July 19, 2007

Yesterday was my eldest child, my son's 48th birthday. We went to dinner at the Dorset Inn located on the Green in quaint little Dorset, VT. The food was wonderful. I had diver scallops and a fresh beet and pistachio salad. Yum! Of course, I had to indule in a chocolate terrine with rasberry sauce for desert. It isn't any fun having a birthday party if you don't eat cake!

Today is rainy and cold once again. Last night coming home, the clouds were hanging over these old mountains but the moon and venus peaked through. There was even some red colour left from the sunset earlier. I had hopes for sunshine today but doesn't look like it will. I have some projects to catch up on inside. Tomorrow I will move the coach down to a local campground to dump the waste tanks and then pick up my car to go over to my sister's house. Tomorrow is their 44th anniversary and she is giving herself a party. We have all expressed a need for an over 55 party which is reminiscent of our winter gatherings in Naples. We will have some "heavy" appetizers which will serve as a meal. We will probably be inside though since it looks like rain again.

My granddaughter here in Pawlet is leaving on Sunday for horse camp on Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, VT for 3 weeks. While she is away, I will have an opportunity to play with her younger sister as well as the other younger ones in the area. We are considering taking a camping trip to Parc Safari in Canada. I am not much of an amusement park person but apparently there is a great deal to do there.

I finished a sketch of my granddaughter's chow dog who was shot last year. We found a frame for it yesterday. Now I am continuing to work on a painting of a frog for my grandson who is 12. Since I started this project, I discovered that he really likes turtles better. But since he is a lover of all things natural, I guess the frog will be ok.

We visited Tylord farm in Benson, VT the other day. Saw the devastation first hand since they had a fire two years ago and lost 7 valuable top stallions. They are gradually rebuilding their foundation stock. We also visited the UVM Morgan Horse Farm, took the tour, watched some training and schooling and visited with the trainer. Always fun to go there. Lunch followed at Mr. Ups in Middlebury, VT. We were seated on the Otter Creek. There is always a wildlife show going on there. I am posting some pics.

Keep smiling -

July 12, 2007

I brought Bearfoot or I guess I should say, Bearfoot brought Bash and me to Pawlet, VT yesterday just before a T-storm came rolling through. My plan was to drive to Dorset for a dump run but I wasn't about to mess with all that in the rain. I came directly to my son's, took the car off and turned this rig around so I could back in in the driveway and into my "spot" next to the house.

We went to a 90th birthday party last night in the deluge for Alma Baker, my daughter-in-law's grandmother. She is a special lady. She was also a good friend to my mom when mom was alive. They met at my son's wedding 24 years ago. It was an immediate friendship that lasted until mom passed 3 years ago in May. She seemed to be a bit overwhelmed by the party and sad as well. I told her to forget about the numbers and focus on the fact that she is well and aware. I spent sometime talking with an old classmate of hers who is from Raceville, NY, near Grandville. What a special woman she is! Still does her own mowing, gardening, mulching etc. She is an organic gardener. She also drives herself anywhere she wants to go, her words. She doesn't hear well but what brilliant blue eyes she has and incredible spirit.

My bike went into the shop in Glens Falls last week. They finally got it fixed and I picked it up yesterday before I left Hartford. New chain, new gears, new seat and an air pump = $121. The seat and air pump were something I really had needed for sometime. I don't know if this seat will fit my buns but hope it is better than the other one. On long rides, one expects to be a bit saddle sore but not to the extent that I was. I may sign up for a bike tour in northern Vermont in August. I hope it will be a way to meet other singles my age with similar interests.

I plan to spend sometime with my middle daughter who lives in Florence, VT for a couple of days. We want to explore a few things and maybe go to the Blues festival in Brandon. Then I want to take my horse-loving 14 yr. old granddaughter to the E. dorset horse show. I will hang out here in Pawlet until next week. I need to be back in Hartford for my sister's anniversary on friday.

So it goes.... Enjoy the photos.

July 6, 2007

Bash and I are hunkered down in Bearfoot since we are under a severe T-storm warning and it is raining again. I just put my awning back up this morning. It was sunny, warm and lovely. Bash and I took a long walk down to Rt. 40 and back up the hills. I am glad to have done that since the black clouds came in behind us. Cool temps and frequent showers seem to be the summer so far in this part of the world.

Went to another concert last night in Granville, NY at the park there. Heard the Sundowners. Good old fashioned R & R. These concerts are held free of charge in all the little communities here in Washington County as well as Vermont. Lots of good music and fun.

As I was walking and gawking at the scenery this morning, I thought about how I am always trying to recreate what I see with my eyes through the camera lens or with a brush. It can't be done! No matter how one tries, the textures, the depth, the colours and the smells cannot be duplicated. God has the patent on all this beauty. But I keep trying anyway. I hope you all enjoy the pics. The corn is as "High As a Normal Knee Cap" and it is a couple of days after the fourth of July so all is on track as it should be. I started taking pictures when I was a small girl with an old Kodak brownie. I have been through several cameras in my lifetime and am now back to an inexpensive digital Kodak with a malfunctioning zoom lens. It quit shortly after I photographed my three wonderful daughters competing in the Freihofer Race for the Cure last summer in Albany, NY in the rain. I haven't replaced the camera because I like it, it's paid for and it works, well kinda. The question is, what would I do with this one if I bought a new one?

Have you seen Ratatoulle? I would like to do so. I like some of the new animated films. The theme song from An Inconvenient Truth by Melissa Etheridge, I Need To Wake Up, is another great from a fabulous artist. If you haven't heard it and her other great one, I Run For Life, do so. You won't forget those special songs.

Gotta go do some laundry. More later......

July 4, 2007

These pictures were taken last night at a concert in the park at Moreau, NY. The Irish band, the Macleads were entertaining us. This park is a well-maintained historical site along the Hudson River. The grinding wheels seen in the photos are from the 1700's Grist Mills located on the river here. A nice evening. I find though that I need a blanket later in the evening this year. The weather reminds one of late August or Sept. Today, the parades and fireworks displays will be dampened by the rains predicted. Right now as I type, the wind has picked up and it is overcast. I just brought in my awning and outdoor things. I learned long ago from my sailing days not to put off battening down the sails for a storm. Mid-storm firedrills are no fun. We are having a quiet day at home. Steak on the grill and other good eats on the menu.

I went biking yesterday over the hills and the dales again. Only made 8 miles before I had to quit. My heart and lungs find these hills most challenging. Also, my derailer is not working forcing me to ride in 2nd gear all the time. The limitations put more strain on my cardiovasular system. But I do walk some of the hills which is actually good for me. My sis went into the pool but I couldn't bring myself to do so since the cold nights have finally reduced the temp from a balmy 86 degrees. I have been playing with My Space. If any of you wish to check it out, please ask me.

I also painted yesterday outside under the awning. Did a sketch for a granddaughter and completed a couple of unfinished ones from last year. I started a series of animals done in oil a few years ago and I now feel it is time to continue with them. On My Space I have an album of some paintings as I do on this site. I will be adding more.

Happy Independance Day!

July 1, 2007

Wow, the month has gone by fast. I have been busy since the last posting. I went to a birthday party for one of my granddaughter's in Florence, Vermont. Stayed overnight since I don't drive after dark. They are in the middle of a mound system project for the waste. What a challenge that is. I remember having to replace a leach field years ago but this mound system is something else entirely. We went to see Evan Almighty. It was a fun movie. We also went to their local rec center and while my daughter and I sat in the sun near a babbling brook, the children swam. We shared a picnic lunch too.

I picked up one of my older granddaughter's at basketball camp at Castleton State college and she spent the last 3 days with me. What fun we have had! She has a great sense of humor and I have found myself laughing a lot. We climbed Haystack Mt. in Pawlet's Mettawee Valley. I have included some of the photos. It was our Everest! Tough climb but well worth it. She created a My Space blog site for me. It is lots of fun and I can post personal stuff on it along with many family photos. You do have to have a My Space page in order to share. If any of my readers wish to do so, let me know.

Today we went to an art show nearby with my sister and her husband. The paintings were of local animals and children from the community. Some of them were done with their County fair show animals. The building was an old dairy barn, the gallery upstairs in the hay loft. Downstairs is a huge gift shoppe with lots of unique and fun things. The countryside in this area is incredibly beautiful and very rural.

It is chilly here at night but in the 70's during the day. We have had occasional showers too. Last week, it was warm here and there were few bugs so I had left the door to Bearfoot open while I did something outside. The 120 lb. retriever from next door apparently came into the coach and stole two of Bashey's toys. The next day Bash went down there and brought back one of the toys. The next day, I mentioned that his Tiki toy (a new gift from Wendy) was missing. There was a report that a blue toy had been spotted two houses away. Bash went out and disappeared. I called and called but no Bash. Finally, he came to the door and asked to come in. He had Tiki in his mouth albiet a very dirty Tiki. We washed it and he put it back in his toy bag. He just understands everything I say. Amazing dog!

June 26, 2007

Bash and I are off to Florence, Vermont, near Brandon, this afternoon. We are going to a birthday party for my granddaughter at her home there. We will stay overnight since I don't drive after dark and it is a bit of a drive over there. I usually park in their yard for a few weeks but I am not sure this year. The road going into their house has over-hanging trees and is narrow and curvy. It is necessary to drive in the middle of the road for a good part of the trip in order to avoid being scratched by branches. I have a rubber roof on this coach and the thing to avoid is having scratches on the roof. My "repair budget" (??) is shot for the next two years.

Tomorrow, we will stop in at Castleton State College, my alma mater, to pick up my other granddaughter who is coming to stay with me for a few days while her family is away racing. She has been at basketball camp this week. Speaking of basketball, last evening I went with my sister and her family to watch one of her granddaughters play basketball in Hudson Falls, NY. It is a summer league and the team members receive lots of constructive coaching. We won the game. Ice cream is a traditional treat after Little League games but it seems it has gained support with the young basketball players. Yum!

I have some kind of critter up under my coach. I hear noises and Rosie, the critter sniffing dog affirms there is a presence. There many ways they can get in. Not sure how I will address this invasion of our space.

I am beginning to feel more like myself than I have in a long while. It has taken almost two months to begin to feel normal. When I think of the stressful events over the last year, I realize how little attention I have paid to my self. I have been using flower essences as well as tinctures of dandelion and astralagus, all excellent for the rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit.

I biked 18 miles day before yesterday to North Granville, NY and took a couple of pictures of the scenery which I want to share with ya'll. I can't get enough of these long pastoral views. I couldn't shift from 2nd gear because my de-railer is in need of repair or replacement but it was a wonderful ride.

I found a sign for our coach. It is made of canvas and is the face of a friendly bear. On the top near the ears, I painted our names. It hangs on a post poked in the ground just outside the door.

I heard from my daughter in VA. She said that my grandson is preparing for air assault school this summer and will fly to Ft. Benning, GA the first of August to begin his training. He is very eager and excited to begin this vigorous training as part of his Army Corp officers training at VA Tech.

Have a delightful steamy hot summer day good friends. This is my kind of weather.

some June photos

June 22, 2007

My calendar says today is "Take Your Dog To Work Day". How about that bit of trivia?
Check out the attached photos of yours truly and partner as well as my partner with his new hair cut. I had a grand time yesterday with my Brandon, VT family who came over to my sister's house for a swim and picnic. I could not believe the changes in my grandchildren whom I hadn't seen since last Sept. They are all tall and slim. My daughter who is their mom is 6' tall and their dad is at least 6' tall so I guess the height is to be expected.

Here are some pics of Manchester, Vermont where I lived for a few years. I went down there the other day for a hair cut and managed to shoot some nice pictures. Bash and I always seem to have our hair cut around the same time. I will post a picture of him with his new do in a separate post.

We have been having lots of rain, hail, wind and cool temperatures. I heard 40's tonight. My gas furnace is on. When I lived in Vermont, we always told people that we had two seasons, July and Winter. Certainly seems that is the case so far this summer.

I opened my lovely desk today in Bearfoot. I feel like painting again. Think I will set up my stuff tomorrow. I hope this is a sign that my creative energies are returning after a lengthy period of what appears to be plain old exhaustion. Aging is not for wimps. Slowing down is part of the natural process of aging but I haven't felt the effects before this year. Now as I approach my birthday and begin to feel chronic pains in some of my joints, my energy level has dropped, I find I have come face to face with age. If only there was a sweet elixer of youth available, I guess we would go to great lengths to get it. Some already do so through tucks, lifts and augmentation, creams, lotions and supplements. I guess I have never really given my own aging much thought 'til now. I have greeted each milestone in my life if not with gusto then certainly with an anticipation of adventure. This new chapter will take a bit of attitude adjustment - and work!

June 19,2007

The graduations have been completed. Bash and I had a lovely although short visit with my daughter and family in Albany. We stayed overnight since driving for me since the botox injections has been a true challenge. These symptoms will pass in another week. For some reason, the treatment causes the BEB (Benign Essential Blepharospasm) to worsen for a couple of weeks. Other people with this disease don't seem to have this type of reaction. I also lost all sense of smell with the botoxin injections but I never met a doctor who will acknowledge that as a side effect. I still think it is worth it even though I only actually get about 2 mos. of relief from the spasms.

I have the ideal site here at my sister's. I have wireless internet, cable tv, acres of green lawn, laundry and a heated pool just outside my door. Bash loves it here since he gets to run free. I do watch him however. There is a large Rottweiler who lives across the street and Bash is very curious. Bash and Rose, the minature poodle, chase chipmunks. Rose is an avid hunter of all small creatures. She inspected the underside of Bearfoot by standing on her hind legs and dancing from front to back. She came out spotted with grease. Bash had a grooming today and even though he has a butch cut (they call it summer cut), he is very clean and handsome.

I rode for 9 miles over the hills and through the dales but think I have destroyed my 2nd gear. I really need to get it in for repair. Probably going to need new gears. When I broke my chain this past winter in Naples, they suggested I would need gears very soon. I like my bike and maintaining it is just part of the package. Speaking of maintaining - I have to have the oil changed in my little "toad" car. There is a local guy who works on cars in his barn. I usually try to give him my business while I am in the area. He plugged a tire for me 3 yrs. ago and it is still fine.

I have been looking for a more private web site but there doesn't appear to be any freebees such as this one. I would like to be able to post more personal pictures but don't feel comfortable doing so on this site. Anyone have any ideas?

Sebastian had two "massages" from the plant devas who live under the trees and shrubs. He cannot find a place in FL where they live so he is making up for all those lost rubs. The devas are Beings of Light and Energy, fairyies if you will. Native Americans call them the Little People. Sebastian has always been friends with them. Watching him move in slow motion turning and twisting his body so they can reach all sides with a glazed look in his eyes is a sight to behold. It will make a believer out of the most skeptical person. Having many devas in the yard is a sign of a healthy yard. One time in my yard in VA, after Bash came out from the bush, I lay down under the same bush to see what I could feel. I didn't get rubbed but I was able to hear them and learn their names. I was encouraged to build several fairy houses around my yard with the help of my then young granddaughter, Ann. We had a fun day.

Pictures later--

June 15, 2007

Today is Estimated Tax Day. Blah! Otherwise, it is a perfectly wonderful day. Mild temps, clear ski and low humidity. I am loving it after many months in the heat of the south. I am sitting outside under my awning with Sebastian watching the Today Show on my old tv that I reclaimed from my granddaughter. I have a compartment in the coach that has an extra tv hookup. I never thought I would enjoy having a tv outside but I really do. I am hooked up to cable too.

Went for a 9 mile bike ride yesterday over HILL and dale. That was the toughest 9 miles I have ever done. I think I blew my 2nd gear too but I have over 2000 miles on my bike now and a new set of gears in probably in order. I replaced the chain last winter and was told at that time that I would need a new gear set very soon. In FL I don't use the gears much but that is not the case here. I was struggling in first gear shifted down to 1 all around and still unable to catch my breath. I walked at least 3 hills yesterday which is good. It gives me a chance to stretch my legs and helps prevent osteoporosis. I didn't bring my camera and don't you know, of course, I regretted it. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular.

Tomorrow I will go to Albany early in the morning for Colin's graduation ceremony. In four short years, I will, God willing, be attending Colin and Emily's HS graduation.

I am looking for another personal website. When I find one I will let you all know. I would like an invited website that is more secure, then I can share personal photos with you all. If anyone has any ideas, send them on.

Wonderful reunion with one of my oldest neighbors and school chum. I really only have two that I am in contact with. These folks live on a mountain top in GA. I hope to stop in there sometime.

Including a photo of one of my bike trips in Vermont.

June 12, 2007

I have completed one graduation and am edging towards the next one which will be in Albany, NY. The one last night was a small class of 30 students. We dodged rain drops running into they gymnasium as a T-storm arrived just as we did. The boys in the class were not allowed to attend since they had started a food fight last week. Not only did they clean up and do the dishes but they missed their last dance. I felt the punishment was a bit harsh. My grand daughter looked lovely and didn't trip over her feet in her new high heels. We went to the Sirloin Saloon for dinner afterwards which was delicious but and that is a big but -- attending these family dinners with two ex-husbands and their girl-friends is quite uncomfortable for me. Conversation is limited. They are probably as uncomfortable as I but they do have a support person with them. I took some great pictures of my granddaughter though. Sorry can't share in this format.

I am thinking of changeing my site. I just met a friend who has an invited blog site where she can show her personal photos of family etc. That might be better for me too since so many of my readers are family.

I drove my granddaughter to her riding lesson this afternoon. What a treat to watch her learning to ride. I rode horses all my life up until my late 50's. Watching her is very fulfilling for me. She is an excellent rider as well.

Speaking of riding - I took the bike out this morning before the rain showers came. I wanted to ride to Middletown Springs, VT but actually did 13 miles. These hills take some getting used to. I walked part of the way up a couple. It is all uphill to Middletown Springs. I will try again tomorrow a.m., weather permitting. I haven't ridden in a month.

Tomorrow I plan to pulll out of here and go over to New York state to park in my sister's yard for a week. I am looking forward to seeing them. The beauty of this type of travel is a change of scenery and family.

-June 8, 2007

Pawlet, Vermont - Yes!!! I told you in an earlier post that my ears had to do an adjustment to the lack of noise when I reached Harpursville - same here. What a pleasure sleeping with a complete lack of traffic racket. I started early this morning washing the awning, then the MH. Got two sides done before, the sun came 'round. It is hot out there now. I need to wash my car. It is black from the road grime and the diesel dust from Bearfoot's big engine back there. Sebastian went out with me this morning and managed to lay down in all the grimy water that was pooling under the coach. Then being Bash, he lay down in the dirt. I have been referring to him as Meat Ball. I wonder why white dogs like to get dirty?

I have both ac units going and it is delightful in the coach. I stopped in Amsterdam, NY yesterday out on 90 at Camping World and purchased a Surge Guard. Big bucks spent but think I will rest easier. I arrived here in Pawlet late in the afternoon and was exhausted. My hands and wrists are very sore. But my eyes held up, thank God. The family was happy to see me. We are going to several basketball games in the Saratoga region this weekend. My granddaughter who is graduating from the 8th grade on Monday is competing. She is going to a dance tonight so I get to participate in these wonderful school activities that I usually am absent for. The little one was out here early this a.m. knocking on my door. She is an early riser and thinks everyone else should be too.

Going out again now to set up my Dish. Yuck! Thermometer reading 94 degrees now in the shade. Tomorrow will be normal summer weather for this area - 70's. Of course, there is no global warming. This is all trumped up by some crazy ecologists!!! Sure, sure - that is why there has been double the number of huge destructive tornadoes in the mid-west this year and why the desert just experienced a force 5 cyclone. The first ever! We are an embarassment to the world at the G 8 summit. We are the worst pollutors on the planet and yet, we deny there is a problem. Go figure!

I have wireless in my coach here so will write more later.

6-6-07

Bash and I just went outside here in Harpursville, NY for a walk before supper and I thought I had lost my hearing. I did a double take until I realized it was quiet here. The last time I was in a quiet, traffic free area was a month ago in Crystal River, FL. It is truly beautiful here with long views off to the Eastern mountains and many tiered ponds that are stocked. I had to make three passes at this site though. Not a good thing to be doing when one is totally exhausted. I just couldn't find a spot that was level enough. My rear wheels were lifted off the ground at one point and the slide out wouldn't open. I have an automatic leveling system and it said the slope was too great. I finally got it on the third try of going around the block. It is very wet here too due to heavy rains last night. These sites are all grass.

Each spring when I pass this way on my way north, I rant and I rave on the condition of I 81 through PA. But I realize it symbolizes the rents and tears in our very fabric of life in the USA. Our entire infrastructure is falling apart because the states and the federal gov't don't have enough money left over from the war in Iraq to repair our streets and roads. I saw road workers out all the along the road patching those ugly patches from last year. It is like a poor person who has to patch the patches on her clothes. This is a tattered and poor country thanks to the Bushites. I normally don't write about politics but I find I have a great deal of anger as I witness first hand the destruction of this Country by a handfull of greedy, self serving people who only wish to pad their own pockets. Meanwhile, each day we hear the casualty reports. 3500 as of today. What a milestone and for what? We still haven't punished the one responsible for 9/11 but we have managed to position ourselves in the middle of a civil and religious war that is not about us.
I guess you can tell I am really beat, huh?

Good news! The sun is shining, the sky is clear and it is getting cold. We have frost warnings here for tonight. Then by late tomorrow it will be in the high 90's. Global Warming?? Where is it?? See An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore if you have not already seen it. Fascinating! Be prepared to cry though.

Here is a photo of yesterday afternoon as I prepared supper in Gettysburg. The sunlight was very beautiful. The wine was real good too.

I have renewed my comittment to write a book about women rv'ers. I hope to bring a sense of humor to my experiences on the road. Amsterdam Camping World tomorrow to purchase a surge protector. I would love to spend the extra and buy a Garmin GPS too. The Hokie Bird is strapped into the Navigator seat but he just sits there and looks very fierce. No help there.

June 5, 2007

Hi from Gettysburg, PA. I am posting the attached photo so you can see first hand how we campers truly “Rough It Smoothly”. Bash and I arrived earlier today to take a walk in the most incredible weather we have experienced in months. It is about 78 degrees but there is no humidity and the wind is blowing a clip. The light is much different since it is not filtered through all that humidity. I opened the bedroom windows and was immediately drawn to a large patch of sunlight on the down comforter. Having driven for over 4 hours, I couldn’t resist placing my tired body in the middle of that patch of sunlight. Just like Garfield, I was paralyzed. Bash climbed in next to me and we took a most delightful nap.

The trip was a bit slower than usual since we found lots of construction delays. But let me tell you the thought of being stuck on I 95 which was blocked for over 7 hours today from a 4 truck crash early this a.m. made any 10 minute delays we experienced, a walk in the park. I did stop this morn on the way up Rt. 1 to have my Blue Ox hitch checked by one of the techs at RV Repair of VA. The nuts seemed a bit loose to me. But all is well

I just met a special woman while walking Bash. Walking Bash brings me in touch with many people that I might not be drawn to without his extroverted presence. It’s funny - I was a bit piqued at the management here because they gave me a site out near the main highway which can be noisy. Then a hour or so later, another big rig pulled in across from me. The woman got out to walk their two dogs and we met. She teaches Hospice online and is also a Laughter Specialist. Death and dying plus laughter therapy. I can’t think of two better subjects to teach people. She is thinking of writing a book about her on the road experiences. I feel more encouraged to do so too. Initially, my intention was to keep a journal which is the purpose of this blog in order to write a book or a series of articles for single women Rvers. I have many stories to tell since 2004.

I don’t know when this will post but I have composed it in Word. Tomorrow we will be on Beldon Hill near Binghamton, NY. We have visited there each year on our northward trip. It has a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Wide open meadows and many ponds. I dare say it is one of Bash’s favorite spots. We plod onward.

June 1, 2007

I am still basking in the sweetness that comes from spending special time with good friends. I had lunch a a super restaurant just off I 64 near my former home. Two dear friends drove over from Staunton and Charlottesville to dine with me. Bash went too but stayed in the car in a shady spot nearby. He had a vet appt. this afternoon so rather than drive all the way back to Ashland, I took him along. He was fine sleeping in the front seat of the car. We had an incredibly delicious Sweet Red Pepper Crab Bisque that stole the show. Then we split sandwiches. If that wasn't enough, we shared a home made Creme Brulee. The sugar on the top had been carmelized with a torch and the custard was very light. Yum! We parted with the promise of spending more time together in the fall when I return. I have several other friends in the VA mountains that I haven't been able to connect with in over a year. I have lots of catching up to do in the fall.

I am very excited and grateful to see the rain moving into Florida and Georgia. I mentioned in my previous blogs how dry it was and the many fires I saw as I rolled up through that area. They may get 5" out of TS Barry.

Good news this morning. The insurance company called to say they would cover my loss all but the deductible. Sigh!! That worry gone. Now it is time to begin checking air pressure in the tires of Bearfoot as well as the car (toad). I need to go out to NAPA and pick up some oil and coolant just in case I need a little. I have already added coolant. The hot weather and the mountains combined to make Bearfoot need a bit of fluid. That old Diesel thrives on heat but it does need to drink occasionally.

Went to my Granddaughter's broadway show choir spring concert last eve. What a thrill to experience the talent of this new generation of high school students. I do believe that they have evolved over the years as I have watched. The talent is of a quality nearing professionalism and in some cases is over the top. The American Idol's are right here in our back yard. Most of the kids in this group which is approximately 80 students are going on to pursue music degrees.

Bash checked out at the vet's with a blue ribbon health check. He has gained a couple of pounds. We think that is due to the new very healthy food I am feeding him. I thought I was feeding him the best for the last 5 years but he kept getting ear infections. I blamed them on the groomer not drying his ears but turns out it was an allergy to corn and wheat. We switched to Nutro which is even more expensive but it doesn't have any corn or wheat. It is made with brown rice, chicken, lamb, veggies and fruits. He likes it but the vet said he is utilizing more of his food now, therefore the weight gain. I cut him back. Gee, I wish someone would cut my good food back when I gain weight.

I will post again before we the big wheels roll again on Tues.

May 30, 2007

My time here in the Commonwealth is winding down. Seeing friends, family and doctors. Yuck! But necessary not just at my age but at every age. I only pass through this area twice a year. I tend to stay longer in the fall. I am not as eager to go further south in September. I have not been able to connect with many friends on this trip due to the repairs I had to make but will do so on the flip side.

I found this quote sometime ago and wanted to share it with you. "Nothing is dead for sure, for it is I, not my bones that endure." I like it very much.

I am expecting a dear friend from the past for lunch today. I put the tablecloth on the picnic table under my awning. I think we will eat out there since it is cool until about 4p.m. when the sun comes in there. The temps here now are higher than normal at about 88 degrees late in the afternoon. No rain in sight. I am trying to get an appointment for Bash to have a bath and clip before we go north next week. He is wearing a little bit of everywhere we have been since his last bath which was in Tampa over a month ago.

We had a Prevost coach come in here last night that was 45' long but almost 14' high and hauling a huge Hummer. The whole thing was brand spanking new which we don't always see with a Bus. Very often they are older and have been refurbished since they are almost indestructable. This also has two huge slide out rooms. The compartment doors underneath are taller than I am. The windshield goes all the way to the top of the coach. It looks like a two story. They had a difficult time getting in here without hitting branches. She said they were headed to Westpoint Academy. I can't imagine who they could be or why they would want something like that. The whole package is well over a million dollars. Even if I had the money, I wouldn't want it.

I want to share this photo of Red Hot Pokers I took in the mountains of TN. I didn't know what they were until my friend told me. They are amazing plants. I went for a sleep over with a dear friend here the other night. Bash went with me. We were walking outside admiring her gardens when I spotted a bright yellow bird in the bush. Turned out it was dead. Apparently, the victim of hitting a window glass. We took it inside, got out the books, measured it and admired the beauty of it. It was a Yellow Breasted Chat. Very, very lovely. Very sad to have that happen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hump day, right? I guess it is for all the working folks.

A tribute to the Hokies

Driver and Navigator aboard the Bearfoot V in line for repair last week.

May 28, 2007

Prayer and honor to our troops everywhere!!
I am sitting outside watching Live on my outdoor TV (A TV that was mine but loaned to my granddaughter who really didn't use it) and receiving free WiFi from some good soul nearby. Whoever it is shut down for the weekend. I was desolate but they are home again and turned on. Thank you! I went for a nice bike ride this morning in the nearby industrial park. It was quiet since they are all off today. I have been transporting my several plants that I had in FL all winter. Everywhere I have stopped, I move them outside. I have been here a week and noticed this morning some large ants on the picnic table near the plants. Upon moving the plants, a nest of ants was revealed undernearth. I shook them out and swept them away but am still a bit squeamish about having had them in the shower during the trip. If they were there, they must have stayed put since I haven't seen them before. The question is what to do with them now?

I want to share my photos of the Pow Wow at the Chickahominy and Mataponi grounds southeast of Richmond down on the Mataponi River where Chief Powahatan reined in the 17th century. Capt. John Smith and Pocahantas also spent time there. It is powerful sacred ground. The pictures I have are of the fancy dancers. Their costumes are very meaningful and personal. I also have a video/audio of the drumming but not sure I can share on this site.

May 24, 2007

I am electrified! After 3 days in the repair shop (you should see the labor chg)and much stress later, it looks like Sebastian and I are back in business, whatever that is. I am purchasing a surge protector for the entire coach from Camping World as soon as I get to Manassas, VA where they have a center. I am trying to avoid the shipping chg. I just faxed all the receipts to my insurance carrier. I have a $500 deductible. Finding an appropriate TV was very challenging since the TV in there was 7 yrs. old and they don't make them in that shape or size any longer. I ended up buying one of those skinny things on a pedestal for way more than I wanted to pay. The tech's anchored it down and modified the cabinet so it looks fine. Then along comes the satellite dish tech and he tells me he wishes I had called him first since he could have put in a larger TV for me. Why is it that always happens? It feels very good to be back in our home and being able to use it fully. We are camped out at the Americamps. I am frantically trying to raise funds by selling off a bunch of stuff in my storage unit. This is a job that has needed doing for sometime anyway. I am using Craig's list on the web. I have run into one guy who is trying to pull a scam. One has to be cautious. He wanted me to clear a check for $3200 through my bank for a refrigerator that I have priced at $500. Some people would fall for that scam. I reclaimed a flat screen TV that I had loaned to my granddaughter here since she never uses it and it was just collecting dust. I put it outside in a compartment that is equipped for such. I find it very pleasant to sit outside under my beautiful mauve, blue, white and grey awning with my best friend, watching TV. On the weekend a friend and I are going to a Pow Wow nearby. I am looking forward to it. It has been awhile since I have just kicked back and had fun. By the way, my overworked angels did it again. The electrician said if I had been touching any metal in the coach or outside, I would have been electrocuted. Same for Bash. As I hooked my car to the coach to tow it to Ashland for the very first time on this coach, I noted a great deal of play in the hitch and sleeve. As I hooked up the run-away cables, the hitch slipped out of the sleeve. It was not inserted all the way and even though the pin was locked it there, it was not in the holes where it is supposed to be. Those Beloved Angels again! The ride out was very narrow and winding with school buses coming and going but we went slow and were fine. I am going to write an article for some of the popular camping magazines on the use of a surge protector since I have had first hand experience. I have some pics on the camera that I wanted to share with you but haven't downloaded them yet. I will browse now and if I find a suitable one, I will share it with you.

A photo of the MT Laurel in the Smokies on our hike. Apologies to all my friends that I had intended to visit this trip in VA but it doesn't look like there will be time. I hope to spend a month here in the fall.

Be grateful for Life, Love and Joy,

May 17, 2007

Someone just said to me that they thought I was really an unlucky person. Actually, the truth of the matter is that I feel like the luckiest person in the whole world. I can see to drive, I can ride my bike, breathe fully, move without pain, sleep with Sebastian and worship my Creator God. I have many friends all over the continent and a big family. So what if my son-in-law plugged my coach into a connection that zapped my tv, microwave/convection, vcr and Dish receiver? That will all be fixed eventually. Yes, it did happen yesterday. I am in town today to see about getting it all repaired and replaced. Thank God, my computer was plugged into a surge protection device. It fried that device but saved my lap top. I will move over to Americamps where I usually stay when in this part of the world.

I am going biking right now. Like I said, I am lucky, lucky, lucky. I never forget the year I spent unable to do anything much. I did kayak throughout that year. I lived directly on a beautiful estuary to Pamlico Sound in NC. I had a dolly for my kayak and was able to wheel it to the water's edge to launch. I would climb into it and begin to sing. Singing gave me sight therefore I sang songs I knew and made up songs. Sometimes I cried with the grief that I felt for what I perceived I had lost. It was a time of tremendous "IN SIGHT" rather than out sight. A time of learning and expansion. I spent much time in deep prayer and meditation for all those who were blind like me but didn't know it. Now I can say no matter what happens, I am the luckiest person I know and I am filled with the joy of this life.

Blessed Be, Donna and Sebastian