2008/06/30 – Monday – Family

We left camp at 9:15. It took a little to get out of the campground (avoiding VERY LOW wires), but we were on our way.

We stopped for gas and lunch at a Flying J’s in Des Moines

Next stop was at a Flying J’s in Waterloo.

One the way towards Elkader we had to stop twice for road construction.

Well we are at Deer Park - This park was flooded, but now they are up and running.

We were invited to dinner at G&N. We had a good time visiting.

Back at the RV we watched Star Dust until after midnight – so I know we will sleep in a little tomorrow.

2008/06/29 – Sunday – On the road again

We got a very late start today. I got up at 9:00 and started to get things ready. I had to get all the outside things put away and ready - Van, Flagpole, Satellite, and hookups. While I was doing that, the campground host came by and asked if I lost a windsock – Yes I did, sure enough, when I retrieved it, it was mine.

We finally was on the road at 11:00

The new tire sensor on the trailer tire is working well - hurray.

Our first stop was at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. We walked around the grounds and returned back to the RV to have a late Lunch at 2:00.

We got gas at Flying J’s at 2:40, then again at another Flying J’s in Kansas City.

We are now stopped just north of Kansas City.

Mom M did her laundry and ours.

2008/06/28 – Saturday – Last Day of NSDC

I got up and took the tires off the trailer, in the rain. A tire shop put the new sensors on the tires, so hopefully all is ok. When I got back I went ahead and put the tires back onto the trailer.

We got to the dance after lunch and did some dancing.

For dinner we went to a Mexican food place. Mom M got sick on the way back to the RV.

We got all the necessary items and changed to the evening.

We did do some dancing in the live band hall (mainstream).

The after party in the Youth Hall was a blast. When it was time to leave, we could not find Cheryl’s phone. We must have looked for a good ½ hour.

We got back to the RV a little after 12:30 A.M. We received a phone call from Mom D at 1:30 A.M. about the possibilities on where Cheryl’s phone is located. So off I go to get it. YEP it was hers – cool. One of the kids picked it up in her stuff and the father called. So now it get to re-activate the phone in the morning.

I finally got to bed at 2:00 in the morning. So I know tomorrow I will be tired!

2008/06/27 – Friday – Dancing

Well at 2:30 in the morning a big thunderstorm woke us up with all of its wind, lighting, thunder, and rain. Then again another cell happen at 4:30 but this time the thunder was louder.

When it was time to leave for our meeting, we made the choice to sleep in. Also what helped in making the choice is Chris called told us the highway was crawling.

We made a few phone calls and a big group of us went for lunch.

We did go finally to the convention center. The kids did their dancing in the Youth Hall and we did some dancing in the Plus hall in the hotel.

We left for dinner and anther group went to Sonic.

I noticed that our square dance windsock is gone – so now I need to get a new one of those. Also the connector for the lights had burned up.

We returned to the RV and changed to our family outfits (sorry those pictures will no be posted until we return from the trip)

Once we got to the Convention Center, we got our pictures taken in our outfits. We also got a group shot of the Long Beach group

The kids did more dancing in the Youth Hall, while we mostly talked and relaxed.

When we returned, the flag pool had partially collapsed. So I re-extended the poll and worked on the lights. I did get the pool lights lit, but not the ground on yet.

Well its 1:00 again – time to go to bed – hopefully no thunderstorms tonight.

2008/06/26 – Thursday – Salt and Dancing

A big group of us went and did the Salt mine tour. First we stopped at the tour got our tickets for 11:20 then we head back down the road to an Amish restaurant. Food was good and it was a really good price.

We make it back to the mine in time for our tour. We was down under the ground at about 650 feet below.

Back at camp I took about a 5 min nap.

I checked on how much to put new sensors on the trailer tires and one place said $26 per tire – too much!

We did go back to the convention center to do our shopping. We got new jewelry for the whole family plus both Moms

For dinner break we went to Denny’s. I checked on another location and they quoted $19.95 per tire – so I will have them do it.

We changed into our outfits for the evening and went back to dancing. I did get some dancing in with the kids in the after party.

Back to the RV a little after midnight – we need to be back at the convention center by 9:00 for a meeting and it is 1:00 now so good night….

2008/06/25 – Wednesday – Fixing and Dancing

Cheryl went and did laundry, while she was doing that, the kids went swimming.

Mom M and I went to Home Depot so I could fix the closet. We found the metal holders – it was shower curtains holders. After returning, I fixed the closet bar – now we can get to our clothes properly.

Cheryl finished the laundry and putting the clothes away, we headed on out for our next adventure.

We made some arrangement with Chris – so we met Chris and his mom and dad at the convention center. We got our packages (badges and programs)

Next stop on our running around was at Sheplers and yes we did buy some things. Now it was time for dinner. After doing some ring-around-the-rosy we finally found the place and had a good meal and some good conversations.

We got ready for the evening dancing.

We did our dancing and talking with lots of friends and was also invited to a evening gathering – so we enjoyed that.

We gained another kid for the night and our next adventure tomorrow – so until then type to you latter its 1:00 in the morning local time, I need to get my sleep.

2008/06/24 – Tuesday – We are in Wichita

We left camp on time – 9:00 am. On the way out, we almost ran over a tortuous.

Our first stop was a gas and lunch in a little town called Minneola Kansas.

Next was at the ‘Big Well’ in Greensburg Kansas where a tornado (EF5) hit in May 2007. Wow the town is still building. The “Big Well” is still there, but the gift shop is a very small temporary building. They still do not do tours down into the well since the disaster.

We did get to see a crop fire.

I almost missed the turn off for the campground. We got checked ok and they are happy to receive a package I had to order to get the trailer tires sensor replacements delivered to us.

Amanda went with Chris and his Mom to a Barn Dance (Square Dance)

The rest of us went to Wally World for a few items.

When Chris returned Amanda, we chatted for little while.

2008/06/23 – Monday – Rain

Well, I got up late again; we did not leave until 9:45 again.

I did rain during the night, but it was fairly dry in the morning.

Once on the road, the tire we changed on the trailer responded. About ½ hour later the sensor only response once every ½ hour so I now get alarms stating that we have an error because the sensor is not responded correctly. So I will need to order two new sensors and get them delivered while we are at Wichita.

Lunch stop was at a Flying J’s

We turned off of I40 and headed northeast on 54.

We stopped in Texas at a place called Dalhart. Short after we set up camp a thunderstorm caught us with lots of lightening. On of the strikes was really close and LOUD.

Once the storm passed we did see a rainbow and we had a gorgeous sunset.

2008/06/22 – Sunday – Arches

We left camp about 15 till 10 – so a little later then I would like but that’s ok.

Our next stop was at the Arch in the El Malpais National Monument. We including the dogs did the short hike to the base of the arch. Once we returned to the RV, we had lunch, may it be a little late.

We then stopped at Sandstone Bluff. The bluff reminded me of parts of Moab with the sandstone cliff. The road to and from was a dirt road with one or two sections that had some good washboards. The road reminded me of the Alaska roads that were under construction.

I decided to not do the pictographs on this trip.

We pushed on to Albuquerque and stopped at the KOA.

I changed the back driver trailer tire because it never registered the tire pressure correctly, it would tell me the temp, but not the pressure.

The kids and Mom M went to the pool – Mom just watched.

Amanda and Cheryl cooked dinner tonight. We then walked to the store to get dessert snacks.

I did go out this evening to double check all the trailer tires to make sure they are the same pressure.

2008/06/21 – Saturday – Tires – Never Ending

We left at 8:30 from our so-called camp location – Trains and Highway noises kept interrupted our sleep.

Our first stop of the day was at Flying J’s in Kingman. This stop was quick.

Next stop was a Walnut Canyon National Monument. We got there a little after noon. We found out that the “Island Tour” has been canceled because of a rockslide in December of 2007. So we opted for the video (sales pitch to by the DVD). We also ate lunch before leaving.

I have been watching my tire monitor and noticed that one of the trailer tires is getting HOT. When I looked out the driver mirror, I noticed that puffs of smoke were coming off the back tire. So I found an exit and pulled off – there was a (really) deserted gas station. We used the nice level spot to change the tire. We had trouble getting the sensor to register.

Next stop was a Flying J’s in Winslow AZ. I double-checked the lug nuts and also noticed that the passenger side rear trailer tire was not looking good. I finally got the new tire to register on the tire monitoring system.

We stopped for the night at Holbrook at a KOA. But before setting up camp, we drove to a place where I can get new tires for the trailer. We replaced both of the bad tires for a tune of $240.

Back at the camp, we headed on over to the campground eatery to get dinner. Mom M and Eric walked over to BK to grab an early dessert.

Now that we finished dinner and relax; Cheryl, Mom M, Amanda, and I (Eric stayed back) to get some dessert (I know Mom M got tow tonight).

2008/06/20 – Friday – Prep and Go.

Mom M and I took Cheryl into work. I took today off as a vacation day.

We went to AAA to get the maps and books – that took about 1½ hour. Next was a stop at Office Max. Next was Camping World to get a few more books. Once home we got the kids and headed on over to the grocery store. The last stop was at Fresh and Easy to get meats.

We loaded up the RV and lock up the house – we did make sure we had both dogs, two cats (left Road Kill at home) and the two kids.

We left at 4:00 to go pickup Cheryl from work. We left there at 5:20 and now we are starting on Vacation!

The traffic was miserable and HOT! For a while I thought we might be having problems with the RV, in regards to the heat.

We finally got to Barstow Flying J’s at about 9:00.

We stopped at midnight in a ghost town like area – Yucca, AZ. We camped in an empty deserted desert lot next to the post office.

2008/06/19 – Thursday – Getting Things Ready – More

I called the RV guy again and he was already on his way to come get the RV – hurray. Later I called Mom M to make sure the RV did get picked up.

I came home for lunch. I went ahead and had the kids turn on the AC to help keep the place cool.

When I pulled up, I noticed that the RV was not parked correctly in the drive. So I went ahead and moved it around and also connected the trailer back up to the RV.

We got most of the RV loaded. So tomorrow we will only need to load a few things.

Mom M and I went shopping for some items at Wall-Mart, but we still need to get a few more items from one of the office stores as well as the grocery store.

2008/06/18 – Wednesday – Getting Things Ready

I made the phone call to the RV repair guy and he stated he will get the RV in about an hour.

When I got home I noticed that the RV was not moved so he forgot again. Now we only have one day to get the RV fixed, so now I will be calling him more often to make sure he is fixing the RV.

All the ladies in the house went shopping (Cheryl, Amanda, and Mom M) and spent more money that we don’t have.

I repaired the dinette seat back boards, got the air tanks into the box on the trailer.

Getting close to bedtime, Eric noticed the dogs were not in the back yard. Zircon was at the front door when I opened it, but Turquoise was nowhere to be found. Eric went riding around on his bike, Mom M went for a walk, and I went driving around. I finally found him one street over, next I had to find mom, then had to find Eric. At least all is well.

Worked on getting the route ready for printing for the kids to follow along on our trip.

2008/06/17 – Tuesday – Picking Up

Well, RV still is not fixed. I tried to call in the morning but no answer…

We left at 8:00 to go pick up Mom M from the train station. The traffic was very light, so we got to the Union Station at 8:30. We started walking towards the tracks. We walked up one of the ramps and as we got onto the deck we watch a train pull in. I made a quick call and it was Mom M train 15 minutes early. So we headed on down the ramp and head on over to the other ramp. I finally found Mom M up on the deck, so took her HEAVY bag from her and we all got hugs.

On the way home we stopped at BK for some dinner for Mom M.

2008/06/16 – Monday – Shopping

Cheryl and I went to the local cycle shop to look at a few bikes, but they only had one 250. I want to look at more then just one. More shopping to come.

I put a few things away in the RV after Mom D brought more stuff over.

I took an unplanned nap.

The RV is still not done. So tomorrow I need to make a call and get on his case about getting the roof done.

I tried to check on Mom M but no answer at this late hour – so I will call in the morning to check on her.

2008/06/15 – Sunday - Work

The phone waked me up. So, I guess no sleeping in for me.

Cheryl and the kids went to the Croakers monthly dance.

I went into work at 3:00, but they were not ready. Finally got home at 8:30.

I did get to see the last few minutes of the Lakers game and them winning.

I am now up to date on posting the photo-a-day.

2008/06/14 – Saturday – Stuff

I got woke up by work – so off I went in.

Cheryl went got her nails done.

I took Zircon to the groomers, on the way back I got my hair cut also.

I was waiting for Cheryl to return, I took a nap.

I painted the driver side of the trailer.

It was now time to pick up Zircon.

I went running around. I finally found the Navy Blue for the trailer. I then headed over to the pet store to get some Frontline for the pets. I did stop at AAA but they were closed. I will need to go over sometime during the week before we leave.

I painted the rest of the trailer.

We got ready for the party and headed on down. We tried to find parking, but it was not easy, so we decided to valet parking instead.

The party was fun. Eric and I played two sets of shuffleboard (table version). Eric also played a few rounds of pool with the grad girl. Later during the party, Amanda and I did one round. She was ahead by 6 points, but by the end I won and of course she was not as happy when she was winning. She did claim latter that her wrist was starting to bug her. Eric did have a chance to go play the video games.

We were on of the last groups to leave the party.

Now back home, I put some of the Frontline on all the pets – so that way, they are ready to defend all the fleas and ticks while on vacation.

2008/06/13 – Friday - 1 Years of Postings – Over 1½ Years

I was gong to reflect at one year but I decided to wait after I did one year worth of entries instead.

I am very glad that I have done this and will continue to do so. It sometimes was a great way to vent out some frustration. I like the thought about the ability to review what has happen. I have already reread some of the entries and I usually find something wrong in the entry. Hopefully in the next year, my writing would get better because of this blog.

I don’t put every little detail into this blog, but I put in the general feelings and doings. I am not sure if Cheryl will ever put an entry into this, but I think it is a great way to document the family and my doings.

Using the family adventure blog for the pictures and this blog you can get a good glimpse of what we do and like.

I know that a few family members (Mom M) and a few friends (2 off road friends and 2 square dance friends) read this blog. I really do appreciate any comments that a few of you have posted in the past.

Cheryl thinks that my computer stuff is taking too much of my time. I think she would rather have me do only what she wants and nothing that I want.

Again, I am glad that I have done this blog.

Now on to our normal things for the day….

Still the RV has not been fixed, so now I need to wait until Monday before anything can be done.

Cheryl took the kids and did some shopping and also got dinner.

Hopefully I will get some items on the check off list checked off on what needs to be done.

2008/06/12 – Thursday – Thinking of Family

We got an e-mail from the family back from Elkader Iowa about how it is/has been flooding this past week. I made a call to a member and gave her our itinerary of when we will be there so she can tell the rest of the family there.

Think of all the people that got displaced back in Iowa – Thanks.

2008/06/11 – Wednesday – Planning

When I got home, the RV had not been fixed as I was hopping. I will have to make a call tomorrow to see what need to happen.

I worked on the RV some today. I fixed the 12v connection on my side in the front.

Cheryl, Amanda, and I worked on some stuff for the 2009 convention.

I worked on our route for vacation. Our first night stop will not happen, so I had to delete that stop point. I then put a more definitive location for our family stop after the Square Dancing. I also put the first 9 dams on the Mississippi river. I am not sure if we will stop at all of them, but I have them marked.

2008/06/10 – Tuesday – Laundry

I called about the RV and he will do the sealing sometime today or tomorrow.

Well, I guess he will do it tomorrow, because it was still in the driveway and nothing changed in regards to the sealing that needs to be done.

I put all of the RV laundry away – made beds, put the seating covers on, and put towels away. So now the RV look ready for the next trip.

Cheryl and Amanda worked on schoolwork

I did more research and I can find where the video and fan is for sale, but all the web sites states they are out of stock.

I am still trying to find a video card, but it not easy…

O I am doing the laundry again.

2008/06/09 – Monday – Frustration

Well, we got the RV back during the day – yep a little over $3,200.00 for everything done.

Cheryl did her breathing test – it seemed fine, but it was not the test that she thought she was going to do, so that means another appointment will need to be done.

I check the RV and one major thing was not done. My roof still would leak, because they did not do what I requested to reseal part of the roof – so no I am frustrated and have to do what I requested.

Cheryl started dinner

Cheryl and I (with the dog) did our walk. So we got our two miles in today.

Once we got back, we ate dinner.

Cheryl and I worked on Cheryl’s laptop. We put her video card into my laptop, and sure enough it crashed. So her fan is dead and the video card! I called Alienware and to be short they could not help. Alienware did give us some places and model number for the parts we need, but still we have to do all the research and get the parts – so very frustrated over this. If I had bought the LONGER warranty, then I would have been able to get the parts, but they could not sell it to me – so that make no sense and makes me very frustrated! Cheryl did send out an email to AMD to see if they can help (but I will not hold my breath!)

2008/06/08 – Sunday – Relaxing

Cheryl finally came home from work about 6:30 and went to bed.

I slept it until I got a phone call around 11:00.

D&M D came over and they picked up some stuff from the club. We also talked about other items. I then talked with one of our neighbors or a little while.

CJ came over to visit.

A and S D came over and we talked a little bit before heading home.

Cheryl worked on her laptop some more. It looks like the fan will cost a little over 100.00 but it is out of stock currently.

2008/06/07 – Saturday – Relaxing

I called about getting Zircon groomed, but they were al full.

Once Cheryl was up, we headed on out to get a few pet things and quick stop at Starbucks.

Cheryl went go out and did a quick shopping.

A family came buy to we enjoyed the friendship. We went out for a late lunch / early dinner and a great time.

Once the friends left, Eric and I played on the PS3 for a few hours.

Cheryl and I with the dogs walked. Turquoise did a lot better tonight with the new pinch coaler on. I did not have to do a lot of corrections. Only one time when another couple was walking by with their dog did I have to really pull up on the coaler.

Cheryl went into work tonight and will be back sometime in the morning – some type of test that her work is doing…

2008/06/06 – Friday – Money going out the door

As I was leaving for work, I got a call from the RV mechanic that the RV will be serviced by.

Then I got a call asking were the key was located, so I had to remind him that he has them, so his workers had to go back to the shop to get the keys.

I finally got a call and was quoted $3000.00 for what needs to be fixed. He wanted me to buy all new tires – I said no, the new amount is $2000.00.

I got another call and the price went up to $3000.00 again.

I left work at lunch to go check things out. Well here is the list that will coast me some where around $3500.00

• New Front Breaks (which also includes repacking of the front bearings)
• New Rear Breaks (which also includes repacking of the rear bearings)
• New Front Shocks
• New gas lines (the old ones had cracks in them)
• New serpentine belt
• Oil Change
• Transmission Oil Change
• Generator Service
• Both slide out adjustments
• Resealing the Roof

I will know more on Monday when he should be finished with all the items.

Cheryl and I worked on the laptops to fix a few things. Cheryl’s machine needs a new fan, but she is still trying to get Alienware to send out the price for a new fan. And she is still having video problems.

2008/06/05 – Thursday - Walk and Frustration

I took two air tanks (Nitrogen and a CO2 tank) to a neighbor for him to replace (he works for supply company).

Cheryl and I walked tonight. Now my left arm is sore, because Turquoise had to be reminded SEVERAL times to heal!

For some reason tonight, both laptops are having connection issues with the wireless connection and it is really frustrating me!

Cheryl also worked on the ExpressCard some more, she has even made a phone call to the vendor to see if they can resolve the issue.

2008/06/04 – Wednesday – Walk and Software

Cheryl made a good dinner tonight. Once that was over, Cheryl and I went for a two-mile walk.

I worked on the new device that would connect a PCMICIA card into the laptops ExpressCard slot. I tried several different things, but still it did not work. Now it is Cheryl’s turn to try to get it to work but currently I do not have hope.

2008/06/03 – Tuesday – In Trouble?

Once Cheryl got home, Amanda and I went to the Dirt Devils Meeting.

The meeting was as normal – for some reason I did talk more tonight about some items.

On the way home, I did talk to Mom M.

Almost home, I say a lot of flashing lights and a weird vehicle. This “truck” was huge. It had three deferent semi all tied together. The thing was HUGE! (Go see Picture a Day site). There were at least 4 different CHP commercial trucks and two other CHP vehicles. Also there were at least 5 different support trucks (with boom buckets) to help in the movement of this monster. There was a group of guys all together looking at papers (I guess maps and documents). I think something went wrong, or somebody took the wrong turn – ops I think somebody is/did get in trouble!

2008/06/02 – Monday – Drivers

Once Cheryl got home, we went to the grocery store for some good stuff.

Cheryl and I installed new video drivers for our laptops; it seems to have fixed the 3d driver. Street Atlas 3D seems to work now with the new driver.

I need to get a few things done before vacation on the RV and trailer.

1. RV Oil Change
2. Transmission Oil Change
3. Change Diff Fluids
4. Generator Service
5. Reseal the RV roof
6. See how much to fix the driver side jack
7. Fix junk drawer
8. Check on new batteries
9. Put all the laundry stuff back into the RV
10. Wash the RV
11. Re-Check the break lights (Secondary set)
12. Fix Flag Poll Light Connection
13. Mark the Internet Cables (outside (Blue/Red))
14. Fix Dinette seat tops
15. New External TV Speakers
16. New Paper Towel Dispenser
17. Get a new set of spear Cup Holders
18. Install Network Connection from Cupboard to Desk
19. Fix back window blind
20. Install Cell phone antenna
21. Paint Trailer
22. Fender on Trailer
23. Stop the weight distribution thingy from unwinding

I am not sure if all of the above will get done, but I need to get the main things out of the way.

2008/06/01 – Sunday – Relaxing / Playing Games

We did not do much.

CJ did come over for the day.

I did about two hours of playing on the new system.

Cheryl ordered dinner and had that delivered. Cheryl also had to about three different files