Dinner with the gang

August 31 –A very busy day, but I did remember to call Jared and wish him a Happy Birthday! He was going to a wedding and reception tonight so he will be out with some of his friends for his birthday so that’s nice.

 

We finished the waxing on the RV so that chore is done. Bill took everything out of the 2 storage compartments and we sorted through and pitched some things, are giving away some things and re-organizing the rest. Since we bought the new bicycle we kept any of the usable parts such as one of the rims and tires since they fit both bikes. We have the window frames from the door that we can paint and use if we need them and of course we have the extra washing machine motor. Some things are going on Craigs List when I get home.

 

In and around the cleaning and organizing I made a black bean and corn salsa/salad for dinner tonight along with 18 chicken enchiladas and 4 pounds of pork cooked as carne adovada. Boy, it smelled so good every time I came inside. The adovada has to slow cook 3-4 hours in the oven. I made Mexican rice from scratch using Rotel tomatoes.

 

Bill took our chairs, tablecloths and the desserts down in the first load to the Camper Services room and Marion brought over his hotplate, 4 chairs and a folding table. We needed to be able to seat 16. It was cozy but everyone had a spot. Then he came back to get me and the hot dishes. Our guests brought their own service and beverages, salsa, chips, guacamole and other sauces and everyone dug in. Some don’t care for hot so they enjoyed the mild chicken enchiladas and those who liked hot really enjoyed the adovada. Once they had their fill of the “meal”, I got out the chocolate fudge cake and the peanut butter truffle tart. It was so rich. You only needed a small piece. Bill said it reminded him of ganache, and I agreed it was very similar but the crunchy peanut butter crust gave it a different twist. It’s definitely a keeper. There was some of it left to bring home and I gave Marion and Harlan each a big chunk of the chocolate cake to take home.

 

Newell brought his laptop and set it up once we got the counter all cleaned up and set up some photo collages for us to see. It was very different to see how Windsurf Beach and Arboles Point looked when there was real water there. It’s hard to believe how different it is now that it’s over 40 feet lower. Newell also wrote and gave out a funny “invitation” to a party he, Barry and Manuel are hosting on September 31. Yes, there is no 31st this month. It got really funny and everyone had some laughs. All in all I think the whole gang had a great time and enjoyed getting together and not just a quick hello. We enjoyed it especially since we aren’t in the same campground with the majority.

 

After clean up we loaded everything in the Mule and at home I re-packaged it all. We will have enough leftovers for 2-3 meals, so that’s nice. I was so thirsty though that I drank 3 big glasses of water during the evening. There were a lot of dishes left on the counter to be done, but not by me! I relaxed and ready for a while.

Last Trip To Durango

August 30 – We only had cereal for breakfast since we were heading out to Durango this morning for the last time. It’s a kinda sad day. I mostly did stuff inside while Bill did our 2 sites and a few things outside. Barry and Newell stopped by just before we left. We actually were a little later leaving than we planned but it all worked out OK.

 

We went to Albertson’s first and they give free dry ice with purchases over $25 so we filled our cooler there. Then we went to The Palace for lunch. We ate outside on the patio and had a nice and relaxing lunch. Bill had their huge burger with a nice looking salad and I had she crab bisque and a half of Ruben. It was all very good, relaxing and nice views of the train station from our table. Since we had some time before our movie was to start we stopped at the mall and I went in Bed, Bath and Beyond and they had some Keurig coffees marked down so I used an additional 20% coupon and got one box to take home. I checked out things at Pier 1 but didn’t buy anything. I need to take a measurement of my wall sconce that I need a new candle holder for. They had some prospects so will have to go to the one by Fashion Square when I get home.

 

We were still a little early for the movie. We saw “The Expendables 2”. It jumped right in to the blood and gore but if you get passed that they made some funny references to the various “old” stars’ old movies and characters. It was pretty good entertaining! Then we went to Wal-mart for the rest of our list. I gave Bill some items on one side of the store and I did the grocery side. I needed a roll of peanut butter cookie dough and they didn’t have any so I got sugar cookie with the intention of adding peanut butter to it for my recipe. We stopped for diesel and it’s gone up .50 since we got here. Will be an expensive trip home!

 

When we got back to Ignacio the motorcycles had started to arrive for the Bike Week there. Side streets were blocked off and tents were up along the main road. We stopped in the small grocery there for jicima but they didn’t have any. I remembered I needed crushed pineapple and they also had the peanut butter cookie dough. Both were really overpriced but what can you do?

 

We got home about 6 and had not arranged for Xena to go out but once today but she was good and had not wet the carpet. Once we got everything put away we remembered that Bill had a prescription to be picked up that we forgot. Will see if anyone is going into Durango before Wednesday and see if they can get it for him. I got busy and baked the sauerkraut chocolate cake and made the peanut butter truffle tart for tomorrow. I cooked the chicken for the enchiladas too so that is ready.

 

Then we watched a little TV and read.

Our last kayaking in Navajo State Park

August 29 - I took some turkey sausage out for breakfast today and after seeing the huge pancakes yesterday at the café I was hungry for some. I did give Bill a choice and of course he picked red velvet ones. We had fruit bowls of blueberries, pear and banana. Delicious pan waffles!

 

Then it was time for me to get on the roof again. I washed, dried and waxed one side above the slides and the awning where Bill cannot reach with our ladder. By the time I finished my left shoulder was hurting and this is not good. Bill did some waxing lower and emptied out the main storage compartment and reorganized it. I sorted through a lot of things too and pitched some and put things where I thought I’d be able to find them at a later date. I emptied the torch fuel back in to the container and decided I need one more small basket for more stuff.

 

I cleaned our one site and pulled weeds while Bill worked on the RV. He rode his bike up to get our reservations and we had a few more, so it’s just about full for the weekend.

 

The land behind Bill is supposed to be under water

Our truck on Arboles Point that is normally under water

After lunch we finished watching a movie then loaded the truck up with the kayak and all the necessary accessories and we drove over to Arboles Point to launch. We hadn’t been there since Terry gave us our first tour. The point is where the original town of Arboles was about 50 years ago. It’s where the San Juan and Piedra rivers converge. The Dam authority moved 50 families from the town as well as small businesses and a church and then flooded the area with Navajo Lake. We saw the foundations of the church and one of the stores. The kayaking was easy going down stream but we struggled some getting back. The worst was it was very muddy where we put in and Bill was up to his ankles in mud before we got to the water. We landed a little further down where it was rockier and that was much better. It was a decent walk to and from the water but it was a very gradually slope so it was OK. We let the air out of the kayak and put it in the truck until we got home and hosed it off. It was not as muddy as we thought it would be after Bill stepped in it. Tomorrow we will attempt to put it in the case that came with it. Folding should be a real treat. We don’t like the seats in it so when we get home I will order the “Deluxe” seats. These hurt Bill’s back. We both want different life vests as they ride up and just about choke us.

 

Barry stopped by for a visit and to verify that he’s to bring guacamole on Friday. He lives in Sante Fe and said we have to call him the next time we are there. We love Sante Fe and Albuquerque so we will do that!

 

Once we got the kayak laid out to dry we showered and went to Ignacio for our last dinner at Smokin Moe’s BBQ. Double yum! We have enough meat for 2-3 more meals. Then Bill dropped me at the door to the casino to get our $20 put on our cards. We’ll wait until the weekend to go back and get our last $25 and play it all at one time. I ran in the grocery for the produce on sale and then we headed home. The sky was looking really odd this evening. We stopped by Marion and Jerry’s to see if they could let Xena out tomorrow and that’s a go.

 

When we pulled in our drive there were tons of Robins all over. I guess they are truly heading south for the winter and are spending a few days a Navajo State Park. There have been quite a few the last several days but this was a lot. It reminded us of home a couple of winters ago when we had so many at our house that they were noisy.

 

We watched Unnecessary Roughness and Royal Pains and Bill headed to bed. I caught up on emails and blogging!

More cleaning on the RV

August 28 – We got up at 7 to make sure we were not late for breakfast with the rest of the gang. We pretty much took up the whole place as there were 12 of us and it’s a small place. Bill had eggs and sausage and I had biscuits and gravy. The portions were huge. I got 2 big biscuits split with a lot of gravy for $2.99. Much better price than at home. I only expected half that so I gave one to Bill and one was left. We had our normal fun and laughter at each other’s expense. We will miss our new friends and hope to meet up with them again.

 

We stopped at the post office and then came home to change into work mode. Bill waxed the rest of the door side of the RV and I cleaned our one site and did some trash pick up, weed pulling and weed whacking. I made the red sauce for carne adovada for Friday night. Marion stopped by to offer his electric hot plates, extra folding table and chairs. If everyone comes we will have 16 there and the room doesn’t have enough tables and chairs. His RV is right beside the room we’re meeting in.

 

Other than working on the RV it was a pretty blah day. Bill scrubbed the grill and got it ready to put away and he put away my 3 little kokopellis. We got in a couple more campers. The weather picked up and we got a lot of wind and some rain. I guess we are better off than home with the hurricane residuals hitting.

 

For dinner I made chicken piccata over orzo with steamed zucchini. Bill doesn’t normally care for piccata but he enjoyed it after he took the capers off and gave them to me. I just wanted something different. I do miss my kitchen with all of my ingredients and my pans and my kitchen tools. Using the edge of a plate is not nearly as effective as a meat tenderizer!

My bird didn't make it!

When birdy was feeling OK

August 27 – After a good breakfast we rode our bikes to the office this morning. We have 10 new reservations. It will be a busy weekend. It was forever before our THREE campers left. We only cleaned two of the sites today as we went back to the RV and started on more washing and waxing. When Bill went out this morning the baby bird was down on the ground and we had to keep moving it into the shade as the sun moved. The other swallows kept flying around and we think the parents came down and fed it some.

 

We finished the back of the RV and the front. We did the big slide on one side and Bill washed the rest of the RV on the door side. This is not a fun job.

 

After lunch I dropped Bill off at maintenance so he could drive a mower back and work on our unruly yard around the campground. I took 2 loads of wash and one of rags up to the laundry. I read my book and checked email and Karen emailed that David was in the emergency room. He was having trouble breathing and then threw up and just was not feeling well and told her to take him. By the end of the day they admitted him and they are running tests. Poor Karen and David, and he was doing so well at home and getting on the treadmill.

 

When I got home from doing the laundry the little bird was dead. I was so sad. He had scooted out into the sun again and Bill was out on the mower so there was no one to move him to the shade. When Bill came back he dug a little hole and I wrapped it in some newspaper and we buried him and put a big stone over the grave so nothing will dig it up. I felt so bad. Maybe I should have called the wildlife people to come get it. Next time!

 

I ran the extra clothesline and had both lines full and the dryer. At least it was breezy enough to get them dry soon so I could hang out the rest. We both folded and got that chore out of the way.

 

We have 4 campers tonight. Most of the day, we were the only ones here. Thursday the weekenders will start arriving.

 

I made lemon pepper salmon and mahi mahi for dinner with corn on the cob, leftover broccoli and leftover cornbread. Then I baked a batch of People’s Cookies after we took Xena up by the office for a walk and we delivered invitations to a Mexican Dinner we are going to host on Friday for the volunteers and our Ranger Manuel. He’s like one of us but he gets paid!

 

We watched a new show and Perception and now it’s time to read a while.

We have a baby bird

August 26 - Bill was glad to be home last night and I think he slept pretty good. He said he will NEVER fly again. It just makes him so nervous that he won’t do it. I made him his regular Sunday breakfast but today I made biscuits instead of toast. He dropped me off at the office and his cleaned 6 sites I think. We only had 7 leave so I did the last one after lunch. Karen (at the office) makes pendants of dichroic glass that she sells on consignment and she brought in a tray today and told us to each take one. Next weekend is her last weekend also as she goes back to teaching elementary school and is also not planning to come back for summers at Navajo any longer. She was thanking all of us for a fun summer full of laughs, stories and camaraderie.

 

Bill washed and waxed all but the top edge of the back of the RV. The plan is to do a section each day so it’s all done before we leave. I get to do the top of each end from on the roof. I guess that’s on the agenda for tomorrow.

 

The baby bird

We had the last one of the second batch of baby swallows fall from its nest today. Bill put it back twice. We think it’s trying to fly but is either too weak or just not ready. The third time it was on the ground I put it on a towel under the picnic table and then it started raining on it. I have been out checking on it so many times. Once the rain stopped I uncovered it and let the breeze dry it out. The parents have started getting closer and closer and finally they took it some food. They have other swallows like sentry guards keeping any other breed of birds away. I’m not sure if we should put it back in the nest overnight or not. It gets pretty chilly at night.

Bill putting the bird in the nest

 

I cooked one of the meatloafs I made this week with baked potatoes. I steamed broccoli and made a pan of cornbread. It sure was light and airy, I guess I should have used a bit more flour or less baking powder. The altitude again!

 

There are only 3 campers here tonight.

 

Once it got dark we went out and 2 of the bird’s siblings were there on the ledge of the shelter to stay the night so Bill put the bird back in the nest for the night we hope.

Work and Bill's Back

August 25 - Three days in a row and Xena did not wake me or wet her diaper. I did get us up earlier today since I have to be at work at 9 and I had to take Xena out, feed her and Molly and me, and diaper her again. I like to sit a while once I get up and drink my hot beverage of the day, which today was coffee and then have my breakfast. Today was oatmeal with craisins and splenda brown sugar with a touch of cinnamom. Yum! It’s very filling and sticks with you!

 

The ladies were pleased to see the cupcakes and I shared them with the rangers and the hosts that came in. The park manager also brought in Danish and cookies. Everyone commented on how moist the cupcakes were and how good the frosting was. I left the container to bring home tomorrow. I have 6 cupcakes at home for Bill.

 

Pretty much the whole Durango Airport

After taking Xena out and having lunch, I took a load of wash up and put it in and then went by the office to take back the new shirts they gave me that are huge. I can wear my old ones for my last few days. Then I went back and read until the laundry was done. When I got home Bill had not called so I got on my phone and checked his flights and he was going to be 10 minutes early. I hurried and vacuumed and showered and got in the clothes that were dry, took Xena out and fed her and diapered her and left for the Durango airport. I was stopped in their driveway taking a photo of the tiny airport when Bill called to see where I was. I said I’m here taking a picture, so it was a matter of 2 minutes to pick him up and be back on the road again.

 

We stopped at the casino and used coupons to each get $25 free play, so I played that $50 and the $20 Bill had left on his card and only brought home $20.25. Bummer! We had dinner in one of the restaurants and it was OK. Neither of us ate it all but were full. It was a little early for me but that was fine. We got home and I folded laundry while he unpacked. He had a cupcake and was pleased that he has 6. I caught up on my journal, posted one blog and time to read a while.

A day in Pagosa Springs

August 24 – Xena had another good night, which means I had a good night. It was pretty chilly this morning so I turned the little heater on while I took my shower. After all of the morning rituals I left for Pagosa Springs. I stopped in the office and we had no reservations. Then I stopped at the post office and was on the road. There’s no cell service almost all the way so I couldn’t call anyone and make my drive to faster. Bill doesn’t like Pagosa so I decided I’d have more pleasure from the outing to go while he was gone.

 

I stopped at the huge ACE store that has a room of southwestern furniture and décor. I got the names of the two companies that they get their furniture through in the event I need/want to explore replacing our couch at a later date. Next was a consignment shop but it was mostly clothes and I’m not in the market for any more at this time. Then was the shop with all of the lawn and wall ornaments. It was really much larger that I expected and broken into 3 parts. One was all jewelry, one all rocks and stones. Some were polished and some were raw, some for making jewelry and some for bookends. Then one section was your typical gift shop with imported doodads, post cards, mugs, frames and clothing. I did find a new pocket knife I like that is wood with an inlaid buffalo.

 

I parked in downtown by the river and went to the shop, Coyote Jane’s, that Bill and I went to before and was hoping to get a tin of the orange scented shea butter but she was no longer carrying it. She did give me a tin of the same thing but a different scent. She also told me most of the earrings were half off so of course I had to do a little looking. I found 2 pair for gifts. On the way back up the road the Made in Colorado shop was on my side of the road and I spent some time and money there too. It’s much larger than I thought from the outside and very surprising how many items were made in Colorado. Actually a lot was jewelry that they carry on consignment but some nice and unusual pieces. Wish I had more money and more ears!

 

By now I was getting a little hungry so I went to Taco Bell and had some new dish I think a Cantina Bell. Anyway it was pretty good and I enjoyed my leisurely lunch. I went to City Market with a short list of things and as usual picked up a few things not on the list too. I stopped at the gas station and used my .10 per gallon off and then headed back to Arboles. Kerry called as I was leaving town and said mom and dad decided not to go to the funeral. They weren’t feeling well, so she ended up being able to cancel their tickets since it was within 24 hours of the purchase. She cancelled the hotel and is going to stay with cousin Becky.

 

Xena was happy to see me when I got home and she was dry again in her diaper. I hooked her outside and put my purchases away and changed clothes. After bringing Xena in I went out in the Mule and turned tickets and cleaned my one vacated site and picked up some trash. I had planned to do some weeding and whacking but it started to rain so I came home. It rained for sure. It was windy and nasty out.

 

I George’d 2 teriyaki wild salmon burgers and steamed green beans in lemon infused olive oil. I had one burger and all the beans. I put red velvet cupcakes in the oven and while the first batch baked I took Xena out and she was a muddy mess. It’s difficult to clean her feet by your self and the towel was a mess and there were muddy prints on the rug.

 

After all the cupcakes were done and cooled I decorated them and packaged up 17 or so to take to work in the morning. I had a lot of icing left from the cake last week and this we a good excuse to use it. I made red velvet because I knew Bill would be a happy camper when he got home. I did some research on next summer and knitted a few rows on my current project, then settled in to read for an hour before bed. The best part of the evening!

I managed all by myself

August 23 – I heard Xena moving around early in the morning but she settled back down. She was getting the bedspread scruffed up and into her bed because I think she was cold. When I got up and took her out just before 8 her diaper was dry, so now I will do that every night.

 

I had some yogurt and granola and rode my bike around the campground and opened all of the dumpster doors since today was pick up day. Then I rode up to the office and picked up our 1 reservation. I took Carole 2 macaroons for her and Terry and stopped by to see Marion and Jerry and gave them some too. We had a nice visit. It will be sad when we leave our new friends behind. On the way back I saw Rebecca raking so I stopped and we chatted a bit and I gave her their treats.

 

I stalled off the work part of the day as long as I could, so time to get that mule going and I went out and weed whacked, sprayed weed killer on the sidewalks and picked up trash. The garbage truck had come so I closed all the dumpster doors.

 

Kerry called to say Aunt Doris died. She had been in the nursing home with Alzheimer’s for years, so I guess it’s a good thing. Dad wants to go to the funeral so Kerry is going to fly up with them Friday and back on Monday. It’s too long in a car for dad with his knees and back so flying will be better. Then they can have time to visit with family.

 

I talked to Bill several times today. He was up to see Herb and they had him doing some therapy and he recognized Bill and Bryan. I sure hope he’s on the right path now. It’s not the best circumstances but I know Carole was glad to see them.

 

I worked most of the afternoon finishing up our trip home. We will get home on the 14th. We stop one night at a time except for a 2 night stay at Land Between the Lakes. After that we have 3 days home. At least we get home on a Friday and have the weekend to regain some semblance of order to the house and our lives. Ugh!

 

I called State Farm to reinstate the insurance on my van as Kurt is using it this weekend and I made a list of the places I need to contact to get tv on, internet on, newspaper delivered. Fun!

 

For dinner I filleted the other croppy I had in the freezer and coated it with sour cream and Italian bread crumbs and baked it, and it was very yummy. Will try that again with some other kinds of fish. I had the last ear of corn and some cucumber slices and tomato. For dessert I had a macaroon, even yummier.

 

Bill called about his flights home and getting ready to print his boarding passes tomorrow. AOL is not behaving well lately. I think Mike put a hex on it! I’ve never had this much trouble.

 

I watched my shows and think it’s time to get out my new book and read a spell.

Bill is off to Tucson

August 22 – I took Bill to the airport this morning for his 9:45 flight to Phoenix where his brother picked him up and they drove to Tucson. It was rainy and not looking too good when we got up but had cleared by the time we got to the little Durango airport. His flight to Denver left on time but there was a delay from Denver and then they had to fly around weather.

 

I stopped at the casino on the way back and got our $20 each on our player card. I played mine but only left with an extra $6.75. Better than nothing!

 

We didn’t have any new reservations today and Terry came by as soon as I got home and asked me to trade out our Mule for the shuttle one down in maintenance. I guess ours needs some work. I cleaned our two sites and then came in to wait for the washer tech. He came and it didn’t go well. He could not return some of the parts he got based on what Whirlpool kept advising and in the end if he put this last part on it would have been a bill of over $600 and then he couldn’t guarantee by the time we got home it wouldn’t have another problem. He recommended we cut our losses now and I said I would be contacting Whirlpool because of them he kept ordering the parts they said were causing the Error code. I was so upset. First it’s the expense and then no washer and knowing they don’t make one to fit the hole! So tomorrow I get to start dealing with Whirlpool and trying to get a good part of my money back!

 

Once he left I did some weeding by hand and used the weed eater. There are always bits of trash and beer caps to be picked up. The new mule runs much better that ours did. It is harder to get started the first time but at least it runs better the rest of the day.

 

I worked on our trip home, posted some blogs, finished a book and packed a box of books to mail to my friend Polly. I put stuff away that we’re taking home and tried to get a little organized instead of waiting until the last minute.

 

For dinner I had an ear of corn and the rest of the chicken and dumplings and then I did up the day’s dishes. This is when I really miss Bill! I watched our shows and then read for a while. After taking Xena out for the last time I put a diaper on her so will see how she does during the night. I don’t like getting up between 3:30 and 5:30 AM.

Day Trip to Durango

August 21 – We didn’t have but one site leaving today, so we decided to take this as a day off since will is leaving tomorrow. We had a leisurely breakfast and loaded the truck with our empty water jugs and headed into Durango. We had a list of stops today. We checked at Tarpley’s for a small propane tank and he gave us a copy of his catalog to order on line, so I’ll work on that while Bill is gone. We knew there were a couple of State Farm agents in town so the first one we saw we stopped in and asked for a new Atlas. Ours is pretty much over the hill. They were very nice to give us one.

 

We stopped at the mall to go to Penney’s as I had a $15 off a $15 purchase and they had a good sale on so we took advantage. The AAA office was on the other side of down town and while I went in for maps and travel books for the trip home, Bill went next door to the ACE Hardware to see what tanks they had. They had one that was half the size of a regular grill tank, but was still bigger than we want for our little grill.

 

The movie, Hope Springs, started at 12:30 so we stopped at Wendy’s and used 2 coupons and got lunch. That was a great movie for people our ages. All about how marriages change and what we feel about it. Funny and hits the nail on the head for a lot of people.

 

After the movie we did the grocery shopping at City Market and Wal-Mart. We needed a new carbon monoxide alarm and they had them on sale so we got that too. Then it was straight home as I will fill the truck on Friday when I go to Pagosa Springs.

 

We got everything put away and Bill finished his packing. He had gotten some of the travel size items at Wal-Mart to put in his carry on and I bagged up snacks and fruit for him. I will make him a sandwich in the morning and he’ll be set for lunch and snacks on the way and maybe some snacks for the way back.

 

The perfect macaroons

I made a batch of coconut macaroons so he could take some to Carole. I know she really enjoyed them at the house this spring and maybe Bryan can also eat some. I dipped a few in dark chocolate and I know Bill will eat those if no one else does. Since they are nice and big, I will give just 2 each to the other host couples and our supervisor and his wife. The rest depends how nice they are to me!!!

 

I didn’t do a very good job with dinner. I fixed a half of bag of mandarin orange chicken and forgot to make rice so we just had steamed green beans with it. Bill had a slice of bread and a tomato to finish off his meal. Later for dessert we had macaroons.

Flamingo Caper

August 20 - We woke to some gray skies and rain today. No rush to get out and moving so I made an omelet for Bill and I had some oatmeal. We drove the mule up to the office and it was nippy for sure and we got some rain splatters on us. We didn’t have any reservations today. Bill had gathered up 6 of the 12 flamingoes and we put them in Barry’s yard since he’s in Santa Fe until Tuesday. I think Manuel has convinced Newell that Bill and I put them in his yard when it was he and Joan. I’m hearing that it was a group effort on our site so we’re trying to share the flamingoes with our friends.

 

We came back and just watched TV until it cleared off. I took 2 loads of wash up so Bill will have clean clothes to take to Tucson on Wednesday. Manuel was there so we visited for the 30 minutes it takes for the wash. After I hung up the wash I went out and started weeding. I managed to get 5 sites done and Bill came with the sprayer of round up and we were doing the inside of the loop sites until it started raining again. We had planned to take the kayak out this afternoon but it’s too sketchy for that.

 

I took the leftover rotisserie chicken out of the freezer and simmered it for several hours in chicken broth and made chicken and dumplings for dinner with steamed cabbage with lemon horsey sauce.

 

We worked on our trip home. We’re leaving September 5, so I have it mapped out for the first few days. We are heading north into Nebraska, across it and Iowa to Field of Dreams, then south from there. I’m not sure yet how many days but while Bill is gone to Tucson I plan to finish it up and then work on applications for next summer.

Fun Sunday

August 19 - I made our normal Sunday breakfast but with sausage instead of bacon. Bill dropped me off and came back to clean our 14 sites. It was really slow in the office today, especially for the other girls. We told stories and had another laughter filled day. Brenda brought me a really nice mirror she and her son made from horseshoes. He did the welding and she painted it and had a mirror cut to fit it and attached it. That was so nice of her. She is really a nice person. All of the ladies are always in a good mood and so good with the guests.

 

Bill picked me up and we stopped at the Arboles Store for lunch. I had Frito Pie, which was really good and Bill had a grilled chicken sandwich. Then we made a quick trip to Ignacio to fill our water jugs and pick up some produce specials. Since I had been a good girl Bill treated me to a soft serve at the 7 2 11. I never get my fill.

 

Bill went out to clean our last 4 sites and I sat outside with Xena and read. It was nice out this afternoon, not hot at all. Newell stopped by for a while and after he left we went inside. Kam called and we skyped for about an hour. She carried her laptop around and showed me the inside of her house and also my new mattresses she is holding for me. We went over the mail that she will send this week.

 

I made 2 big pickle steaks for dinner and used a package of instant mashed potatoes to go with the gravy from the steaks and steamed zucchini. Later we had strawberry parfaits.

 

I caught up on email, made a graduation card, posted a blog and looked up a few things on line. Time to read or knit for a while.

Waffle Day

August 18 – It was a fun day at work, lots of laughs again. I took in a bag of caramel popcorn in and one of the girls had planned a waffle breakfast day for anyone who was interested. I took a bowl of mixed fruit to share with everyone. Bill came in for a waffle and I had a blueberry one with blueberry preserves and whipped cream. It was like having dessert for breakfast.

 

Bill picked me up and we had our lunch and then pretty much didn’t do much the rest of the day other than read and work on the computer. I took chicken breast out for dinner with no idea of how I was going to prepare it.

 

We had some high winds for a while but we just stayed in except for taking Xena out when she needed. I made some orzo pasta for dinner and topped it with the chicken simmered in blue cheese dressing and some blue cheese crumbles on top. The veggie was butternut squash fries that I baked in the toaster oven. All very tasty!

 

We watched some TV and read.

Trip back to Navajo

August 17 - Unfortunately we had to get up at 6:45 in order to be on the road around 8. It was much faster packing to go home than to get there. We had cereal, loaded the truck, said our good-byes and got on the road. We had such a nice visit, too bad we live so far apart. Xena and Molly had a good time too.

We took a different route back which was nice for a change of scenery. Our first stop was Leadville. The last time we were there it was in the month of July and it snowed. We drove by the B & B we stayed in and it had a For Sale sign out front. Then we stopped for everyone a potty break and Bill and I each got a beverage.

Lunch stop

The scenery was pretty nice except for the haze from new fires in Arizona and elsewhere. The road straightened out after our first leg. We weren’t sure where we were going to have lunch that we could have in the truck but decided to stop in Saguache. The road you travel through on isn’t really the main street as there is an old main street off of it. We ventured down to see if there was a place with take out. We found a nice little diner where they baked their own breads, pies, cookies and pastries. Looked good to me! I went in and they were swamped. I waited my turn and ordered sandwiches on whole grain and a piece each of blueberry and peach pie. I paid and used the facilities and traded with Bill so he could go also. There was a big tree shading a parking spot further down the street so we parked and enjoyed our lunch.

Snow on the road through Wolf Pass

When we made it back to South Fork Bill and Xena both needed to go again. I took Xena out and it was really cold. Not a good sign. We headed on to Wolf Creek Pass and as we started going up I noticed a truck coming down that had quite a lot of snow on the hood around the window. Not good at all! I wasn’t sure Bill saw it, so didn’t really bring it to his attention, but not too much further up we started seeing white patches and then snow all along the sides of the road. I managed take a couple of photos while driving, with the intention of stopping at the summit where there would be more snow on the ground. Nada! By the time we got to the summit the temperature was rising and by the time we got down to Pagosa Springs it was 70 out. We stopped at 3 places to find a small propane tank for our Weber grill with no luck. We stopped at City Market for produce since the cupboards would be bare and then we filled the truck and headed for home.

Our new pets

Looks like quite a party

We pulled into our site at 5:00 to be greeted by 12 pink flamingoes in the yard. Upon closer inspection we found beer cans, pizza boxes, balloons, streamers, a spike heel, thong underwear and condoms. It even appeared someone had a fire in our fire pit. We knew our fellow volunteers had staged it and didn’t think much about it. I took some photos of the evidence. Should have dusted for fingerprints! Once we got unloaded and sorted out we cleaned up most of the trash part. When Bill went to watch TV while I was getting dinner we discovered the satellite had been disconnected and later we found our Campground Host sign was up-side-down. Those guys!

I cooked a piece of mahi mahi I just bought, warmed our leftover baked potatoes from Darlene’s and made tossed salads for dinner. We ate a bit late since we were full from the big sandwiches at lunch. We got everything back to normal, whatever that is, and settled in for the night.

Out Playing with Mike and Darlene

August 16 – What a fun day! After a light breakfast of cereal since we had plans to have both lunch and dinner out, we all got ready to head out for the first half of the day. Bill and I took Xena out and she went crazy over a snowshoe hare that was right beside the porch. That little dog just bayed and bayed and wanted so bad to chase after that rabbit. Bill had to pull and pull to get her off the scent and to finish her business and come inside. I think the whole area could hear her.

Kelly and Mike brave the rushing waters

Mike drove us to Grand Lake, which is a lake with a town bordering it also named Grand Lake. At the far end of the lake is one end of the Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s a nice hiking trail of about ½ mile in to Adams Falls. The weather was perfect for the hike. The water is down so the falls were not as grand as they are in the spring but we all enjoyed the view. Mike and I climbed down for more views while Bill and Darlene stayed on top taking photos and videos. We took a different way back which is a loop and we ended up on the part of the trail we came in on. After a drive around some of the housing, which is for the most part gorgeous, we went into town. Parking spaces were readily available so we parked and walked both sides of the street, checking out the shops as we went. We found a good spot for lunch. The guys had HUGE burgers, Dar had a 3 cheese grilled cheese and I had a Gyro Salad. Everyone was totally pleased with their lunch and I think we all licked our platters clean.

We finished checking out the shops, then headed back to the house. We all rested, read, walked the dog and then hit the road again to go to dinner in Silverthorne. We went to Dillon Dam Brewery and again we had a great meal. I had Naked Pasta with blackened chicken. It had a light white wine sauce with portabello mushrooms and garlic. Tried so hard to eat it all but left a few pieces of chicken.

We had a nice drive back and by then everyone was pretty much ready for bed. It’s an hour drive. I wrote a couple of post cards and read for a while and Bill read for a while. Have to go back to Navajo tomorrow.

Leisurely Day in Kremmling

August 15 - Mike made delicious Belgian waffles for breakfast this morning. They were so light and fluffy. Yum! We sat at the table for a long while and talked politics and whatever else came up.

Then Mike and Bill went out and Bill split wood while Mike cut logs. Dar and I took Xena for a nice walk. Later Darlene and I helped unload a truck load of split wood onto their deck. Then the guys went back and loaded another load and unloaded it on the deck and Dar came in and made lunch.

After lunch Mike went into town and I finished my book. Dar and I took Xena for another walk. Bill got a shower and we both did some computer stuff. Later I made buffalo chicken dip and Darlene prepped the potatoes and made salad for dinner. When it was time, Mike grilled our steaks and we had a yummy dinner.

We just spent the evening visiting and having brownies with ice cream for dessert.

Made it to Kremmling

August 14 - We were up early and managed to be on the road by the agreed time of 8. I packed lunch for us and extra drinks for while we are gone. It looks like we’re moving with all the bags but at least it all fit in the truck. After they guy lied about the ownership of the phone, Bill didn’t want to leave anything outside that might be stolen, so our RV is now packed with 2 bicycles, a grill, bike rack, satellite dish stand, 2 man kayak, 2 paddles, a weed whacker and our good folding chairs. Better to do that than come back to some or all of it gone!

On the way through Pagosa Springs we got to see 2 air balloons going up. Bill stopped and let me get a couple of photos. Our first break stop was in South Fork. Then we missed our turn to the right as we were looking at all the shops on the left and we ended up crossing Monarch Pass and we stopped for lunch at a convenience store and found we were on the wrong road. Oops! So we went back up over the pass (Bill was not a happy driver) and got back on the right road. We made our afternoon break stop in Silverthorne and we also fueled up the truck.

Then we got into Kremmling where we met Darlene at the thrift store where she volunteers. Once she closed up shop we followed her home. Xena was so excited to get out and start sniffing for all the wildlife that abounds there. I unpacked the truck with Darlene’s help and Bill took Xena for a long walk. Xena and Molly are right at home since they were here 2 years ago.

I put 4 steaks in the cooler to grill for dinner but in 9 hours they were still frozen, so we went into town and had Mexican instead. Dinner was good and we all enjoyed it. I got emails from Karen that David had 4 bypasses and was in surgery for 8 hours. Things didn’t go exactly as planned due to the size of his veins but as far as I know it’s done. He was in ICU so maybe tomorrow I can talk to her and see what his prognosis is. Carole called this morning and Herb was upset and confused early this morning but was better when he woke up after she got there. We didn’t get to call her again tonight.

We watched some TV and Darlene and I visited another couple of hours. I just needed to get today typed up before I forgot it and now it’s time for bed.

No Power

August 13 – Another crazy day! We didn’t have any campers leaving but I wanted to get some weeding done and found 1 site Bill totally missed so I did the fire pit and picked up beer caps and trash and let him come back out and rake. The raking kills my left hip for some reason. In between we took 4 loads of wash up to be done and while I was back and forth with laundry and weeding Bill washed and waxed the truck.

After lunch Bill went and got a lawnmower and cut grass and I folded laundry and packed for our trip tomorrow. I had some ironing I wanted to get done so I cleared off the counter and set up my little ironing board and darn if the power didn’t go off. We get little blips rather frequently so I really didn’t think much of it. We had one during the night. So I just got my book and sat down to read until it came back on, well, it started getting warm inside so I took Xena and we went outside and I knew I’d hear the AC when it came back on.

Well it didn’t. Newell rode up and asked if I had power and I said no and he didn’t have any at Tiffany either so he went up to the office to report it. When he came back he said Rosa had power, as did the office and the boat inspection station. It went off around 3. Well, there wasn’t much to be done without the electric and it was too hot inside and out there was a nice breeze and I had shade at our tree. A family that came in from boating walked up to the site just as a crazy man drove up from the other end and he slammed on his brakes, making skid marks and went into the grass. The first lady commented “was he going to stop”. He jumped out and started screaming at me about the power being off and his dog being in his trailer and it was 85. I apologized and said I understood because I have a dog and that the park manager had already been by and said they are working on it. He went ballistic on me, ordering me to call the manager and get him on the phone and how he had paid good money to have electric, and how crummy this place was. I told him I am a volunteer and I he had no need to scream at me and I was not going to call and he could go up to the office and lodge his complaints there. He didn’t let up. I can get pretty pissy when it’s called for and he had me just about ready to let him know it too. Perhaps if the other family was not standing there witnessing his behavior I would have set him on the straight and narrow. There was nothing I could say to appease him. He asked where the office was. The wife in the other family said she wasn’t here to scream at me, just to see if we had any idea how long it would be. I told her we had not gotten any word but that the power company has been called and was on the way. We are pretty far out so I knew it would not be fast. The power was off 3 ½ hours. I later found out the creep told them in the office that his dog was dead and he behaved just as badly there. The head ranger went out to his site to talk to him and the dog was fine. She told him to go up and apologize to the ladies in the office and I told Bill he never came here and if he did I would not accept his apology as that was totally unacceptable behavior for a grown man.

So, Bill ended up leaving to go help the ranger clean up some mess at Arboles Point and I finally did my ironing so I could get to dinner. I got it all out and ready to finalize but waited for Bill. We didn’t eat until 8. Then I did the dishes so he could walk Xena and he packed what was ready in the truck for tomorrow. I changed the sheets on the bed and got my shower and thought I better get my journal typed and my laptop packed up for tomorrow.

Another fun day at Navajo State Park!

Work and Cake day

At work selling passes

August 12 – It was an exciting and busy day. I made our normal big Sunday breakfast and Bill drove me to the office. We were pretty steady all morning. Elizabeth brought in the cake she asked me to decorate for Monday. We gathered up all the items to put on the cake so I could get it done this afternoon. We had some good laughs today too. They are a fun group of ladies to work with. We had a guy come in looking for his sister’s cell phone. He said his wife got a message on her phone from a man who said he had the phone. They were staying in our campground so I told him to stop at our RV if the Mule was there and ask my husband if it was him. If the Mule want gone I told him to drive around the park as he’d be out cleaning sites. As soon as he left a guy came in and he was staying in our camp also and he had parked is boat in the cove at the back and the mooring line broke and the boat drifted out, so he and a friend swam out to the boat, but on the way lost the keys to the boat so he wanted to know if there was someone to tow the boat in so he could get it on his trailer. At the time I didn’t know that Bill drove the guy to the office and to the marina trying to help him with his problem. Well, when I got home I found out that the cleaning lady found the phone in the bathroom and gave it to Bill. Bill drove around to the sites and asked if anyone lost a cell phone. The guy he had driven all over said it was his, so Bill gave him the phone. He went back to cleaning sites and the guy I sent to find him asked if he called about a missing cell phone and Bill said he did but the guy across the way said it was his phone and he told Bill is was not, that it belonged to his sister. Bill flagged down a ranger and sent him over and at first the guys all acted like they didn’t know what he was talking about and the ranger said they were not leaving until they gave back the phone. Finally the guy that Bill gave the phone to went in his RV and gave it back. Bill was so ticked that the guy did that to him after he was nice enough to drive him all over. Butthead!

The Cake

After lunch I got busy decorating the cake. All the items on it match with a bag of items they gave her with a poem about them and how they will help her make it though her first year of college. Then I made another batch of caramel corn as Bill can go through it pretty fast and now I want to take some to the girls in the office when I get back. Bill drove me up to the office to deliver the cake as I really didn’t have a safe place to put it with Molly around and so little counter space. The party is tomorrow at 2 so it will be there and ready to go.

We started getting things together and discussing our trip to Kremmling on Tuesday to see our friends Darlene and Mike. Taking Xena and Molly means taking so much more stuff than for just the two of us. I have a lot I want to do tomorrow so it’s all done when we get back.

We had brats for dinner and are eating up what else is in the fridge. Bill had the last ear of corn and I had snow peas. We watched our Sunday night shows and I did more planning on our trip home.

August 10 & 11 and my favorite cows

August 10 – Although it was our day off, I really didn’t feel like a drive in to Durango after the long day we had yesterday. Bill has a prescription ready so maybe we’ll go Saturday afternoon. We didn’t really do much. Bill did our sites and some weed eating and wasp chasing. I made the frosting for the cake I agreed to ice on Sunday and I made a batch of caramel corn to take to our friend Mike next week. (So Dar don’t tell!) We did some interneting on places to apply to for next summer and started planning our departure in September. I barely left the RV. I grilled salmon for me and brat burgers for Bill. Other than walking Xena and visiting some of the other volunteers, it was pretty dull.

August 11 – Today was a little more exciting. I worked this morning but yawned the whole time. Don’t know why I was so tired. We didn’t have any campers leaving so Bill didn’t have any sites to clean but he did go down and get a lawnmower and cut as much as he could without bothering our campers.

When I got home he had my lunch ready and he had already eaten, so we changed clothes and diapered Xena and drove into Durango. We got there just in time to catch the movie Bill wanted to see, Bourne Legacy. We thought it might be crowded but there were 142 open seats so we had no problem. It was a long movie and of course it was very action packed. It was a bit hard to follow in the beginning but eventually it all unfolds and you get the drift.

We made a quick stop at Wal-Mart for Bill to get his prescription and I bought a few items. Since we are leaving on Tuesday I don’t want to leave much to spoil so we’ll just eat what we have for the next couple of days. I did grab the last rotisserie chicken since I didn’t take anything out for dinner and you can never go wrong with a rotisserie chicken. We stopped to fill up the truck and the price at our regular station was up .22 since the last time we stopped. Of course the prices go up when it’s time for us to drive back to Florida.

Belted Galloway cows AKA Oreo Cows

Wouldn’t you know the one time I don’t take my camera the Oreo cows were right up to the fence? They’re actually Belted Galloway cattle. They are black with wide white bands around their middles. They are just the neatest cows I've ever seen.  They come from Scotland I believe. Bill stopped and let me out and I used my phone and it did OK. Then he turned around and came back for me. The spot is just over a hill and he was afraid a truck would come over and hit me/us.

We enjoyed our chicken with some corn on the cob and a fresh veggie plate. Then we started on our planning quests again. We had someone come buy firewood and then a woman report her 7 year old daughter missing. Bill called the ranger on duty and then he went out in the Mule and drove the park. By the time he got back he found out that she was found with her dad at the marina. Dumb parents with failure to communicate.

We finished off the peach crisp and I did 5 letters to parks in NY for next summer. At least we’re making headway.

Aztec Ruins and Farmington

August 9 – After a breakfast of fruit, bacon and Bill’s favorite red velvet pan waffles, we got ready to leave at 8:30. The plan was to get to Aztec Ruins National Monument before it got too hot out. It’s less than an hour away in NM. We were there 10 years ago, but I swear not one thing looked familiar. Bill recognized the visitor center but not the site itself.

Ariel view of Aztec

We timed it just right as we had about 10 minutes before a ranger tour. There were only 3 of us on the tour so we were able to ask a lot of questions. The ranger had been at Chaco before coming here so we were able to discuss comparisons and theories about the two places with her. There was only one small entrance originally to the entire complex and it ran along a long wall before you could actually get inside the plaza. There were 10 clan kivas inside the complex and the Great Kiva. The structure of it was different so they knew it was for special ceremonies or the hierarchies of the clans. We got to go inside, which had been totally reconstructed. It’s very different than any of the other kivas we have been in. There are 2 walls all the way around with the space between them as galleries with openings so the people in them could watch the ceremonies or so they think. If they were not of high enough standing to come in the main part of the kiva, then they maybe could observe from that otter area.

Park made interior doors through the rooms

One of the small kivas

The ranger took us through a series of exterior rooms on the ground floor of what was at one time 3 stories tall. The original “doorways” would lead from room to room towards the plaza, but in the early 1900’s school groups could come to the ruins and excavate in the rooms and they made openings parallel to the back wall, so the park service later made those openings into doorways styled like the real doorways. Once the tour ended we went up on the top and took some photos and it was getting hot by then. We stopped at one crappy gift shop on the way out but only bought a few postcards.

We headed into Farmington and I had a list of things to get and places to go. I was asked to ice and decorate a cake this weekend for a girl at the marina whose last day is Monday and they asked if I’d get some things to go in her goodie bag. That was a challenge in itself. The JoAnn’s is tiny and must have only had 20 cake related items, it was sad. They had more at Wal-mart but of course were out of what I needed. We went into downtown to go to the old trading posts. I did find earrings that go really well with my gaspiete pendant. Couldn’t believe I found triangle ones like the pendant. We also went several places to find a 5 or 7 pound refillable propane tank for our grill but no luck.

We had lunch at Wendy’s because I had coupons and I could have my favorite berry chicken salad. Yum! Then we kept on going and finally made what was to be the last stop at Wal-mart but the didn’t have my NM wine, so we stopped at Safeway in Aztec and I got it there. This might be the last time we are in NM so I got some extras to take home.

On the way home we called Carole to check the results from Herb’s stomach scope yesterday and from our conversation with Doug this morning on his status. A lot happened in between. Herb had emergency surgery for a ruptured ulcer and he was bleeding to death. Had he not already been in the hospital he would not have made it. They removed part of his stomach and is expected to recover, but it will be a slow process. He will be in ICU for a week and another week at this point in a regular room after. Carole was there and got up when she realized he was up and he was having a seizure. She got the tech who hit the alarm for the emergency response team. She said they were amazing in their quick response and organized efforts to get him on oxygen and to ICU. The same doctor performed the second surgery.

Of course the post office was closed by the time we got home at 6 so we will have to go back tomorrow for the mail. We had quite a few new campers from this morning. We took a ride around after dinner and turned the reservations and introduced ourselves. We’re expecting quite a few more tomorrow for a pretty full weekend again. We watched our shows and Bill watched some football.

Southern Ute Museum and Cultural Center

August 8 - Bill didn’t manage to snag the lawnmower again today. We had cereal for breakfast and then rode our bikes to pick up our reservations. He cleaned our 4 sites while I started weeding from the other end today. It took me an hour to do one site. It was a mess. At least the ground was moist from the sprinklers and lots of the weeds came up easily. I was on foot dragging my trash bag behind me. My back was hurting today, I think from the kayaking yesterday. I only managed to get 4 sites done and I was done! Bill did some weed eating too.

We rested a bit and then got ready to go into Ignacio. We had the buffet lunch special, which I’m getting tired of. I do love the posole soup though. Then we got our free play money and I only got to take home $14 today. It was better than losing $14 of my own money.

Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum

The casino is basically next door to the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum, which we had been waiting to visit with Carole and Herb, but since they can’t come, today was the day. It was a very nice museum but we didn’t go into the gallery that changes. There are 3 Ute tribes and they are all from the same original tribe but now there are also Mountain Ute and Northern Ute. We thought they did a good job displaying the life of the Ute before and after the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) got involved. The Ute believe they come from the Sun/Sky and that is why they named the casino the Sky Ute Casino. They still have annual pow-wows and spring gatherings where they celebrate and do their Bear Dances and other rituals. We got to meet an old Indian man who is a descendant of Buckskin Charlie who was a Chief of the Utes in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. We had an interesting talk with him about how you get land and that there are only 1400 tribal members and they have to be ¼ Ute or more to be a tribal member. They get income from the tribe from the casino, the gas lines and other ventures. The children get $250 each per month up to $4600 a month after you turn 55. If they drop the blood requirement then those 1400 lose money. Very interesting.

Two of the 100's of natural gas wells we see dotted along
the roads and fields.

We stopped at the grocery mainly to fill our water jugs and didn’t get home until 4:45, so we also missed picking up our mail. Kam said she send a packet a few days ago, so we will time it better tomorrow and be sure to get it.

We took Xena up to the office area and Bill walked her while I sent over to make sure Rebecca and Harlan could take her out while we’re gone tomorrow. We weren’t hungry so we didn’t have dinner until 7:30 or so. Bill had pasta and I had spaghetti squash with Italian sausage and sauce. I made a small peach crisp and we had some while we watched more Olympics!

Rubber Ducky's Maiden Voyage

August 7 – I really was not in a hurry to get up, but Bill said we’d finally take the kayak out today. We had smoothies for breakfast and then we went out to do our camp duties. Bill tried to line up a mower to cut our grass but one was in use and one had a flat tire and the guy who takes care of that was working on the sprinkler systems. That’s pretty much a daily occurrence. They get driven over and out of whack. I was weeding and Bill ended up coming and helping me after he cleaned our 2 sites. We are about half way around the park in the weeding, so that’s good.

Rubber Ducky ready to hit the water

Before lunch we got the kayak out and read the instructions and got her blown up and assembled. She has officially been dubbed “Rubber Ducky”. It will go pretty quick now that we know what to do. There are 5 valves to fill in the boat and 2 in each of the seats. It came with a foot pump that works well and pretty quick.

After lunch we changed to our water shoes and Bill put on his swim trunks and I put on shorts and a t-shirt and we loaded the boat on the truck along with the new paddles. We had discussed whether to put in at the marina or down at Mooring Cove where there is a dock so we went to Mooring Cove so there wouldn’t be any boats for us to worry about. Well, we unloaded and put our life vests in the boat and a bag with some water and my camera and started carrying the boat down the LONG walkway. We stopped, re-thought the situation and decided the walk back UP would be a lot worse that dealing with any boats at the marina, so we walked the short walk back and loaded up and drove to the marina.

Safely back

There wasn’t anyone there when we backed in so we unloaded and I waited with Rubber Ducky. I am going to have to get a different life vest as it won’t fit down inside the kayak. I think the short ones the skiers wear would be better. Bill had to drive the truck back up and park and walk down and then we headed out. We were only out about 45 minutes for our first run. It was super hot out but we did fine. The wakes are a challenge and we need to get used to how strong to paddle to get it to turn. We don’t like the seats in it so will probably order the “deluxe” ones instead. Bill went to get the truck while I waited and we loaded up and took it home. We hosed it off and I put little ropes on each end and we tied it to the poles on our shelter and have it on top of the picnic table.

We were both pooped and thirsty when we got back. After resting and reading, Bill went out to clean a site, but actually went up to Rosa to see Marion and the power went off and the wind started blowing and it was getting rather nasty looking out. When I got up to see about he seats in the kayak he was back and we secured anything that might fly away. Then the skies opened up and it poured. Not super long but it was windy. The power wasn’t off long so it didn’t hamper anything.

I gave Bill a choice of pizza or spaghetti for dinner. What he didn’t choose moved to tomorrow night. He went with pizza. I made it all with Italian sausage and sun dried tomatoes but on his half I put diced baby sweet pepper and mushrooms on mine. I made salads to top it off. He ate his half but I still have a piece for tomorrow. It was pretty good. I went light on the cheese to save some calories and fat.

We decided to hurry and take Xena for her walk as it was looking like more rain and the little bugger walked in the mud and was a mess. We washed her feet with the outdoor shower and the towel was still a mess. We learned not to let her walk on her own! Then we settled in and watched re-runs and some of the Olympics.

Just another day....

August 6 - We didn’t get up until 8 since we were both so tired from yesterday. After breakfast we rode our bikes around Rosa camp and then to the office to pick up our tickets. We had a stack again so that means a busy weekend ahead. We put all the reservations out and they were changing out the dumpsters today, so while they were out of the fenced areas we swept them out and got them ready for the new ones. We cleaned a couple of sites as they left and then Bill ran the weed eater and I weeded by hand until it was time for lunch break.

After lunch I took 2 loads of wash up to do and went by the office to get a phone number for the owner of the dog of the infamous dog bite. The number the ranger gave me was out of service, but I got her number and her work number. Then I read while my wash finished and brought it home to dry. Bill went out and did our last 2 sites.

While the laundry dried I vacuumed the bedroom and turned the vacuum over to Bill to do the living room while I used Orange Glo on all the wood in the bedroom and bathroom. It makes everything smell so nice for a while. Then I did the living room and cleaned the “window sills”. I had Bill clean the tops of the slide trims and it was really dirty. I wish we’d have done the windows, but at least it’s pretty clean and fresh for a day or so.

I cleaned the hummingbird feeder and took a little red dish and put nectar in it before I hung the feeder back up an stood out by the tree and 2 of the hummingbirds would come close, about 10-12 inches but wouldn’t light and feed. I haven’t given up. One is the beautiful red one.

For dinner I baked chicken breasts coated with lemon pepper panko. Bill had an ear of corn and I had butternut squash. We finished that last couple of slices of the jalapeno bread. We took Xena in the mule up by the office for her walk and right after we got back the ranger stopped to let us know site 72 in our park had a bear come up the side of the mesa but he didn’t know what direction it went. I hope to see it for photo purposes only. I hope my only chance in not when I take Xena out for her last pee of the night! Scary!!!!!