discovered as usual, there is something unique just about every place we go. At Bill and June's urging we made a stop at the regional center for the arts.  A very classy facility with a wide selection of art works from Illinois artist.  From wood furniture to pottery to quilts and metal work ... something for everyone and every pocketbook. Traveling on we made a short visit at nearby Rend Lake.  A beautiful body of pristine water originally created back in the 1950's as a water storage reservoir for the region.  Today, there were a number of fishing boats plying the waters for the local catch.

Next stop was to Pleasant Hollow Winery (www.pleasanthollowwineries.com).  A large regional wine producer who just happened to have a very nice hospitality house that provided samples of all there products.  Not wanting to miss out on anything free, we bellied up to the bar and sampled away. A short time later we walked out the door with about 6 bottles of their finest (or so we think) in tow and headed off for our next adventure.

Heading south a few miles is the lively little town of Benton.  And located within the Chamber of Commerce building is a very small museum that housed several old cars, one of which was more interesting than I had planned on seeing.  Sitting there was a 1916 Dort.

Manufactured in Flint Michigan, this car was part of the history of the area I have lived in for almost 40 years.  Pretty special find for me.  In addition, there was a very unusual set of photographs illustrating the last official hanging held in the county.  The series of 6 photographs clearly showed the guy, prior to being hanged, laughing and joking with the crowd before his demise.  The museum spokesperson went on to tell the story behind hanging and told us the gallows was still located next to the old jail just a block away.  Never having seen a real gallows live (who has?) it was kind of creepy but still interesting.  I guess every city should have tourist attraction ... but a gallows?

Just so you know ... we did eat out while in the area.  Actually we ate out three times.  Unusual for us as we ate at the same place each time.  The only place you'll find the name of the Whittington Café is on a hand made sign inside the café.  The locals refer to the building that it's located in as the 'Zone'.  The café is sandwiched between the Shell station and an un-named tavern.  They say you can't judge a book by its cover and even though this was not much more than a big room with tables and chairs, and a grill with a cook in tennis shoes and a t-shirt, the food was pretty good and priced right. Our waitress Mandy was a gem with a great sense of humor and completely honest about what food on the menu was worth ordering.  I'd give you their website but they don't have one.  So if you're in the area ask for that place to eat at the Zone.

Finally ... A Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.  Safe travels.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

Hiccup

A prophet I am, I say.  Or so it seems.

Yesterday I was commenting that Camp Lakewood was worth staying at more than single night and little did I know that we're getting another chance to spend a night here.  It seems that my friend Bill had a little 'gothca' this morning as were about to leave.  The drive belt for the A/C unit, engine fan and water pump gave way and he wasn't going anywhere.  With more than a little luck he found a local repair shop that could do the job.  Since those units are not shelf items, the best they could promise was one shipped over-night.  If it doesn't arrive in the morning, or is the correct part, then the wait will extend till next Monday!  Happy Thanksgiving.  So we wait.  But really no big deal.  What else we got to do.

Still livin' the dream ... but maybe on hold for a day or so.

Phil

Over hill, over dale

Whew!  385 miles today!  Our second day on the road and I need to ease into this travelling routine.  I'm pooped from driving.  We looped around south of Chicago and even though it was Sunday traffic, it's not for the faint hearted.

We actually got started last Saturday after some needed improvements to the coach, a new transmission for the tow car and a desire to get out of town before the snow flies.  A couple of flakes floating around is about all it takes and we're in high gear getting ready to head south.  As it turns out we worked up a sweat for nothing as above normal temps and clear skies were forecasted for the next week or so.    Anyway, we were off on the first leg of our journey ... a short over-nighter to Battle Creek to visit family.  We even stayed at our favorite, invitation only, private RV park .  You won't find it in Woodalls or Rand McNally, but John's Luxury Parking lot worked out just fine.  Thanks again John boy. 

Our friends Bill and June got a days head start on us so we decided to meet in Effingham Illinois at Camp Lakewood  www.camplakewoodcampground.com and continue the trip from there.  It's our second or third stop at this park and it just a nice place to stop.  The owners, Brian and Vanessa Caton and easy going and make you feel right at home.  Right off Interstate 57, it's tucked back in the woods aside a small lake.  Actually it might be a place you may want to spend a couple of days here.

Tomorrow we're headed towards Memphis.  Don't know where we're going ... but who cares.

Still livin' the dream,

Phil

Gettin' ready ... Again

Can you believe it?  We're almost back!

In another day or so we'll be on the road again.  Summer's a distant memory, most of the two million leaves in my yard are bagged, my tow car is getting a fresh transmission, our coach has got new awnings and we're ready to hit the road.

So where are we going?  Well ... after much consternation, we decided to sort of repeat the general route we took our first year on the road some 5 years ago.  Head down the Mississippi Valley, then head west.  Checking out the nooks and crannies of Americana, seeking out that grubby little eatery with the unforgettable food and stumbling into the lives of everyday folks, who at times, will have great stories to share.  Some I can re-tell ... others best left for a night around the campfire.

We'll make a turn westerly towards Hot Springs Arkansas (maybe even dig for diamonds again) then SW to the Austin Texas area... lay low for a few days then begin exploring the culturally rich Austin area.    Our good friends Bill and June are joining us for their first post retirement winter trip so it will be great to have them nearby.  After a time we'll head back east along the gulf coast ... Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, then up to Hilton Head Island ... Then back to South Haven Michigan to our summer lair at Cousins RV park around the first of May.

That's the plan but who knows ... If the weather turns sour maybe we'll head off somewhere else.
So hang with us along the way and I'll do my best to keep it interesting.

Still livin' dream

Phil

Pickin' and Grinin'

Lots of family and friends things have been going on lately. And even a little RV stuff.

Maybe I'll start with the RV stuff.  I made my monthly inspection of the chassis and house batteries.  I think of all the things RV folks have to deal with, battery caused problems rank among the most common that we deal with.  With eight batteries on board, located on both sides and ends of our coach, it takes me about an hour to clean them up and check their condition.  As I worked my way through the checkout I finally got to the last bank of house batteries.  All was good up to there but as soon as I looked at the two batteries I quickly noticed they were bulging out at the sides.  According to the manufacturer (to whom I later talked to) some bulging is okay on AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) unit but what wasn't okay was they were hot to the touch and were showing signs of leaking at the vents.  Not normal since there was little load on them while hooked to shore power for the past several months.  Two very serious problems that prompted me to find some replacements.  As luck would have it, one of the local marinas could get me a pair the very next day so a solution was at hand.  I picked them up the next morning and later installed the pair in about 30 minutes.  Actually installing them took a little longer as I had to wait for my neighbor Charlie to helped me lift them up into the battery tray.  As each battery weighs around 135 pounds, those younger muscles sure came in handy.  So with a little luck, any near-term electrical problems are averted and life is good.

So with the sweaty job of battery installation behind me,  Sharon and I decided to stock up on some of the local raspberries so we returned to nearby Riverbend Farms (www.greatberries.net).  Run by young Ryan Morgan, this well developed operation gets better every year.  Ryan met us after we arrived and pointed out where the best picking was.  He even gave us some lessons on which berries were ripe enough to pick and how to pick them.  Our first stop was at the black berry area and quickly filled 8 pints in about  10 minutes.  Now that's good pickin'.  Moving on, the red raspberries, the second seasonal batch,  were not quite as plentiful but we still managed to pick 6 pints in short order.  Sharon prepared them when we got back to the coach and now they sit waiting in the dark freezer for me to pluck them out for my next fruit salad.

You can see the size difference.  Ryan said that the blackberries have actually gotten smaller as the season progressed.  The first ones were near walnut size.

So what else have we been doing .... well ... my two grand daughters each had very special days recently. My eldest Allison, was off to college.  Leaving the comforts of those high school days and the warmth of home to join her fellow freshmen at Grand Valley State University in Allendale Michigan.  We're all very proud of her and know she is success bound.  Our youngest grand daughter Lola, celebrated her 2nd birthday.  She too is experiencing new things every day and is probably the smartest and prettiest 2 year old I know.  She will continue to mature and we all look forward to her journey to her first day college.  Only about 16 years away.

The summer season is now over here in South Haven.  The crowds are gone ... the beaches are not near as crowded but the sunsets are just as beautiful, the restaurants are easier to get into, and life and mood in town is finally slowing down.  We actually enjoy this time of the year here and it gives us the opportunity to slow down a little ourselves and enjoy our friends here in camp.  Some have already headed for their wintering spots but others will stay on, like us into October.  The fall color change will be soon upon us and accompanied by cooler weather.  It's been a good season.

Still livin' the dream at the end of summer on the sunset coast of Michigan.

Phil

Up, up and away

Airplanes.

From my earliest memories I have enjoyed talking about, watching, and being around airplanes.   Seldom in my travels have I passed an air museum that I didn't visit and the sight of anything flying always catches my attention.  Even though I've grown to dislikes heights and the experience of another commercial flight, I'm still fascinated with flight.  So when neighbor Don came knocking at my door with an invitation to attend the local South Haven air show ...  I was all in.  As it turned out, quite a few folks from the RV park decided to join in on the festivities.

I attended last years show but this year was far better attended with more WWII war planes and many many more private aircraft.  All lined up on the grass or tarmac, I tried to visit them all to marvel at the technology, regardless of how old they were.  Just the thought of strapping into one of the old fabric covered winged chariots and escaping the surely bonds of earth get one a little tingly.

Though there were several highlights of the show (sky divers, a pancake breakfast, antiques cars) the premo' attraction was a vintage WWII B-17 bomber.  Shiny and immaculately maintained, this magnificent war bird is still really something to see.  Just sitting on the tarmac or making a low level pass, I can only imagine what a sight it would be with the sky filled with them during the war.  The plane is now stationed at an air museum at Willow Run Airfield (near Detroit) and is flown and maintained by a bunch of guys whose love of flying is infectious.  More than happy to answer any question or tell great old flying stories, this group of airman are doing all they can to preserve the tradition and pride of one of America's greatest aircraft.

With so few B-17's left on the planet, and even less that are air worthy, having it make an appearance at the South Haven Air Show is really special.  And if you had an extra $400+ plus bucks in your pocket you could get a ride in it.

The old bird can still draw a crowd

Low level pass at 200ft

Two old Navy (not the clothing store types) fighter planes with matching paint were parked near the B17 and beside the interesting nose art (you know...images of skimpily clad pin-up girls), had markings on their rudders that indicated they were at one time based at Guantanamo Bay Cuba.  My guess is that they were pretty rare birds as well.

Gitmo Baby

On the 'civilian' side of the show were a number of really neat private aircraft.  And one in particular caught my eye.  Owned by South Haven's very own Don Woodhams was a 1948 Temco Swift.  Its 125hp motor would pull this gleaming beauty upwards to 160mph.  With retractable gear, this little hot rod of the skies had a range of around 1000 miles.  Small and compact, Mr Woodhams classic is what I'd call the epitome of private aircraft ownership.  I wish I had had the chance to talk to the owner in person as I understand he has two more aircraft in his fleet (one a 1941 Aeronca 65-ca).

Temco Swift 125

Swift's cockpit

Some of the other highlights that caught my eye.

I not sure if this is a Piper or Taylorcraft or ? ... but it sure was sweet.

Piper

So if you are ever in the South Haven Michigan area at the time it celebrates its annual Blueberry Festival, one of the neat things you can do is check out the airport air show.  It's a hoot.

So there you have it folks ... another day goofing off with friends and taking pictures and loving airplanes.

Yup!  I'm still livin' the dream.

Phil

Around our little world

Just to add a little spice to our trip east, we decided to drive through Canada and return through the states.  Not that we don't enjoy Canada, after all it cuts over three hours from the trip each way, but we wanted to see some different scenery along the way.  Besides circumnavigating two of our Great Lakes sounded more adventuresome ... even though our trip would be on land.

We got to thinking (actually over-thinking) about the route through Canada as both of our passports had recently expired and we'd heard that we'd need something more than a drivers license and a birth certificate to get in and out.  We scurried around looking at various options ranging from changing the route to getting a new $45 'enhanced' drivers license now available here in Michigan.  We stopped by the Secretary of States office to get one of the enhanced variety only to find the place packed with customers.  Not wanting to wait, we headed home and Sharon made some phone calls and discovered that our expired passports were still acceptable so we decided it was better to 'enhance' our wallets than the State of Michigan.

Our documentation worked beautifully and we buzzed along to our first stop in Engersoll Ontario.  Since the exchange rate is now unfavorable to the US dollar, it costs us about 10% more for the room.  It was an okay room, probably a 3 star example.

We travelled all the next day arriving at my sister's place on Upper Saranac Lake New York about 5:45 in the afternoon.  As luck would have it everyone was just getting ready to go out to eat and since we were hungry, we quickly got ready and headed towards Lake Placid even though we were not very presentable after travelling all day.

We were dining at a place adjoining the Lake Placid Lodge called "Artisans".  Since I occasionally fancy myself as an artist, and it appeared to be a quaint little bistro to break bread with other art types,  it seemed like a good spot to stop.  I had forgotten my beret and canvas but what the heck, why not give it a try.  http://www.lakeplacidlodge.com/dining/artisans/ 

Overlooking a very placid Lake Placid, this was not a place to eat if you've just come in from the slopping the hogs.  A little more upscale than our usual haunts with all types of uniformed folks scurrying around helping you with seating, picking wine, de-crumbing the table and all other nice little things to make your stay more comfortable.  We were seated on the lakeside porch (probably because I had been driving all day and the onshore breeze would keep the air fresh) with the table covered with wine glasses of all types and sizes.  Thankfully the hired help knew what to do them so I just sat back and let the wine pouring begin.  Shortly after a few rounds of drinks we placed our orders and soon thereafter the restaurant staff paraded out with a special treat from the chef.  Placed on an oversize 15" plate was a slice of radish so thin it looked like a bloodshot contact lens.  Atop that was a generous 1 inch piece of arugula.  Resting ever so gently next to the radish and greenery was a razor thin piece of meat about 2 inches long.  Delicately dribbled over this little trio was a yellowish cream maybe made of something mixed with something else.  As I glanced around the table I quickly knew that I was the only one who had no clue what was on the plate.  Not wanting to play my stupid card, I silently but swiftly stabbed the little pile of stuff and popped it into my mouth trying to appear suave and all knowing.  Not bad actually ...  "do you suppose I should ask for another?"  Well ... maybe not.  I did learn that the meat was smoked duck.  Tasty but I hope they were paying the dishwasher a little extra for his cleanup effort that night.

Shortly our entrees arrived (I ordered a chicken dish) and we were all pleased with our selections and it turned out to be a very nice evening out.  Luckily we had found enough returnable cans along the roads while still in Michigan as the bill was not for the faint-hearted.

Day two was a good old kick-back day with nothing scheduled but a leisurely boat ride in my sisters electric launch.  Cold drinks to tame the heat of the day and a lowering sun made for calm cruise around Upper Lake Saranac.  I could get used to this.

Admiral Bob at the tiller

Here's part of the crew as we puttered around the shoreline imbibing and snacking.  Not surprisingly we're all pretty good at it.

One of the traditions of Upper Lake Saranac is the Fourth of July wood boat parade.  Lead by the lake's very own fire boat (not wood), about 15 classic Chris Crafts, Gar Woods, Hacker Crafts, and Century's get in line and parade around the 7 mile long lake.  My brother-in-law has a drop dead beautiful 22 foot Chris Craft that we all had piled into and, with a rather large container of freshly created Bloody Marys,  cruised off waving our flags, and hands at all the folks on shore helping us celebrate our nation's holiday.  A beautiful day and a great time was had by all.

The Upper Lake Saranac fleet

1st mates Sharon and Susie

Not surprisingly our visit to my sisters for the annual "Brothers and Sisters" get together was a big success.  We certainly appreciate the hospitality.

We planned to return home through the US hugging the southern Lake Erie shore line and taking in all the fantastic wine country in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.  We ended up finding a room in Erie PA only after stopping a few other places and discovering we weren't the only tourist on vacation.  Unfortunately the place we found was attached to one of those wild water indoor parks and the place was filled with kids who were so hyped up it was a struggle for us to get to sleep.  We're going to return to this area sometime in the near future.  We'd passed far too many wine tasting rooms not to.

Heading out early in the morning we had about 8 hours to get home so we somehow found time to stop at the new casino in Toledo.  As far as casinos go it was nice, but not many folks there on a weekday.  And a pleasant prize was in store for us.  We broke even and had sense enough to leave and finish our trip home.

So another adventure.  Safe and sound.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

And away we go

Another day trip is under our belt. (in more ways than one). But no use jumping to the end of the story so early.

We've made the decision to remove the j-couch in the coach (cleaver wording eh!) and replace it with a new recliner. Not that there was much wrong with the old couch but I really needed a better place to plunk down and think about world hunger and space travel and other things of that magnitude. Nothing fancy ... just a chair that I could fall asleep in in something under 10 minutes. We'd actually begun the chair search about a year ago and have tried out quite a few but nothing (other than that $3500 model) felt good enough to buy. Since there was not much chance in me spending that much cash on a chair we needed to find something. We've committed to have the couch taken out in a couple of weeks when in for annual service, so now we have to quicken the pace in finding that 'perfect', affordable chair.

A little internet work and a few phone calls later we decided to head to RV Mecca (you know ... Elkhart Indiana) to check out a few places that made furniture for the RV industry.

So bright and early we headed south to Elkhart. About an 80 mile trip through the farm lands of northern Indiana. Cows and Deere's, horses and buggies. The corn was already above knee high and could be seen by the hundreds of acres everywhere.

I had created a short list of places to visit and plugged the addresses into the GPS and the search began.

First stop was a factory about 15 miles south of Elkhart. Clean and well maintained outside, I was sure this was going to be a worthwhile stop. Upon entering the spacious, well appointed lobby, I spied the receptionist and politely asked where the showroom was. She quickly noted that they just make the furniture there and did not have a show room. For that, I would need to go back into town to one of the retail stores that sold their products. I'm now thinking that maybe I can work that stop in later in the day but thought I'd at least get something so I asked her if she had ever sat in one of the chairs I was interested in buying. "Oh no sir" she replied. "They don't allow us to sit in the chairs we build here and as a matter of fact I've never even seen one". So now I'm thinking maybe this wasn't just a good idea after all and headed back to the car. Our next stop took us about 10 miles further west ... down more country roads ... past a number of well groomed Amish farms, and black buggies with black horse pulling them along side the road.

Our GPS had us turn down an unpaved road and indicated that the next location was about another 1/2 mile or so to our next destination.

We pulled up to a well maintained building in the middle of farm country. With not a car in the parking lot the row of bicycles hinted that this was an Amish run business. We walked inside only to find a big room with lots of furniture but no people. We browsed around for about ten minutes and finally a young Amish woman appeared and offered help. I had a number of questions that she couldn't readily answer to she went to the back and summoned the owner. A tall bearded man in his mid 30's joined us and introduced himself as the owner. We discussed my concerns and we proceeded to try out about every chair in the show room as we talked. Sharon and I both were impressed with the quality, selection and price and decided to buy two of the chairs and a small table. Each properly sized for our respective butts. Since all the furniture is custom built, we'd have to wait until mid-July to get them. We provided a small down payment and each took a little sigh of relief that our hunt for comfortable chairs was over.

As some of you may already know, chair hunting does work up an appetite so we headed back to Elkhart to find something new. As we motored along I passed this big restaurant out in the middle of nowhere that looked pretty good but be drove along for another mile or so before a light bulb went off and said maybe I should turn around and give that place a try. Luckily there was a small business up ahead to make the turn and as luck would have it it was another Amish place that made furniture. However this time it was outdoor furniture make from engineered plastic composites. Wow! what a selection of chairs, tables, kids play houses ... all available in every color of the rainbow. We browsed around a bit and found a number of pieces we liked but since we'd already committed all our furniture money at the last stop we noted the location and headed back to the restaurant. Arriving at the eatery we went inside and quickly noticed aisle upon aisle of homemade cookies, pies, jams, and canned fruit of kind and description. Beyond the back counter was a bevy of young women in white hats and long gingham dresses scurrying around making sandwiches, baking breads and pies and other things all good and wonderful. We each picked out a sandwich and with a few minutes of the young girls brought out our order. The place was clean. The prices were very reasonable. The the food was great.

Since we had made a commitment to ourselves to at least stop at the remaining stores on our list we continued on and after the last stop knew that we had not been hasty, and had indeed purchased from the right manufacturer. It was a good day.

So another day trip is behind us and we finally have some new chairs on the way ...

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

Preparation

We're heading out to upstate New York to visit my sister at the 2nd annual Brother's and Sister's weekend over the 4th of July so what better a time than to get the coach into the shop for a little service and extra TLC.  Since my grand daughters graduation reception is just prior to the trip east, we figured we could get a few important things done before driving the old Trail Blazer across Canada to northern NY.

Speaking of my grand daughter Allison  ... and certainly not to brag ... she is one bright cookie.  Not only a honors graduate but she also received several scholarships to attend Grand Valley State University.  She has a bright future ahead of her and will certainly continue to make her entire family proud.

I'd created my usual check list for all the things I needed checked out on the coach.  I'm sure the service people know all the right things to do but they make me feel better by listening to all my little suggestions and ideas.  We got the coach across the state without incident, or so we thought.  Arriving on the outskirts of Flint we tackled the famous I69 pothole challenge course that continues for several miles.  Three lanes of divots and bomb craters that would probably seem right at home in Baghdad.  Well I can tell you there were few of these shock busting holes I missed and before the couple of miles passed the damage was done. I could feel something had given way.  Oh well ... at least I was almost in sight of the repair shop.  I limped into their parking lot, unhooked the toad and checked in.  I think they were kidding when they mentioned that they could now think about taking an early retirement now that my coach was there. They laughed.  I pretended I didn't hear them.

So as we drove away from our mobile living quarters for the past 8 months, we were a little sad but also a little apprehensive as to what possible problem awaited us when we arrived at our house.  Since previous trips have surprised us with everything from floods to raccoon infestation when arriving after a trip, we are just a little edgy pulling into the drive. As luck would have it this time all was well at the home front.  What a relief.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil

Things to do this summer

Lots of activities here in South Haven this weekend. Harborfest (www.southhavenharborfest.com) began today and the weather couldn't be better.  Temps in the mid-80's and blue skies await festival goers as the unofficial start of summer begins here in Southwest Michigan.  On the shores of the Black River, in downtown South Haven with of backdrop of sail and motor boats, crafters of all types have lined the waterway with their tents filled with treasures of all things cleaver and artsy.  And did I mention the food tents?  I can personally attest to the pulled pork sandwich from one of the local merchants.  As good as any Texas pork I've ever had.

And if you're in the mood for a little fun and lots of chaos, come down and watch teams of 10 folks with big wooden paddles in colorfully painted boats churn up the water in the annual dragon boat races.  Stroking to the beat of war drums, these hardy oars people race up and down the river to the excitement of the cheering crowds.  The Vikings would be proud.

I think I have finally solved my annual problem of dying flowers.  We buy flower baskets to hang and annuals to plant around our lot and we then occasionally leave, to either go back home or visit other parts of the state.  Sometimes I remember to ask one of my neighbors to water them ... sometimes I forget.  When I forget ... the plants die.  Or at least look like they have.  So this year I've built a neat little watering system that not only waters the hanging baskets but also the flower boxes ... and even the lawn.  Since we return to the same lot each year I thought it worthwhile to keep the place looking decent even when we're not here so this little system should be helpful.

Off to the local irrigation company I go and before long I have a battery powered timer, a bunch of 1/2" tubing, and couple of handfuls of little miniature sprayers and drippers and a vague idea of what I was going to build.  I laid out and buried the 1/2" tubing creating two different watering zones.  One zone each in the front and back of my site.  I then added fittings so as I could hook a common garden hose back to the faucet. On the faucet I added the timer and a pressure reducer to bring the water pressure down to 25 psi.  That effort pretty well took up the first day.  The next morning I began adding the sprayers and other watering fixtures around the site.  It looked all set to try but once I turned the water on I soon discovered which fittings hadn't been tightened down so well.  Water was squirting in all the wrong places but after a little tightening, the system finally settled in to what I had planned.  So call it cleaver and an engineering marvel or just an exercise in just how lazy retirees can get, but the flowers and grass are thriving during the current drought and heat wave we are experiencing.

So twice a day, for about five minutes, I find my lawn chair, and with a cold drink in hand, observe the fruits of my labor.  Water spraying around and making everything green.  I can thank my old neighbor Mel for pointing out the pleasures of lawn watering to me several years ago.  He certainly had it right.

So the lazy days of summer are upon us and life is good.

Still livin' the dream,

Phil

A little of this ... a little of that

Okay already.   I've been a little remiss in writing but we have been busy.  Family gatherings, birthday celebrations, the normal medical checkups ... the list goes on. 

I've recently set up my ham radio station at the park and have enjoyed a little chatting around the globe with some of my fellow 'hams'.  One of my first contacts was with a commercial airline pilot flying 146 passengers in an Airbus 320 from Saint Lucia to Toronto.  He was headed north, about 150 miles off the coast of New York city at 37,000 ft.  I've not had the opportunity to talk with any 'jet jockeys' ( or as us hams call them ... 'air mobiles' ) before so this was a real treat.  I also managed to install an underground watering system for my plants at the sight we're parked on.  Since we'll be gone a bit this summer I thought it might save the flowers.  It really isn't all that fancy ... just fun to do. When I leave in the fall I'll just disconnect the hoses and it will be ready for next spring.  We're also getting ready to take the coach in for service.  You know ... just a few things that will still cost an arm and a leg but need to be done. We're looking for a new recliner for the coach as well.  Something for my butt to relax in after a long day of relaxing on the patio. 

Just a short note on this evenings activities.  My grand daughter Allison will graduate from high school next week but tonight was the annual honors program for outstanding seniors.  A packed auditorium with beaming parents and grand parents was filled with joy, happiness, and pride for those honored. I don't know how many kids were being honored but it was a magnificent evening with many receiving scholarship awards (including my grand daughter) that will certainly help in financing these next four years.  I must admit that I've been a little down on kids in general for lack of initiative (some may call it laziness), and not knowing what they want to do with their lives, but not this group of young adults.  This single Michigan high school senior class was awarded over $2.4 million dollars in scholarship money this year alone.  When the principal announced that giant number we were all stunned.  So my faith in the younger generation is now soaring and with great pride we are eager to see Allison and her classmates grow and prosper. 

So there you have it ... the short version.

Still livin' the dream and so happy to see my grand daughter livin' hers.

Phil

DIY ... Not!

Saving money on repairs occasionally creeps into every rv'ers mind and a few days ago it found its way to me.  It wasn't going to be a big thing ... like overhauling the transmission (doesn't need it anyway) or repainting the coach (needs it but can't afford it) but something more modest ... something that's simple that I can use my vast knowledge of repairing things.

You see my windshield wiper blades needed replacing and the wiper arms needed painting so ... how hard can that be?  I asked.  Take them off, scrub them up with a little sandpaper, get a can of spray paint and presto'-chango'. Good as new.

So I dug out the tool box and started the project.  First order of business was to take off the wiper blades.  Pretty simple stuff until I found that mine were bolted to the arm with a very small shoulder bolt.  I found the right tools and, with the confidence of Donald Trump at a cocktail party, quickly and surely managed to twist the rusty bolt in half thus ruining it.  Oh well ... at least I got it off.  After my first little mishap, the removal went smoothly but after looking at the arms, I thought why not take them to a powder coater to make them really look good.  I tried out powder coating while in Florida to refurbish my metal heating vents in the coach and they turned out better than new.  In a nut shell, powder coating is applying a powdered paint (sort of like talcum powder) to the electrically charge metal part.  The charge attracts the paint and it clings to the metal.  The part is then baked in an oven whereas the paint is melted onto the metal thus leaving a smooth, even coat.

So the next day I found a nearby company that did powder coating and stopped by for an estimate.  'Sorry', the lady at the counter said.  The estimator was out of the office but if I would leave my name and phone number he would call me later.  Day turned to night and no phone call so I thought I'd pay them another visit the following morning.  After a short meeting with the estimator, he said they could do the job later in the week for $25.  A little high I thought, but I said okay.  He said he'd be happy to do the job  but the wiper arms needed to be sandblasted first and they didn't do that type of work but said to try a couple of other local companies who could.  Fifteen minutes later I was at the door of the first prospect.  A greying elderly woman looked over her glasses and after I said what I wanted, she said in a slightly irritated voice, "What?" "What made you think we did that kind of work?"  I explained that she was recommended by the other company but she replied,  "we're a lawn maintenance company and we have a sand blaster ... but that's just for cleaning our lawn mowers!"...  So we parted company and I was off to what I'd hoped, was a real sandblasting outfit.

After another ten-minute drive, I arrived at the second shop and found a worker standing in the drive.  I could see by the equipment around the place that they did do sandblasting so I was getting excited that I might finally get this part of the job done.  I explained what I needed and he went on to tell me of the intricacies of what I was asking him to do.  I've done a little sandblasting years ago and do know that this was about a ten-minute job at best.  Apparently he was used to doing bulldozers and tanks, as this was apparently high precision for him.  He led me into the office and shuffled some papers around then said that he wasn't authorized to give out estimates but his boss would call me later; however, he did think that it would be about $25 to do the sandblasting. Again an outrageous estimate, but just an estimate from a worker-be so I thought I'd leave him the parts and wait to hear from the boss.  True to form the boss didn't call that day so I went back the following morning and finally found him.  I questioned him about the wiper arms and he gave the feeling that he didn't know what I was talking about, but after wandering around a bit, he found them in a pile of other parts awaiting blasting.  No paperwork but I said those belonged to me.  He looked them over and said he maybe could get to them in a day or so and that would be about $15 each or about $30.  OMG are these guys nuts I thought?  $55 bucks total to sand and paint a pair of wiper arms!

I wasn't a math major in college but I immediately figured about $6 dollars for a can of spray paint, a little emery paper and a little elbow grease and this crazy idea of sandblasting and powder coating would soon be a distant memory.  The sandblaster boss guy apparently read my mind and silently handed over my parts.  I said "thanks" and told him I'd figured out something else.

So having derailed my train of great ideas, I now had to buckle down and ... do it myself.  Off to the big box store to buy my supplies I went.  Flat black paint, a little sandpaper and I almost forgot, that broken bolt need to be replaced.  Of course the big box store didn't have the proper bolt so I went to the local hardware store that didn't have the bolt either.  Since we were going back to our home across the state,  I waited until we got home and found a place that had the bolt I thought I needed.  Then, back across the state I went a few days later with my new treasure.

It was a beautiful bright day and a great day to finish up this project, I thought.  I got all the parts and pieces together and after sanding and painting the wiper arms it was time to get started with the assembly.  Murphy's Law has always been my closest partner and today was no exception.  To start with, the special shoulder bolts that I ran all over hell's half acre to find were an 1/8" of an inch too short.  This discovery set off a chain of events that included sawing, hammering, pounding, three more trips out for more parts and the help of one other guy.  Remember this all started when I decided to changes wiper blades.  The last time I had the ones on my TrailBlazer changed the guy swapped them out for free.  That's right ... free labor!

Okay ... what did I learn for this DIY debacle?  Don't try it if you have any doubts!  If your wife can do it ... let her.  If not ... hire it out.  I'm retiring my tools and the notion that I can fix things.  It doesn't pay.  A simple change of wiper blades took better than a week to accomplish, probably enough fuel for my truck to drive to Chicago and back, a level of frustration a guy my age shouldn't experience, and finally, I surely can find better things to occupy my time.

Now that the wipers are fixed, I can hardly wait for the next rain.  So if you happen to be in our park and it's raining, you should look me up.  I'll be the only guy in the park sitting there with the wipers running and a grin on my face.

Still livin' the dream and spending more time on Angie's List.

Phil