I know ... I'm supposed to write a few words about what has been going on since we arrived in Michigan but as luck would have I have become even more lazy. Actually we've been back and forth across the state getting both yards in order, fixing the car, fixing the coach. Whew! I'm just running out of steam writing about it.
It is good to be back ... seeing the kids and grand kids and re-discovering what's going on in their lives.
Absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Many of our RV friends have returned to our South Haven park with several more soon to arrive. The park is in great shape and it's been fun hearing of all the winter adventures other travelers have enjoyed ... or in some cases not enjoyed.
One example is a fairly new class 'A' coach completely losing its brakes on a freeway in northern Florida. Luckily no one was hurt but an expensive repair bill followed after a lengthy time at the repair shop. Probably had to buy new underwear as well. The good thing is that they can now laugh about it and makes for good fireside chat.
Personally our coach performed without a hiccup this trip ... but maybe more was wrong than I realized. After piling up several thousand miles this past winter and now safely parked at our site for the summer, I was cleaning the wheels and tires and noticed this large bulge in the sidewall of the right front tire. Now the thought of blowing out a front tire while piloting a 40,000 pound RV down the highway actually gives me cold shivers. When the side wall failed, I haven't a clue. Could have happened after hitting any one of the 937 potholes we encountered along the way (and that was just Michigan!). Anyway it didn't blow and we're thankful for that. I now get to save up the $820 bucks to have someone come over and replace it. The tire company said it couldn't have been a failure on their product only something that I did. Surprise ... Surprise. Anyway I will wait till fall before getting it changed. It does provide a good lesson for all drivers to remember to visually check your tires daily and don't forget to check the air pressure at least monthly as well. My tires were only 4 years old and had about 20 thousand miles on them. I'd planned on replacing them in about another 3 or 4 years anyway but certainly didn't expect this.
On another personal note ... my grandson Austin was chosen to represent his school in the placing of a commemorative wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC this coming Memorial Day. We're all very proud of him and I am positive it will be an event he will forever remember.
The little town of South Haven is starting to hum and buzz with excitement as the summer tourist season is in full swing. The South Beach parking area has been completed revamped and new playground equipment is in place for the little ones. A welcomed change to that great beach spot. The marinas are beginning to fill up with boats and with the exceptional warm weather, beach goers have started their tans already. It's a good place to be.
There are several new restaurants in town but we just haven't had the time to check them out ... but we will. Speaking of good places to eat ... my friend Jerry told me about a place called Goog's (www.googspubandgrub.com) on the South side of Holland (about 25 miles north of us). He said if I wanted a great hamburg this was the place. So in a couple of days we had to go to Holland to get Sharon a new vacuum for the coach so we thought we'd give it a try. Wow ... did Jerry get that right! Their fantastic regular burger is enough for two people. It laps over the edge of the bun and was cooked exactly as I asked for it. Sharon tried one as well ... hers with a tasty olive sauce. But they did have a interesting surprise on the menu. They have what they call a 'Fred Burger'. A 1/2 pound burger with peanut butter and onion. Their menu said you really need to try it before dismissing it; though I'm not so sure I'm brave enough for that one. But maybe next time.
So there you have it. The latest news. Just normal stuff but we're having fun doing it.
Still livin' the dream and enjoying each day.
Phil
