Lunch out and kinda dinner out!

August 31 – Happy Birthday Jared!!! Happy Birthday Donna!

Only a couple of days before we head south.  Bill is very sad to be leaving.  I think he would like to work here the entire season!  I love the people we’ve worked with this summer and our managers, Gina and Rick are the best!  They are the kindest people I know and they would do anything they could to help anyone.  We are blessed to have such good people in our lives.  We will miss them but hope they will get to Florida in the spring before we leave for the summer.

After Bill and I did some housework, we showered and went to the library so Bill could return the last of his books.  I got out to put them in the book drop and we drove about 20 miles with the tailgate down and a bag of stuff on it!  Geez, Bill!  Not my job!!  Luckily nothing fell out! 

We had lunch across the road at Trout Hunters, my favorite place here.  I had wanted to go for dinner but we kept putting it off and the lunch menu is good but not as exotic as the dinners.  I did have the best salad I’ve had since I left home, Beet Salad.  It was loaded with fresh cooked cubed beets, Gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts and craisins.  I had smoked salmon with it and I almost licked my bowl it was so good!  Bill had some fancy burger and it was so tall he had to take it apart to eat it!

On the way back we stopped at Island Park Builders and Bill got a new pressure treated board to cut into pads for the RV.  Since we left home we’ve had several split and had to be pitched.  Bill borrowed a circular saw and got them cut and ready for our next stop if we need them.  Then he took up all our yard décor and put it all away.  Our yard looks so naked now!

I went over and helped Gina cook dinner for us tonight.  She hurt her back and was having trouble getting around.  Rick grilled burgers, hot dogs and steaks and we made prepared mac and cheese, baked beans, watermelon and Gina made delicious brownies.  We had a nice dinner and social time that we haven’t gotten to have with them.  We all sat in the rec hall until it was getting a bit late.  We laughed and told stories and just enjoyed down time with each other!

Last day on the job!!!

August 30 – Back to work today with Sherri!  Another fun filled day with lots of laughs and meeting new people.  I don’t think we had a single sour puss today.

I took over a platter of cake slices and my rhubarb compote but it seemed there was a lot going on today and not everyone got to have a piece and once they did, the compote was in the fridge and that was in the rec hall where the square dancing folks were set up.

We had the most late arrivals ever today!  I put 8 maps out for them but by the time we finished balancing, 2 that were travelling together showed up, so we got them checked in and paid up.  So we hurried out so no one else could delay our getting home!

Elaine, the owner, stayed with the dancers.  Rick and Gina got a call about 5 from Berta and Toby, who were coming back from Missoula with their new RV.  Their truck broke down in Ennis, So they took their truck and drove up and towed their RV back and Toby rode back with the tow truck driver.  A bit of excitement for the day!

Denise with her bird

Denise, one of the work campers, found a little bird at her site.  She tried putting him back in a tree with other like birds and he kept coming back.  She crushed berries and fed him and gave him water from a tiny squirt bottle.  He walks all over her and didn’t want to leave her.  She put a hand towel in a little cardboard box and put him there over night.  She tried several times to toss him a little to get him to fly and he didn’t.  Finally, he took off!  What a cute little guy!

Today was our last day on the job!  Can't say I'll miss the job, but I will miss the people.  I've met so many people from all over that have been super nice and I wish them all safe travels!

Arrival of Larry and Clarissa!

August 29 – It wasn’t quite as cold this morning as it has been and I am very grateful.  We are starting to keep watch on the hurricane that’s approaching Florida.  It was 2017 when we were here that we had our last one and we still have not completed a wall to stop erosion of the creek across our property. 

Bill went out and helped with more clean up.  I did some house chores as usual and got busy planning our trip home from Albuquerque.  I ended up booking 7 nights so far and got us as far as Waco, TX.  Over the weekend I hope to finish mapping so I can start making our plans for where we will go next summer. 

I went over to visit Sherri for a while and came back and baked an almond cream cheese pound cake.  My first one in high elevation and made some adjustments.  It looked beautiful when it came out of the oven and once it was about cooled and I cut it, it had a finger size hole in the center almost all the way around.  I can’t figure that one out!  The texture was a bit courser than normal but the taste and moistness was still perfect.

Friends Larry and Clarissa arrived mid-afternoon.  They are on a 3 month trip and had come from Rapid City and through Yellowstone.  We invited them to go to dinner with us at Café Sabor for Burrito Night!  They were tired and said that would be great.  They got set up for their week stay here and are right beside us.  They will also be meeting up with us and other friends in Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta.

We all left for dinner at 5:45 and got seated pretty quick.  The crowds have thinned out for sure.  We all enjoyed our dinner and visiting.  I think we were all pretty tired by the end of the day!

Slow work day

August 28 – Work day, and Sherri and Denise traded so I was working with Sherri today and we had a busy but fun day as usual.  More calls for reservations for the holiday weekend.  This time of year it’s nice as it stops being busy in the Laundromat early so we can get the washers and dryers all cleaned as well as the restrooms and do the floors before closing at 7.   Then it doesn’t take long to balance and get home.  Bill and Mark always come in and help with the chores for closing until it’s time to balance.  Bill normally has had his shower by the time I walk in from work.

We had leftovers and were ready to crash and read til the lids took over.

Doctor Day - oh joy!!

August 27 – We were up and on the road to Rexburg at 7:40 as I had a podiatrist appointment at 9:00 and my eye recall at 10:30.  We had a 14 minute wait in the pass and Bill was tired so we traded and I drove from Ashton to Rexburg.  I was a few minutes late but then they did not get the paperwork I completed online.  It said it was received, however, it was received in Idaho Falls, so I had to fill it out all over again.  Then I asked if they had my records and she said no.  I read her the fax number I was told to have my doctor send them to and of course, it was Idaho Falls and obviously they don’t communicate too well!

So he x-rayed my foot and I gave him my story and he told me eventually I’ll need surgery and to continue the stretches and usage of my brace per my doctor.  He was very specific about the type of surgery I needed so I will remember all that to tell my doctor and make sure they agree!

Bill was waiting when I came out and then dropped me at the eye doctor.  They did a regular eye exam and then dilated my eye.   The doctor checked it all over and said it was no change and soon should fully liquefy and not tug so much on my retina and wanted me to follow up in October, so guess I’ll set up an appointment with my doctor in Florida!

Time for our last lunch at Blister’s BBQ!  Today I had the double pulled brisket with the fresh French fries.  They cut them right while you watch and drop them in the fryer.  There is one potato for a serving and each is cooked alone.  It’s a HUGE Idaho potato.  I never have fries but the cole slaw was kinda blah so I had them just plain and they were great!  Bill had the same thing and we took home half of mine and a small bit of his brisket home.

We didn’t have any other shopping to except groceries, but decided to stop at the thrift store and I found a pair of stretch Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that were the perfect fit, even the right length!  Bill got a couple of shirts and we found 3 books.  It was a good stop today!

Then I made a quick stop at Albertson’s for their meat specials and a small piece of dry ice, then it was on to Wal-mart.  We picked up a few things for other people, and then did our shopping.   We got a Dirt Devil small stick vacuum that you can change to a hand held, but it’s all electric.  I had no luck matching yarns today and then it was grocery time!  That took a while as I had a long detailed list today.  It was the highest grocery bill ever! 

Once we got it all packed in to the coolers it was time for our treat at Freddy’s.  That’s the highlight of our trip to town!

Nothing special about the trip home other than our routine stop at Dave’s for sausage and rhubarb!

Bill grilled some great burgers I got tonight.  I had a blue cheese burger and his was bacon and cheddar and they were moist and delicious.  I micro’d 2 ears of corn and made a bag salad.  I was excited that the packages each had 2 burgers since they were so good we have another meal ready to go.

Baking, cooking and shopping - what better day could it be!!

August 26 – It was 36 when I got up this morning!  Brrr, for sure!  I was frozen until noon!  I was awakened at 5:30 by Bill’s phone, therefore, I did take a short nap after noon but I had 2 phone calls so there was not much napping done.

Bill’s been after me to make a cookie recipe from a book series by Joanna Fluke.  The main character, Hannah, owns a cookie shop and each books has 4 -5 recipes that she mentions during the murder mystery.  So I made Molasses Crackles.  It makes so many that I only cooked half the batch today.  They have to chill and you roll the dough into a ball and roll in sugar, then flatten a bit and bake.  They are good, BUT, using molasses, in my opinion, REQUIRES ginger, lots of ginger!  This called for cinnamon and a bit of cardamom.  They are great cookies but my taste buds knew the ginger was missing! 

When Bill came back from the office he brought ginger cookies that Gina made, and I put cookies back in the container for Bill to deliver back!  I put together a chicken pot pie for dinner.  Am going to use a pie crust for the top today instead of biscuits.  I made enough mess today with cookies.

After lunch we went into West for a bit.  I needed to get a couple of cards and Bill wanted to go to the store that’s closing and see if the prices went down anymore.  No good deals today!  We stopped at one of the grocery stores and got bananas for tomorrow morning and ice creams sandwiches to stock up and take home!

The pot pie was good and just enough left for one person so that worked out well.  Of course there were cookies for dessert!

Not so leisurely day...

August 25 – Another chilly morning!  I’m getting over this!  I made us a ham and cheese omelet this morning and cup muffin.  Nice change!

It’s been super windy today and Bill left me a shirt he got paint spots on that he wanted me to work on.  Then he headed out to help with more clean up of old broken down items.

I spent an hour on the shirt and did a pretty good job.  Ran it though the wash but used no many chemicals on it I need to wash it again.  I sadly wrote 2 sympathy cards to mail tomorrow and a birthday card to my son.

After my daily sweeping I did a load of wash, crocheted a while and finished the book I was reading.  Then it was time to get on the laptop and catch up on my expense spreadsheet and my journal.  I had taken 2 small steaks out to thaw for dinner and made a bowl of “quickie” potato salad to go with it.  Then Bill came in later and said we were invited to grill at Mark and Sherrie’s at 5:45.  They were tearing out their carpet and linoleum in the RV today and were grilling to thank their helpers (of which we were not) but they work with us, so we were invited.  It was about 6:30 before we got started.  I took our steaks and the potato salad and Mark grilled them along with chicken, burgers and hot dogs.  Denise brought potato salad also and Sherrie did some baked beans.  It was a great meal with new friends.  Berta and Toby were invited but they worked today and she just came over for a bit. 

It got windy and colder so that told us when it was time to head in.  We missed the season opener of Chesapeake Shores.  Oh well!

Lazy day with dinner out!

August 24 – I was up at 6 for some reason, and once Bill got up I really wasn’t too motivated to make breakfast.  He was on his own and I had a bowl of granola!  Then he went out to help with more campground projects and I did some laundry and baked cookies.  I kept busy by delivering cookies, crocheting and reading.  Not a bad way to spend a day off.

This hangs on the wall of one of the gift

shops and he says a series of

different things.  I'm sure it's also

watching for theft!

We headed in to West Yellowstone about 4 as Bill wanted to get a t-shirt about Island Park and we went in the “closing” store and I got a nice black zipper hoodie marked down.  Then we parked on the street where we were having dinner and visited several of the shops along there.

Bill chose Three Bear Restaurant for dinner.  We ate there on a prior trip but he didn’t remember.  It’s a very nice place and the food is very good.  He had the bison sirloin tips and I had the trout.  My huckleberry margarita was pretty tasty as well. 

It was getting dark for the drive home but we didn’t see any wildlife!! 

Three days to catch up...

August 21 -   It was a really slow day for check ins.  We did have a few calls and booked more reservations.  Denise and I didn’t have a lot going on.  The laundry was swamped on and off.  She had expressed interest in learning to make scrubbies and had some yarn so she made her first scrubbie!  She had only crocheted edging around afghans and other projects and did really well.  It was slow enough that she could pull it out and start over to get the hang of it.  I did 3 scrubbies and a dish cloth today. 

We were finished with the cleaning, balanced and home by 7:30!  Bravo for a day well done!

August 22 -  Happy Birthday Dad!  We all still miss you and thank you for all you did for us!

I sent Bill to the Laundromat to do 2 loads of blankets and big stuff so it wouldn’t take all day in the RV.  I changed the bed and cleaned a bit and got everything back in its place. 

I didn’t have to cook tonight as Berta and Toby were making enchiladas for 14 of us for dinner.  I sliced up a lime to rim the margaritas with, packed a bag of ice and we went over just before 5.  I ended up helping fry the tortillas while Berta stuffed them and put them in the oven.  The Cuervo pre-mix Margarita’s went over well and all that wanted to have one did.  I only had to bring home a couple of limes slices.  The dinner was good and she provided 2 chocolate pecan pies with vanilla ice cream for dessert.  Everyone visited and enjoyed the evening!

August 23 – I worked today with Sherrie.  Her friend Patty came over a couple of times and helped with entertaining us!  What fun ladies!  We were a little busier than on Wednesday as it’s the weekend so there are some folks starting out on their vacation. 

Sherrie took care of the afternoon iced coffees today!  Now she has my favorite flavor so that was super nice!

We had all the washers and dryers cleaned and restrooms and floors done by 6:15 and no one left to arrive, so we sat back and waited until 7 and I balanced and we were out of there at 7:15!  That’s a record!!!

Bill and I had the last of the Prairie Fresh roast pork.  He had leftover broccoli and I had steamed zucchini and I had a chilled can of cranberries with whole berries that I opened.  We both agreed it was a nice addition to the meal.   

I work a little on crochet hobbies each evening and then I read for that last relaxation needed for sleep.

Dinner with friends

August 20 – Not quite as cold this morning, which is a good thing.  We had discussed going into West for breakfast as Mike and Darlene’s favorite spot, but then by the time Bill got up and reminded me, it would be 10 before we got there.  So I tried to make up for it with blueberry waffles (on my prized waffle iron from Mike and Dar), fresh fruit and Canadian bacon. 

Bill laid back down and I got on the computer to try and catch up still on the blog.  Berta (one of the work couples) called to remind Bill of his cooking lesson today!  She’s going to teach him to make a Mexican dish.  He tried to volunteer me, but I told him, it was his deal so he’s going!

I made an appointment for my foot on the same day as my eye re-check and was happy they could see me then.  Now to get my records sent with all the “stuff” that’s already been done to it.

I did 3 loads of laundry today.  Did all the blankets and couch throws since we’ve used them a lot with this cool weather.  Did my tile floors yesterday so we’re in good shape for tomorrow since we are working. 

Bill went to the library and the bank.  He decided to have lunch while he was out ad brought me a coconut macaroon!  It was delicious!

Mark (another work couple) came over and asked if we needed anything from Idaho Falls.  They are picking up a friend today at the airport.  I asked if it’s not out of the way to get me a skein of yarn and I gave him my leftover to match to.  Then when he left I received an email from Joann’s with a coupon that I printed and took over.  Timing is everything!

Since Berta was providing our dinner, I decided I needed to provide a dessert.  I baked 2 Chocolate Pudding Cakes, one for us and one for Berta and Toby.  I had it ready for Bill to take when he went for his cooking lesson.

Once he rested a while he washed the front of the truck from our buggy ride home last night.  He was getting a cooking lesson from Berta this afternoon.  She was making (and teaching Bill) to make a Spanish dish with pork, zucchini, tomatoes, onion and peppers in it.  Then she made pinto beans and Dave and Denise were eating with the rest of us.  Mark and Sherrie were not back from Idaho Falls.  Bill took over the Chocolate Pudding Cake I made for them and we had a nice dinner with some laughs and good conversation. 

Of course we got to bring home some leftovers and I still have the other Pudding Cake.

I got Bill’s laptop out and did some clean up on it, enough for him to download photos off of his cell phone.  I need to put his stuff on a flash drive or something. 

Mark and Sherrie got back and they managed to find the yarn I asked them to look for.  Now I think I can finish my projects.  Time to read a bit and pack my tote for tomorrow!

Excitement I DID NOT need!

August 19 – I was up early as I needed to call 2 places to see if they had a carpet shampooer to rent.  I called the closest one first and they had one and it was available.  She put my name on it and I told her I’d be there by 8:30.  Bill and I drove down to get it and it was huge.  Weighed a ton!  Once we got it home and looked it over, it was disgusting!  No one bothered to clean the brush or around it for what looked like several times!  There was a pencil thick piece of hemp wound up in there!  Nasty!  We spent 30 minutes cleaning it before bringing it in the RV.

Then the fun began!  Ugh!  That thing was hard to move and luckily it fit along the sides of

Bear Attack!

the bed but you couldn’t make the corner turns.  I had to lift it to move it!  So I did the bedroom, which was disgusting, then under the table.  We moved our coffee table and I did the big rug and put it on the picnic table to dry outside.  Our front piece of carpet is a hassle to move so I did the tracking area of that and put rag towels down until it could dry.

I left the shampooer sitting in the middle of the RV and sat down to rest for a few minutes as my back was killing me.  I glanced at my left hand and the emerald from my engagement ring was gone!  Instant hysteria!  I hollered for Bill and showed him my hand.  I just knew it fell out in the yard when I took the rug out and would never find it in the grass!  He was trying to calm me down and I started to look inside first and there it was, on the floor, clear as day, right beside the shampooer.  What a relief!  Bill said we could have replaced it, but I would never do it, as it wouldn’t be the same!  There’s a story of my rings.  We picked the emerald out together from a local private jeweler.  Then I took him an old wedding band of my dad’s, my old band from my first marriage and various single gold earrings.  I wanted it to be something special to leave Kam some day since it contained items of her family.  So yes, my relief was ecstatic.  I’m taking my stone and ring home to my regular jewelry to reset!  I feel rather naked without it after 31 years.

Once I put my ring away, it was time to clean up the shampooer so Bill could take it over to Gina to use before they leave today.  I could not believe how much Molly hair was in it.  There was a rope of hair about a foot long across the front of the brush and quite a pile that I dug out in and around the roller.  Ewww!  But the living room rug looks great! 

Oh, and I didn’t want to buy a bottle of shampoo so I went on line and got a recipe and made up a quart.  Works great and I gave it to Gina to use and she said it worked great on the RV carpet there also. 

Bill's dinner

I spent the afternoon doing some photos and blogging until shower time.  We planned to

Kelly's dinner

leave about 5 to take the shampooer back and to eat at the BBQ place across from there.  However, it’s not open but Wednesday – Saturday.  So we ended up in West Yellowstone at the Beartooth Barbeque.  We both had brisket, Bill’s sliced and mine pulled.  VERY good!  After dinner we did some shopping for bargains and eventually each had a scoop of ice cream.

First View

We headed home before it got too dark as I’m not crazy about driving that road in the pitch black due to all the

Last view

possible wildlife accidents.  The skies ahead were beautiful and changed totally in the short 8 – 10 minute drive.  We caught it at a good time!  No wildlife in view going home, but I did see 2 wild turkeys on the way.

Quiet rest of the evening at home!

Cleaning and cleaning

August 18 - I had a lot on my to do list for today!  Bill got busy on cleaning out and reorganizing the big slide tray.  It looks a lot better organized and some things made the trash!  Hope he remembers where things are!

My plan was to remove the shower drain and use the special hose attachment we bought that has a rotating sprayer on it to stick down the drain and try to clean our tank sensor.  The drain was disgusting, so I did clean it good but it has an elbow turn in it that won’t allow me to push the hose through.  Crap!  So I put it back together and will try a cleaning solution in it on the day we leave here and let it slosh around while we drive to our next location.

As usual I did some laundry, changed the sheets, and rotated the mattress.  In between, I balanced my checkbook and caught up some on blogging.  Gina and Rick stopped by for a while and we had a nice visit.  They are going home for a couple of days for appointments.  They need the break!

It was in the 40’s when we got up and it was on the cold and windy side for the entire day! We’ve been setting the heat at night to come on if we need it and most nights now we do!

I put chicken on to simmer all day and made a pot of chicken and dumpling for dinner.  We had that leftover salad with it.  Enough chicken for 1-2 more meals.  Yum!

Bill’s been reading like crazy so he can finish a book series that they have at the local library before we leave.  Still no local TV, so we don’t watch a lot.

Trip to Rexburg

August 17 – Shopping day!  We took our time this morning and finally headed out just before 10 for Rexburg.  We had a few items to pick up for our co-workers and Bill was on soda duty if they were on sale.  I had quite a long list!  No workers at all at the pass, so we made good time! 

First stop was Broulim’s.  They had some specials I was interested in.  I find is so odd that out here most of the produce is sold by the pound.  Celery, watermelon, cantaloupe; all sold by the pound, making them really pricy!  Next stop was Dollar Tree, then a quick walk thru at Albertson’s, nothing of interest there.

It was lunchtime so we stopped at Costa Vita and had Mexican.  It’s like Chipotle.  Very good!  Now that we were regenerated by a nice lunch, it was on to the thrift store where we got a couple of books and Bill got t-shirts for his work buddies.

Last stop was Wal-mart where we filled with gas and did our shopping and picked up a few items for our co-workers.  By the time we checked out it was also the appropriate time to backtrack to Freddy’s where we each had a single scoop vanilla custard.  We  needed fortification to make the hour trip back!

Once we got things put away, Bill delivered everyone’s purchases and we chilled a while before it was time to get dinner rolling.  I used my grill pan and did cheddar brats and hot links.  I had bought 2 ears of corn and mixed up a bag salad.  We were good to go!  Enough meat and salad for another meal, so I’m always good with that!

Back to work

August 16 - I was back to work with Sherrie who had a great time at Glacier National Park.  She just got in last night and I’m sure she was a tired puppy, but that didn’t keep us from laughing and having as much fun as you can while working.

Gina baked some Reese cup cookies and Sherrie and I got to be the guinea pigs.  Not a bad job to have! They were yummy!  It was a slow day but we still had a fun.  We were totally done with the cleaning before 7 and thought since it was a slow day we would have no trouble balancing.  Well, we were off almost the total of a 2 night stay.  We went over and over the register tape and everything was there but we were still over.  Then Gina remembered a fluke that occurred earlier in the season that is caused by using the “clear” button.  So that was our issue and we finally made it home.

Bill had the wine bottle on the counter waiting with my wine glass, ah, just what I needed!

Last day with Darlene and Mike 😢

August 15 – I got up at 7:30 and Bill was up already reading.  Guess he didn’t sleep so well.  Eventually I made some bacon, muffins in a cup and scrounged up a peach and picked out the good blueberries for a little fruit bowl. 

Bill had gotten paint on one the “fishermen” shirts he bought at the storage unit sale and I had him just keep it in water til this morning.  Tried spraying it before washing but no luck.  He’s very sad!

It’s been cold every morning.  I hope it doesn’t get much colder here, kinda anxious to head south for some warmer weather.  I know once we get to Tucson in September, I will regret asking for warmer weather.

After lunch we left for West Yellowstone to meet up with Darlene and Mike.  Then we zipped into Yellowstone.  The skies were looking a bit sketchy but it was behind us so we figured we had some time to take in the sights.  Traffic was pretty heavy leaving the park, which was a good sign for us.

Firehole Falls

Our first stop was Firehole Falls where they have a decent parking area to stop and take photos.  People were coming and going.  It’s a one way road and narrows right along the falls.  Further up is an area you can swim in and Mike snagged a parking spot

Trying to decide if he's going to jump in

along the road so we could watch some of the folks down in the ravine.  Some were jumping from rocks into the water, some were floating downstream and some were just watching.  I think that would be some cold water!! 

Bill with the one we can see from the road

Our next stop was Mid-way Geyser Basin.  It’s our favorite spot!  We didn’t get to go last time, just drive by as the lines to get in were huge.  Today it looked like there was no one in the driveway, well, until we made the turn, then we were in a not so long line.  It was pretty packed but no tour buses!  We took some photos from the “shore” and then crossed over the bridge and had planned to do the entire circle walk. 

A real beauty

The skies were getting darker and there was a chill in the air.  We got to see the best parts and got some nice photos.  We started doing the “fast” walk and once we got to the parking lot we started feeling some splats of rain, but managed to get in the car before anything major.

In trying to keep ahead of the rain, we headed to West Thumb.  There is a short trail there but it still was looking ugly so we checked out the Mud Pot bubbling beside

Mike, Bill and Dar at the Mud Pot

the parking lot.  Bill tried to convince a guy to get in and let us take his photo climbing out.  He was a good sport about it and joked right back at him.

We took a short drive along Yellowstone Lake, which is gorgeous!  Then we decided the weather was only

Yellowstone Lake by guest photographer
Mike Ensminger

going to get worse so we turned around and headed back out of the park.  Traffic wasn’t bad until we were getting close to the exit.  Then we were backed up which only means one thing:  wildlife

So many cars were parked along the side that we only got a couple of glimpses of the elk

Quick shot Bill got of the elk

who were bathing in the water along the right side of the car.  Bill did get an unusual photo of himself in the side view mirror taking a picture of the elk.

Time for dinner!  Tonight was Wild West Pizza.  It was pretty slow when we arrived but filled up by the time we left.  Bill had calzone, I had a white pizza with all the things Bill won’t eat, and Mike and Dar shared a pizza.  I really loved my choice and although it was only 8 inches, it was piled with toppings and I “FORCED” myself to finish it.  I have to admit, I was rather miserable later.  Mike and Dar took their leftover for a snack later if needed.

They took us back to their cabin and gave us the grand tour.  It’s very nice and really roomy BUT, why provide tray tables to have the food on that you can prepare in the small kitchen but no chairs!  There is only one relaxing chair!  Not good planning on someone’s part.  I would have brought it to someone’s attention for the price I’m sure is high!

Unfortunately we had to say our “goodbyes” as they were leaving in the morning and we were going to work.  I guess it will be another 2 years before we see them on our next trip west.  We have a good time together and we enjoy their company.  Of course, Darlene and I will continue to email on a regular basis and keep up with what’s going on in Florida and Colorado!

The rest of the evening was rather blah! 

😞

Another day at work....

August 14 – Denise and Dave were back from their trip to Washington, so we were back on working with them.  The Bill painted and repaired picnic tables and Dave worked on a lawnmower, parked RVs and mowed grass.  Pretty much a typical day.  I did have a couple from Winter Garden come in today.  They are full timers who spend the winter in the campground across from Giant Rec.  They retired there from California since their youngest grandchildren live in Winter Garden.  It’s neat to meet people who are from the same area as Bill and I.

The day ran very smoothly, busy then not busy.  I did some crocheting in my down time and Denise left at 5 as she and Dave were invited to go to the dinner theater tonight.  Gina and Rick came in from working in the storage units to help with the last couple of hours.  I balanced over .15 and was ready to head out shortly after 7 but got to talking with Gina and it was 7:45 when I got home.

Berta had brought me a dish of beans, rice and pork so I had that for dinner and Bill finished off the roast beef with gravy and mashed potatoes and I microwaved a box of broccoli with cheese to top it off.  We will definitely make a grocery run Saturday or Sunday!  We’re out of veggies and fruit!

Afternoon and evening out with Mike and Darlene

August 13 – This morning Bill and I shared the last scone so we could try the Olallieberry Preserves that Darlene and Mike brought us.  Oh, is it ever good!  It a hybrid of a blackberry and a loganberry developed in 1949 in Oregon.  If you ever get a chance to try, do so!!

After breakfast Bill went to the library, the bank, the post office and Robin’s Roost.  When he got back he washed the truck so we’ll be nice and shiny on our next outing!  The neighbors behind us that Bill has bonded with are leaving tomorrow so he took them a couple of items I crocheted to thank them for being such good neighbors and loaning us an AC meter.  Ours should be here in a couple of days.  They are full timers from IL.

Section with lots of 60 yr old
dead trees

It was 46 when I got up this morning and the sun came out and by lunchtime it was 62.   The day warmed up a bit so when Darlene and Mike arrived this afternoon it was pretty nice out.  We went to Quake Lake and Hebgen Lake where they saw and heard about the earthquake from 60 years ago.  Until you see it, it’s hard to wrap your head around the

Memorial Boulder

series of events and how quickly it all took place.  Mike got a lot of photos and I remembered this time to put the SD card in my camera!

We had time left before we needed to head over to the Yellowstone Playhouse, so we just sat and visited til it was time.  The theater was sold out again and we were seated at the very end of a row which was nice.  The food was good and plentiful as before.  Mike and Darlene enjoyed their meal as well.  The guys went chicken and the gals went prime rib, no one left hungry!  Bill and I didn’t think the show was a good as the last one but we still laughed a lot and had a good time!  We managed to be the first car to pull out so we didn’t get stuck in a line and then it was zip across the road!  Dar and Mike headed back to West Yellowstone and since we work tomorrow, they have a day to themselves while we slave at the campground!

Double day post....

August 11 – Just a stay at home day! We’ve been having some power issues with the RV.  Can’t get 50 A, so Bill tried the new surge protector and the old one and neither gives 50, only 30.  At least it’s not blazing hot so we can manage with one AC when we need it. 

Bill did his share of the cleaning and I did mine.  Since we will be eating out with Darlene and Mike, we stayed home for dinner.  It was one of my favorite quickie meals, instant gravy with sliced deli roast beef, instant mashed potatoes and leftover green beans!  It’s the first I’ve made it since we left home and Bill LOVES that meal.  I made a small rhubarb crisp for dessert and froze the rest of the rhubarb.

Becky and her family stopped by to say goodbye and it’s kinda of sad as no one knows if their dad will sell the park or not and we won’t be coming for 2 months if they aren’t here!  We’re their extended family!  I told them since they have cabins on the lake up here, we will coordinate to come up when they come to the cabin in 2021!

We watched a bit of TV and read the rest of the evening!

August 12 – Our morning was pretty much the norm!  A bit of housework and laundry.  Our friends Darlene and Mike arrived about 2:30, so we had a nice visit with them.  Dar went overboard with goodies (mostly for me) and I love them all!  Bill was excited over his Wild West magazine as he used to subscribe to it and has savored every word.

They left about 4 for West Yellowstone to check in to their cabin there.  We met up with them at 6 and went to dinner at Buffalo Bar and Casino.  When we arrived there were plenty of tables and when we left it was full.  The meal was good and our waitress was great.  She’s here for the 3^rd summer from Romania and the guys enjoyed harassing her a bit. 

After dinner we strolled the shops for a while but no one bought anything.  Bill is still eyeing a couple of t-shirts in one of the shops.  I think he just can’t decide which one he wants!  It was cooling down and we headed back to the car.  They dropped us off at our truck and we bid farewell for the night.

I had called Directv this morning for the 4-5^th time and at least now they have us on the correct time zone so we don’t have to remember to watch shows we like at 6.  Bruce and Sharon called this afternoon to report in and are really enjoying the Durango area.  They’re headed on the train trip tomorrow to Silverton.  I think they have lined up every train trip they can find! 

Another project complete!

August 10 - After breakfast I got busy on mounting my headboard while Bill went over to help with the storage unit sale that they have worked on getting ready for 2 weeks.  They did pretty well yesterday and had hopes for a better day today.  I was told they had a larger turnout today and sold a lot, but at the end of the day they were separating items to donate to church for their needy and a load was going to Rexburg to a church thrift store.  The furniture pieces they are going to advertise in the local paper as some is log furniture that would be great for someone getting a cabin here.

Bill checked our surge protector again and it won't work in 30 or 50 amp.  So he tested the new one and it only works at 30 amp, so the issue is the pedestal.  Rick said he'd check it out but we're good for now.  At least we have the surge protector up and running.

It took me about 3 hours to get my headboard mounted.  It makes a big difference when you

I should have taken one of it mounted!

can’t walk out to your shop for the right tool, materials or screws.  I had to scrounge in my little tool box to find 2 shims that I cut and made do with and screws here and there.  I discovered that the old headboard was ¾ lower on one side, so I raised the whole thing 1 ½ inches and corrected that side as well.  I could have gone higher as our mattress is much higher than the one that came in!  I will say it really looks nice and we both love the new look and brighter colors.  Next time I needs sheets I will be changing colors though!

Today was Gina and Rick’s (the managers and owners son) anniversary so I made a batch of Truffles, that I refer to a Chocolate Bombs!  They are chocolate and cream cheese centers dipped in either dark chocolate or white chocolate (I did half and half).  They were pleased with the treat and I’m sure they shared with the other family members here for the weekend.  There were 8 that didn’t fit on the platter so Bill and got to have some for dessert tonight.

If any of my readers see Prairie Fresh Seasoned Pork Loin in the grocery, give it a try!  The one I got was Smoked Bacon and it comes in a plastic wrapper that you bake it in.  That was the easiest clean up and very moist and tasty.  It came in several marinade choices.  You peel off the sticker, cut an X in the spot on the back, place on a baking tray and bake 35 minutes at 400.  We will get 3 meals out of it!

My friend, Darlene, called and they will be arriving on Monday afternoon.  After we visit, they will stay in West Yellowstone in a cabin and we will meet them there for dinner and plan the rest of our time with them.  Two years ago they stayed in a cabin at a campground where we were down in southeast Colorado!  We always have a great time together.

Time to read for a while, then off to bed!

Good day at work!

August 9 -   Sherrie and I had another fun day!  It was very busy in the Laundromat, but not as bad as it’s been for departures and new arrivals.  Of course, as soon as a check in arrives, the phone rings and someone wants a reservation, then only one of us can use the computer at a time!  Still, we had a good day, balanced within .25 and Bill brought us our 4:00 iced coffees to get us through to closing time. 

I was pooped just being on my feet so much and once it hit 5:30 we got right on our cleaning so we could balance at 7 and hit the road home. 

Bill was already out of the shower and ready with a glass of wine poured for me.  Once I got that under my belt I proceeded to warm up some leftovers.  Then it was time to chill and read a while!

Upholsterer for Hire!

August 8 - My eye still hurts!!!  Bill left at 9 for his doctor appointment and appointment to have the oil changed in the truck.  I made a lot of calls, one to the doctor about my appointment later and to ask about a different eye drop.  They told me to get a gel for daytime.  Bill got it for me on his way back. 

After my various phone calls I got to work on my headboard.  What a job!  It’s 2 parts and I

Before I fixed the left corner!  

used spray glue to put some backing on for a slight bit of puff behind the fabric.  We both love the print and the trim color goes very well with it.  I spent hours on it and am so happy with it.  The old one was gaudy fabric with square buttons that kept falling off.  The new fabric looks more like us!  Now to get it back on the wall without issue!

Bill got home OK and got my new eye drops!  Hope they work better!  After we both chilled for a while I used my new grill pan and browned a can of little potatoes in butter on one side and on the other I grilled us each a petite sirloin.  The veggie of the day was steamed cabbage with lemon, butter and horseradish sauce.  The steaks had great flavor but a tiny bit too tough.  There were 6 in the package so I’ll marinade the next ones I cook.  They did perfect in the grill pan!

We started with rain on and off around 4 and then heavier at 8.  Hope it’s not an all nighter!