November 10, 2005

Back at Panera Bread again but a different location. The wind is blowing hard from the NW bringing in more seasonable weather. We have had fantastic warm weather for two weeks so I guess we are due for some "autumn" weather. I came out of my daughter's yard today to Mechanicsville once again for the second new windshield replacement. I had help backing the entire length of their drive and access road early this morn. My grandson came out to spot for me. There is no place to turn around but other than being hit with a few branches, I got out ok. I waited alongside the road for about an hour until the worst of the rush traffic was gone, then headed out I 64 to I 295. Takes about 45 mins to get there. I made reservations at Americamps tonight so that I can dump my tanks and avoid driving back in heavy night time rush traffic. Americamps is just off I 95 and Rt. 1 in Ashland. It is only about 15 mins from Mechanicsville. I went to an RV dealer today and looked at some units but there was nothing that really rang my bell. We are gearing up for the Richmond Marathon on Saturday. Weather looks good. I will leave on monday, the 14th and probably will stay the night in Chocowinnity, NC so I can browse at Crisp's RV Center before rolling on to Alliance, NC where my friends, Judi and John live. I will stay in their yard for about 4 days, see old friends and then go to Myrtle Beach for 2 days. Sebastian and I love that beach in south Myrtle near Murrell's Inlet. He loves the ocean. Then off to FL border or in that general area for one night, on to Tampa the next day to hang out and shop for a new MH for a week before going on to Naples. Inspite of the problems with the present Bearfoot coach, we are having fun as you can see by the photo of Bashey.

More November 6, 2005

More pics of foliage here in VA taken yesterday on my 12 mile bike ride. Went to church today with my family and afterwards we visited a nursing home with the ME Youth group to sing to the residents. It was lots of fun singing the old hymns plus some new youthful songs (which I didn't know). Many memories connected to those old hymns since my mom and I used to sing duets at funerals and sometimes a wedding (rare). My daughter was lay reader in the morning service, something she does quite often as well as assisting with the communion service. She read the 23rd Psalm from my grandmother's bible which I had given her awhile ago. A memorable day!

November 6, 2005

I am seated in a cozy booth at Panera Bread in Short Pump, VA. It is 7:45 p.m. on a sunday night. I decided the only way to get the blog published and the photos uploaded was to come in here since the phone modem at Lisa and George's is so weak. This is really nice since I am enjoying a lovely supper while typing. Their cheddar cheese and broccoli soup is great. We just toured the marathon route all over Richmond awhile ago. I am awestruck to think that my daughter will be able to run 26 miles all over the City, across the James River twice and end up at Shockoe Slip downtown. It will be an exciting day on Saturday. I am parked in my daughter's yard in Hanover County. I am so close to their back door that I can fall out of my door and into their garage. It is nice there parked under huge, ancient oak trees that as of today started dropping their leaves like snowflakes. All night long, Bashey and I heard the leaves tumbling on the roof. He barked from time to time and once I heard something walking through the leaves right around the motorhome. I lifted the shade to take a peak but the moon was dark and I couldn't see a thing. I think it was a deer. I've moved my departure time up to the 14th of Nov. because I want to get to FL, Tampa to be exact, as soon as possible. I will want to look at MH's and negotiate a trade. Since my reservations begin Dec. 1st Lake San Marino in Naples, I need about a week of lee time. I have some commitments with friends in Oriental, NC, where I lived for several years and will keep those but am cutting out Thanksgiving. I know it will be a sad day for me but I feel I must stay focused on the job at hand which is to trade this Bearfoot for another stronger better one. So Bashey and I will be on the road soon. Here are some more photos of my train ride and the foliage here in Goochland.