September 11, 2001

We wake up to witness with deep sadness the reading of the names from the 9/11 tragedy in NYC.
I am writing once again from the 1000 Islands area. We discovered quite by accident that we can pick up wireless internet from the storage area where the rv’s are currently stored. We have been enjoying the company of my sister, her husband and their dog, Rosie. The weather, although cooler, has been perfect. Crisp, cool, sunny days and cold nights. We have had a fire in the fireplace almost nightly. We have been packing and sorting both coaches, preparing to leave on Wednesday this week for parts south. We are trying to move the things from my coach that we will need for our trip to FL to pick up the new coach the end of this month. From there we will tour westward and northward, arriving back in VA before Nov. 15th. My Bearfoot will go into storage in VA if it doesn’t sell at the Hershey RV show next week. I have not been able to drive much of late since my eye disease has returned and I require treatment. My brother-in-law and sister have graciously offered to drive Bearfoot to Hershey in convoy with us. They will then rent a car for the return trip. I think I can drive from Hershey to Richmond if the coach doesn’t sell. I am sad to have to sell Bearfoot but as before there will be another one with a somewhat different mission as yet to be revealed.

Today we took a lovely boat trip northward on the Seaway winding our way through Canadian waters roundabout stopping at Boldt Castle and Boat house on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay. We picnicked aboard the Cobalt docked at the Castle, nibbling on homemade chicken salad with champagne grapes and homemade rye bread. Fabulous!
They allow visitors to tour on your own which I enjoy since I like to read posters and look at the photos and displays. What a treat seeing the work that is being done to restore this exquisite estate.

The other day we visited the antique boat museum in Clayton, NY. Wonderfully restored early 20th century yachts as well as some 19th century boats. We also toured La Ducheese which was Mr. Boldt’s private houseboat (it is like a floating mansion). After his death, it went into disrepair and sunk only to be salvaged and restored by Mr. McNally of Rand McNally fame. What an era and way of life these castles and yachts respresent. the attached photo is of the VA Tech Band at their first football game a week or so ago. My grandson is in the photo.

August 23, 2006

Albany, New York - We are visiting with my daughter and her family. We camped in Averill Park, NY which is about a half hour from here. Not such a great campground but we are not there much anyway. the weather has been grand this week. We went to the washington County Fair all day yesterday. Stayed for the Burners UK concert which was quite good. They have a dyamite sax player. Lots of Credence Clearwater, Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago type music. there are pictures in the archive on this website of last year at this same fair. I will post some new ones as soon as I download them to this computer. I am using Ralph's Apple since mine is on the fritz again. I am trying to make it last since I don't want to buy a new one. It is the battery which costs $175. We watched the Gymkana and the lawn mower tractor pull. Looked at some spectacular cattle and horses, a few swine and some goats. We enjoyed some "nutricious" fair food too. One thing we did note, is that the prices of everything at the fair have risen dramatically.

I finally got a decent haircut this morning and Ralph is going to a cardiologist here in Albany this afternoon for a second opinion. Later toay, we are going to a polo match and will enjoy a tailgate picnic. My daughter is a fabulous cook. she is making special chicken and other goodies. We bought some sparkling fruit juice and special cookies for dessert.

My equipment seems to be falling apart all of a sudden. My main TV in Bearfoot died from what I think was a power surge. ralph took all the supports etc down and he along with my daughter, grandson and a neighbor took it down, put it in the car and we delivered it to a tv repair place. It better be done on Thurs. since we will be taking off on Sat. for Wog Island. My camera zoom has quit and is unrepairable. I don't want any more equipment failures.

St. Lawrence real estate

Singer Castle Gardens
and FDR Hydro Electric Plant also the paddle wheel of our tour boat. Enjoy!

St. Lawrence Photos

This is a photo of Bash and me in the grand old wooden Lyman.

Aug. 7, 2006

We visited Singer Castle (heir to the Singer Sewing machine co.) saturday out on the St. Lawrence River. I have included some photos. What an incredible place! It was copied from a early 16 century English castle and has many secret passage ways like a rabbit warren throughout. It is now owned by a group of German investors who are in the process of restoring it. The part of the story I like is that a Mrs. Bourne from away heard about the castle and upon investigating found that it was her great grandfather's. She didn't know it had existed until just recently but was able to come here to visit. Her families books are still in the library at the castle. What a thrill for her to explore a part of her family history so vividly.

We also went up to the Eisenhower locks and watched some huge ships lock through both east and west. The FDR hydro electric dam is now closed to the public due to 9/11 but there is a nice museum across the river from it and one gets to watch a film. Disappointing, but seems to be the case in many parts of the country. Ralph was lucky since he went through the actual dam and power plant some years ago when people could be trusted. We were camped out up in Massena. We drove into the Mohawk Reservation (didn't go to the casino), stopped at a gift shop but the prices were very high. This country up here is lovely now, green and lush but I cannot imagine being here after the frost and in the cold weather.

We are back on Wog Island now, thankfully. It is hot but there is a stiff breeze blowing through the house. In fact, papers need to be anchored safely.

Sebastian is going for a grooming on Wed. He is a mess. The worst hair case since I have had him. I have taken the scissors to his thick, wooly, snarled hair so now he looks rough. Poor guy. I bought clippers thinking I would do it myself. Couldn't get them to work on his back so I used them on his head. Zip! the hair was gone and he was bald. I feel badly for him. I am not going to try that again.

I will post some pics of the great tour we took on sunday of both sides, Canadian and American, of the St. Lawrence River. If you have never explored this region, plan to do so. It is truly lovely. We didn't go into Boldt Castle since we are saving that tour for my sister and her husband.

August 3, 2006

We had a storm here in the Thousand Islands last night to almost equal the hurricanes I have sat out while living in NC. It was a "doozey". The light show was particularly spectacular like something from Star Wars. The wind blew easily 60 mph steadily all night long. Of course, when you are on a very small rock and the waves crash up around the island, it is a bit frightening. I read until things quieted down a bit. I was reading a great book about Medieval England entitled Catherine. It was very exciting. Ralph likes fresh air and he certainly had a wind tunnel effect going last eve. It is a bit cooler today but still very warm. But I guess that is the case everywhere right now. We always have a brisk wind blowing.

I brought my kayak across the river the other day but haven't been out on it again due to the wind and waves. There is a strong 5-6 knt current here too. Getting in and out of my boat over at the island is a challenge since the docks inside the boat house are not set up for a boater sitting so low in the water in a very tender boat. My boat whose name is Namaskar will flip me out so fast I don't have time to hold my nose. It is a balancing act.

We are going up to Masena tomorrow for a couple of days with the MH to check out the Eisenhower locks. Since traversing the locks on the Hudson River several times with a 36' sailboat and a 40' trawler, I have been fascinated by the lock system. Seeing these giant ships in them will be a photographers delight. We also plan to tour a couple of island mansions and maybe have tea in one of them.

Sebastian looks rather ragged since I have been unable to find a groomer for him. I attempted to do it myself with newly purchased clippers and scissors but couldn't even make headway in that thick hair of his. I did clip his front leg with the scissors but don't dare do more than one leg a day. He is very impatient and restless with me then I find my back is about to break. I did clip his forehead and realize that it is too close so have been putting sun block on there until it grows out a bit. He is a funny looking guy right now.

May you be blessed.

July 29, 2006

Off to Albany, NY today to spend a couple of days with my youngest daughter and her family. We are going to a restaurant tonight with a famous tv chef to celebrate my son-in-law's birthday. Trying to pack up the stuff we will need for two weeks up at the Thousand Island house is a challenge. We have had a busy time here in Vermont with my family. The weather has been grand although extremely hot for this area. We haven't walked or biked as much as we planned due to heat and bugs. We have been able to connect with grandchildren though. Back here in two weeks for a couple of weeks. Time is flying by as usual and soon we will be "winging" southward to VA and then on westerly.

No bites on this Bearfoot coach yet. It is such a nice home. I hope someone will take advantage of it.

This is a short post since I have to pack and move stuff to my car. We will leave Bearfoot right here in the yard at my son's until we return. I am fortunate to have a safe clean place to leave it where I can leave the ac on and the refrig on.

Next post will have some new photos.

July 25, 2006

Back to Pawlet parked in my son's yard. We tried to leave Florence on Sunday but the ignition key to Bearfoot had mysteriously disappeared and was no where to be found. We called in a locksmith, got a key code from the Workhorse Chassis people that turned out to be incorrect. The locksmith worked for 6 hours trying to find just the right fit for a key. Finally, he gave up and went home. I called Workhorse again and they apologized telling me they had given us the wrong code. The correct code was given and the keys made monday morning. We left in a hurry since my daughter's family was all sick with a stomach virus that seemed to be very contagious.

I took the long way to Pawlet via Rt. 4 to 22A through Granville, NY and then Rt. 30. Rt 133 to West Rutland last week was so overgrown with trees that Bearfoot taking hits to the roof and sides all the way up. It is a pretty ride up that way though through Middletown Springs and Ira. We stopped for lunch yesterday in Bomoseen and then went through Fair Haven in order to hit the grocery store.

Today we are going back to the grocery store to pick up food for dinner. We told my daughter-in-law that we would prepare dinner for them this week since they have been keeping Bearfoot for me for over a month. They have some steaks out, we added ours to theirs and will dine on grilled steak, baked potatoes, fresh VT sweet corn and a salad tonight. Tomorrow looks like rain. I must make a trip to the mall to find a dress for my nephews wedding. Think tomorrow is a good day for it. Sadly, I haven't been biking since it has been hot here but Ralph and I have been walking as much as possible. He is unable to ride his bike at this time but hopefully that will change. Doctors want him to take it easy for awhile.

We hope to get up to the Fair Haven Inn one night this week for dinner. Good friends own it and the chef is an old friend. It is always a pleasure to dine there. The food is spectacular.

We were awakened this a.m. early by a little granddaughter. She was told not to knock unless there were signs of us being awake. Well, as soon as Bash heard her coming he began to bark so I guess that was sign enough. It was a late night last eve since we picniced with my family on their boat on Bomoseen. Then enjoyed a lovely cruise around that beautiful lake after dark. I rode in a tube behind the speed boat with my granddaughter who is 6 yrs. old. It was quite scary at first but was fun. I have never done anything like that before in my life. Hitting the wake from the boat was most thrilling. My neck is a bit stiff this morning from the bumpy ride but I would do it again.

Gotta go finish the laundry now and then off to the grocery store. Keep your life as simple as possible for the next few weeks, rest often, do nice things for yourself and those you love, give to others less fortunate and as St. Francis said, "Pray incessantly". These are challenging times for all of us right now. Some are being challenged physically, others mentally or spiritually. Stay with it and Pray for Balance and Harmony on Earth.

Sending you all Light and Love from Bearfoot -
D.

July21, 2006

Pics are of the Thousand Islands.
I am parked in Florence, VT, the driveway of my daughter and her family. It has been hot and sticky. The AC in Bearfoot is much appreciated. My daughter from Albany and her son have been here visiting too. We all went up to Pico Peak Ski area the other day to ride the Alpine Slide. The chairlift ride is worth the admission. It ascends the mountain very slowly giving one the opportunity for viewing the lofty scenery. My granddaughter rode down in front of me and I found holding the lever down to make it go was very difficult. I have had a tender thumb on my left hand but now it is almost unusable. Expect it will pass.

We have visited the Pittsford Rec area for swimming and frog hunting. There are trails and a crystal cold stream to explore as well. We sat in the shade, enjoyed a picnic lunch and watched the kids frolic. Vermont is a beautiful state. It is interesting to note how one forgets the intense and abundant green of this place. One drawback this year is mosquitos. In NC, we referred to them as the state bird. If this infestation continues here, VT could replace or equal the eastern part of NC.

We have been walking some but the heat has been intense so exercise has been at a minimum. Bearfoot had a thorough cleaning yesterday inside and out because I thought I had someone coming to look at him. But they backed out late yesterday. A good job done however since BF had been sitting unoccupied for over a month and was quite dirty. There will be another BF in my future but it will be larger, be a diesel and more comfortable for two people and a dog. The Bearfoot adventures will continue I assure you. Here are some photos.

July 10, 2006

Here are more pics of the surrounding area: Alexandria Bay and sunset from the deck of Wog Island.

July 6, 2006

Our 4th of July celebration lasted for the entire weekend. On the river here in the Thousand Islands people shoot off fireworks each evening somewhere visible. I have lived near water in several areas over the years and that seems to always be the case. I speculate that it is because of visibility and the clarity of sound out over the water. I have some fair pictures but I haven't downloaded them yet. I have lots to post and will do so soon. Busy cleaning up after family left and did start a watercolour painting of the lighthouse and the 4 beautiful loon's that I saw in the river. I have been biking to Clayton from Fishers Landing as often as I can. It is 10 miles with some steep hills coming in. The weather here has been fantastic although very very windy over the weekend. Now it is perfect and we plan to take a long boat trip up to Alexandria Bay and around the back side of the huge island, Wellesley. Sebastian will love it too. I hung an Oriole feeder in the poplar tree in the postage stamp yard atop the rocks on Wog Island since I spotted an Oriole there a week ago. No takers yet. I have yet to ride on the Sea Doo but Ralph says he will take me soon. No funny stuff though! Last evening we went to the Clayton Opera House which is very historic to watch, "Patsy Cline Always", a musical play about Patsy and a fan of hers. The singing was grand. the picture attached is of Ralph and I at a restaurant overlooking the Seaway. The other is a homemade Catamaran????

Keep playing and dancing in the summer sun and breezes.

July 1, 2005

Happy Independance Day to all! I am back in the Thousand Islands as of yesterday in the pouring down rain. Bearfoot is still parked in Pawlet, Vermont. We made a quick trip over a couple of days ago to pick up Sebastian's medicine and some photos. It was good to be "home" if only for a couple of days. We did enjoy a visit with my son and his family while there. The weather has been very rainy with tremendous flooding in and around the area. We came back yesterday in heavy rains. Unloaded my friend's coach in the rain and then had to unload the car to the boat in the rain. But the good news is - today it is lovely, clear and sunny here. I need to take some more photos here to show you.

Sadly, I put Bearfoot on the market for sale. There will be another but it will be larger and Sebastian and I will be teaming up with our friend, Ralph. We hope to embark on a westward journey as soon as we have a suitable coach. Probably not until early autumn since Ralph is dealing with some health issues.

Sebastian is doing his best to endure being surrounded on a small island with 3 new dogs, 2 of which are much larger than he. They are all young and rather wild and crazy. He does not particapate in such antics. But they will be going home after the 4th and we will have the island to ourselves. There are 3 motor boats here and a sea do machine - all three are busy today.

I hope your weekend is safe, sunny and fun.

June 29, 2006

Made a quick trip to Vermont to pick up a few things I had forgotten to take to the Thousand Islands with me. Such as my spotting scope, binoculars, photos, music and my cd burner. We had a difficult trip coming across NYS since they closed the Thruway after we were almost to Fulton from Syracuse. The water had started to come over the roadway. We turned back and found the exits all closed until we got all the way back to Herkimer. Then we detoured up over the mts. and finally made it to Rt.20 which was jammed with traffic coming west from Albany. Then I 88 from Binghamton closed. It was a long trip. We go back to Syracuse tomorrow early and then on up to the Thousand Islands once again. It was nice to visit Bearfoot though if even for a couple of days. I am parked in my son's drive in Pawlet.

I will post some pics of the Poker Run we came upon the other day while visiting the library in Clayton, NY to read our email. We spotted the fire boat on the St. Lawrence in the harbor at Clayton so meandered down to watch. Gradually, the rumble of huge engines could be heard and the harbor filled up with giant racing boats. They stayed for awhile, let us look at them and then took off in a huge roar of engines. It was lots of fun and such a beautiful day.

June 29, 2006

Made a quick trip to Vermont to pick up a few things I had forgotten to take to the Thousand Islands with me. Such as my spotting scope, binoculars, photos, music and my cd burner. We had a difficult trip coming across NYS since they closed the Thruway after we were almost to Fulton from Syracuse. The water had started to come over the roadway. We turned back and found the exits all closed until we got all the way back to Herkimer. Then we detoured up over the mts. and finally made it to Rt.20 which was jammed with traffic coming west from Albany. Then I 88 from Binghamton closed. It was a long trip. We go back to Syracuse tomorrow early and then on up to the Thousand Islands once again. It was nice to visit Bearfoot though if even for a couple of days. I am parked in my son's drive in Pawlet.

I will post some pics of the Poker Run we came upon the other day while visiting the library in Clayton, NY to read our email. We spotted the fire boat on the St. Lawrence in the harbor at Clayton so meandered down to watch. Gradually, the rumble of huge engines could be heard and the harbor filled up with giant racing boats. They stayed for awhile, let us look at them and then took off in a huge roar of engines. It was lots of fun and such a beautiful day.

Thousand Islands

Note the camp in front of the large container ship passing through the Seaway. Most of these are Wog Island where we are staying.

Happy Summer Solstice

I am in the library at Clayton, NY in the Thousand Islands using their free wireless. Love the wireless providers. The weather here is totally wonderful. Mid-70's with light breezes and huge white cummulus clouds. The water in the St. Lawrence River is crystal clear. I sleep to the lap of the waves next to my window. Bash is getting used to using a boat rather than a car but still jumps up to go look when a series of large waves wash up on the rocks. Here are some recent photos. Enjoy!

June 19,2006

I am sitting in a motel in Frackville, PA where there is free WIFI service. How wonderful! Especially when it has been a fairly long period of no connectivity. I always feel out of touch when I cannot receive email or post to my blogsite.

The two HS graduations are behind me now. Both young men will now move on in their lives to another chapter in their life journey. Watching these two young men receive their diplomas, their awards and their celebrations caused me to reflect on the day when I witnessed their arrival into this world. We bonded stronger because of our immediate connection at birth. I was received into this world by my grandmothers and always felt very close to both of them. I still feel that strong connection during prayer and meditation. The two graduations were quite different - one much larger class than the other and more formal. I sat in the bleechers high up at the VT HS and immediately in front of me, sat a rather heavy set man in blue jeans and flannel shirt sporting a "Larry the Cable Guy" cap and heavy beard. I pulled out my kleenex as I watched my grandson walk down the gym. Then I became aware of that the "cap guy" was mopping his eyes with a large red handkerchief. Definitely there was a soft side to the big guy.

I left Bearfoot at my son's home so I could keep the frig plugged in. I won't be back there in VT until July 16th since I am going to visit my friend at his home in the Thousand Islands. He was very kind to offer to drive with me to Virginia (actually he did most of it) since my eyes were shaky. I am excited to be going to the tiny rocky island that is my friend's summer home. I visited just once for a short time and found it to be a lovely serene place to be. I hope to paint and kayak. Sebastian was quite baffled since he had to walk around the yard on wooden walks that extend out over the water in some places. He would crouch down and crawl, wild eyed until safely on the rocks again. The boat trip over and back proved to be a challenge for my dear canine friend too. He is not yet a sea faring dog but I think that will change this summer. We will take the boat ashore to walk, ride our bikes and gather the mail at the tiny post office made of cobble stone. We will be located roughly 5 miles from Canada on the St. Lawrence Seaway. I will take pictures and post them when I can get into town to use the library modem.

The plan is to come back to visit my family in Vermont during two weeks in July and again for two weeks in August. My Virginia family has sold their home and will be moving in a few weeks a small home in the same area. I will visiting them in the fall after they are settled in.

Gotta get on the road and roll on to Syracuse and then on to the Islands north.

Be well and have a blessed day.
Pics are of Bearfoot at my sister's house and her iris in full bloom.

June 13, 2005

Spending lots of road time in the car of late. Attended my eldest grandson's HS graduation last weekend in Vermont. It was good to spend some time with family. Of course, it rained the whole time. It has rained here for over a month until yesterday and today which have been grand. I just tonight returned from a quick trip out to Rochester, NY and then up to the 1000 Islands with my friend. Poor Bashey is very tired of riding in the back seat of a car but he is a good sport. Tomorrow we move my MH to my son's house for awhile while we drive down to Richmond, VA for number 2 grandson's graduation on Sat. Then back to the Thousand Islands on Sunday for a couple of weeks. I hope to spend the time relaxing, painting and reading. It is delightful up there completely surrounded by water and other tiny rocky islands. No access except by boat. Sebastian was totally overwhelmed with all that water and riding in a boat was very scary for him. It is just a few miles from the Canadian border. Very beautiful and right on the St. Lawrence Seaway so the big container ships go by 24/7. I will post pictures as soon as I download them. In the meantime, I will more than likely be away from my computer unless I am lucky enough to find service. When we arrive up in the Islands, we will be using dial up at the local library on the mainland.

I did manage to unload all my paintings that had been previously stored for the last two years by a friend in VA who is moving. I loaded them all in my little car and hauled them to VT. My family has divided them up and is hanging/storing them for me. That was a huge relief. I hope to have a house again someday with walls to hang some of them myself.

Tonight I am eager to crawl into my bunk here aboard Bearfoot.

6-6-06

I am not superstitious. Actually, I have found that those"tagged dates, numbers, etc." often end up being lucky days for many people. That's not to say that I don't believe in the science of numerology. I do believe that numbers reveal much about our history and our lives as does astrology. I don't mean the newspaper column type of astrology either. In historically biblical and pre-biblical times, astrology was a highly respected science. I find it to be a guideline combined with all the other indicators in our lives such as dreams, synchronicsities and the like. I also use Centered Prayer and the power of Intention in my daily devotions. My spiritual life comes first. I find my life is more positive and joyous due to the time I spend in meditation and prayer. That was a long paragraph to say that today was a lucky day. The weather is superb and I spent a pleasant time with my sis and her daughter shopping.

I wanted to include a photo I took in Harpursville, NY just before a thunder shower the night we stopped there on our way up here. This is truly a shot of the window to heaven. Double click on it to enlarge it and you will see the prism that was visible inside of the window.

Some recent Photos

Memorial Day '06 at Fredericksburg, VA Civil War Battlefield. Grandson, the trumpet player, plays taps today. A glorious day.
That is him saluting in the background after he had finished playing as the color guard left the field.

June 3, 2006

We made it!! Three days, all long, and Bearfoot is finally at rest in my sister and bro-in-law's yard. We arrived last night just before dark. Actually, this was the first time I had ever had to put on the new Bearfoot's driving lights. I always get parked long before dark but on the second day, the "Change Engine Oil" light came on and I realized that LazyDays( the operative word is "Lazy") didn't do what they said they were going to do when I bought the coach. I stopped and checked the oil and it was down a bit but knew it would be ok if I got it changed soon. Called Alpin Haus Rv in Amsterdam, NY and they said they could squeeze me in on Friday noon. I was camped in Harpursville, NY which is a few miles E of Binghamton. The weather up to then had been warm and lovely. Actually in the 90's the first day out of Ashland, VA. The job that the mechanic said would take 2 hrs. took 5 hrs. and I left Amsterdam at about 5:15 p.m. on a Friday night in rush traffic. I went right through the City of Amsterdam on Rt. 30 and then to Rt. 29 to Saratoga Springs which one also has to go through the Village to get to I 87, the Adirondack Northway that goes on up into Canada. I got off at the historic village of Ft. Edward, NY and then wound my way to Hudson Falls, NY and over to Hartford, NY. The entire trip is my equivalent to a serious roller coaster ride. Bashey looked at me from the passenger side one time as we blindly came over the top of a steep hill and immediately dropped down the other
side, with a look that said he was thinking of getting sea sick. Me too, I said. We arrived in time for supper however.

I cannot describe adequately though how beautiful the trip up through the PA mountains even in the heat and traffic delays was. Everything is lush and green. We stayed in Carlisle, PA the first night at a campground that has large monolithic rocks throughout the park. As you walk by you may see the image of some thing that shapeshifts and becomes another form from a different viewpoint. Lovely!! I brought two tomato plants and a basil plant with me from VA and put them outside each day and night we stopped. Bashey and I stop quite often enroute and take a brief nap to rest my eyes, a quick doggy walk, grab an iced tea from vending and we are rolling again. I really like this big engine and especially the transmission. I used it fully for the long 5-10mph descents from the mts. since we were in heavy traffic congestion much of the time due to construction projects in PA. I say, "Bout Time folks". I 81 has been in terrible shape and parts of it still are but at least they are making an effort.

Last year, I complained bitterly about our trip across I 88 in NYS but except for a relatively short section, this year it is much improved. That is another road that is incredibly beautiful vistas. It was early a.m. and there was low lying mists hanging on the mts. with the mightly Susquehanna in the foreground. I couldn't stop for pics from that road though.

Today, Sis and I drove to Albany for the Race for Life and to watch my three daughters compete. It teamed and I don't exaggerate here folks. I could barely see to drive down there. We were wet from our feet to our waists and then down our necks where the water seeped in. But the girls who all ran in the Masters division were wonderful. I am very proud of them. They are all working hard to keep themselves healthy and strong. Bash and I have the heat on and are snuggled in for the night. The rain has abated at least for now.

May 26, 2006

I am so disgusted with this computer. You are probably getting tired of hearing me complain about it. If it's not one thing, it is another. Actually, it has not been a good marriage since the beginning. I guess I will start looking for another one. Last night I had all but completed a post when I received a phone call. The computer went into hybernation and I lost everything I had worked on. I will begin again -

Last Sat. night I had the priviledge of attending the PHHS senior prom held at the Richmond Science Museum. What a delight! Are young woman more beautiful than they ever were? It seems so. We were allowed to view the seniors as they paraded around the outdoor portico. I took photos but many were too dark. I am very proud of my grandson - proud for the person he is, his accomplishments, his steadfastness and his character. He will attend VA Tech this year. He will do the Hokies proud. I hope to camp over in Blacksburg in the fall and perhaps get into see a football game. Tickets are hard to come by.

I am slowly putting stuff away in the "basement" of Bearfoot. Sebastian and I will leave early Tuesday morning although we need to fill up with propane first. I think I will stay at a Flying J or Walmart the first night and then stop at a campground the second so I can empty my tanks in preparation for a lengthy period of dry camping.

Tonight is awards night at the HS. Grandson is receiving several. It is hard to believe that the two boys I witnessed entering this world 18 years ago are grown men. I stand in awe of them. Eldest grandson, by 5 mos., will graduate first from Otter Valley Union HS in Vermont. He will be moving to Boston to work while he decides what it is he wants to do in his life. He is a born leader and teacher.

I am getting cold feet again about driving over the Rockies. I do plan to head west but not quite that far this year. I started making a list of things to see on the trip. There are so many places to stop and explore on this side of the Continental Divide that I think I will take my time. I do want to see my friend in Grand Jct., CO but I can fly there easily. She may be moving to Austin in the near future. Austin, TX is much easier for me to get to with the coach than over those big mts. My bravery is a fickle thing.

I like this photo of the beach in SC taken on the trip up.

photos from the concert, Mothers Day

May 16, 2006

I have been scouting around this morning looking for free wi fi service since the one I have been using at the campground seems to be down for a couple of days. Lightning maybe, since we have had lots of storms. I am happy to see S. FL is getting some rain at last. Need to dampen those fires. I noted one was in Lee Co and I wonder if it was near Bonita Beach. The sun is out here today but more rain on the way apparently. I attended the play "Singing in the Rain" sat. night performed by the PH HS players. My grandson played in the orchestra. It was very well done. Quite a challenge for HS players. Sunday, I joined my family for church services and then sped back to the CG to walk Sebastian. Sunday afternoon, my grandson played in the CBS6 Wind Ensemble given at the Short Pump Mall. The rain threatened but it cleared up nicely and the music was grand. These were the cream of the crop of music students from all over Central VA. They were handpicked to join this ensemble. After the concert, we went across the street to Bertuccis for a late dinner. I drove home to Ashland in pouring rain after dark. That is something I don't wish to repeat.

Today was Botoxin shots day for my eye spasms. Now I should be good to go for another 3 - 4 mos. I am enjoying meeting old friends. Sat. night is the senior prom and we get to go to the senior walk at 10 p.m. As the month comes to a close, the need to get everything off my "to do" list increases.

Enjoy the photos. I think Bashey is saying, "When are we going on the road again?" The other pic is a shot of our home at Americamps.

May 12, 2006

We have enjoyed a lovely day today after some scary storms yesterday. The weather front came in from the west bringing strong T-storms, hail, gusty winds and tornados. I took down all my awnings and battened down the hatches so to speak just in case but all we had here in Ashland was rain. Tonight the moon is full and I am grateful for clear skys. I went to Walmart today to buy some noodles. You know those long foam tubes used in pools. I put them under my slide-out canvas since it has stretched a bit and collects rain water and all sorts of debris from the trees. The noodles lift and support the little dip in the canvas allowing the water to slide off.

My daughter has planned a very active weekend for me. Tomorrow we go to see "Singing In The Rain" done by our local HS. My grandson will be playing in the band. He is graduating this year and has received a 4 yr. scholarship to VA Tech. In addition, he received a 4 yr Leadership Award which will pay his other expenses. He is quite a young man. I am very proud of him. Sunday for Mother's Day, we are going to an outdoor concert by this same young man and then out to dinner at Bertuccis, one of my favorite places. This entire month has been devoted to my VA family activities as well as my own personal catch-up with doctors, dentists etc. I am gradually working my way through the list.

Try this recipe for Brussels Sprouts:
peel off the outer leaves and slice in half or quarters according to how large they are. Toss in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 mins. or so. Toss occasionally during the baking. They come out crispy on the outside and delicious inside. I actually like them the next day, cold with a bit more olive oil, a touch of lemon juice and a piece of crusty bread. Yummy and so healthy.

I will post some pics soon. Enjoy your springtime wherever you are.

May 9, 2006

After a day and a half of steady rain, Bash and I are ready to climb the walls. It is cold too for us here in VA. I have had the munchies all day today. Went shopping to get out of the MH. Tomorrow promises to be a better day. I have been studying maps and camping books trying to map out a route for my trip westward. My tentative plan is to leave in August. Any advice would be welcome from those of you who have travelled westward by motor vehicle.

My daughter here has just sold their home so they will be moving soon. Not out of the area but closer to the HS. They are now 45 mins or so from the school. It has been difficult for everyone since the children went to HS. This move will ease the travel time, stress and expenses.

I watched the Dr. Phil show today on child abuse in the home. I am terribly upset by the abuse that children in this age. There is a great deal of anger, out of control anger, children are the victims and used as vehicles of that anger since they cannot fight back. They are innocent, don't understand and have no where to turn. Dr. Phil can only make a difference one family at a time. Hopefully, as people see others abusing their children, they will seek help for their troubled existence. We must somehow help the innocent children of this world.

May 5, 2006

Retyping this post. Lost it somewhere. I am currently in Ashland, VA surrounded by RIR race fans who can party. After Myrtle Beach, SC during Easter break, this seems calm. I did enjoy Easter dinner with my family in Myrtle Beach however. It was lovely being with my sis and her family especially since I missed Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. I just posted some pics of Hilton Head and Bearfoot on the ferry. You can find them in the previous post under "photos". I am catching up on VA family activities while I am here. Here are some recent photos from Oriental, NC.