Lunch outing

July 31 – Happy Birthday Shiloh!!

Madison River

We traded off today to spend time with Bruce and Sharon on their last day here.  They went into West Yellowstone this morning to visit the museum, go to the post office for me, and do a bit of grocery shopping.  Once they got back we picked them up to take a ride to a little restaurant on the Madison River just past Quake Lake.

Owww, that's cold!

We had a 15 minute wait for a table in the back room where you can see the river flowing rapidly on its way.  Lunch was OK.  I think Bruce got the best as he went with the breakfast special, a blackberry pancake that covered his plate and was at least ½ inch thick. There was an egg with it and more!  He ate every bite and said it was delicious!

Yes, it is!

After we finished we went out back to see the river up close and personal.  Bill put his foot it to test how cold it was and Sharon put her hand in.  Bruce and I just sat and watched and took pictures.  It’s a beautiful setting.  They have a small campground and some cabins there as well.  Part of the diner is a store of fly fishing paraphernalia and fishing clothes. 

We decided to follow the road on around so they could see Hebgen Lake and Dam and the beautiful valley.  There is some new construction going on and some really old stuff just falling down.   It’s a nice ride and the weather was great today.  The road

Bruce, what big feet
you have!!!

takes us in to West Yellowstone where we decided it was time for ice cream!  We hit the IMAX / Store where Bruce sprung for .50 soft serves for us all!  We checked out any new close outs or mark downs and Bruce got a pair of wolf paw slippers.  They are supper thick so should definitely keep his feet warm!

Once we got home, we went our own way!  I know Bruce and Sharon wanted to start getting things in order for leaving in the morning! 

Trip to Virginia City

July 30 – Our time with Bruce and Sharon is coming to an end!  So sad, but at least we know we will catch up with them again in a couple of months in New Mexico.  Today we headed out at 10 for Virginia City, MT. 

Bruce drove and we had a beautiful morning as we drove along the Madison River where numerous fly fishermen were hard at leisure.  The fields were dotted with antelope, some resting and some enjoying the fruits of some farmer’s labor.  The guys talked up a storm in the front and Sharon and I commented on the sites along the way. 

I think he's the boss

His entourage

We drove through Ennis, which is a big fishermen area and swells up during the summer months.  It’s only about 14 miles from there to Virginia City.  As we were exiting Ennis, I spotted a small herd of antelope in the same field area that Bill and I had seen them 2 years ago.  Bruce turned around and they were all lying in the grass, enjoying a beautiful day.  The moment I got out of the truck, one stood up and then they all did.  I guess they were preparing to flee if necessary.  We all got our photos and were on our way again.

We stopped again at a scenic overlook of the valley and mountains in the background.  Very beautiful stop.

Parking was easily available when we arrived in Virginia City, so Bruce snagged a spot along the main street and we hit the gift shops and checked out the various open buildings that look just like they did back in the day.  Stores’ shelves were stocked with clothing, sewing materials, canned goods, you-

Working safe from the
1800's

name-it!  The original old western part of the town is only a few blocks long.  There’s a train station and train that are not original but they take people a few miles to the town of Nevada City.  It’s collection of old buildings that were going to be bulldozed from all over the state.  They are set up like a town.  We chose not to go, as Bill and I have been on it.

The old Opera House

We all did a bit of shopping and also left the candy store with bags for each couple.  Never know when you will have a food emergency and candy can do the trick!

The plan was to have lunch in Ennis where Bill and I have eaten before.  We got parked easily but the place has changed hands and is now more upscale and didn’t open until 4.  So we went to the café we’ve also eaten in before and they serve breakfast all day in addition to a lunch menu.  Bruce and Sharon both went with a breakfast meal while Bill and I did lunch.  It was OK, but not nearly as good as the pork belly sandwich I was planning to have at the other place.

We made a quick stop at Madison Grocery as I thought I might get a couple of bargains but left with only 2 bananas, a bottle of wine (always a bargain) and 2 post cards.

Just outside of Ennis was an old steam tractor.  We stopped so Bruce, a train aficionado, could get some photos and see what kind of engine it was.  It was built in Battle Creek, MI.  We also saw the field of llamas but there was no where to pull off to get photos or see if they’d walk over and spit on us!

They sky was getting dark on the way home and we could see storming in the distance.  There was not an antelope to be seen!  They got out of Dodge at the first sign of bad weather.  We made it home before any rain and kept getting warnings of hail and other weather conditions but it really didn’t do much and no hail so it was a peaceful night after a busy day!

Day in Yellowstone National Park

July 29 – It looked to be a beautiful day out today so we decided to head into Yellowstone after lunch.  Bruce came down this morning and fixed my driver side blinds that had come down at one end.  We all learned how they were installed so next time we’ll know quicker how to remedy the problem.

We stopped at West Yellowstone to fuel up and Bill had a problem with my debit card.  It got rejected twice at the pump and twice inside, so I gave him my credit card and we were on our way.  I called my bank while he was driving and she could see a rejected item for $91.00 but said it now was not active.  I would have to call tomorrow as we won’t have much cell service in the park and they were closed by the time we got home.

Sock trees

We stopped at several places along the way to Old Faithful and walked several geyser pools.  There are many stands of Sock Trees at most of them.  They are stark white at the bottoms due to the acidic waters and it causes them to turn white, which looks like socks, therefore the name.

The crowds were not as bad as we’ve experienced in the past.  Once we arrive at Old Faithful we had no problem parking and the crowd was gathered around Old Faithful so we knew it was close to time for her to do her thing!  We sat back away on downed dead trees which was preferable to standing.  Then off she went, gradually rising higher and higher and then slowing melting away again to a steady mist rising from the ground.  The crowd dissipates very quickly.

The Visitor Center was right beside us so we went in to use the restrooms, check out the gift shop and also watched the

At her peak today

extremely informative movie on the formation and forces behind the geysers.  It was a very well done explanation of the centuries old geysers and what might be expected in the future. 

Next door is the Old Faithful Inn that we couldn’t ignore.  The fireplace is the showpiece of the lobby and the wood décor is beautiful.  Everyone was ready for ice cream so we stood our turn in line for singles

Lodge fireplace

scoops of various flavors.  Next door is a gift shop and although we spend a bit of time there, no one made any purchases.

It was time to start heading back and there were some traffic issues along the way.  We did take in another geyser loop that “less travelled” than the main road. 

Out the truck window

Closer to the exit we encountered a male bison right along the road, so of course we stopped for photos and then just a bit further down the road on the water side, there were 3 elk.  Sharon was happy we finally got to see some wildlife!

We stopped in West Yellowstone for dinner at the Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon.  Sharon

Lady elk

and Bruce shared a pizza and Bill and I made the mistake of each ordering a calzone.  They were huge, so we shared one and brought one home.

No excitement on the drive home but it was a great day in Idaho/Montana!

Local sites day

July 28 - It was a cold night again!  Brrr!  Everyone was taking a break this morning and the plan was to head out after lunch for some local site seeing.  Bill wasn’t feeling well, so Bruce and Sharon picked me up and off we went.

What a view!

Looking for food!

We went in search of the Coffee Pot Rapids.  Sharon put it the GPS and we ended up on Mr. Toad’s wild ride.  We were on a rutty road in the forest and when it said we had arrived, WE HAD NOT!  So we turned around and went back to the main road and tried GPS on the phone.  It was far more accurate.  It took us to Lower Coffee Pot Campground.  We saw a Sheriff deputy that had passed us on his ATV back in the woods.  The rapids are part of Henry’s Fork River.  We checked out the campground and all agreed it’s not a place we’d stay.  It an old forestry park and the spaces are pretty small and no hookups except maybe electric.  We parked at the end of the trail that goes 2.2 miles along the river to the rapids.  We spoke with a lady and her children that were coming back from the trail after picking huckleberries.  She said the rapids are up there, but it’s quite a walk.  That did not intrigue us so instead we took some nice photos of

Mother Nature at work

the river which was so clean and clear.  There were lots of lovely wild flowers and we took photos of those as well.  We headed back out of the campground and a huge motorhome was checking in and Bruce pulled off the road as far as he could so he could pass us.  Then some doofball pulled up behind us but not off the road and he could clearly see the motorhhome and was waving for us to keep going.  The idiot could not understand that there was no way we could get around the motorhome.  Then the campground host came and moved her car and everything cleared up!

From there we got back on Hwy 20 and took Big Springs Road to find the beginning of the springs.  On the way we turned into the boat launch area and there were vehicles stuck in every nook and cranny.  Bruce let Sharon and I out at the launch as he had no where to park and we saw what we think was an old railroad trestle and now is used for ATVs to

River bottom rocks thru crystal
clear water

travel back and forth over the springs.  The water was crystal clear and it’s a beautiful spot!

At the very end of the road is where Johnny Sacks cabin is you park and walk down the right said of the water by the

One spot where the spring
comes up

cabin and there’s a small deck.  Right there you can see several places where the springs bubble up and from there it fills the Big Spring and flows on down toward Hwy 20.

That was the end of our adventure today!  Bill was up and feeling better when we got home!

Day of work and day of play!!

July 26 – Back to work after a fun day off!  We woke to an overflowed fresh water tank AGAIN!  The valve is still not working correctly.  Also the issue I had with the power to my computer last night was due to our power shut off at some point.  We didn’t know we were on battery all night! 

Sherrie and I had a good day, once again lots of laughs and it sure makes the day go faster and more pleasant!  We were full again for the night!  Had a nice gentleman come in from Windermere, so we had to have a long conversation.  We were cleaned up and out of there at 7:45!!

Sharon and Bruce came in and did their laundry and I got to visit a bit with them.  I think they were taking a “day off” and just doing what you do when you’d home!  He went over and found the problem with my living room ceiling lights.  The switches some how got opposite of each other and it came back that way from Giant Rec one visit.  I had checked my master panel by the door but didn’t realize how the button was titled as to what it was.  He realized it right away and now my lights are back in sync!

Sharon invited us for dinner but I told her by the time we get off it’s so late that we’d just heat leftovers. They left for West Yellowstone after lunch for the dentist there for their cleanings.  They were happy that they found a place that could get them in.  They tootled a bit around town and Bruce did some more shopping!

July 27 – Bruce and Sharon came over after breakfast and he helped me get that crazy passenger side mirror adjusted that the lady hit on our way here.  Then he helped Bill with his flag pole.  We visited a while and after we all had lunch we headed out for the afternoon.

Valley blocked by slides

It’s a nice drive through the valley west of us along the river and then east through the valley where the earthquake occurred here in 1959.  The visitor center has a very informative video of the sequence of events for that night.  Twenty-eight people died that night, leaving children without parents and whole families gone.  Most that died were staying in a campground in the valley.  The result of the earthquake was a dammed up river that was stressing

One side of the slide

a dam further back and the road in and out was destroyed.  The huge amounts of slide created Quake Lake.  It’s a very sad story to be sure!  They do not know if others perished as it’s a walk in campground and there were no records.

The lake that formed

We drove on up past the lake and 60 years later there are still dead trees rising from the waters as a reminder of what occurred here years ago.  In some places you can see rooftops of the cabins that were flooded along the shore of the river and there are 10-12 small cabins that were displaced by the moving waters and left ashore in various places.  More reminders of a terrible night!

From Quake Lake we headed home to get dressed and ready for our night out across from the campground.  After getting ready, Sharon and Bruce came over for us to sample some huckleberry wine and have some light hors d’oeuvres. 

We had tickets for the Yellowstone Playhouse dinner theater.  They do 3 different shows in rotation.  They serve cafeteria style your choice of chicken or prime rib.  It’s a big meal and then they bring out the Fat Boy ice cream sandwiches to your table.  Then the show begins, and it was hilarious as usual.  We saw “Pirates of the Car-Rib-EEE- An!  These shows are not to be missed if you ever visit the area.  The “head” guy does the warm up, and again during intermission.  He interacts with the audience and is very quick witted!  You laugh a much then as you do during the show.  It’s a very reasonably priced dinner show!

Bruce dropped us off on their way to their site!  Oh, they were supposed to leave today and move the state park across the road, but decided to stay here instead.  Luckily there was space here and they got to stay in the same spot.  Yeaaa!

day

Sound the trumpets, Bruce and Sharon arrived!!

July 24 – It started as another brisk morning today, which is no surprise!  Sun was out and the air was calm until later in the day when the afternoon winds blew in.  We worked today and Bill mowed and did some painting.  The Laundromat had super busy times and then times when there were only a few people in.

Denise and I had a good day!  We had some issues to work on first thing this morning to get resolved before knowing if we had any vacancies for the night.  Ended up no, we did not and we had a broken down RV who wanted to stay but that didn’t happen.  He ended up moving the RV to storage for the day and going on with their vacation plans, but nothing opened up so they stayed there for the night.  Another dryer went out of service but for the most part the day ran smoothly and Denise did some online shopping and showed me photos of what she and Dave have done with the inside of their RV.  Looks more like a house inside than a motorhome!  They have a Meridian also, but it’s a little older and has less slides.  She is very artsy-crafty so it’s looking really great!

Bill had asked if we could get off at 5 tonight as Bruce and Sharon got in around 1 and we wanted to go to dinner with them.  Becky and our co-workers gave the go ahead and Bill took off at 5 and I left at 5:30 so he’d finished in the shower by the time I got home.  We picked Bruce and Sharon up at 6 and went into West Yellowstone for dinner.  They have dentist appointments there on Friday so thought we could give them a “feel” for the town before they head in on their own.

It was SO good to see them since it’s been about 2 months since our over night rendezvous in Nebraska!  I think they are excited to be here and see what Island Park has offer as well as the surrounding areas.  We have a tentative plan for tomorrow but just spending time together is the best part! 

We had dinner at the Slippery Otter.  Of course it’s been 2 years since we were there and I thought they had a better dinner menu.  I think the real draw is the list of beers they serve.  The food was good but mostly hamburger/sandwich meals or salads.  Bruce had a pizza that he was very happy with and Bill had a burger.  Sharon and I went with salads, hers with chicken and mine a sliced sirloin cooked rare with blue cheese dressing.  It was very tasty and I finished every bite.  Sharon had some to go and of course the guys ate all of their meals.  Bruce topped his meal off with a new cap!

We decided to walk some of it off and check out some of the shops.  Bruce  found a long sleeve shirt he wanted but no one else found “the right” thing to spend their money on.  We drove down to the IMAX theatre shop in hopes of having a .50 soft serve now that our meals had settled somewhat.  Wouldn’t you know they were closed down and cleaning them for tomorrow’s crowd. 

Bill gave them a short tour of the town and they have an idea of where they might visit on Friday.  I think they were pooped from the travel and waiting to drive up the pass and we were a bit pooped for working today, so we dropped them off and said our good nights, until tomorrow….

July 25 - What a fun day today!  We picked Bruce and Sharon up (8 spaces down from us) 

at 9 and we headed out to Mesa Falls.  We stopped on the way at the Bank of Idaho for Bill and Sharon to do their banking.  Yes, let’s make sure we have plenty of money for today!  The drive to the falls isn’t bad, nice scenery.  Once we parked we checked out the Visitor Center which used to be a lodge.  We attempted to identify various animal pelts, paws 
and poo.  Needless to say we did best on the pelts and paws.  The Upper Falls are magnificent!  Our timing could not have been better.  We could see a full rainbow off the falls and we all continue to be amazed at God’s works!  It’s a peaceful and powerful place and

2 rays of sunshine at the falls

any time that Bill and I are able to come to this area, this will be a place we continue to visit and be awed by.  The depth of the valley, the power of the water, the height of the trees and peace it brings is astonishing.  We were blessed to be able to share it with our good friends!  Love you Bruce and Sharon!

Lower Falls

The lower falls are REALLY low down in the valley and the canyon walls are maybe more interesting than the falls.  However, we could see a tiny white space in the trees up the canyon that we know had to be the Upper Falls.  It was a much shorter stop as the walk is shorter and the only building is the vault toilets.  It’s still a great stop but not nearly as inspiring as Upper Falls.

The rest of the drive down and out of the canyon was nice.  We crossed the river and  saw the cute little log cabin built along side it.  The closer we came to Ashton, the more potatoes and hay we saw, along with a good number of dilapidated buildings.  We arrived at Trails Inn where Bill and I have eaten several times.  Bruce, Bill and I did well with our lunch choices but due to no buns for the French dip, Sharon’s beef dried out a bit before she could finish it.  We all enjoyed the crispy fries and of course the complimentary ice cream cone we each received! 

Our next stop was St. Anthony Sand Dunes.  Bill was not a happy camper with the road!

  Once we got on the direct road to the dunes, it was torn up and being grated for re-surfacing.  If he could have found spot to turn around, I’m sure he would have done it!  BUT, we made it to a huge campground with the dunes surrounding ¾ of it and he parked so the rest of us could get out and get photos.  Sharon and I braved the sand and climbed up the closest dune for a better view and it was beautiful!  We saw dune buggies and dirt bikes buzzing around and a full campground!

As we left the dunes we kept watching a yellow crop duster but by the time we got

Dunes between the field and
the mountains

close to where he HAD been, he was no where to be seen.  Drats!  It was such a pretty yellow plane!

On the way back towards the campground we turned off on Big Springs Rd so Bruce and Sharon could bee Johnny Sack’s cabin and Big Springs.  We parked and the walk to the cabin was lined with wild flowers in bloom on one side and the springs on the other.  The cabin is such a delight!  To see what he build over a 3 year period is amazing.  He

One side of the cabin, not
the pretty side!

used only hand tools and made 2 sets of bedroom furniture and his table, chairs and seating.  He had help only to set the corner posts and pretty much did the rest himself.  He build a small wheelhouse to generate power to his place.  It is now a National Landmark! 

We dropped Bruce and Sharon off so everyone could rest a bit before heading out for Burrito Night at Café Sabor!  I did a load of laundry since we work tomorrow and Bill took a short nap and read until it was time to go.  

Bruce and Sharon walked down promptly at 6.  We loaded up the truck and headed down the road where we signed in for the wait.  It was about 20 minutes and we had a nice table in the larger dining room.  Bill, Sharon and I had a Burrito Special while Bruce had a Chimichanga.  The service was good for as busy as they were and our waitress was very personable and responded well to the harassment from our table!

Time to head home and go our separate ways for the night!  It was a day full of laughter and I, for one, had a ball!

Super hectic day and then a bit more relaxed!

July 22- What a LONG hectic day!  The plan was to leave at 10 for Idaho Falls as Bill’s appointment was scheduled for 1 and we’d have time for a couple of stops and lunch before dropping him off for his appointment.

As usual, The Best Laid Plans, didn’t quite plan out!  By the time  we got shopping lists from those we offered to shop for, stopped at the library in Island Park, got stuck in a 30 minute delay for road construction, we didn’t have as much time as we planned. 

I had printed a spotting map with most of the places I wanted to go in addition to Bill’s doctor’s office.  He called this morning and found out he was off by an hour, as his appointment was at 2.  We were discussing lunch as we drove into town, approaching Home Depot, and Bill read a sign for a lunch special for fish and crabby cake!  That’s all it took, I told him that’s where I wanted to have lunch!  It’s a small family owned place and we got to talking with the owner and his son while our order was being prepared.  They use $2 bills and 50 cent pieces for the same reason my family uses $2 bills and dollar coins.  If the government pays to make them, we need to circulate them!  The lunch special was $7 for cod strips and a big crabby cake, waffle fries and a drink.  Those are the first fries I’ve had in years, and the first soda other than when I make my own ginger ale in just as long.  I really enjoyed my meal, the soda, not so much.  Too sweet when you’re not used to drinking it.

Honestly, I can’t remember the order we did things as there were a lot of stops.  Bill waited for me outside of Home Depot and  then I dropped him at the doctor’s office with his book.  He was afraid I’d take too long and he’d be late.  I went to Bed, Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, Target, and Staples before I went back for him.  His procedure went well and he was a bit sore and so I did the driving the rest of the day!  At Staples I had a coupon from email that you have them scan and you can win $5 - $500 in the store towards your purchase.  I’ve had $5 before but today I got $25 which really brought my total down!

We stopped at PetSmart for prescription food for Molly but they don’t have a Bancroft deal and so Bill called Petco and it was the same.  He was doing all this while I was in JoAnn’s.  He located the closest vet and so we backtracked to there and got Molly’s food.

Then I wanted to go to a bulk food store and had him ask the ladies at the doctor’s office while he was there and the top recommendation was Win-Co.  So Bill Goggled it and off we went.  On the way he realized we passed the medical supply place where he ordered his new CPAP mask from and so we turned around and he went in and picked it up.  A couple of the folks there vacation in Island Park and were going to bring it up to him over the weekend.

In JoAnn’s  I got a couple skeins of yarn and then we headed to Win-Co.  They have a huge bulk food area.  I wish we had them in Orlando!  They are employee owned so it’s no frills.  The produce is set out on the cooler racks in the boxes, so it takes less help and time to stock.  You bag your own groceries.  The checkouts have 1 belt for the current customer and then there are 2 belts that carry the groceries to the end.  After each customer the cashier moves the gate door to block the person he just completed.  So they cut back in many ways and their prices reflect it!

Next was Wal-mart.  Bill was assigned a list for items and I was assigned a longer list.  We

This unique fountain was near where we turned around

met at self-check and did the 2 orders for our 2 co-workers and he took that on to the truck while I did our stuff. We had coolers and cooler bags, so all was good.  In the same lot was a Panda Express, so we decided if we’re going to eat, this was it.  It was after 7, we had our dinner and headed for our last stop, Sam’s.  We didn’t have a lot to get but had trouble finding one of the items.  Once again, it would sure be nice if all Sam’s were laid out the same, and Wal-mart’s!  It’s frustrating to keep going back and forth!

Once we checked out it was time to get back on the road for home!  It’s not that far to Rexburg and Bill decided he wanted to gas up the truck so we made a quick stop there and then back on US 20 for Island Park.  We were stopped AGAIN for the road construction, at almost 9 pm.  Luckily this time was only about 10 minutes.

We were pooped!  When we pulled into the campground we stopped at the office and took in part of their supplies and Bill delivered one of our co-worker’s who’s site is across the road from there.  Then it was haul all of our stuff in!  It was everywhere!  I put away what had to be put away and left 2 bags for tomorrow!

Time to just chill and call it a day!

July 23 – Our last day off!  We didn’t rush this morning for sure, after the day we had

The day started with this lovely rainbow across the
road at Henry's Lake.

yesterday.  Once breakfast was over Bill drove the truck to the office to deliver the cases of water left.  Then he delivered the other couple’s small bag!

I did 3 loads of laundry, one of rugs and today was a nice sunny and not much wind until late in the day.  I laid my rugs on the picnic table and they were dry in no time.  I did all my floors. Cleaned the microwave as best I could.  I need to find the right stuff to clean that stainless steel inside.

I put away the last 2 bags of “stuff”.  Sometimes I forget where I put stuff as I’ve used every nook and cranny for sure!  Later in the day I did some baking!  I made some Anti-inflamation Muffins that Sharon sent me the recipe and then some Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies.  Bruce and Sharon arrive tomorrow and I have to have a goody ready for my buddy!  I’m also taking a little bag to each of our co-workers (sorry Bruce!)

Bill started grilling dinner and extra for another night and the wind blew the flame out.  He got our burgers done!  My neighbor gave me a dish of pinto beans that I had part of along with deviled eggs, slaw and Bill had the rest of the potato salad.  After he did up the HUGE pile of dishes from the baking and 3 meals today, we each had a huckleberry ice cream bar.

Then it was time to sit down and get caught up on this blog!

Work and lazy days....

July 19 – Another work day!  All went well and we balanced and out of the office by 7:30!  It was a  rather light day for check-ins and we did some clean up of records and future reservations to make the day go faster.

July 20 – Really didn’t do much other than the usual laundry, cleaning up and Bill did some grass mowing for the park and the normal cleaning any bird poo from the RV and his truck.

The park owners, Wendell and Elaine arrived yesterday with their 2 grandsons.  We got to visit with them for quite a while in the recreation hall.  He’s recovering from glaucoma surgery among other issues and she had cataract surgery.  They’ve slowed down from 2 years ago, but their minds are still sharp as they told us the story of their honeymoon and the 1959 earthquake here that they experience first hand.  They are lovely people!  They will only be here a few days to attend some local zoning/water meetings.

I worked on some crocheting projects and read more than normal.  We went to dinner at the local Chinese restaurant, China Grove, not too far down the road.  It was a slow night or we timed it right!  Dinner was good and the young lady serving us spoke perfect English and apparently fluent Chinese.  She was very nice!  The serving size is perfect when you get the Dinner portion.  She let me choose a different entrée with the rest of the Dinner Meal sides.  Yummy!

July 21 – Another day of just resting some, chatting up the neighbors, crocheting, reading and making a long list for our jaunt to Idaho Falls tomorrow. 

Double days again

July 17 – Back to work and it was a good day!  It went pretty fast and in between when I had some free time I did a bit of crocheting!  Had a couple of grouchy customers but some really nice and appreciative ones as well. 

Bill did a lot of mowing and too much weed eating!  His back was killing him when he got home.  He has an appointment tomorrow with a doctor at the Spine Center.  Hope he can get him on the right track.

This morning I put a recipe in the crockpot that my buddy Melissa sent me.  She knows what I like and it’s Mediterranean Chicken.  Artichokes, kalamata olives, Greek seasoning: all the things I love.  By lunchtime it smelled heavenly in my RV.  By 8pm when I got in it was all I could do to get my rice cooked!  I did a mixed par-boiled rice cooked in chicken broth.  It was definitely enough for 2 meals and Bill just ate around what he doesn’t like.  So Friday night’s dinner is ready!

We pretty much read the rest of the evening!

July 18 – It was COLD this morning after a low of 46.  Glad our heat works well.  After breakfast I bagged up my yarns that I wanted Bill to see what he could match at Wal-mart on his trip to town.  He was stopping at the library to exchange some books, check the used book store if it was open today, stop at Dave’s to exchange sodas for Becky; one of the managers and have lunch and go to the doctor.  He got it all done and once the doctor gets the insurance approvals they will schedule him to get 2 injections but he has to go to Idaho Falls for them.  It’s about 90 minutes there.  Depending on when, I might go as they have REAL shopping!

I had planned to bake something today, but instead I did 2 loads of laundry, fiddled with a part on the washer first; read some, called Directv for the 3^rd time with no resolution, called my bank but the person I wanted to talk with was gone, paid bills and updated my check register.

Bill got home around 4 with 3 of the yarns I was looking for and a stack of books from the library but the used book store was closed.  Maybe next time!!

I did a quick dinner tonight of homemade slaw, tiny new potatoes and a cube steak for Bill and a fish fillet for me.  Then we were invited by the other workers to come for cake and ice cream for Mark, one of the guys, birthday.  So the 8 of us sat out and had German chocolate cake with the coconut frosting and our choice of 2 kinds of ice cream.  It was all delicious.  The couple that worked today didn’t stay long after they had their cake as they were pooped and wanted some real food.  The 6 of us left visited and told tales and laughed a lot.  It was a fun time together.  That’s one of the things we really enjoy about our volunteering:  we meet some great people that become our friends.

Once it was getting darker and colder we called it a night and headed in.  Work day tomorrow!

Double days

July 15 – Today is “go to town” day!  After breakfast I did laundry and cleaning while Bill washed his truck.  We planned to leave about 11:30 and have lunch in Rexburg.

On the way we stopped at the post office, bank, and library, and eventually got on the road for town.  I got to pick our lunch stop and I was hungry for a Summer Berry Chicken Salad at Wendy’s.  Bill thought his MRI appointment was at 2:00 and I dropped him off at 1:45.  It was at 3.  So I left him there with his book and checked out a couple of lumber yards.  They didn’t have what I was looking for so I stopped at Albertsons for a couple of bargains and then Bill called that they got him in early and he was ready!

He found out the Dr. who he’s seeing next week with his results is across the street so we know where we’re going next week.  We backtracked a bit to Freddy’s for custard!  Yum!  Then we located a used book store but it’s closed on Mondays.

Time for our trek to Wal-Mart.  Bill dropped me in front to get started while he filled the truck at their gas station, then he worked on his part of the list.  I met a really nice older lady while helping her with some canned goods she about dropped.  She gave me a good tip on making potato salad that I will share with my readers.  Buy diced canned potatoes (I bought 2 cans) and drain, rinse good, and add your regular ingredients for how you like your potato salad.  She uses lots more egg that I do but I made a can for dinner like I would with regular potatoes and it was really good.  Such a shortcut!  Hope you enjoy the tip!

We stopped at Dave’s on the way back to get sodas for the Laundromat and a package of sausage for us. Bruce, he does not make link, just bulk!  As we approached our RV park there were 2 antelope resting in the field where the cattle are.  No camera!  Drats!

Bill grilled chicken and burgers to go with the potato salad and corn on the cob.  All was delicious and I have chicken left for my salads!

July 16 – The first sounds this morning was the pitter patter of rain on the roof.  It quickly blew over and we had breakfast and discussed our day.  Not much on the agenda, but Bill wanted to go into West Yellowstone to the hardware store.  We decided to do it in the afternoon.

It was pretty nippy out today so we didn’t venture much.  I returned the level to the office and put the mail out in the box.  Bill did some odds n ends outside.  We watched 4 RV’s fill the entrance/exit of the park, all BIG expensive motorhomes.  What a cluster it was!  Then it started pouring before they all got checked in.  We’re in a good spot to watch all the action and check out the RVs coming in.  They all seemed to be together as they were all parked beside each other in the front row.  That part of the row was well over 2.5 million! 

After lunch we decided to leave about 2 for town.  Bill got his part and I got a new water filter

Bill with Jeff Fisher

for the RV.  I was looking for a piece of plywood but didn’t want a whole sheet.  The cashier takes gorgeous photos of the wildlife in Yellowstone and the area.  She has a display of postcards and notecards there for for sale.  I checked out our few items and Bill asked her to sign the card he bought.  Then he thought he recognized the next customer and asked his last name and he said it was Fisher, so he asked his first name and he said Jeff.  It was Jeff Fisher, former NFL player and coach.  He was buying light bulbs!  Bill shook his hand and asked him to sign the card also.  Then he asked if I could take their photo together.  He was very nice and Bill was super excited to have met him!

We stopped at the General Store but I just browsed for a bit and then we headed home. 

The Yellowstone Play House is across the street from the campground so we stopped to order tickets for a show in August when Darlene and Mike come to visit from Colorado!  This is their first year in their new building and I’m sure it’s much larger and nicer than the old one down the street.  We went to 2 different shows 2 years ago and they are all comedies and totally hilarious!  We’re going the end of the month with Sharon and Bruce when they’re here.  They do 3 different shows and rotate the nights.

We got home in the nick of time.  The skies opened up and we had hail the size of peas.  Then it stopped and the sun came out and it was beautiful again.  That was false security as the rain came and went multiple times after.  It pours really hard and loud then passes on for a couple of hours.

We cleaned out the bulk of the leftovers tonight, which Bill got to enjoy a couple of his favorites:  meatloaf and potato salad!  We’re back to work tomorrow.  Gina and Rick are off for 2 weeks and Becky is manager in charge.  We met her our first summer here also, and worked with her 2 years ago, so we’re all good!

Time for some TV and reading!