2007/04/30 – Monday – Laptops

Lunch was a buddy and he needed to drop off a package. We ended up at Zen Beffet for Lunch.

I worked on the laptops again. I have done almost all the main items on Cheryl’s laptop, but I am still installing GPS related software onto mine – Street Atlas, Topos, etc.

2007/04/29 – Sunday – Party and Again Laptops

We all went to bed last night late – around 1:00 in the morning and Amanda had a hard time going to sleep.

I was up early again. I know I could have slept a lot more, but I guess the excitement about the laptops just made me get up and go work on them.

Because all of us not getting to bed on time, nobody went to church even thought they were planning on it.

Cheryl left to go watch the Lakers at about 10:30

It was a little hard to get the kids moving, but finally we left for a birthday party a little later then I wanted but still ok.

The birthday party was one of the kids that dance in the Croakers club, so the mom arranged to have the caller do some calling and teaching to all the guests that wanted to learn to dance. A few of the Croakers did come out and celebrated, but I thought it was a little disappointing on the turnout from the Croakers. There were a total of six squares of all the guests’ adults and kids that participated for the first time learning how to square dance.

The guests seemed to really enjoy all the activities with the dancing.

Back home, I had to get onto a conference bridge and do some work for work. That took most of the evening.

I am still working on the laptops. I think I have Cheryl’s almost done. I am still working on mine. Now I am installing the GPS stuff that I use for the trips and still have to install the satellite stuff – never ending…

2007/04/28 – Saturday – Laptops and Dinner

Tried to sleep in but nop, back hurting, time to get up.

The new laptops arrived. Guess what I did ALL DAY. Well you are right – I worked on the two laptops ALL DAY. I have been installing and getting this put on them.

I did take a break for dinner. The family went to dinner to celebrate one of the nieces birthday at the Outback Steak House. Mom Delp and boyfriend, the Yvonne Delp family and our family enjoyed a nice dinner.

Amanda asked if she could go to a movie with her cousins, so why not, they went and saw Wild Hogs. Amanda did like the movie.

O I wish my back would get better. A friend called and after she was reading this blog, she suggested that I get a back pain med that she took, so now I need to go look for that. I am usually not the type to take meds, but my back has been hurting for a long time, and now I am curious if its stress related.

I stayed up way to late working on the laptops, but they are sure nice.

2007/04/27 – Friday – New Laptops?

I was checking on the status of the new laptops that I ordered. Well, Amanda was not up – she was still sleeping at 10:53 when they tried to deliver the package. I even told her about getting up. But she is in her own little world. So no new laptops for me play with yet!

Lunch was with a friend over to the Thai Corner.

I called the delivery company and ask if they were delivering in the next day, and yes they are – good!

We did walk for dinner. We went to McDonalds – I know, what type of dinner is that, but hay its dinner and we did go for a walk.

I talked with a friend on the phone for about one and half hours.

Back still is not doing well.

2007/04/26 – Thursday – Amanda – Church night

Today for lunch, I was asked out buy another group of people. My buddy and I and three other ladies went to Polly Pies; we had a good time.

Once at home, I found out that Amanda started working on cleaning her room. Its still a mess, but her floor is somewhat clean – I guess.

Cheryl and Amanda went to Amanda age group church night.

I tried to relax, but this cold that I have and my back is still driving my nuts.

Well, I am up to late again, o well; hopefully I can sleep in on Saturday…

2007/04/25 – Wednesday – Normalcy?

I woke up with a sore throat and my back is still not good– Great what a day this will be.

Lunch was with a buddy to the crazy chicken and a quick walkthrough of Radio Shack.

At home; again, I took a nap on the couch, before Cheryl got home.

Amanda and Eric cooked dinner. After dinner Cheryl and Amanda worked on a segment of Amanda schoolwork.

I worked on my desk and hopefully get to bed early.

2007/04/24 – Tuesday – Eric – Church night.

Lunch was a quick lunch at Quizno’s because I had a meeting at 12:00 but at least a buddy and a fiend joined me. I went back to work and they went over to Wal-Mart to do some more walking…

I took Eric to his age group church night. I stayed in the car and took a nap. Eric did break his glasses (the pin feel out).

While I was out, Cheryl worked with Amanda on her schoolwork.

2007/04/23 – Monday – hmmm

Lunch was with 4 other from the office at Denny’s

Once Cheryl came home, Amada and she went to a party at the oldest Delps’ house, one of those parties you always seem to spend money at, and well at least Cheryl does anyway.

I worked on finishing the laundry.

Amanda is doing ok on her school work. I still feel that she is not putting enough time in, but what time she has put in, at least she is getting a good grade. I am very happy about the grade.

2007/04/22 – Sunday – Dancing

The girls and Cheryl went to Church, while I was trying to sleep in and hope my back would stop hurting.

I finally got up when they returned home. And my back was not hurting as bad as the day before.

Well, I was planning on leaving the house at 12:30, but didn’t leave until 12:50, but we did arrive at Cowtown in plenty of time. The kids had a good time. (See the video on the other blog)

I started on the laundry tonight – It will take tomorrow for me to finish it.

2007/04/21 – Saturday – Relaxing

Well, today I worked on computers most of the day.

I had to do a little work for work. I also stayed on the computer working on all the computers in the house.

We did have to go pick up Amanda and her friend but that was later in the evening. With the help of the girls, I did put the door back on for Amanda’s room. But I did get my to bits in about her not doing what I wanted her to do!

My back was hurting all day, for some reason I am dreading going to the chiropractor.

2007/04/20 – Friday – Dinner – Movie

Lunch was with a friend over to Russell near the mall. Good hamburger.

Amanda did was picked up by a friends mom and she is spending the night with her.

Once we got home from work, Cheryl, Eric and I went to dinner. We first walked the mall and then went to the food court to have dinner. We then headed do the movies to watch “Meet the Robinsons” - nice movie.

A good quite evening treating Eric on a night on the town.

2007/04/19 – Thursday – Up in Smoke!

For lunch today, my buddy wanted to get his ipod (I did not bring it into work because I took the scooter today). So we hopped into his Jeep and headed on over to the house to pick up his ipod.

I got out of the Jeep and went into the house to get the ipod, but I could not find Amanda. I searched the house and still could not find her, so I went and check the back yard.

She was under the avocado tree, with her hands behind her. I asked ‘What are you doing?”

Amanda, “Just enjoying the scenery”

Me, “Don’t lie to me, so what are you doing?”

Amanda “Really just enjoying the scenery” – still with her hands behind her back.

Me, “Show me your hands”

Like in slow motion, I see something drop and I can hear it hit the ground. I walked over to the object, picked it up and snuffed it out. I then proceeded to head out the gate to the front of the house without saying anything to Amanda. The object was one of those slim and light (the cross between a cigarette and a cigar, but small like a cigarette) Needless to say I was pissed. What else is she doing was the first thing that ran though my mind.

My body took me to the bar for lunch and he treated because I found his ipod. O did I want a drink, but better minds pervaded and I just had a hamburger and a regular ice tea.

I returned to work, after talking with Cheryl, I returned home and tried to talk to Amanda, but she would not say ONE word to me. She then defied what I wanted done, so I took her door home her room, then she proceeded to lock herself in the bathroom, which then I took the handle off the door so I could gain access.

Once Cheryl came home early to try and salvage the ordeal, I return to work so I could get some stuff done.

After work, it was a quite evening.

On another note, while I was talking to Amanda, I checked her minutes on the cell phone and she is WAY over you allotment that we gave her – She had 630 minutes and her allotment is only 300 minutes. And at .70 min, she needs to pay a lot of money.

Cheryl and Amanda came up with an agreement of what the punishment will be for the lying to me and how much money she would be paying for her over usage of the phone.

Amanda wanted her door back on, but I have not got what I wanted – respect!

The door would not have come off if she just did what I wanted – Not to shut her door!

What a day!

Another Note: My back has been really hurting for the last couple of days. I am not sure what is causing it!

2007/04/18 – Wednesday – More Catching Up

Lunch was a group lunch at Fish Tale – what an expensive place. I will most not take the family there. If we liked fish, then maybe just the two of us, but not the whole family.

I found an item in the parking lot after work, and it was my buddy’s ipod.

Cheryl and Amanda started to go for a walk, so Eric and I went also, but behind them. Amanda still got made because we joined them – how frustrating. Cheryl, Eric and I eat at one table while Amanda ate at another table – again frustrating – she seems she always wants her way.

At home, I worked on the other blog again, updating, but I think I will still be one week behind.

2007/04/17 –Tuesday – Catch-up Day

Lunch was at Quizno’s with two friends after lunch we did go to the Coffee Been for some hot chocolate. I prefer Coffee Been hot chocolate over Starbucks.

Once at home I started working on trying to catch up on all of the pictures for the other blog. But at least I got March done

I also had to do some work, but it took awhile to get connected and do what I need.

2007/04/16 Monday – Work Normal

Lunch was with a friend at the crazy chicken place

Once at home it was time to work on my backlog of emails and try to work on my desk.

Amanda went to bed early and Eric also went to bed also, but now he is up sick and not keeping things down.

Well again, RV still is not done – man o man – frustration!

Well see what tomorrow brings.

2007/04/15 Sunday – Drive Home

Well the morning was not a morning to sleep in again. The kids got up early (for me) and the day started at 7:00 – so that meant I only got 5 hours of sleep.

I did put the car up onto the trailer and put a way a few things before our meeting at 11:00. And the kids did go earlier so they could dance some more.

The 11:00 meeting was a SCAD bylaw meeting – It was about 1½ hour meeting, but at least we should a good document for the association.

During the meeting I noticed that it was raining. – Great, now I have to break down camp in the rain.

Once we said our goodbyes we headed out to the RV so we can head home.

I had to finish putting away stuff on the outside in the rain – Taking down the flag, tearing down the satellite dish, strapping the car down, and other small items. And during that time, the inside was being made ready for the trip home.

The drive home was easy; we had no real slowdown all the way home. Once at home, it looked like it never rained here.

Once at home, Amanda, without saying anything, went to bed, so I told Eric to stop doing anything with the RV. So the RV is still a mess – how frustrating!!!

I did get a nap, so I could try to catch up on my sleep.

A lot of Dancing

Well I did not have a good night sleep, but we did get up early so we could cook breakfast.

The group did a lot of dancing. For lunch the group returned back to the RV and had sandwiches.

Back to the hall for more dancing. The kids did there practice and some dancing.

Dinner was again at the same place as the prior night. – GOOD Place!

After dinner the kids did a little dancing and then the competition started. Our group did an excellent job, only a few times did the break down. But in all the did very good.

We did have a minor problem with getting back into the youth hall, but finally we were dancing in the original youth hall.

We handed out the flashing frogs and the glow sticks. The kids seem to really like dancing in the dark with the glowing things.

Finally all is over and back at the RV. We have 7 kids in the RV so I am staying up late to make sure all are a sleep. Hopefully I get a better night sleep tonight.

Relax Then Dance

Well we finally got up around 10 and then headed out for a late breakfast or an early lunch. We ate a place about 2 blocks south of the convention center. Good food and we bet the lunch time crowd.

After that the kids played around and I did my usual of visiting with friends.

At about 5 we headed out for dinner, and we went to a really nice Italian place. We had a total of 6 (Mom Delp, Tomas, Amanda, Eric, CJ, and myself).

Once back at the RV, we changed and got ready for the start of the Square Dancing.

I stayed back at the RV and help another friend setup camp next to use.

I finally made it into the dance hall. The kids and families were having fun dancing. We had about two square dancing some of the times. The kids did have fun with the Ice Cream Social time (half hour).

Once it was time to quit, Cheryl and the kids returned to the RV and Mom Delp and I attend the committee after party. Again good food. I also was able to get a group shot of the committee that attended on the stair case. One of the eight shot should be a good one.

Back at the RV, we have six kids what a group we have collected. The RV sure is full, but the kids seem to be having fun.

All of this starts all over again about 7:00 so time for bed for me now that its one in the morning…

Thursday – Drive night

Lunch was with a friend at a new place over on Bellflower Blvd near Carson Street. It was out luck that it was almost half off on burgers day. And they were good.

Once, back at home, it was time to get the RV ready to go and head to the California State Square Dance Convention in Riverside.

Once on the road, the traffic was really good, I don’t think the speed ever went below 45 mph the whole way to Riverside.

They have the RV all parked on a dirt / grassy area next to the Convention Center, but I am next to the street, so I get to hear all the traffic.

Our Current location is here

Wednesday – Another day

Well, lunch was with a buddy at Pino Pizza – Ham and Cheese sub – good.

O shoot – I forgot to mention I finally got my hear cut on Tuesday.

Once at home, I work on my desk, I did get a lot of the junk mail sorted out and my stacks did get smaller, but the stacks are still too big!

Tuesday – back to normal?

Lunch was with a two friends and we walked towards Ralph’s and had lunch at an Asian restaurant

Tonight I finally finished all my readings and stated working on my desk. But I have A LONG way to go…. But the work continues.

Monday - Naïveté

Well off to work like normal.

Lunch was at Quizno’s with one of my friends.

Once at home I had to deal with a situation with Amanda. Man she just does not understand why we are trying to protect her. The naïveté of kids, its always amazing to realize how I made it through my younger years.

I worked on reading all the blogs that I have marked in my reader. I have almost read everything.

Easter Sunday

Well, Cheryl and Eric got up with one of our friends and they went to church, while Amanda and I stayed home to sleep in and relax.

They came back with lunch. Next thing we knew it was time to head to my uncles place for the family gathering.

We had a good ham dinner and good fixing and desert. It is always nice to visit with my uncle!

Saturday – Clean – Party – Relax

This morning we continued the cleaning and getting ready for our guests. I did have to go to Wal-Mart to get some propane. But I hate going because of the lines and the clientele. After waiting in line and waiting for the manager to give the clerk the info for the tank exchange of the propane, I finally got home.

The party was good, we had lunch and then the kids did their practice square dancing.

After most of the guest left, two of our friends stayed. The kids started a fire in one of my fire pits and we enjoyed and very nice evening and dinner around the fire.

One of the guests stayed for the night and the other family left for further south – home.

Friday – a quick work week!

I took the scooter in to work – since Cheryl has the Jeep and the Prius is in the shop.

Lunch was by myself – so I went to the bar for some food and relax.

I got a follow-up call from my agent and I will be ok filling the claim. But he did suggest that I up my coverage on all the cars to cover the equity that we have in our little asset.

Once, at home I cleaned up the back yard and straighten up the place.

I did all the laundry from my trip and the basket of clothes, so all the laundry is done for the weekend – cool!

Back to work - Thursday

Well after the short vacation, now it was back to work.

Lunch was a quick trip to the Toyota dealer, so I can get the Prius services and fixed. My friend J.M. picked me up and we went to Arby’s for lunch (which we took back to the office to eat).

I had to walk home from work, which is not bad, but with new boots that I am breaking in my feet was tired.

When I got home I got a phone call from the dealer and found out the part that got broken when I kit a RV hubcap is like $1900.00 dollars so about $2300.00 to fix the damage. So I called the insurance company to file a claim to help cover the cost of the repairs.

I took a quick nap and then put away the stuff from the trip and headed off to bed a little early.

Final of the Four Long Drives – Home

Well, I did get up in time, but I was having troubles moving. I left about 7 minutes late but close enough to 7:00 local time (Moab).

I only did two gas stops. The first stop was at the Flying J’s in Richfield. And the second place was in North Los Vegas at another Flying J’s.

The trip went by fast. Of course on any LONG trips lately I get muscle strange in my neck and a slight headache.

I arrived at home at 5:00. So the total time was 11 hours – wow – yes I was flying low :).

Moab – Tuesday – EJS Week!

The group got a late (planned) start to do the trail ride.

The trail was Steal Bender. We started the trail like normal, aired downed and off we go.

We missed the left turn that the Safari usually does, so we did have to make a u-turn and head on down the correct (longer) trail.

We were just about ready for lunch and we hear over the CB that one in the group could not turn left - ? Well come to find out he broke his pitman arm at the steering box. Not a very easy fix, so two vehicles left for town to get a new pitmen arm.

The two Jeeps stopped at three different locations before finding the part (for way to much).

Once back with the other Jeep, putting the part back on went really fast, and now the whole group was heading back to camp.

Once back at camp the group went to the Branding Iron Restaurant.

The group did enjoy setting around the fire the last couple of nights.

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On another note:

I found out today that Amanda did not go to school for the last three days. What a way for me to feel, fighting about what to do.

Cheryl made a decision about putting Amanda in some type of home / internet schooling, but of course it does cost money.

Moab – Monday – EJS Week!

The group had to get up early, so we can get to the staging area and get checked in.

The trail that the Dirt Devils paid for was Pritchett Canyon. The trail is the only trail that is rate 5 on any list. When Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) does a trail they will stop any other people to go onto the trail, so the EJS has exclusive rights to the trial. For this trail, they limit the number of participates on the trail to 15 to 20.

The group left the staging area to head for the trail head.

Once at the trail head, we picked up one more vehicle to the group, so we had 15 vehicles totals for this group and the Dirt Devils made up 6. We had a BLM guy ride with the leader a little ways into the trail. He did give a very positive talk about how the clubs/ESJ groups usually very good about the usage of the environment.

Once we started. The going was going really good. The trail leader did point out in two different locations that we should not play in because it is in the wilderness study area.

The first problem was a guy had ground and carburetors problems. Those were resolved.

The obstacles are getting harder and harder. Some of the obstacles were nothing to think of when I ran the trail 3 years ago, but now you have to pay attention else you can get in trouble.

I did a lot of spotting for our club on several of the step climbs. When we made it to the ‘rocker knocker’, I spotted the whole club through the bypass route.

The straps and winch lines came out several times on the trail. The last two to get a winch line was Jeff and Dan so as of Monday – they have the cow bell for at least a day, maybe more.

I did go out with a small group from the club to enjoy a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in beautiful down town Moab, UT.

Long Drive – Third of four – Problems

The day started out really early. We got up at 5:00 Wichita time and left the hotel at 6:00. And it only took 20 min to get to the airport. I was on the road heading for Moab, UT.

About three hours later I was getting tired so I stopped and took a quick cat nap at a rest area.

About another hour later – I hit a RV hubcap! It made a lot of noise. I pulled over to see what type of damage it did to the car. But first, I needed to get the hubcap out from under the car. While getting the hubcap out, I put a very deep cut near the base of my thumb. The damage to the car is a muffler (or catalytic converter) has a whole in it. And the muffler pipe is bent and hanging down. I got no error messages or codes on the dash, so if that is all the damage, that’s not too bad. But it does mean the car goes into the shop as soon as I get home, we will see then how bad the damage is as well as the normal maintenance that needs to be done.

I pulled into Moab about 6:00 Moab time – so that means I drove for 13 hours. With two unplanned stops and three gas stops.

I found where the group was camping. Found out that some of the group had problems from broken parts to breaking parts and doing some body damage.

The group did go out for dinner at the Mexican restaurant that is on the north end of town.

Thanks to J&N for letting me sleep in there RV for the few days that I am here!