Picture speaks 1000 words....

And since I'm a bit talked out this weekend , I'll just let this picture express our pleasure at being among good friends in good places. I promise to publish the full story later today.........

Bayfield, Part II

If you studied the previous links that I sent in yesterday's blog......(and I just assume that if your are interested enough to read this blog, you also follow my directions), you know a little about Bayfield , Wisconsin, on the shores of Lake Superior. A picturesque and pristine community of 611 (or so the sign says) sits on a hill overlooking the unending views of this massive lake. This is fairly typical of the architectural style and attention to detail. Paul and I spent 3 hours on a cruise around the 22 islands off shore....the Apostle Islands, newly crowned a National Park about 30 years ago. Most are in their natural state but a few have light houses and one is large and home to many who cross the water by ferry in summers and sled boat in winters when the channel freezes.
Because of its location on the hills leading to the shore, there is a water view from everywhere. This does NOT do it justice. As I mentioned in the previous post and you have now read , the Big Top, Chataqua is a big attraction to this community in the summer. Lew and Marlyce started as volunteers and are now actually paid to keep this truly wonderful tradition going. We attended shows both evenings,a mix of background historical slides, folk music, skits and downright toe-tapping, hand-clapping fun. We met wonderfully friendly people (after all, isn't that what the midwest is all about) and wish we could drop in for each and every performance scheduled (5 per week in season). Willie Nelson returns each summer to perform in this intimate setting (900 seats) and Garrison Keiler of course is a favorite.

Being so far north, the spring blossoms are just now at their peak. Lilacs were everywhere as well as gorgeous oriental poppies, peonies, azaleas and an occasional tulip. But my favorite was the lupine which grows wild everywhere in shades of purple, lavendar , pink and white. They are massed besides the road and along the hills. Perfect. Lew and Marlyce originally lived near Minneapolis and started coming to Bayfield about 10 years ago. Lew and the entire family lovingly restored this schooner and sailed these waters for many years. Then they found land and with the entire family , built their home.

They also built this guest house with two suites, perfect for spending a week or two exploring this area. They used to offer B&B services but now its just the B....altho we had a taste of the breakfast and those people are missing a good thing.


Now,sometimes I can multi-task, after all, isn't that woman's strong suit......you know, like kids, husbands, jobs, and bake a perfect pie all at the same time. So , it should be a natural to be able to drive a large house on wheels, cook fabulous meals from a box, tour the country while eating M&M's and knit colorful sox, all at the same time......and yes, there's the keeping the husband happy part also...........and then I just need to add in being blog photographer. Well, sometimes, it just doesn't all get done and on this trip, I seem to be forgetting the photographer hat at times. I have no pictures of Lew and Marlyce's beautiful home in the woods, every inch hand made by them. I guess that's a good enough reason to invite ourselves back ......real soon.

We are currently ensconced in Detroit Lakes Minnesota . After recovering from a late night of indulging in drink, great food, fabulous company , we are off to do it all again. The class of 61 never looked so good......(and the class of 59) . Stay tuned......and I'm determined to wear the paparazzi hat at all times and report accordingly.

We ( heart) Bayfield

We don't have wifi and are borrowing it from Lew and Marlyce so this is just a quick note to let you know we haven't driven off the road or anything.

We have been in Bayfield Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior, way up there, since yesterday. And we hate to leave. One of the BIGGEST and BEST events we have ever gone to is this....www.bigtop.org and while you glance at that, also check out www.marlew.com/news0608.htm and we'll be back soon with details and pictures. We're off to Detroit Lakes Minnesota in the a.m.

Catching up .....

Ok, so I was wrong........!!!Here's our send off crowd on Friday morning. Becca, Andy and Mason.And here is the welcoming committee in Cincinnati. We had a great visit with Betty and Joan. We stayed in a beautiful city campground, surrounded by water and many activities. It almost reminded us of a National Park campground. It only lacked internet. Hopefully, our next visit with B and J will be sooner than later......maybe a trip to Fl is in their plans???On Sunday , after about 300 miles we arrived at Annette and Mark Holtan's beautiful lakeside cottage in Michigan. By the way, do I detect a theme here? Pictures in front of the Roadblock??? ( I have no idea why this is in blue and underlined)
Here is a gorgeous morning sunrise over Lake Kelsey. I think they have the most perfect site. Their home is so relaxing and comfortable and we were treated royally. We look forward to seeing them this winter when they are down in their winter place in Naples.

Here's the two old (yes, it's true, they are old) high school buds and man's bestest friend, 12 year old Duke. I didn't think I'd ever meet another shelty named Duke. It's a long sad, funny story of another dog who lived only one year with Mike and Jenna and met his demise with his head inside a large Costco cheese bag. Suffocation by gluttony.

A view of the front of the house facing the lake. In a few weeks, this area will be awash with color from all the plantings. We just missed the rhodies and peonies but there were a few mango colored azaleas....unusual color.

Currently, we are in the Upper Peninsula (U/P) of Michigan. We left a beautiful weekend and warm days and drove thru rain and dropping temperatures. It is currently 51 but was only 48. The rain has stopped. The campground host said they have had 11 days of rain and currently have only 5 campers. More rain is predicted for the week. The terrain up here looks like an ad for moose country. It is level with scrubby pines and smaller trees of some sort. The area is very wet with many ponds and river like areas surrounded by reeds and grasses. I could just visualize a moose wandering about. There are many bill boards featuring elk and moose and bear so assume they are prevalent. It looks like it could be pretty bleak up here in the long winter. The Lower Peninsula was more populated and lush looking with many golf courses.

Tomorrow we have about 250 miles to reach Bayfield Wisconsin. We are excited to explore the area a bit in our abbreviated stay. Have a look at this area on http://www.bayfield.org/ . And stop back to meet the rest of the family.

The Roadblock is just humming along, now smelling nice and fresh with new coach batteries. I never knew a battery that is over-charged or dying could smell so bad.

Currently, I am washing clothes, sitting by the fireplace and watching TV. We do enjoy this rustic camping experience.

Hope you'll be back, same time, same station.........

Quick update

We are using a dial up connection and can't do pictures at the moment so just to let you all know how much fun we are having, you'll just have to believe me....
We spent Saturday night at a city campground in Cincinnati....it was beautiful but no internet. Had great visit with P's cousin, Betty and Joan. It's been too many years since our last get together but none of us has aged and we reminised .......on what we could remember , that is.
Then a 300 mi drive across the Indiana border into Michigan for our 2 night stay with Mark and Annette Holtan. We are at their perfect lakeside cottage. They have had it for many many years and it is so peaceful and beautiful. The ruby throated hummingbirds are everywhere and we have sighted cardinals,orioles, grosbeak, titmouse etc. Mark is the expert, I'm just repeating. They have captured a very special locale here and the views are spectacular. Pictures will be on a later blog.
We discovered the source of the foul odor as coming from the coach batteries, which will now be replaced. I don't understand why they had to smell so bad as they failed but glad its not some decomposing animal.
Tomorrow, we leave bright and early for a 2 day drive to P's brother. Hopefully, we'll post pictures tomorrow night. Stay tuned

Bon Voyage, Tally Ho, Blast off, On our way....

The good news is that we have WiFi at this campground tonight, the bad news is that it won't let me post pictures on blogger. May this semi- descriptive narrative bring colorful images to your mind's eye.

We departed eastern Pa around 9:30 this morning. We had a great send off with Andy, Mason and Becca wanting to come along. ( Becca is spending the summer with Jon and Marybeth as a helper during the move and unknown work schedules. )

Our drive of almost 300 miles was pretty uneventful. Pennsylvania, along I 80 is mostly rolling hills and quite scenic. Weather was picture perfect for most of the day with a shower later. We found a very lovely KOA on the Pa/Ohio border. Spacious sites, many amenities and not too busy. We definitely noticed a diminishing of fellow RV'ers on the road today. There were none at the rest stops and just an occasional sighting along the interstate. We called ahead to see if we needed a reservation here and she said no....unusual for a Friday night near Pittsburg I think. I noticed in our journal of past trips, that on our first outing in Nov. '06, we paid $2.15 /gal and today it was $3.99.

Tomorrow we head for Cincinnati, about the same distance , to meet with Paul's cousin.

We have discovered an odor about the coach and cannot figure out the source. Initially, I thought it was a gas leak, but turning off the gas did not diminish the foul

odor. It is not from the black or gray tanks. It seems to be near the engine compartment or around the front Rt wheels and slide. I have crawled under and around (no easy task at this age) and searched with a flashlight for signs of something. Paul seems to think it is a dead creature , which is very logical considering there are many places for a mouse to crawl into. I'm hoping it will dissipate easily without further worry over the next couple of days. I don't think Febreze will do the trick.

In order to stay on schedule, we had to forgo Andy's pre-school graduation??? this evening. They are to wear cap and gowns and I can almost 100% guarantee that he won't wear it. He wouldn't wear his Halloween costume to a school party last Oct. and has very definite ideas about what he will and will not do. I'm sure Jon will have many pictures of the occasion to prove me wrong.

It's a sad day with the loss of Tim Russert. His journalistic integrity will be missed, especially this election year.

Preparations are under way

Arriving here, I was inducted into the official "Cars " fanclub, complete with tattooes.

The RV looked in great shape and inviting altho I always am surprised at how BIG it actually is. A major portion of my sensibilities frequently tells me that we should be leaving a smaller footprint as we pass thru this world and by driving this behemoth, we are not being user friendly. It has given us opportunities that we might not have had , given Paul's earlier limitations. I guess anything can be rationalized. But we will thoroughly enjoy these days and wonder if they might be more limited as we go into the great gas price unknown. When P started budgeting for this trip, he figured $3.50/gal and is now calculating for $5/.

Crawling around and under the machine left some of those joints and muscles pretty sore. Is there a masseuse in the house?

Andy spent the night with me in the big bed. He is not the easiest person to sleep with as he tossed and turned and kept to the middle of the bed. And yes, those are RED sheets.... and why not I ask???
Jon and MB will be moving the end of the month and are planning a garage sale .....this just looks too painful to even contemplate.

P S. The comments section on this blog has now been enabled.......I didn't realize it was not available. Opinions welcome providing you are nice.......

On the road again......

We're getting ready for another foray across the states in the Moving Roadblock. It's been too long since we've loaded it up and headed out. Times have certainly changed since our trip last fall. Who would have thought that we would up and move, buying and selling in record time , and find ourselves living in a RETIREMENT COMMUNITY !!!! Who would have thought? Ain't life an adventure with twists and turns and unknown possibilities.? But , I digress..............

Tomorrow, we fly up to Pa and bail out the Roadblock from storage. We'll tidy it up, gas it up (no small feat these days) and on Friday, we will head West.

First stop will be to visit cousin Betty and Joan in Cincinnati, then on to Kelsey Lake in Michigan to spend time with the Holtans (class of 61), then up to Northern Wisconsin to enjoy a long overdue visit with P's brother Lew and Marlyce (I'm sure the pictures from this region will be spectacular) and then over to Lake Sally in Minnesota to reminisce with the Hatlie's (class of 61) and assorted JHS alumni spending their summers there. Finally, we'll head down to Denver and find a safe place to store the motorhome for the remainder of the summer.

At the end of June, we will help Aunt Romayne move from Colorado Springs down here to Florida. At 96 1/2 she is spry and witty and anxious for new adventures. It will be great having her near.

Altho we look forward to getting on the open road, it is hard to leave here, even for a few weeks. We are getting used to being on the go and having a plethora (don't you just love that word) of choices each day,......golf, pickle ball, swimming, exploring , time with new friends or just plain loafing. We find that we are not alone in feeling this reluctance to leave. One couple went on a cruise and said it was a waste of money as they felt like they "went on a vacation from their vacation".

The new golf clubs have improved my game I"m happy to report.....not that I'd ever admit it if they didn't. We've been playing between 7 and 8 in the morning and it is usually pretty humid and uncomfortable but not hot. And then we go out for more casual play around 7 in the evening when there is a nice breeze and comfortable temperatures. However, there are hazards to trying to play at that time of day as we found out when Freida was ready to tee off.

Stay tuned and join us on our trip. Lots of pictures promised.

Life is good....

Yes, those are bright shiny NEW clubs on that cart. All dressed up in a fancy bag with matching club covers. I was able to try out some new clubs for 3 days from the Golf Academy. The depressing nature of my golf game got a big lift from using hybrids . When I returned them, the well informed employee discouraged me from my interest in those particular clubs and steered me to a less expensive option. I was able to try them out in the teaching bay (like hitting them out of a garage) and I liked them so brought them home. I still can't hit very well with the driver and much prefer my old putter, but the Sand wedge is a miracle instrument. I'm no longer intimidated by that fluffy white stuff........welll, maybe just a little.

The other day we joined friends for a trip to a course about 15 min from here. We actually paid to play golf.....something we don't have to do here . (unless we play the championship courses). This place was the most beautiful course I have ever seen. It would have been great just to walk and not even play. It was exquisite.
There were waterfalls and fountains and bridges and beautiful magnolias and oaks dripping in spanish moss.

Many of the palm trees had either impatiens or ferns or both covering the trunks.

A few days ago, we had dinner at our neighbors Frieda and John Scott's. They have a large lanai with a pool AND a putting green. Here is Frieda trying her best at the chipping contest. Roger and Sue Johnson , who live next door, also joined us. Frieda, Sue and I all take pickle ball lessons together.

John, the gracious host, managed to miss the table and dumped his food all over his feet. We were all happy that he did it and not us. At times like this, you really need a dog, or a neighbor with a dog. None of us fit that catagory so John had to clean it up

And I saved the best for last.........................#2 in the "CARS" series. Mater is a tow truck in the movie.

The boys know all the characters well and I suspect that with all the moving boxes, the series will continue.

Addendum: We kept reminding ourselves that we had to be outside at 5 pm to watch the shuttle blast off into space. Well, we almost missed it but we managed to dash out back just as it was breaking thru a cloud along the horizon and moving VERY fast, arching upward. Initally, it appeared as a brilliant red bullet, probably a reflection of the sun and not the huge rockets, followed by a large contrail. As it rose rapidly, it gleamed white and quickly became smaller and smaller until only the contrail was visible. We don't hear any sound associated with it. It was magnificent. In my earlier thoughts, I planned on having the camera ready, but of course, I didn't and therefore there are NO pictures.......next time, I promise.

SCORE !!!!!

Alex went to a weekend tournament in Steamboat Springs and playing a different postion, midfield, he finessed this score. Notice the whack across the legs by a defensive player. Wish we could have been there. We're hoping he can make another golf trip down here soon. Miss you Alex.