2008/07/30 – Wednesday – Deal Or No Deal

I got a call near the end of day at work asking if he was late getting to our house – No Chris you are on time….

Well, I still got out of work a little later (15 min)

I got on-line to check the address, but I could not find the correct locations for sure, but their map was the same location that the address was pointing to.

We (Chris, Amanda and I) finally left about 4:30 to our destination. I was using both phones to look at maps and tracking our progress on the other phone (Google maps on the blackberry can get you an approximant location)

The first attempt, we went past it without even noticing the little sign on the corner. We then did a loop around one of Sony’s buildings. Next we were about to make a loop around another big block, we found the sign with the address. Going down the block, we finally found people lined up for the show.

Chris was able to find a really close parking on the street. We did a few trips back to the car for a few things.

When we got into the lot, we were put into a soundstage with nothing in it – except for a few chairs, but not enough for the 360+ people that was going to watch the taping.

Once all the small to large logos were hidden or removed and they were ready, we headed on in to the Deal or No Deal stage.

The episode we were watching is #409 and it will show the day before 2008 election.

We sat near the entrance where the contestant comes out – about half way up on the right.

The ladies were of course beautiful waiting by the cases.

They did give out some candy and a few t-shirts. Chris did catch one of the t-shirts and he was very nice and gave it to Amanda. Thanks Chris!

It was interesting when they had to re-shut for the additional commercial brakes necessary for the 90 minute show.

We finally got released a little past 10:00. We had to walk out a different gate so now the car was not close – o well. On the way out we passed a sign with J. May at a parking spot so does that means I could park there?

We stopped on the way for some dinner to bring home – we got home about 11:30.

------------------------------------

O you thought I would give out the results – guess what – Nope – you’ll have to wait and see.

2008/07/29 – Tuesday – Shake Rattle and Roll

Quick update sense I last write. Sunday we attended the caller. At noon I went over to the other hall and attended the Program Committee Meeting for 2009 NSDC. The meeting was over by 4:00. So I went back over to support Amanda in the caller class.

Now today:

I was in a video meeting on the third floor at work and wow what a felling. The building slowly bumping along, then a big bump happen, then back to slowly bumping along.

Finally I got a hold of the kids and I found out that Amanda was woken up by the quake. O about an hour later finally Cheryl was able to get a hold of me (cell to cell) to check on things and give status.

Here at home we had no damage at all. At my work, we only a few things that fell or got moved (on the third floor.)

----------------------------------------

I have made a decision to change my daily blogging to a more relevant blogging, so if all we did was stuff around the house then I will most likely not blog, but if we go someplace other then the store, then I will most likely post a note. So this blog will not necessarily be a daily blog, but most likely a weekend blog. If I do get comments that still would like daily happenings, then I might keep it up.

2008/07/26 – Saturday – Week Recap and Calling

During the week, Cheryl did get her arm looked at and now she is out of her splint.

Eric had an orthodontist appointment.

Friday night Amanda attended her first session of the current Caller Class that she is doing. I am her partner for the class.

Cheryl and Eric went and helped the Orange Coast Lariats with the Orange County Fair Square Dance demonstration.

Today Amanda and I were in the class all day, so we are both tried.

Cheryl did a little bit of shopping for the bike, but she did not like anything, so I guess we will be doing our shopping on the internet.

2008/07/20 – Sunday – Dance and Baseball

Our first stop for the day was at Ralph’s to pickup the cake for our friend Birthday.

Next stop was at the Croakers monthly dance. We of course did our dancing and we presented the cake to Chris. We also did a game that we will do for the national square dance convention in 2009.

Our last stop for the day was at the Lake Elsinore Storm field. We had a good time. CJ even got teased by the mascot – Thunder. The Storms did not win this time…

We dropped CJ back to his car before returning home.

2008/07/19 – Saturday – Relax / Cleaned

We relaxed for most of the day. I am still trying to get through my major backlog of blogs to read.

L.S. did come over to relax with us. Eric and her did play one of the game system for awhile.

I started to get pissy and finally got the kids to work on the RV to get it cleaned out from vacation.

Once that was done, we relaxed some more.

2008/07/18 – Friday

Cheryl went to work again and did ok. She still gets a little dizzy when she gets up to quickly.

We did some relaxing.

2008/07/17 – Thursday

Cheryl took Amanda to her dentist appointment. She then went into work for awhile.

She was board on Wednesday and was glad to do something.

I left work early to be able to take Eric to his dentist appointment.

2008/07/16 – Wednesday – Theatre Night

Once I got home, we needed to leave and head for Glendale Centre Theatre. We had plenty of time, so we stopped at JIB in Glendale before heading for the theatre.

The show tonight was Brigadoon.

Tonight we also got two different phone calls to checkup on Cheryl’s condition. She is doing well; in fact she is going into work tomorrow and seeing how long she can last…

2008/07/15 – Tuesday – More Fixing

We had notified both of our bosses that we where not coming in to work last night.

I did not sleep very well; I kept making sure Cheryl was ok. She of course did not sleep to good.

I did get Mom M to the train station on time and she is on her way home.

When I got home, we got a call from the hospital and they wanted us to return to take more x-rays.

Before stopped at the hospital, we stopped at USPS to pick up a package.

When Cheryl was getting two additional x-rays taken, she almost passed out from the pain moving her arm.

Yep, her arm is broken. The new x-rays show that her smaller arm bone at the head in the elbow was broken. She now has to be in a splint for a couple of weeks.

After the hospital we took the results (x-rays on the cd) to Y.D. so she could review the results and have her doctors to look at it also.

We also stopped at Cheryl normal doctor to get that paperwork started to get her approval to have a specialist review the healing process.

Next stop was at the insurance agent to get insurance for the bike, but we would not have any property claim from her accident.

By the time we got home, we were both worn out.

Mom D, came over after work to check on what was going on, she also tried the bike out and she is not sure if she wants to upgrade to that size yet.

Cheryl did go to Crazy Chicken to get dinner.

I will go back to work and the kids will help her out. She will stay home one more day before returning back to work.

2008/07/14 – Monday – New But Hurt

Warning – All is ok! – Long Post!!!

We returned to work like normal.

Cheryl made an appointment so she left work early, I left a little early to join her to get a new motorbike – 260cc motor scooter.

Cheryl did go to the DMV and passed the test to get the motorcycle license endorsement.

Cheryl, Mom M, and I made it to the Motorcycle dealer in plenty of time. After completed all the paper work, we tried to start the bike. I had to go get 3 galloons of gas and that still not work, the owner of the business finally got a can of starter fluid and sprayed that into the carburetor to finally start the bike.

After about 15 minutes of idling the motor, it got really hot, so I ran the bike up and down the street to cool it back down.

Finally it was time for Cheryl to ride the bike all the home on the city street because the restrictions on the bike endorsements.

In the mean time Mom D called and wanted to meet up with us on the way home.

Finally we meet Mom D at Rosemead/Lakewood Blvd and I5. We stopped and talked a little bit then we got moving again.

We almost made it home without any problems. - Cheryl is fine just a little bruised up and a broken arm.

Now the next section is my view of what I say of what happen.

I was following the whole time and she was doing well. Cheryl was turning right from Lakewood Blvd to Del Amo Blvd and crashed.

As she was turning right she was not leaning the bike correctly so she was fighting the turn. She drifted to the center divider, when the bike hit the divider, she was thrown into the left turning lane (the other side of the divider). Her helmet flew off of her head. She was laying on the ground face down with her top back of her head somewhat wedged under a stopped car tire (waiting for the light to change in the left turning lane). Her left arm was laying flat and her right arm was lying beside her body.

When I got the van stopped and checked on her she was not moving (which scarred the hell out of me, but I kept my composer). By this time, several people were telling her and anybody else not to move her and they had already called 911.

She finally responded to our talking to her (and what a relief she is alive! – now is her body ok?)
In the mean time I also got the bike back up and out of the center divider.

Cheryl then also insisted to move and get a little more comfortable. When she finally set up she got a little dizzy then she lay back down onto the road (wow she seems all ok!)

Finally the Police and Firemen came and took her to the local hospital. She was mostly complaining about her left arm being really sore. The crew working on Cheryl put the neck brace on and put her on a board before taking her away.

I finished talking to the person that Cheryl’s head hit and the police. (The bike never hit any car.)

I took the bike home and Mom M. followed.

Mom D detoured to the hospital, while I told the kids and took care of a few things. Lisa S. was over so she wanted to come also. On the way to the hospital, I had to return to the house to get the health card and ID.

Mom M, Lisa and I finally found a parking spot and went in to check on Cheryl.

Two X-Rays were taken of her left arm and a CTScan for her head.

We had 7 people in her room waiting.

Once the X-Rays where finally read, we got her road rash (forehead and left arm) cleaned up and we were finally released

We made it home some time after Midnight.

What a way for her and her new bike to end the day.

2008/07/13 – Sunday – Finally Home

We got up and went into the casino for breakfast. We finally left around 10:45 for home.

The traffic was not bad. On the grade before the Baker Grade, we went through a major ran storm.

We did stop at Flying J’s for gas and dump the tanks.

We then stop at Three Sisters to get the RV and Van washed – now they look pretty again.

We got home and got the vehicles all back in their normal places.

O – And Cheryl won at the video poker slots last night, so a nice way to pay for part of the vacation…

2008/07/12 – Saturday – Drive

We left a little after 9:00. Our neighbors work me up around 6:30 and I then catnapped until a little after 8:00.

Our next stop was a Flying J’s

I had to stop at a rest area (after the I70 split) to we could have lunch and I could use the restroom.

Next stop was at the Flying J’s in St George.

Our final gas stop for the day was at (you guessed it) another Flying J’s in North Las Vegas.

We are now camped at Sam Town RV campground.

We went in and got dinner and a show – Hancock.

2008/07/11 – Friday – Golden Spike

When we left the campground, the first thing on the drive was up a very steep climb. I stopped at an overlook to cool down the transmission. While at the stop an Indian family was selling stuff and Cheryl and Amanda bought some stuff.

On our way to the Golden Spike, we had to take another detour – the route I had planned was closed because of construction.

We finally make it to the Golden Spike Park. The climb to get to the place is also very steep. We watched both trains move on the track (back and then forth (back into place)). After leaving the visitor center, we took both car tours. We can proclaim that we drove on the same ground as the trains that connected both coasts.

We also stopped on the way out at the place that make rockets – that was only a 10 minute stopped – I was the only one that got out and looked at some of the rockets.

We stopped for the needed gas at a Flying J’s.

Amanda and Mom M found a camping location; I think we got the very last spot that could fit us.

We got the van unloaded and headed on out to the Mayan restaurant we like in Sandy.

Back at the RV, we loaded the van back on, and now ready for the long drive tomorrow – we should be in Las Vegas tomorrow.

2008/07/10 – Thursday – Added Stop

Well the morning was not a good morning. We had drained the motor battery and using the crossover switch to connect the RV batteries did not work. Using the solar battery charger and the battery booster finally got the motor started.

We left the campground around 9:15, still not bad for having a bad start.

Just got on the road and I noticed that the trailer breaks was on when it should not be. I finally had to turn them off.

We stopped at Flying J’s and we got gas, as well as I fixed the trailer breaks by disconnecting the motor battery and the trailer to get the trailer break control to reset. Now the trailer breaks are working properly.

We stopped in the town where J.C. Penny started his business; we also had a late lunch in a little place that only served breakfast and lunch.

The next stop was an unplanned stop – Fossil Butte National Monument. Neat location out in the middle of now where…

We got gas and were looking for our next stop for the night.

We found the RV camp site and what an ordeal with the guy in the office. The guy was too new and not confident in running it.

Amanda really wanted to eat dinner out and since we are really close to Idaho, she wanted to eat in Idaho.

We unloaded the Van and took a drive. We finally stopped at a veerryy small place. We all had good food.

When we got back we loaded the van back on the trailer.

We watched anther movie tonight.

2008/07/09 – Wednesday – Another Detour ending in Prison.

I got up early this morning for a good breakfast that the KOA offered. We got on the road a little after 9:00.

We stop in Casper to get gas at a Flying J’s and a lunch stop at a Wal-Mart parking lot.

Following Street Atlas we started down the road, but the road was set at 40 mph, then the road had no center strip and getting rough. Finally the road turned into a dirt road and I stopped to check on the map. Come to find out that Street Atlas put us down a dirt road instead of a state route. After fixing the route, we got back on to track on a state route to Rawlins, WY.

When we got into Rawlins, our site to see was a old prison that is now a museum. Our tour guide was very nice. But the other lady that was behind the counter was a bitty. In fact we would have spent more money but she wanted nothing to do with it, but to make sure to state they were CLOSED. Sure not a good thing when dealing with customers.

We stopped at the KOA here in Rawlins for the night. Cheryl made dinner – mmm good.

I talked with a fellow CA and he is heading to the Black Hills, so I gave him the tourist map that we picked up when we where there to help him with his 4 days there.

2008/07/08 – Tuesday – Relaxing Day

We got up late. It was nice to sleep in a little. But the sleep was not all that pleasant – at 2:30 in the morning we had a lighting and thunder show with a few good down pours for about an hour.

Our first stop today was at the Mammoths Pit. They are estimating about 20 to 30 more years of digging. Yes we say a lot of bones.

We had a late lunch.

Our next stop was at the local Hot Spring Pool (it warm not hot). We enjoyed the pool for about 4 hours.

Next was dinner at the same place as lunch.

Back to the RV, we watch another movie.

Well, the rest of the trip will be one night stands – at any given RV park.

2008/07/07 – Monday – More Change of Plans

Based on the rain storm last night, I changed our route through the Bad Lands. I did not think it was wise to travel any of the dirt roads

We started on the North end of the Bad Lands. We stopped at almost every turn out. By the time we got close to the south end I missed the last three – I just wanted to get to the visitor center.

Amanda got the necessary paper work for the Junior Ranger Program and proceeded to work on it. We watched the 20 minute video about the place and walked the exhibits. Amanda finally finished and the ranger questioned her memory on a few things – so also had to state the oath.

The route I took was paved buy sure was not smooth.

We stopped for two nights near Hot Springs at a KOA.

Eric and Amanda cooked dinner. Mom M, Cheryl, and I did laundry.

We watched Wild Hogs tonight and had a few good laughs.

Trying to upload photos is slow on the Satellite, so I will try to work on the photo post tomorrow – but hay I am on vacation… Until tomorrow…

2008/07/06 – Sunday – Change of Plans

We left a little late, I had to get the van loaded so that adds time to getting ready to leave in the morning.

We headed back down the Enchanted Highway. This time the gift shop was open and we talked with the artist that is keeping the idea alive and well. Also found out that he does have power hook ups like a campground, but just no shower or restrooms.

We stopped at a petrified wood museum. After that we stopped on the side of the road for lunch.

The next road that street atlas guided us was a dirt road and I really didn’t want to travel that far on a dirt road, also a sign stated only local trucks. So the new path then lead us trough Sturgis and then back to Wall.

We are camped at one of the camp grounds in Wall. We walked over to the Wall Drug
Store/Mall. The place had a lot of small stores in the front and in the back some more stores. In the middle of the place it has more interactive things to do. Also a T-Rex head that growled at people every two minutes. Also took some pictures of the kids on/in some touristy stuff.

We then ate at a restaurant across the street – the food was so-so – we were not impressed.

By the time it was to go to sleep a big thunder stormed rolled in and I lost my internet connection – so that is why the post is a day latter (back dated).

2008/07/05 – Saturday – Enchanted Highway

We left a little after 9:00 – so not a bad start for the day.

We stopped at Flying J’s for our gas stop in Fargo.

We stopped for lunch around noon at one of the rest area along I94.

Next stop was gas in Bismarck.

We stopped at the “Big Cow” (I will post picture on the adventure page – but you can also look in Smugmug album). The dirt road going up to the parking was ok, but to turn around was another storey. I had to jackknife the RV and trailer so we finally get turned around.

Now we started to look for a campsite, but it is extremely hard to find them. We had to drive additional 10 miles to Dickinson to find one in the time period we wanted to drive.

I unloaded the van and we then drove the Enchanted Highway. We stopped at all the metal sculptures along the route. All of the stops can accommodate the RV, but I was not sure. Buy the time we reached the end of the route, the store was closed, so tomorrow we will stop and of course buy nick-knacks.

When we returned back to town, we stopped at Apple Bee for dinner.

We stopped by the movie theater and found out they are showing Wall-E at 9:30.

Cheryl wanted to buy something for Eric, so off we go to K-Mart and she found something.

Now back to the theater to watch Wall-E.

We got back to camp about 11:30. Walked the dogs and now its time to go to bed – Later.

2008/07/04 – Friday - Head Waters

We left camp a little after 9:00.

Before finding a beachfront we had to wait for a BIG boat to go by with the drawbridge up to let it pass by. We finally found a beachfront on Lake Superior and dipped our toes and hands in the BIG Lake.

A quick stop for gas and we where on way. We stopped in Cohasset for lunch.

We finally made it to the Mississippi River headwaters. We took the dogs for the walk also. Zircon did swim across the river and didn’t want to do that again.

We all played in the water for a while – even Turquoise enjoyed playing.

We tried to stay at a casino, but the RV Park was full, so we tried about three other places and all was full. We finally made a reservation at KOA near Fargo and all was well.

We finally pulled in about 6:00. Amanda and Cheryl cooked dinner.

2008/07/03 – Last of the Locks

We got moving right on time – 9:00. I did have to stop when I just pulled out of the parking lot to get the computer reset – so Cheryl went into the store to get some ice.

Dam and Lock #2 and #1 was found. But getting to #1 took an ordeal of navigation. We wondered through Minneapolis and finally found #1. I drove down to the bottom and found out I could not turn around, so I had to backup about a quarter of a mile.

Next we finally found lower and upper St Anthony Falls/Dam/Locks. I had to park in three locations and feed the three meters.

Amanda volunteered to call a campground that she found in the books.

I finally get see one of the Great Lakes – Superior

We went out for groceries and dinner. After dinner Cheryl really wanted Starbucks so we took about an 8-mile detour to find one.

Amanda worked on some schoolwork.

2008/07/02 – Wednesday – Dams and Locks

We left Elkader a little after 9:00. We stopped at several locks going up the Mississippi. Dams and Locks #9, #8, #7, #6, #5A, (missed number #5), #4, and #3.

At #9 and #5A we watched barges being worked in the lock.

Getting to dam #3 was a little nerve racking, because of all the signs stating restricted areas and all, but we finally found it and park in the visitor parking area and walked over the observation area without any problems.

We are camped at a casino RV Park – nice and cheep. We went into the casino for the buffet dinner.

We watch Nemo tonight.

2008/07/01 – Tuesday – Family and Water

We got up late to day. We finally got moving and headed on out for dinner at family.

We stayed for about two hours and had fun talking.

We made arrange for the supper – so now it was time to explore.

We stopped at Dam/Lock #10, but we could not get the close view because it was under some type of maintenance/construction.

Next stop was at Pikes Peak – a great view of the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River.

We did a cave, but a twist to it was to ride a boat. It is called Spooks Cave. After the cave tour, we did take a few pictures of a waterfall coming out of the middle of the hill (another cave), on the same grounds.

We went driving around – we did go over a bridge to Wisconsin for some sight seeing.

We then headed for another family house for supper. We had a good time enjoying the food and company.

When we got back the dogs were really good – I am very happy with the dogs so far on this trip.

Amanda is currently frying bugs with our battery-operated fly swatter thingy.