Really ... finally ... we're getting ready to hit the road

Without whining a lot, we've been deluged with distractions the past month or so and though I'm not quite ready to hit the road... we're very close.

Our coach has undergone several changes to help make this next journey a little more comfortable. We added a new LCD HDTV to the bedroom (actually doing that today), had the interior redecorated with new day/night shades and wallpaper. And I also had a rear ladder installed to facilitate the addition of a ham radio antenna (my call is N8FPI). So with a little help from our friends at American RV in Burton Michigan and Coughlin Decorating, also in Burton, we soon will begin our summer travels.

The first leg of the trip will be a 'casino run'. A chance to visit several of this states gaming houses and pit our skill against the best one armed bandits in the land. Michigan and its plethora of Indian tribes, have created the 'perfect storm' of adult entertainment. All the pieces fall together nicely...your Social Security or pension check arrives, all the TV shows are reruns, you've got more than a half a tank of gas in the car... you're bored and need a little excitement and who knows... maybe it will be the day your ship finally comes in.

Anyway we've convinced ourselves, and maybe a few of our friends, that this would be a great way to start off this years travels. So stay with us and follow our journey...

First stop will be the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant Michigan. We should be arriving around April 29th for a night of frivolity and low-stakes gambling. And to top off the excitement we'll be dry camping for the first time in quite a while. To the non-campers in the audience that means we will not have outside sources of electricity or sewer hookups. We are on our own and at the mercy of the mechanical beast we're calling our home. Hopefully Murphy will stay home.

Still livin' the dream...

Phil & Sharon

Getting ready

The sun will be bright and the temperatures are expected to be in the 50's tomorrow so I'm officially opening our 2009 RV season. After a long winter (it's not really over) I'm taking the first warm day to make the trip over to see the coach. Still parked in a county horse barn some 20 miles away it's well protected. As usual we've kept it in a dry, out of the elements environment which we're sure has kept it from aging. With any kind of luck I can start it up and listen to its rumble as I dream about hitting the road the first of May. Our remodel of the house is almost complete (thankfully) so leaving will be easy. And we will remember to shut off the water lines this time so as not to have another catastrophe.

I wish I were leaving soon but we're really not going anywhere right now as we Michiganders know winter will soon return and the thought of driving the coach through snow and ice seems like cruel and unusual punishment. But it's great therapy to hear it run, watch the gages spring to life, smell that sweet diesel exhaust and sit back and think about where we've been and where we are going.

Actually I do have a little housekeeping to do as I want to take down all the day/night shades and see if I can re-string and clean them. Three of the five broke last year and need to be repaired before we head out again. I also need to figure out how to install a new LCD TV in the bedroom. Should be a challenge as the custom cherry woodwork was designed to fit the old Sony and not the newer ones. I'll also be installing a new digital to analog converter to capture those HD TV signals we will get through our batwing antenna on the roof whenever the satellite system fails to find a signal. Anyway it will be fun to get reunited with the coach after a long winter.

Our travel this summer will be short and sweet. We've booked the entire summer in South Haven Michigan (like last summer) and if we venture out we'll at least have a spot to come back to. It only about a three hour drive from home so if need be we can buzz back. We will have the site from May to mid-October. Beyond that is only a guess but staying in Michigan another winter is something we want to avoid.

So another chapter of our travelling lives is about to unfold and we're looking forward to sharing it with you. Over the past year or so we have had over 1800 visitors to the site from almost every continent around the globe. It's been great fun to hear from some of you and we encourage you to drop us a line when you feel the urge.

Still livin' the dream and looking forward to seeing what's around the next corner.

Twas' the night before New Years

And all through the house we are taking this time to thank all of you who have visited this site all the best in this upcoming new year.

Sharon and I have had an exceptional year with many fantastic experiences during our travels. We have stepped into the past and visited some of the places where I used to live. We have seen the aftermath of a Gulf coast hurricane and subsequent rebuilding. We had the opportunity to visit with friends and family along the way. We have learned to live with one another in a rather confined space for many months. We have overcome (almost) some unfortunate flooding at our home allowing us to remodel and update.

We are fortunate to have loving children who have each developed into responsible adults who care deeply about their mates and children.

We are most fortunate to have Sharon's father recover from some severe health issues that would have taken men half his age.

We enjoy good health and a good marriage with many great friends.

And personally I am grateful for having my wife Sharon as my loving and understanding partner in this journey through life. Having your best friend and wife all wrapped into one is really... livin' the dream'.

Happy New Year to one and All.

One step ahead ...three back

Cabinets are in. The master bath is almost complete. The 1/2 is almost complete. A lot of 'almosts' but progress none the less.

Our hardwood floors have been laid, then one finish, then another... but wait that wasn't right.
Let's do it one more time... three times and still not right. By now we've got a build up of polyurethane that looks like it's a 1/2" thick. Seem the finishers didn't get into all the IBD's ... oh like removing all the dust and dirt particles, or leaning on the sander a little too hard in the corners, or just plain not really caring how it looks. So while we were pining away our days in a local hotel (can't be in the house because of the poly fumes) our new floors were getting encrusted. Not happy campers were we. Several meetings with our project team led to the president of the company making a call and crawling around almost every inch of the place on his hands and knees looking it over. Now I could see the problems from 6 feet up but I gave him the benefit of the doubt and let him crawl ... now thinking I've got a battle on my hands to get some resolution to the problem.

After looking a every nook and cranny and mulling over the potential causes of this not-so pretty job, he finally concluded that it wasn't right and agreed to do it all over. This time using a different sub-contractor. Coincidentally the same one we originally requested but were denied the last minute at the start of the project.

Anyway we all agreed that we'd start the new year fresh and the new crew would return January 5th to start over. This meant we could at least have Christmas Eve dinner at our house with all the family. However the deal was this... bring a present and bring something to sit on as we have no furniture. They all agreed and our holiday gathering went very well. Last year at this time we were in Texas and even though we had a good time, there is nothing like having all your family around.

So now it's a couple of days after Christmas and the quite and tranquility is soooooo' soothing. No scrambling to wrap presents, shopping for last minute items, cooking, or stress.

Life is good again and we're still livin' the dream.

Another Day ...Another Speed Bump

I really knew that Bob Vila and those "This Old House" episodes I watched all those years were NOT 'reality shows' but vicious little teasers created by the home improvement industry. Thinking that with just a little guidance from somebody like carpenter extraordinaire 'Norm', I could turn a shabby, outdated kitchen into a cooking mecca that Rachel Ray would be knocking down my door to cook here. Now I'm no fool and realize that it takes more than 30 minutes to rebuild a kitchen, but 'Bob' never told be about all the little 'speed bumps' I'd encounter with our little project. Even though we had a general contractor that managed the project, and with a costly run-in with the local building inspector, it seems that there is conspiracy to keep us from finishing this project we started late last October.

It seems that those IBD's (itty bitty details) will reach out and screw up a perfectly good plan every time. For instance ... The building inspector paid an unexpected visit one morning. I was upstairs and did not hear the knock at the door. Our plumber, who was installing a kitchen sink, answered the door. Now this seems innocent enough but workmen are generally not supposed to answer the door or answer the telephone while on the job. Who knows who they may be letting in. Just install the sink... no more... no less. As it finally dawned on me, from the voices I heard downstairs, that someone else was in the house, I came down stairs only to discover a rather large, and imposing man, walking out my front door. Without a 'hello' or 'good morning' he said he was 'shutting the job down' and the plumber would have to leave immediately. He went to say there were no permits issued for the project therefore he was stopping all work. Now I was standing about two steps up from the bottom of the stairs when he walked past and I was looking at him in straight in the eye. My blood pressure spiked a little as he stopped to inform me something about what permits I was supposed to have and then it dawned on me how big this guy was. So why should I argue... he was probably correct and if he wasn't no big deal...right? Who am I to tell this local Paul Bunyan the law? As it turned out, we did have some of the permits but not all. To argue too strenuously would mean tearing down freshly finished walls so they could review the work. I wasn't prepared to push them that far. Pay for the permits and just shut up is the right answer.

Anyway it was the start of a long string of delays that moved the project completion date of two days before Thanksgiving to ... I have no idea.

Not exactly sure we're 'living the dream' right now... but at least trying to make the most of it.

We hope the holidays are going well for all of you....

A little rain ...

Call it Murphy's Law or 'a little rain must fall on my parade' ... so it finally happened here.

Our remodel project was going so well with only a day or so of work to be done and our township building inspector stopped by and paid a visit. What or who prompted him to come over will surely remain a mystery but one wonders. He arrogantly told the plumber, who was finishing up the work on replacing the kitchen sink, to stop work as there wasn't proper building permit and all work must cease. I was upstairs at the time and by the time I got downstairs the inspector was walking out. He introduced himself, handed me his card and headed out the door. I told him we did have an electrical permit and that was all I was told I needed before starting the project. Apparently not according to him. Sure glad we hadn't planned Thanksgiving dinner here.
Without any appliances or operable sinks it would have been a little awkward.

So our parade was rained on a little and we'll have to stay in the motel a little longer. No big deal I guess ... just damn inconvenient.

On a better and more cheerful note...

We sincerely wish all of those who read this blog a safe and restful Thanksgiving Holiday and, as our saga continues, stop back in on occasion and get caught up on our journey through retirement.

Still livin' the dream

Phil & Sharon

Another wonderful day ...

The alarm clock goes off at 6:15 and I prepare myself for another day of "Extreme Makeover" ... Phil & Sharon Edition. Shuffling around in the dark at the motel (don't want to disturb Sharon), I find all the stuff I need for the days work. I've convinced myself that I'm the head dude at the job site (my house) even though all the sub-contractors know better. My main mission in the morning is to get the right mix of donuts and coffee for the crew. Taking one of Sharon's traits to heart, I try to grease the work effort skids with donuts and coffee (you know . . . man stuff) to get the best from the hired help; not with the sissy hand lotion and moisturizer she gives out. Unfortunately the workers see it as another opportunity to take a break ... and I wonder why the job isn't on schedule.
Anyway, I'm at the house before 8:00 making sure that I set the example to the crew that is supposed to also be here at that same time. So religiously they show up an hour or so later, yawning and wondering why the coffee is cold and the donuts dried out. Gee if I only had another project to work on maybe I'd get this right.

So the inside crew with a donut in one hand and a coffee in the other stand at the window looking at the outside crew who are enjoying the 17 degree temperature this morning. Luckily I remembered to lock the door.

Today was interior paint again, outside soffits, and tub surround. The guy doing the bath brought his two little girls maybe knowing that Sharon would be here as a ready kid schmoozer. But as luck would have it I was minding the ship today and would somehow assume the role as sitter in chief. The five year old is as bubbly, talkative, and outgoing girl much like a young Shirley Temple. Mannerisms and singing ability that most kids would only dream of having and quite able to wrap me around anyone of her tiny fingers. Her older sister is such a beauty as well. Maybe a little less outgoing but when the two tag-teamed me I was putty in their little hands. Changing TV channels, coloring supplies, and games... what ever they wanted. I was the typical old fool and enjoyed it all. So while their dad complete the tile work in the bath I played with his kids. Everyone won today.

So another work day has passed and it looks like were coming to the end. Maybe a couple more days and it will finally be done. Tomorrow thankfully, we all have the day off but come Monday look out. Plumbers, painters, electricians, aluminum hangers, floor finishers and carpet layers will all return for the last push. I don't think they'll make it but their really trying anyway.

Still livin' the dream

Phil

Moving along ...

As our remodeling progresses the days seem to get longer and longer. The project is nearing its end, and the pressure to get everything completed is escalating. The old saying 'The Devil is in the Details' couldn't be more accurate as it's the little things that seem to cause the most problems. I'm sequestered in my office on the second floor trying to stay out of every ones way but the urge to poke my nose into project overwhelms me at times. A questionable tactic at best and I wondered to myself will I ultimately suffer some consequence. Sort of like complaining to the waitress that your steak wasn't cooked enough and wondering if the cook later spits on your plate when no one is watching. Oops... way too cynical ..maybe I better put my rose colored glasses on and continue napping.
Anyway ... our new floors are in with only a final coat of finish remaining, the cabinets are almost complete, the master bath should be complete today as will be the final touches to the electrical systems. The plumbers are also supposed to be here today joining the painters who are hard at work as I write this. The new counter tops are here but need a little tweaking for fit and the new kitchen sink should be installed today. Plus 5 guys just appeared to put on the new aluminum eaves and soffits. And did I mention the three guys cleaning the lawn? Why today? Since Since my tractor went on the fritz about three weeks ago, the oak and maple leaves have piled up to about 10 inches and then topped with a fresh 2 inch coat of snow, there was no way I could personally rake it all up before spring. So ... I hired a crew (didn't check for 'green cards') to do the job. Whew... tires me out just thinking if I had to do all of this.

Sharon and the Sherwin Williams paint lady did a great job picking out our new colors for the remodel. Quite a change from the mostly white decor of the past. Hope I don't come home some evening after a few drinks and think I've entered the wrong house. Regardless it's a welcome change and she finally will have a new kitchen with enough counter space and cabinets storage.


So before Thanksgiving they should be about 99% done with only a little odds and ends to complete. The light is beginning to brighten at the end of the tunnel.

Still livin' the dream ...

Phil & Sharon

Catching up ...

It's been a long few months with many speed-bumps along the way so I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed.

As we left you in September, we pulled the rig out of camp in South Haven Michigan. The party was over and we finally had to face the music and return home to repair all the water damage we had incurred last July. Leaving our new friends and comfortable surroundings was difficult but the park was soon closing for the season; but it was still a little sad. The bright note is that we have reserved the same spot for next summer so it's something to look forward to.

The short 3 hour trip was uneventful and arriving home to the mess we left was a little bittersweet. We unloaded the coach and began planning our next steps. I would be taking the coach back into the shop for some paint touch up and some new shocks. I thought it wasn't handling quite as it should with a little too much road feedback into the steering wheel. As it turned out they put all new Bilsteins gas shocks on and what a difference it made. It felt, I suppose, like a new coach now. The unfortunate part was that I was test driving the new shocks on a rig headed for winter storage. The remodeling will take us into December so our November departure date was out the window. If there is any money left after the new kitchen and two new bathrooms, we might be able to drive it around the storage barn a couple of times. We did strike a deal with the storage people to put the rig right next to the exit door so if we can stay under budget or the 'ship' (A.K.A. lottery) comes in, we can head to warmer climes. It stills hurts to see all the rigs heading south these past few weeks but the good thing is we will have made some much needed repairs and we'll get to be home with our families for the holidays.

We're about 40% through our remodel with the completion of the new hardwood floors tomorrow. We've had them in previous homes and missed them so this was great time to do it.
The master bath will be gutted tomorrow leaving us with no bathroom facilities in the house. The main floor half bath was gutted last week. Slowly they have pushed us into the only two rooms left in the house that will not have anything done to them, but losing the master bath was the last straw. So ... we're headed to a motel for several days so at least we can take a shower and sit in a real chair rather than a camp chair. However all the inconvenience will soon pass and we'll return to a new house, forgetting all the mess and the constant stream of plumbers, carpenters, electricians and painters that flow in and out of our house these days.

On another subject....

I'd like to get some dialog started with those of you who might read this blog on some of the travels you've made (or are planning to make). Looking at the world map on the right of your screen, many of your are scattered around the globe and are seeing and doing things that many of us have only dreamed of. Our readers are from as far away as Australia, India, Chile, Finland, and even Chicago. I know some of you have visited such exotic places as Fiji and China and have even worked on Russian icebreakers in the Arctic Ocean. So lets hear your stories and see your pictures. You can remain anonymous if you wish and I can only imagine what great stories many of you have to share. So add a comment below or drop me a line and I we will figure out a way to pass your stories and pictures along to others.

Still livin' the dream and hoping to hear about yours.

Phil & Sharon

Frolicking on the Sun Coast ...

As most of you know we are great frolickers. Hither and yon we frolic; usually from one disaster to another but now with most of that behind us, we can now focus on serious goofing off.

... Well that's not entirely true as we've been spending some needed time with friends and family in the Battle Creek. It was good to see them all and provide support in some difficult times.

Anyway we've been poking around the South Haven area, discovering new places and things to do. Since this time of year kicks-off the fresh vegetables and fruit harvest; roadside stands are overflowing with peaches, blueberries, tomatoes and sweet corn. Not wanting to disappoint any of the local farmers, we've tried to stop at all of them for a few items. The downside of all this fresh stuff has made many of the local restaurants a little despondent as we've not been visiting them as often. It's a heavy burden we carry... literally and figuratively.

We've wandered down to the beach at sundown to catch one of nature's wonders ... sunset over Lake Michigan. Joined by hundreds of other sunset worshipers, every one is different and magical. Earlier in the week we were joined by our friends Tom and Mary and witnessed an oncoming thunderstorm complete with lots of lightening. Beautiful, exciting and maybe even a little frightening too as the lightening strikes grew closer.



That's Tom, Mary and Sharon in the photo, watching calmly as it all unfolds. About 3 seconds after the flash the thunder clap reached them and it sorta' looked like the tryouts for the Olympic 100 meter dash getting back to the car. Tom won.

Sharon and I wandered down to Blue Chip Casino ... only now we call it the Buffalo Chip as that's the chips we ended up with. Actually, a few winning spins on the roulette wheel got us back even but it sure could have been a lot better. On the return trip we were greeted with another one of Mother Nature's treats. A super severe storm that brought high wind, tornadoes, torrential rain, and wide-spread damage. As an old storm spotter back home I knew this one was a doosey. In between lightening flashes I was convinced I saw a forming tornado quartering toward us. With no place to turn off, I barrelled ahead and got beyond its path. Not exactly textbook behavior but in this case it worked out. The old heart muscles sure got a workout for a few minutes.

We're struggling with our satellite system as we're having trouble finding a clear opening to the southwest sky. Trees are great for shade but suck for satellite reception. Without it we're stuck with whatever our analog antenna will get us ... two gospel stations and a channel specializing to cucumber cultivating. Good thing we brought our lawn darts. They are a little dangerous at night however.

And so it goes ... life in fast lane.

Still livin' the dream

Home again and again and again ...

With fond memories of our New York sibling gathering still wandering around my head, I opened the back door of our home after the long drive. With cat-like speed I quickly figured out that I wasn't still at Upper Saranac Lake but was now standing in my own lake. Not the welcome home we expected. I could see the fallen drywall, the warped flooring, the general mess. I poked my head out the door and informed Sharon that she soon would be not too happy. I went upstairs to find a similar mess and to confront the problem that caused all the damage. The small water line that attaches to the toilet had broken and had ran for the better part of 9 days. I was right about Sharon not being too happy. Anyway a call to the State Farm Insurance agent got the process rolling to get us whole again. Staying calm helps but staying calm with vodka helps better.

State Farm put us up at the Residence Inn and brought in a catastrophic damage team to clean up the mess and begin drying out the house. About five days later we returned and then began the process of working with contractors to do the repairs. After a week or so fussing and fuming with various contractors, I call the insurance people and told them to put everything on hold as we were going on vacation for a couple of months. We figured why spoil the perfectly good trip we'd planned to the sun coast of Michigan! So we quickly solidified our plans and began packing for the trip.

We could only go so far in packing as our coach was still in for paint and repairs. A few days later we got the call that all was ready so we picked it and brought it home for packing. Normally it's a two day job but we managed to get it ready in one. The coach looked great and ran like a top.
At least from the shop to our driveway.

The next day we shut down the house for our two month trip, packed the final toothbrush, attached the tow car and headed out. We got only a few miles and a warning light came on and the engine lost power and the transmission wouldn't shift. I could only see our savings account disappearing as each minute passed. I called American Recreation Vehicles in Burton Michigan and told them of our problems.


We returned to their shop and a few adjustments were made and we were off once again.

This time we made it almost to Lansing (about 40 miles) and the loss of power and overheating reoccurred. I grabbed the cell phone and once again called American RV. All of you RV owner know the feeling that was overtaking me. Slightly nauseous, tightening sphincter muscles, bulging veins in the neck and that knowledge of pending poverty. Our vacation ruined. I knew the RV gods had left the building.

Two techs were immediately dispatched to our I69 rest stop location. They soon arrived and after a passing monsoon let up they worked on a few things and we soon discovered the same problems crop up after the engine reached a certain temperature. So we all decided to return to the shop for addition diagnosis.

So day 1 was scrapped and we needed to decide where to spend the night. American RV wanted to put us up in a local motel and take care of our dinner expense but we decided to return home, turn the electrical and water back on and just put up with the mess our home was still in. We really appreciated their offer but it wasn't such a big deal for us to return home. None-the-less it was very nice of them to ask.

Day 2 passed, so did day 3 only to again find the overheating problem was not solved. The best (?) minds from Monaco Corp., the best (?) from Cummins Engine, and the best (?) from Allison Transmission were of little help in helping our shop resolve this problem. As it turned out... someone at Monaco dusted off one of the old guys who new that the new charged air cooler the shop just had installed was slightly different from the original and needed some special shrouding fabricated to funnel the air properly through the new unit. Sure would have been nice if they had told my service people at A.R.V when they ordered the part.

Speaking of American RV in Burton, we cannot express how well we were treated through this whole experience. The owner, Clarence Reynolds and his crew spent many long hours trying to fix our problem when all along it was an undisclosed design change from Monaco that caused our four day delay.

As most RV owners know, owning one of these mechanical marvels will get you acquainted with repair shops some time or another... and I'm no exception. I've frequented maybe 8 various shops in our travels but none, including Monaco's factory shop, can hold a candle to the dedicated crew at American RV. To top off the final day they had sincere apologies for taking so much time and they presented Sharon and me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for the coach and thanking us for our patience. First class outfit ... I'd say.

So fellow RVer's take note. This is an unabashed endorsement for the quality of service we experienced at American Recreation Vehicles. Take the Belsay Road exit (I69 exit #141) just East of Flint on I69 then go about a quarter mile north just past the railroad tracks. Tell them Phil sent you. Their names in the picture above are... (l to r) Joy, Clarence, Laurie, Jay, and Jason. Thanks again.

Headed for South Haven and still 'livin' the dream.

Sibling Soiree' ...

We arrived at my sister and brother-in-law's lakeside retreat on Upper Saranac Lake in the northern reaches of the New York's Adirondack's state park. Heaven on earth was invented here. A beautiful lodge, great weather, great food, plenty of wine ... the list goes on.

But wait ... I'm getting ahead of myself.

A last minute decision to drive though Canada and pass through the Niagara region to New York was paved with good intentions (about those later) but was derailed by my inability to pay attention in 10th grade history class. Cut me a little slack but that was about 50 years ago, but I forgot it was Canada's birthday. You remember...that time in 1879 when the British North American provinces bonded together to form a new entity called Canada. So everyone gets the day off there and all 9 million of them head for the same place I wanted to take my deserving wife ... that is... the casino at Niagara. Maple leafs and Labatts as far as the eye could see with nary a parking spot within 10 kilometers of the place. So my good intentions were in place but just couldn't get it done; we had to keep moving.

We motored on to the Syracuse area staying just north of the city on the western edge of Lake Oneida. Can you believe they would name a lake after silverware? Got out of town just in time as Hillary Clinton was arriving the next morning and who knows what kind of mood she'd be in. Anyway a beautiful ride through the foothills of the Adirondacks catching glimpses of white tailed deer and wild turkey soon brought us to our destination.

All the locals in these here parts call these places 'camps'. I kinda' think of a camp is where bugs eat you alive, you sleep in a wet sleeping bag, and eat 'smores' after beans and franks. Thankfully not the case here as we settled into our sleeping quarters, comfortable and very well treated. The others were not arriving until the next day so we enjoyed the conversation, great lamb chops on the grill and several bottles of good wine.

The next day the weather turned a little sour but the remaining siblings would be arriving soon so what's a little inclimate weather?

Rich, Marcia and Bill and Susie arrived in early afternoon and we all settled in to catching up on each other lives and enjoying the improved weather. Though I have a wonderful sister, I had always wondered what it would have been like to have had a brother. I think I may have missed out on something after being around Bob and his brothers. Though there respective lives have taken them in different directions and locations, which each having notable careers, it's apparent that their formative years were full of great fun and cemented the closeness seen now. Not that a little rivalry didn't still exist and some good natured kidding, but it couldn't hide they were still loving brothers. It was fun to be a part of it.

As the group finally settled in we were soon treated to a grand dinner consisting of Carson's Ribs from Chicago, and assortment of salads and copious amount of fine wine. Oh my ... what fine dining.

The 4th of July is a rather exciting day around Upper Lake Saranac as it is the day of the annual wooden boat parade. We all hopped into Bob's 1949 Christ Craft speed boat and headed off to find the parade. At the southern end of the 7 mile long lake we found the parade marshal and the lead boat in the parade; the newly purchased Upper Lake Saranac fire boat ... complete with powerful water canons to help extinguish fires along the lakes edge. I'd never heard of a lake having its own fire boat, but there it was, on the ready with sirens and flashing lights.













All in all there were about 18 classic old wood boats in the parade and we cruised the entire length of the lake waving to all the on-lookers along the way.

Of course all the men were in the front of the boat do those manly things like steering , navigating, and looking for sharks and the like.
Brother Rich at the navigator position and First Mate Brother Bill in the look-out's chair scanning the seas for pirates (I think) and securring the bloody mary's.




















The women, all decked out in their festive sailing bonnets were working the shore-bound crowds with their best Bess Myerson and Mary Ann Mobly hand waves and pearly white smiles. I'm usually not this descriptive when describing folks on a boat ride but as it turns out our nautical magic carpet caught the eye of more than simple bystanders: the local news photographer captured our image and it ended up on the front page the following day. Personally my second front page picture in 58 years. (but I'll leave that story to another day). Next time however it will be important to bring the ice for the Bloody Mary's Judy brought. We did somehow managed to empty the pitcher anyway.

We ended the day with a great seafood salad and various libations. And I almost forgot.... a huge fireworks display. It was bold ... it was showy ... it was the celebrations of our countries independence... it was Sharon's sack of sparklers. Everyone was allotted 6 giant (said so on the box) fire wands to spend the next several second writing their name in script against the darkening sky. Oh to be ten again. Happy birthday USA.

The following morning was, what some have coined the Saranac Olympiad. With fuzzy yellow balls in hand, brothers Rich and Bob headed for the tennis court to again confirm the families dominance on the clay courts. Though Bobby Riggs and Billy Jean King were not present, a couple of the areas elder tennis ringers were brought out from the Tupper Lake nursing home to provide a semi-strong counterpoint to the families tennis legends. I was so excited to see this match of champions that I hardly slept a wink the night before. Unfortunately I accidentally did not hear the alarm clock to get up in time to bear witness but Sharon and Marcia managed to find an empty seat to watch the event. Bill could only stay a short time as the excitement and tension were too much to bear. As the match wore on it became painfully clear that the team from Tupper Lake brought some bad mojo. Maybe it was something in those strange leather bags strung from their necks or the smell of 20 years of Ben Gay applications; but whatever it was ... it took the brothers down. Beaten...destroyed...but not humiliated. With sweaty heads still held high they limped back in for a cold drink, shower and 800 mgs of Ibuprofen. As it turned out 800 mgs was not near enough for Rich as his back finally gave out and he'll probably be on the 30 day disabled list at the bank. Neither he nor Bob played to their potential, for sure.

The idea of getting families together was for reasons other than weddings, funerals or graduations is becoming a lost practice. Taking the time to sit and talk with your siblings about old and new times is both entertaining and therapeutic. I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time and we all thank our hosts Bob and Judy for sharing their home with us and allowing all of us to share our lives with one another.

We left with many fond memories and look forward to getting together again soon.

Our trip back to Michigan was uneventful. We were looking forward to picking up our newly painted coach and begin our next trip. We will be motoring on to South Haven Michigan to enjoy the remainder of the summer. But when we arrived home things weren't quite as we left them. More about that on our next blog.

Little by little ...

Yes things are progressing ever so slowly for our next adventure. The coach is in for new paint and some mechanical repairs and by months end it should be ready for the road. Thankfully it has a full load of $3.89/gal fuel so we will cherish every mile of that but then... reality sets in. But never mind that as we'll just eat out less (better for the waistline) and maybe not travel as far until we figure out how we want to manage this extra cost burden. After 40+ plus years of working we're going to enjoy the RV life and if we outlive the money...so what. Sitting on the porch worrying about all the price hikes is not what we have in mind for this time of our lives. So sorry kids, we may be getting into the inheritance.

We're headed out to the Adirondacks in upstate New York the first week of July but will not be taking the coach this time. We're visiting my sister and brother-in-law at their lodge on Upper Saranac Lake, near Lake Placid. A very relaxing venue where they will be hosting the first
annual 'siblings soiree'. That is... getting all the brothers and sisters together...no kids... no grand kids to eat, drink and be merry. Games of mental strength and agility...like Saranac Spades and blindfolded Scrabble are probably on the agenda. But high levels of physical competition should prevail as the group is best known for their athletic prowess. Besides the normal high impact sport of thumb wrestling, the laying still for long periods of time competition will certainly be a crowd pleaser.

Upon our return home we'll pack up and head off to South Haven Michigan for at least a month of soaking up Michigan's 'suncoast' sun. It may stretch on a month longer or so but we've not firmed up anything yet. We've booked a nice site just outside of town where we've been several times before. With friends and family within not more than 2-3 hours away, we expect to have many visitors. During that time we will also be planning our winter trip to somewhere. Any suggestion?

Still 'livin the dream'....... Phil & Sharon

Say it ain't so...

We've been home about two weeks now and several terrible things have happened. First we experienced our first snow of the winter. Though locals called it a 'light dusting', any snow was too much. Oh how a few months down south changes one perspective. Tonight we're supposed to get a hard freeze (mid-20's) so I had to crank up the heaters in the coach so as it didn't get too cold. I hate burning fuel for the furnace now as diesel prices this morning were $4.30 a gallon. Thankfully I have a full tank but conservation is now becoming more of a necessity.

The other terrible thing that happened is we sprung a very small leak in the coaches black water tank. For those not familiar with that term, it's the tank that serves as the motor home's septic tank. It's a part of your motor home you always want in good working order but never have to actually work on yourself. Though the tank is flushed out with some regularity, they all have a residual aroma that is unmistakable, so working around them is best left to someone else. However, with the thought of saving a few bucks, I decided to tackle this little job myself. Since I thought the tank was empty, removing the dump valve (finally understood how it got its name) should be an easy job. Unfortunately I had not figured the incline of my driveway and soon realized that there were still several gallons of 'honey dippers stew' still in the tank. Well not exactly still in the tank but now rushing out the 3 inch hole I had just opened when I removed the valve. Now moving fast is not one of my strong attributes but I did show a little Olympic burst of movement in an attempt to get away. But, as it quickly turned out, not quite fast enough. Ugly might describe it best but I'm sure all my neighbors within 500 yards heard a different description. I'd had the foresight to put a shop towel under the pipe to catch any drops but that soon was floating out the bay door in this tsunami of sludge. As quickly as it started it soon ended but the deed was done. Looking around in hopes that none of the neighbors were watching, I filled up several buckets of water to at least dilute what had streamed down my driveway. I packed up my tools, closed the bay door where I was working and called it a day. Clean clothes and a long hot shower was in order and another lesson was learned. And... aren't you glad that I don't have any pictures to show for this entry? In spite of this little 'dirty job', we're still 'livin the dream', playing the hand we're dealt and planning our next trip. Stay tuned.

Like MacArthur...we did return!

Like the swallows of Capistrano, the buzzards of Hinckley Ohio, and General MacArthur at Corrigidor; we returned to our old home town. No one can deny that Battle Creek isn't the town it once was. No longer can you cruise your 51 Chevy through the Sip-N-Nip, get a hot dog at Hosh's, or buy some luggage at Robinsons. Most residents can no longer say they work for either Kelloggs, Ralstons, or Post. You can't get on a North Central DC3 at Kellogg Airport and go to Chicago or even watch the Central HS band march down Main Street every Friday night when there was a home football game ... but you can see your friends and family who didn't bailout out on the old town and have prospered and thrived there. Though we've not lived here for over 30 years, there is still an almost tangible feeling when driving into town. Maybe it the faint smell of cooked cereal in the air from the remaining cereal factories or distinctive city skyline, I'm not sure, but it something that lets you know you're home.

We had made some hasty reservations at the PG's luxury RV resort and grateful we did. Only one site available and not a full hookup at that. Started with only about 105 volts when we first plugged in but it later rose to 120v as they apparently unscrewed a couple of the bare bulbs draped around the property. We thought we were going to have a lake access site, but as it turned out, we had to go through the owner's house, down through the basement, down a steep hill before getting to the lake. It actually wasn't so bad as they had lots of video games and a slot machine to play with along the way. The site wasn't as level as advertised either. Not that we were standing up when we slept at night but it wasn't hard getting out of bed. They did give us a very reasonable rate and actually invited us in to join them for a meal.

When we first pulled up to the resort we kind of thought this was a small mom and pop operation, it's owners putting in the normal 80 hour work week trying to keep the place afloat but soon realized at the dinner table the first night that this was a big, multi-state operation. The godfather and godmother (our secret nicknames for them) were seated and, as it turned out, the Chicago faction was in town and joined everyone at the table. We were, to say the least, a little more nervous than usual as the couple had, what some could describe as, a pit bull at their side. Better behaved than most, it was still crouched at its owners' feet ready to defend. Also seated was an affiliate of the 'family' who soon will be controlling one of the areas finest bodegas. My guess is that once that bodega is running, others will follow. The competition will not have a chance. We didn't say much at dinner, but was polite and non-threatening. In retrospect, with the food as good as it was we wondered if they had ever thought about getting into the restaurant business. We said our goodbyes and slunk back to our coach. Carefully locking and re-locking the door...just in case.

Just in case any of you actually believed any of the previous rhetoric, let me clear up a thing or two. Paula and George (and their neighbors) graciously allowed us to park our rig in front of their lakeside home for a few days. It saved us from the WalMart parking lot and was very much appreciated. Their collective family, Jason, Geoff, Kim, Scott and Peaches and Adie (Peaches and Adie are dogs), were all there and and we enjoyed seeing them.

We stayed put for a couple of days visiting with Sharon's parents, Cliff & Harriet, and sister, Gay, and my Uncle Frank and Aunt Florence as well as friends Bill and June and generally relaxing. Surprisingly something we haven't done much of lately.

Sharon found these party go'ers hanging out at the local pub. They joined us and before long they were almost like family.

Too soon, our time here had come to an end and it was time to make the last 100 mile- journey to home base. Twenty-three (23) weeks on the road. Approximately 5700 new miles on the coach and over 8000 additional miles on the tow car. The least we payed for diesel fuel was $2.59/gal at the beginning of the trip and $4.19 a gallon somewhere in Kentucky a week or so ago. Our average site charges per night were about $37.00. 'Not too bad', I'd say for the caliber of places where we camped. We had originally planned on several 'free' nights at WalMart or Sam's along the way, but for safety reasons we choose not to. Probably too paranoid but we were more comfortable. We spent more money on eating out than we had planned but looking back at all the good times we had with friends and family, we have no regrets. We travelled around in the tow car far more than I also had planned. Not one regret there either as it gave us the chance to see many new places.

We've met some interesting new people and made a few new friends. We visited dear friends and relatives along the way and had a great time with them as well. We visited old homesteads and ate some really fantastic new foods. We've accumulated a bunch of new travel stories that will occasionally spring into our future conversations if we think of them.

The coach, with the exception of a couple of minor issues, performed like the classic carriage she is and we already miss being on the road with her.

Now we must begin another chapter and that's where you readers can have some input. We enjoyed putting this blog together and I am looking for ideas to keep it going until we start our next trip sooooooooooooo .. if you have any suggestions on subjects you'd like me to talk about, things we've done on past trips, or whatever... please comment below. Stay tuned as we're still 'livin the dream'.

Ohio hospitality...

There's something about the Midwest. I know it's depressed. Lots of snow this winter, plant closings, dreaded low MEAP scores, no fresh vegetables, and people longing for even a few minutes of sunshine. But it's comfortable. People talk like me, they're a little laid back; but not too much, flannel is okay to wear, cars are rusty, and most are friendly. The little tense knot in the back of my neck is gone now so I know I'm getting close to home. It's nice to let your guard down a little after exploring so many unknown places over the past several months.

We decided to leave the coach near Columbus and drive the toad over to Sharon's cousin's home east of Akron. The trees are starting to bud out and an occasional crocus was trying to climb out of its wintry home so the hour and half drive was a pleasant one. Besides, the sun was shining and we hadn't seen much of the area in quite a while so it's always good to nose around a little.

While motoring along, my eyes whirled skyward catching a glimpse of a flying landmark. The circling Goodyear blimp was in view and it was as majestic as ever. I still remember the first time I saw it one dark evening while living at my grandmother's house on Manchester Street in my old home town. I was not much more that five years old I suppose, as the huge orb drifted overhead and was so low it nearly covered the sky. In those days they had lights all over the side of it spelling out the company name, so for such a tender young lad, it was quite a thrill. Since electricity was still a recent invention back then, I wondered how long the the extension cord was. Anyway, it was good to see the old girl and in my mind she's still queen of the skies.

We arrived in the neighborhood where we thought we should be but since I hadn't put the correct address in the GPS, we were a little stumped as to which of the prim, well kept homes were Diana and Craig's (Sharon's cousins). Thankfully we caught sight of Craig standing on the front porch and waved us in.

As they say, apples don't fall too far from the tree and proof is that Diana keeps house just like her mother. Beautifully decorated and not a thing out of place. I even checked under the dining room table for a wad of gum but no luck...clean as a whistle. Our timing for this visit was great as it was also her daughter, Amy's, birthday and we got to meet Chris (Amy's significant other) and also reacquaint ourselves with her son, Tyler (12). Craig handled the outside cooking while Diana readied all the inside goodies. She made an awesome baked beans that could win any contest. As usual, Sharon and I mowed down all the free food and enjoyed the afternoon talking with Craig and Diana about old times. It was good to see them again and hope to see them again soon.

Just in time ...

Left Berea Kentucky this morning in a driving rain storm. As predicted, the rain started early and with gusto. Flood warnings were already posted for most of the state and all's I could think of was getting stranded somewhere I didn't want to be. We could have stayed put but the rain was expected to continue for several days so our best choice was to get out of town and maybe get ahead of most of the storm. Traffic was not too heavy but what was there was mostly big trucks. We succeeded in getting ahead of the weather but it took about 200 miles of Kentucky and Ohio roads to do it. Tense driving for me but we did make it to our next stop by mid-afternoon.

We're about 15 miles north of Columbus and in a nice family owned facility. Since they just opened for the season we had little problem finding a site. Unfortunately they're better set up for 5'ers and trailers as the turning radius' were very tight for me. After we unhooked, I had to jostle the coach around to get it into our assigned spot but made is just fine and we had a chance to look around at our camp. It looks like a 250 site camp with store, pool and lots of stuff for families. Since it's about six miles from the nearby town of Galena, it's quiet and out of the way.

We kicked back and relaxed for a while then decided to head out for dinner. Since we couldn't be home to celebrate our good friends Bill and June's wedding anniversary today we thought we'd just celebrate in their honor. We'd heard there were about 70 resturants near the freeway so we ventured that way.

After driving by most of the eateries in the area we settled on Italian food and a place called Marcella's. We stepped inside to find a bustling bistro with stacks of wine bottles, loaves of bread, and stacks of cheese. The place smelled great. Our waitress stopped over and explained the resturant was a new concept being developed for Italian eating. Like a tapas, they served lots of different things, but small portions of each. This encouraged you to try new things and to share with your table mates. With a little help from our waitress we ordered the following:

Pecorino Di Pienza. A formaggi (cheese) appetizer that was heated in a small iron skillet. Along with the cheese (a sheep's milk variety), we were served thin toast points along with thin slices of apple and some truffle honey. To eat you dip the toast tips into the hot Pecorino cheese, add an apple slice and drizzle with truffle honey. Oh my. Not a combination I could ever have dreamed up, but wish I had. Completely fantastic. Next was a braised veal meatball with a simple tomato sauce. The most delicately flavored meatball on the planet. Next a Caesar salad of Romain hearts with a very mild Parmisan Reggiano dressing and anchovy. Next Lasagna Alla Bolognese with a slow cooked veal ragu and pecorino cheese. The noodles were as thin as baklava crust and without a doubt the finest lasagna we had ever eaten. Next we enjoyed Penna Alla Arrabiatta pasta with a spicey tomato sauce, toasted garlic and sweet basil. We top it all off with a very graceful carafe of ItalianVeronse. Oh my again. We can hardly describe this food. It was one of the finest meals we have ever eaten. You might think how could they eat all that food but since the portions were small and we shared each dish, it was just the right amount. Surprise surprise but we also ordered dessert. A tiramisu that was almost undescribable. Light and oh so delicious. So if you are ever in the Columbus area, stop in and enjoy. Kathy A. at the office...make a point of getting Jim to bring you here.

When we were about finished eating, we noticed a commotion of some sort occuring just across the aisle from us. A rather large, well dressed man was leaning over his table kissing his date. They were surrounded by resturant staff and other diners and the resturant erupted in applause. Seconds before the kiss he had been on one knee proposing marriage to his girl. She was in tears as were several onlookers nearby. It was a nice touch to our evening too.

As a sidebar to this night out dining... the resturant is owned by the same people who owned Mitchell's Fish House located in Lansing at the East Town Center off of Lake Lansing Road. I say owned (past tense) because they recently sold the property and it will be operated as a Ruth Chris Steakhouse. They apparently decided to get out of the fish business and concentrate on Italian. They are considering opening a Marcella's resturant in Michigan so there is hope.

Yes we can ... Yes we can

We left Adairsville heading for Berea and even fairly early for us. About 9:30 we left camp only to be reminded that I needed to fuel up before going too far. We knew there was a Flying J stop several miles north and their fueling setup is familiar so we decided to stop there. Making these stops, though necessary, are a little painful. At nearly $4.00/gal you quickly become an expert in controlling fuel consumption. Burning about a gallon every 8 miles forces you to think about your driving techniques. Steady and slow seems to work best for us.

Speaking of slow... since my cracked charged air cooler is only allowing the engine to produce about 50% of its rated horsepower, tackling the hills of Tennessee and Kentucky was not so fun. Conceptually, if you speed up going down the hill you will build up enough momentum to carry you to the top of the next. In practice getting the coach up to 15omph so as I can get up the other side of the long, steep moutain isn't working out. First they say the coaches top end is capped by the factory at 99mph. Second, with weak output, doing 75 is a chore on level land and Third, it's a little too scary for me. So when we started into the mountainous areas we pulled into the far right lane and chanted like the little red engine 'yes we can...yes we can'.

As it turned out a few "yes we can's" was almost not enough. Truck traffic was heavy and three lanes of 18 wheelers late for their next stop made for interesting driving. I kind of got in a groove and was rolling along pretty good but got behind a truck with, I guess, the same turbo problem I was having. As we were both in the right lane and facing a 4 mile uphill grade, we soon began to go slower and slower and slower. Trucks were stacking up behind me as far as I could see. 55 then 45 then 35. How slow can we go I wondered. Can we even make it? Can I start up the tow car and push with it? This hill went on and on but we leveled out at 35mph and I sat back and enjoyed the scenery. Finally reaching the top some minutes later, we now faced the high-speed thrill ride down. Not succumbing to that nonsense, We settled in to enjoy the many flowering plum and dogwood that were laced amongst the woods alongside the freeway and let the blood pressure subside.

We arrived at our camp in Berea Kentucky and found a camp that needed a little sprucing up but the new owners were working on it. Big pull-thru sites which is exactly what we like for these over-night stops. We have another 200 or so mile trip in the morning but heavy rain and thunderstoms are in the forecast so we'll surely be extra careful. We're headed for Delaware Ohio and getting a little closer to home.

Secrets out! ...

I know you've all been waiting to know about our 'other' daughter so I guess it time to fess up.
South of Adairsville Georgia is the town of Acworth where Jeni lives. Jeni is sort of our adopted daughter who has been our own daughter's best friend since grade school. She was at our house so much that we just kind of adopted her. She and her family are dear friends to us and we wanted to stop and say hello as long as we were in the area. We met at a local resturant and she brought her youngest son Jameson. What a handsome young boy. He was a little under the weather and not too excited about seeing anybody but in the loving arms of his mother, he managed to make it through lunch without much fuss.

Adairsville isn't much of a stop-over but the camp was good. We had a large pull-thru with plenty of room and it was just off I75 about 40 north of Atlanta. Great over-nighter for either coming or going to Florida. And an added bonus of free popcorn in the office. One cool thing that we sorrily missed was nearby Barnsley Gardens. Coined 'The most romantic place in Georgia" this high end stop is not only a display of pristine gardens but has a cluster of rentable cottages (rated 5 star) and a first class restuarnt alongside a golf course. We hear it is quite the place but bring your American Express card. Maybe we'll stop here the next time through.

The small town of Acworth near where Jeni lives, is trying to save its past through the restoration of many of the old buildings downtown. Quaint and homey, a neat little town to spend a warm afternoon window shopping or picking up that must-have antique. We drove around through some of the neighborhoods of old, well kept homes and it's the kind of town you'd like to raise a family in. Small, everyone knows everybody, and simple.

We're sorry we missed John, Jeni's husband and oldest son Jonah and good friends Kelly, Ted and their daughters, Zuzu and Isabelle. Seems that time is just flying by and we're unable to fit in all the great people we should see as we pass through an area. Next time out we need to slow down and stay longer at each stop. We both think we're missing too much of the local culture and that's what fun.

We finished our visit and headed for our next stop of Berea Kentucky. Why there you say? Well it about 250 or so miles away and if you've not figured it out by now, that's about all I drive a day with the coach. Still trying to learn how to smell the roses while 'livin' the dream'.

All in the Family

This entry is all about family. Not travel stops and roadside adventure, but family. My family. Ya I know what you're thinking... so I'll save you the trouble. Just hit the Google search engine and find something more tantalizing like 'aardvark mating rituals' or '75 uses for navel lint'. I'll understand. But if you insist, and really do want to know more.... read on.

We settled in at our camp and as camps go, this was one of the best. Part of the Outdoor Resorts of America properties, Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort caters only to A and C class rigs. Pool, tennis, walking paths and even has a classical pianist entertaining at the Saturday morning breakfast. Snobberish you might say but not really. We met a number of great folks who purchased their lots years ago (at bargain rates) and now enjoy the fruits of their good investment. Many owners opt to rent out their sites when they are not using it thus defraying the cost of ownership; we took advantage of this as had a number of other snowbirds. Lots of space and privacy and very quite, the camp is located about mid-island. This Hilton Head resort was well situated near lots of shopping and great restaurants. It's also sort of Nirvana for golf addicts too. But remember to bring lots of golf balls and a credit card with a mega limit.

Peter, Austin, Laura, Bob, Petra, Leigh, Chris, Ben, Allison, Judy, Scott and Mark. Wheeeew...
What a crowd. All over to our camp for a little afternoon picnic. In case you don't know..nephew, grandson,niece, brother-in-law, great niece, daughter, nephew, great nephew, granddaughter, sister, son-in-law and another nephew. It's our second sort of family reunion here on the island and we again found many things to reminisce and laugh about. The youngsters in the crowd may have heard things about some of us oldsters that were a little more revealing than usual but what better a venue...among family.

My nephew Mark and his family flew over from Germany and stayed at the Waterside house and were joined by our daughter Leigh and her family who drove in from Michigan. My nephew Peter flew in from New York and my nephew Chris flew in from Vermont. Our family generates lots of frequent flyer miles.

The weather was superb and the pool at our place was heated so Sharon and I invited everyone over for a cookout. Hoping that the weather remained good, as a dozen people in the coach is a bit close even for relatives, I think we lured them over with a menu of steak and roasted corn-on-the-cob but surprised them with hot dogs and sloppy Joe's. When you're old and retired you'll stoop to any means to get people to visit. Anyway they stayed and we had a smashing time. Too bad you can't bottle laughter as we'd of made a case of it. Three generations mixing up a stew of old stories and times gone by.

We spent most of our time at Judy and Bob's spacious home on the river in Beaufort. Overlooking a long bend on the slow moving waterway, and within full view of the city marina and bridge to Lady's Island, the spacious house is a great gathering spot. As usual, Judy and Bob opened their home for all to use and enjoy with plenty of great food and drink.

It was good to see the cousins get together and share experiences from each others country. My daughter Leigh's daughter Allison and my nephew Mark's daughter Laura are about the same age and are typical young teenagers. Giddy and silly at times but learned beyond their years at others. Such precious young women. Ben, soon to be eighteen, is an engaging and quick to laugh young man. He's about to graduate and move on to study engineering in Germany. His cell phone is his constant companion while here in the states. It seems beside soccer and school, his main interest, Vanessa, have kept regular company via AT&T. ..Oh to be young again... My grandson Austin, whose vocabulary belies someone of more advanced years, found Emma (an energetic spaniel who likes everyone)and Millie (a long haired cat who likes the dog more than people) a pair that could entertain for hours on end. His natural affinity for animals is reciprocal and Emma found someone who could keep up with her boundless energy. I've always felt that anyone who could get along with animals would certainly be more successful when dealing with humans than those who couldn't. He'll do well.

Our daughter Leigh and husband Scott (with kids Austin and Allison) made the long weekend drive south. We were so happy to see them again as we've been away from home for over 22 weeks.
They're a couple that seems so natural together and fun to be around.

My nephew Mark, my sister's oldest, shares many of my interests (cars and gadgets) so we always have much to talk about. Petra, Mark's wife of some 22 years, is a real family treasure. Her gentle nature and quick smile adds to any gathering. In many ways they personify the old adage 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'. We don't get to see them as much as we'd like to.

Peter, my sister's youngest, remains the family spark plug. Ready to ignite any stuffiness in the room with his infectious laughter, he's held on to the 'kid' in him that most of us have lost.

My 'middle' nephew Chris continues to broaden his horizons. His travels to seek out people that need help through education has taken him to places most of use would quickly avoid. Be it remote India or New Orleans in aftermath of hurricane Katrina, he's been there to provide help. A rare counterpoint to a generation of 'me first' contemporaries.

New relationships begin to unfold as we all get better acquainted. As so many families get scattered around the country, getting together becomes more and more a logistical challenge. And before long, months become years before we see each other. Bob and Judy's wisdom of orchestrating these reunions has begun to bring our far-flung families closer together. A worthy legacy I'd say. Now if we could only get my son Steve and his lovely wife Jenny to get the time off to join us next time.

This last image is one of those line em' up against the tree and shoot em' kind of shot. Not too creative but getting this group to stand still in one place is quite an achievement. Judy, Bob, Peter, Chris, Mark, Petra, Laura, Ben and of course...Emma.

So there you have it. A slight deviation from my normal travelogue. We have since left Hilton Head and moved on to a little town north of Atlanta, Georgia. Careful planning on my part figuring that no one would be on the road when we were going through Atlanta on Sunday afternoon. Wouldn't most be in church or watching the b-ball game, I told myself. Au contra re. Wall-to-all cars, trucks, and motorhomes. I suspect snowbirds heading north clogged every inch of the eight northbound lanes. Talk about white knuckles. Keeping the rig between the white lines was more than a challenge... it was a necessity. Anyway we made it to Adairsville for a couple of days with the mission of seeing our 'other' daughter. More about that next time.