2007/09/12 – Wednesday – Errands

I got the last item that the dealer was to put on the van done today.

For lunch I went with a friend to Soup Plantation.

After work I went to the seat cover place to get them fix – fit correctly for the van – to be continued…

Turquoise still does not understand about not going in the house – he did it again in front of me and he wasn’t even buggy anybody about going out.

I worked on laundry today; I also cleaned up the bedroom some more.

2007/09/11 – Tuesday – Eyes and Report

Lunch was with a buddy and a friend to Pinno Pizza

I made a phone call before an appointment. To fix the RV is going to cost some money – a lot of money – And I am doing the work, I can’t imagine what it would cost if the shop did the work.

We all had an eye appointment today. Eric is getting new glasses, Amanda got contacts and new glasses, Cheryl is getting new glasses, and Jesse is getting new glasses. We will not be getting the glasses until later (when they make them.)

Cheryl went to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner.

Mom D came over and we worked on the NSDC report that is due this week.

Cheryl and Amanda practiced their calling.

2007/09/10 – Monday – Yep Sick

Lunch was with my buddy and we went to McD.

Cheryl took Amanda to her group night for church.

I practiced do some square dance calling – boy I a bad. And being sick does not help. At least I can try to keep memorizing the song.

Cheryl also work on some calling as well.

I cleaned up my mess under my desk.

Tonight I have a running nose – so I hope that is all I get…

2007/09/09 – Sunday – Sick

When I got up this morning it felt like I might be getting a sore throat.

Amanda and Cheryl went shopping again…

Eric and I did watch the Indy car on TV today – as well as on the computers.

I worked on getting the computers all hooked up – my two play machines and Amanda’s machine.

I started on working on the laundry and got most of it done today.

Now at the end of the day, I think my throat is reminding me about this morning – I might be getting sick…

2007/09/08 – Saturday – Working Around

Cheryl and Amanda went with Amanda’s church group to Magic Mountain.

Eric and Jesse did things around the house. First on the agenda was collecting all the stuff that needed to go to hazardous and e-waste roundup; so a trip to drop the junk off.

We worked on putting things back into the dinning room. I worked on getting things straighten out in the kitchen and the dinning room.

Eric worked on his laundry and his room looks somewhat cleaned up.

Eric and Jesse did watch the NASCAR show.

Cheryl and Amanda got home late – as expected…

2007/09/07 – Friday – Walk

Lunch was with some friends over to Black Angus

Cheryl and I walked to the store for some stuff for dinner.

Later Cheryl and Amanda went shopping – I am not sure what they where shopping for, but I know Cheryl got a new pillow for her.

2007/09/06 - Thursday - Back

Well, I have taken a break from blogging as you can tell. We have done a lot of stuff while my break from blogging. I have posted a few pictures from this past month on my other blog. I really need to think long and hard about doing a photo a day type of blog that I have been thinking about. To post every day does take some discipline and I need to make so I have it! So if I can do this daily blog, then I should be able to do a photo a day. Maybe I will start that next year, will see.

At least one friend asked about why I haven’t bogged and I had no real good reason. I am really glad somebody has been reading my stuff – so here is today…

Lunch was with a body of mine to Quizno

After work, I went to the pet store and got some cat stuff as well as some dog toys for the pup. He has several things crewed up on the back yard so I got him some stuff more appropriate.

Cheryl took Amanda to her church youth group and Eric and I just watched TV and played on the computers.

Eric still needed a few more items for school; we were able to find them around the house.

Well off to bed and getting ready for another Friday.

I still like the encouragement about keeping the blog going…

2007/08/02 – Thursday – Class Work

Lunch was with my buddy to the bar – I was bad and had a burger with rings - mmmm good.

Tonight Cheryl took Amanda to her church group.

We also worked on our Square Dance Calling Class homework.

2007/08/01 – Wednesday- Sex Seminar

I was stood up today for lunch, he had a meeting at the last minute.

When Cheryl got home, she coached me to go with her to a church seminar about sex.

When we got back, we where tired, and we got ready for bed.

2007/07/31 – Tuesday – Dinner

Lunch was with my buddy and we had lunch at crazy chicken.

A friend is over for the next three nights so he doesn’t have to commute.

We went to Dales for dinner tonight.

2007/07/30 – Monday – Appointment

Lunch was with my buddy, but it was a very quick lunch – ½ hour – salad at Zpizza

I picked up Amanda for her appointment at the Orthodontist – I think we only a few more appointments left – hurray.

Cheryl and Amanda went to urgent care to check her hurting thumb, but all looks ok – good!

2007/07/29 – Sunday – Fair

Well, the Croakers were invited to participate at the Orange County Fair.

We got to the fair with plenty of time to get ready. Amanda, Eric and Jesse danced a few tips during the hour that the group was to dance on the stage.

After eating some food for lunch, some friends and the family went walking around and the kids did some rides.

We got home about 5:00 and relaxed. I took a nap. Come time find out that all of us got sun burnt so that is why we all were extremely tired.

2007/07/28 – Saturday – Class

We got up early so we could be at the Calling Class on time.

Calling Class, Lunch, Calling Class, Dinner, and then Calling Class

Back to house again – late.

Amanda is doing ok with the class so far. Cheryl is doing better then she thought she would be able to do. Jesse is having to struggle a little with it.

2007/07/27 – Friday - Travel – Class

I slept in today – I set the alarm for 10:00 so it was nice to sleep in for once in about 5 weeks.

Got up and checked out of the hotel. The taxi ride was with three other co-workers.

We got on the plane and left DC at about 2:00 and landed in Long Beach a little early around 3:45. But this time, my ears were hurting!

I got home and took a nap, something about flying and being tired.

When Cheryl finally got home, off we go to Caller Class.

We got home around 11:00 and off to bed.

2007/07/26 – Thursday – More Meetings

Again got up and headed on over to the convention center at 8:00.

Meetings all day.

I was invited to a IT meeting at a co-workers place and they had a bus all lined up. So off I went and I had a good time getting know more people from the DC office.

I got back to the hotel about 10:30

2007/07/25 – Wednesday - March

Got up and headed on over the convention center at 8:00 again.

At one point in our day of meetings was a march onto one of the grounds around the capital builder with all the employees in their red shirts.

Nothing special tonight but back to the room to watch TV

2007/07/24 – Tuesday - Game

Got up and headed on over the convention center at 8:00.

I did the meeting thing all day.

I went to the WNBA game of the Storms and Mystics. The game was close most of the time. At half time it was tied. At the end of the 4th quarter it was tied, at the end of the overtime, the Mystics won by one point – Good Game!

2007/07/23 – Monday – Work Travel day

Cheryl and I got up at 7:00 and we left the house at 7:30. On the way to the airport, we stopped at the ATM so I could have some cash on hand.

The check in and security was smooth and easy.

The plane ride to DC was fairly smooth. I did buy some Earplane (ear plugs) and they WORKED; I did not have the ear pressure issue that I have in the past.

Once I arrived at DC, fellow coworkers and I went to the baggage area to retrieve our bags. I got a ride in a taxi with two other coworkers to the hotel.

Once checked in, a group of use went out for dinner. We just started to walk to find a place. Food was good, but the service was a little slow.

Back to the hotel to relax and watching TV.

2007/07/22 – Sunday – Work and Relax

I slept in this morning. Eric, Amanda, and Cheryl went to church.

I was planning to go into work early, but it turned out that I finally went in about 11:30.

I was in the office for 4 hours and I got the item done that needed to be done.

Cheryl and the kids went and watched the Harry Potter movie.

When I got home, I worked on some bills and started to get ready for my trip to DC.

At one point in the afternoon, I was out talking to neighbors and it started to do one of those big drops sprinkle thing – it was nice.

2007/07/21 – Saturday – Home Again

The morning started gruffly – the dog peeing in the RV, Eric not doing what I want him to do, and the fast food messing up the order. We finally got on the road at 10:00.

We did see a crop duster and Eric watched it do it thing.

I called Flying J’s (the one at the top of the Grape Vine) to make sure they had propane and the lady said yes.

Getting closer to the Grape Vine, we could see smoke on the hills. Sure enough it’s a grass/forest fire.

Before starting the Grape Vine, I stopped at a truck was and got the RV and Van washed – I still need to do the underside of the RV better. We also had lunch while we waited.

I stop at Flying J’s and noticed a note about not able to do propane – now I am MAD! The clerks got the manager and after talking with her I was able to get some propane (after a year of trying to get propane there) and got some gas.

The traffic going through Los Angeles was bad,

On your main boulevard there was an accident with a turned over vehicle.

Now we are home!

Cheryl ordered Pizza for dinner.

Camp Location:
Home – Lakewood, California

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
None

2007/07/20 – Friday – Redwoods and Long Day

We left camp at 9:00

We stopped at Shrine Drive-Thru Tree – no we could not drive the RV through the tree, the RV is slightly too big for it.

Next stop was Confusion Hill. We paid for the train ride but we had to wait for the guide to finish his lunch, so we order ours and have it ready by the time we returned from our ride. We were given some interesting facts about the redwoods, logging, and the area. We returned and got our lunch (a late lunch)

Next stop was the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree – no we could not drive the RV through this tree.

We stopped in Willits for gas

As we were getting close to San Francisco, I stopped at a RV park and they were full and she stated that everybody was full. So we had to drive on past San Francisco to find another park.

I say a sign along the Freeway about an RV park so I took the exit and finding the park was easy. The Kit Fox RV Park near the town of Patterson is a good size park.

We walked to Denny’s for dinner, both direction we noticed the frogs large and small near the office of the park.

Camp Location:
N 37.46860°, W 121.17683° - Kit Fox RV Park – Patterson, California

Big Animal Report:

Head of Elk in Redwood Creek beside the road
1-Deer chasing a bird

Attractions:
Shrine Drive Thru Tree
Confusion Hill
Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

2007/07/19 – Thursday – To the Coast and Trees

We left at 9:00

Our first stop of the day was a quick drive back towards I5, we stop at a covered bridge called Lowell Covered Bridge. The bridge had a very good display of history and lots panels of information.

We finally head south on I5 after a quick detour.

We stop for gas and lunch in Grants Pass.

The drive towards the coast on 199 is an interesting highway. It has section of very tight/skinny roadway.

We stopped at Ocean World and did their tour of what they have as an aquarium; of course we did buy some trinkets.

We stopped at Trees of Mystery and were able to take the dogs on the walk/hike, which also included a gondola ride up to the top of the ridge for a great view.

We stopped for the night at Mystic Forest RV Park, just a couple of miles south.

I went for a short walk and found some very good blackberries.

Camp Location:
N 41.57617°, W 124.07450° – Mystic Forest RV Park, Klamath, California

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
Lowell Covered Bridge
Ocean World
Trees of Mystery

2007/07/18 – Wednesday - Heading Home and Fixing

We left and said our good byes at 9:00.

We stopped for gas before we got onto the freeway.

We stopped for lunch at the last Rest Area heading south in Washington.

I called the tire place make sure they are able to help me resolve the problem with the Smarttire not receiving from the driver side trailer tires.

We made it to Bob Dickman Tire & Accessory Center by 2:30. They balanced both of the spare RV tires. They also worked on getting the two trailer tires to be recognized by the system. I even got an additional tool to help in getting the sensors to send a signal so if I need to change a tire it will be easier to get the new tire added to the system. I also got a new trailer tire because I had two flat spots on it.

Cheryl and the kids went for a walk while I stayed and watched and help in getting the Smarttire system working.

I had Amanda look for a RV park where we will stay, She made a few phone calls and we got a site reserved. But we found out it was like 30 miles away from the freeway, but o well.

Cheryl and Amanda cooked dinner.

It has been raining off and on this evening.

Camp Location:
N 43.75930°, W 122.52637° – Casey’s Riverside RV Park – Westfir, Oregon

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
Tire Store

2007/07/17 – Tuesday – Water & Food

We slept in a little bit again.

Mom and I started the laundry.

We went Snoqualmie Falls, I thought I was going to have lunch there, but the price was HIGH, so did our gift shop shopping and then we went to Carnation for some lunch at one of the local café.

We then went over to GG to see her new house.

We returned and finished the laundry

Cheryl and Amanda went to a nail salon.

Several May Families came over and we had a fun BBQ feast.

Camp Location:
Same as Yesterday - N 47.758411°, W 122.036364° – Brothers Place, Woodinville Washington

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
Snoqualmie Falls
A Family BBQ

2007/07/16 – Monday – Under and High

We slept in a little bit.

We did a little bit of shopping and then headed on over to the Seattle Underground Tour.

We got the 2:00 tour. The tour lasted about 90 minutes.

We then went to the top of the Seattle Space Needle observation deck. Of course we did do our trinket shopping in the gift center at the base.

We returned and G made dinner and we had a good time talking.

Camp Location:
Same as Yesterday - N 47.758411°, W 122.036364° – Brothers Place, Woodinville Washington

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
Seattle Underground Tour
Space Needle

2007/07/15 – Sunday – Crossing and Family

We left camp at 8:45

We stopped for gas in a little place called Lytton.

We stopped at Hell’s Gate (near Boston Bar, British Columbia, Canada). They even allowed us to take the dogs on the airtram. When we got to the bottom of the canyon, we walked onto the suspension bridge at the bottom of the canyon. We could look trough the grates to the water below. The dogs were not very comfortable about walking on the grates; there is a 6x6 near the middle of the bridge and the dogs preferred to walk on that. We watched a movie about fish life.

We stopped and the next turn out and had lunch. I walked to what I thought was a bridge, but it was a structure like a Hollywood bowl shape under the road.

The traffic was getting heavier and heavier and a few times we were crawling.

We got to the boarder at 4:30 and waited for about ½ hour before we got our chance to be asked questions and be let into USA.

The guy asked some questions and we had a good conversation with him about our trip with the animals.

We called several people once we were back in the USA.

We got to Luke’s place about 6:30 and after some hugs and talking, we got the RV leveled off and unloaded the van.

I finally got the Satellite set up after moving it to get a good view through the trees.

We went for dinner and invited L&G. We went to Red Robin.

Camp Location:
N 47.758411°, W 122.036364° – Brothers Place, Woodinville Washington

Big Animal Report:
1 Dear

Attractions:
Hells Gate Canyon
Crossing the Border

2007/07/14 – Saturday – Hot and Hilly

We left camp about 9:00 even after I had been talking to a fellow camper about the roads going to Alaska.

We got gas in Prince George

We stopped in Quesnel at the Visitor Center and Museum of the local area. We spent about 1 hour in there – Amanda was doing about three different fact finding sheets.

When we returned to the RV, Turquoise had chewed up the ice chest that we keep between the front seats to store cold water in.

On the way out of town we found a pet store (Total Pet) and stopped. The head lady let us bring the dogs in to help find a muzzle that would fit properly, but we had to do some modifications to make sure he could not get it off.

In the same area, we got lunch at A&W, in the process of getting ready to leave, Turquoise spilled Eric drink and so I went in and got another drink for him.

At 5:00 I came across a RV campground. I had to go around the block to get the correct driveway.

Today’s driving consisted of a lot of hills; so far the last two days has had the most hills in terms of how steep the climbs have been.

We had everything setup including the Satellite in 45 minutes.

We took a walk to one of the local restaurants – Fish and Chips

When we returned, the muzzle worked, Turquoise did not get the muzzle off!

The kids watch a TV show.

I worked on repairing the rear axle trailer breaks. The wires were crushed and one had completed been separated.

We turned off the TV and the kids then worked on some schoolwork. Amanda and Mom M had worked on math off and on all day. Cheryl and Amanda worked on several subjects.

Camp Location:
N 51.64386, W 121.29865 – 100 Mile Hotel and RV Park, 100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada

Big Animal Report:
1 - Deer

Attractions:
Visitor Center and Museum – Quesnel
Pet Store

2007/07/13 – Friday – Driving and Fishing

We left camp at 8:45. We had to stop at the boarding crossing into Canada and the lady asked a few questions and we were allowed to head on into Canada.

We stopped in Stewart for gas.

The climb out of Stewart was not bad like I thought it was going to be based on the drive down.

I turned south at the intersection back onto the Cassiar.

When we reached the end of the Cassiar, I turn east and headed onto the Yellowhead Highway.

About 7 miles before Smithers, we stopped at Adams Igloo Wildlife Museum, but when we approached the door it was locked and the grounds did not look like the advertisements, so we got back in to the RV and continued.

We stopped in Smithers for gas and a quick trip into the grocery store.

I then wanted to find the RV wash that we say for advertisements, but when we found it, it was a self wash and I didn’t want to do it, so we looked for another place for lunch, I found a turn out and we had lunch.

This section of the road had some big climbs – at a few points I was down to 25 mph climbing the hills. I was sure watching the tranny temp.

We stopped in Houston to look at the World’s Largest Fly Fishing Rod. Also in the same area, there was a dog park, so the dogs got a good chance to run and play.

We are stopped in Vanderhoof at Dave’s RV Park for the nice place. I did setup the satellite because the park charges for Internet.

Amanda cooked dinner tonight, It started to rain on us during dinner.

The kids watched two different movies – Quest for Camelot, Thief and the Cobbler. We also watched the DVD about Fish Creek and Salmon Glacier

The kids also worked on schoolwork.

Camp Location:
N 53 59.792, W 123 58.663 – Dave’s RV Park, Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada

Big Animal Report:
1 – Deer

Attractions:
Adams Igloo Wildlife Museum – NOT
World’s Largest Fly Fishing Rod

2007/07/12 – Thursday – Back in Alaska

We left camp about 8:45

I pulled out and the tire alarm came on again, so I pulled over again and filled the tire to match the other tire.

We were stopped in three different construction zones.

The roads were rough in places and a few places that have gravel.

About ½ hour before our lunch stop the road turned really good compared what I have been driving for the last two days.

Lunch was at a roadside turnout called Bob Quinn Lake Airport.

Our next stop was at Bell 2 for some gas.

When we got to the intersection, the road going straight was the road to Stewart, Canada, and Hyder Alaska, so off we went.

We crossed into Hyder with out any fan fair – no customs, or boarder crossing station. (But we will have to go through one to get back into Canada)

We found the RV camp and made camp. I also setup the satellite.

I unload the van, and we headed on up the road to go see the Salmon Glacier. The road was ruff with lots of potholes. We went as far as we could, the road has not been cleared of all the snow near the top.

On the way back we stopped at the Fish Creek Viewing, but no bears yet, the salmon have not started their spawning.

We returned back to town and finally found a place to eat, but after driving all the way down a planked pier and back.

After dinner, we did some souvenir shopping. We also stopped at the local dump to see if we could find some bears. We found two big bears and two baby bears.

We watched Narnia

Camp Location:
N 55 55.233, W 130 01.918 Camp Run-A-Muck – Hyder Alaska

Big Animal Report:
4 – Black Bear

Attractions:
Bear Glacier
Fish Creek Viewing
Salmon Glacier

2007/07/11 – Wednesday – Rocks and Mud

We left Whitehorse at 8:50.

About ½ hour into the drive, one of the tires said it was low, so I stopped to fix it. I took the valve extension off and that seamed to resolve the tire getting lower on pressure; but I sure kept a very close eye on the sensor for quite awhile.

I did not stop again until Junction 37 for lunch and gas at 1:00 so a solid 4 hours of driving. I had used ¾ of tank of gas on that part of the trip.

We are now heading down the Cassiar Highway. The first part of this road is really rough so it was slow going. We stop at a place called Jade City (consisting of two buildings one on each side of the road, one of them being closed this season)

Of course we did spend some money on some jade items.

The next part of the road turned into a mud bath. The back of the RV and all of the van was covered in mud!

I stopped at a campground but it had no good view to the south for the satellite, so back onto the road.

I stopped at Dease Lake for gas; I tried to clean the back window, but not very well.

As we were heading out of town, I found a RV park with hookups, so I quickly stopped and paid for a site. On the way to the site, I noticed that they had a high power washer wand, so I cleaned the RV and van. So now the RV looks white and the van looks smoke gray instead of medium brown.

I was able to set up the satellite.

Amanda cooked dinner tonight, but she started the Cocktail Smokies in barbeque sauce in the crock-pot at our lunch spot.

We watched two movies tonight – Legally Blond 2 and Good Boy

Camp Location:
N 58 26.011, W 129 59.025 – Dease Lake RV Park, Dease Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Big Animal Report:
1-Drenched Fox
1-Mooses that crossed in front of a motorcycle

Attractions:
Jade City - Shop

2007/07/10 – Tuesday – Dirty and Shopping

We left a little late today – about 9:15. I was going to get gas in White River but the office was not open yet.

The road from White River to Destruction Bay was rough and a lot of sections that where gravel and a little mud.

We did have two construction points where we had to wait for the pilot truck.

I stopped at Burwash Landing for Gas

We had lunch at a pull out; the stop was at a creek called Jarvis Creek. We tossed the ball for the dogs to get them some exercise.

As we were approaching Whitehorse, I stopped for gas. Then we went into Whitehorse to get groceries and stuff.

By the time we finished all the shopping, it was almost 5:00 so time to find a campground.

We are stopped at Pioneer RV Park just south of Whitehorse. Cheryl tired the internet at the campsite but it was going slow, so I sit up the satellite.

Nobody wanted to cook dinner, so Amanda begged be to unload the van and go out for dinner.

So I unloaded the van and we headed back into Whitehorse to find dinner. We ate at a small café, then we headed back to the RV.

When we got back, Turquoise had way to much fun chewing on things. One of the items he chewed on was a stuffed tow that had the small little white pellets that got EVERYWHERE! Eric and Cheryl cleaned up the mess.

Mom did her laundry and two loads of ours.

Camp Location:
N 60 38.950, W 135 01.082 – Pioneer RV Park, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Big Animal Report:
1 – Mule Deer

Attractions:
Wal-Mart
Craft Store
Canadian Super Mart (groceries)
Dinner out

2007/07/09 – Monday – Into Canada

We left Valdez at 9:00 with our first stop at a gas station before heading out.

We got gas a little gas stop at Gakona Junction

We stopped for lunch in one of the pullouts along the way.

I got gas at Tok,

We stopped at the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and Amanda got a stamp for her Refuge book.

We went through the boarder without any issues, the lady asked a few questions and let us through.

I pulled into Beaver Creek and asked about the RV park and the lady said go to the RV park about 30 miles away, right after crossing the White River.

The roads from Tok to the campground are really bad. On the US side, the roads have a lot of frost heaves, while in Canada there are a lot of gravel surfaces, so that means a lot of rocks flying and dust – the RV is filthy.

Finally we arrived at the White River Crossing RV Park.

It took awhile for me to set up the satellite but finally I got it working. The next camper next to me asked a few questions about the setup. He asked about getting on, so I set the wifi to open so they could use the Internet. A little bit later another person noticed and asked so a few people are using it.

Amanda and Cheryl cooked dinner.

Mom and I started the laundry – we had to do 4 loads. Mom stayed to do the rest of the loads, while I came back and played on the computers.

The kids watched two movies tonight.

Camp Location:
N 61 59.057, W 140 32.246 – White River Crossing RV Park, Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada

Big Animal Report:
3 Swans

Attractions:
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

2007/07/08 – Sunday – Boat Ride

We got up and ready for our trip at 9:00. We bought our trip from the RV park headquarters.

We walked over to the boat and got on, we left at 10:00 for our 9 to 10 hour tour.

The captain was very informative and gave us a lot of information. We saw a lot of animals and some small pieces of ice from a glacier calving.

When we got back to the RV, I had to do some minor cleaning up after the dogs, and off to dinner we went. We also walked around the town after dinner with the dogs.

Camp Location:
Same as yesterday - N 61 07.647, W 146 21.016 – Bear Paw RV Park – Valdez, Alaska

Big Animal Report:
Birds of Prince Williams Sound:
Marbled Murrelet
Horned Puffin
Bald Eagles
Tufted Puffin
Mammals of Prince Williams Sound:
Steller Sea Lion
Humpback Whale
Sea Otter
Dall’s Porpoise
Harbor Seal

Attractions:
Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises - Prince Williams Sound – Columbia and Meares Glacier Excursion

2007/07/07 – Saturday – Ferry Ride

We left camp at 10:00.

We only had to wait about 20 minutes to go through the Whittier Tunnel. While driving through the tunnel the speed limit is 25 mph. Also you are driving on the train tracks, but it is smooth.

Once we got to Whittier, we checked in at the ferry terminal and paid the expensive bill!

We walked the little water front part of town and ate lunch.

We pulled the RV into the staging area ready for the ferry.

When it was our time to load we were the last one to load.

The ferry to 6 hours to get into Valdez, again we were the last one to unload – the deck hands had to almost jack knife the RV so I could get off the ship properly.

We found the campground really easily.

We walked the town a little bit before watching some TV for the evening.

Camp Location:
N 61 07.647, W 146 21.016 – Bear Paw RV Park – Valdez, Alaska

Big Animal Report:
Sea Lions

Attractions:
Whittier Tunnel – Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Ferry Boat

2007/07/06 – Friday – Full RV Parks

We left camp at 9:00.

We drove the 15 miles into Denali; near the end we watched a small group caribou running in a creek. We stopped on the way out at the visitor center.

We stopped for gas and lunch at Cantwell

We looked up a park in Anchorage. We followed the direction and found the place, but when I checked they could not accommodate us and making a few phone calls, nobody in Anchorage could accommodate us, so off to find somewhere else.

I made a decision to change our route and not stay two nights in Anchorage. So we did some research and phone calls to find out if a ferry goes from Whittier to Valdez. I made a reservation for the ferry ride.

I also phoned a RV park near Portage to find out, but just an answering machine answered.

I drove toward Whittier hoping we could find an RV park on the way. We pulled into Portage Valley RV Park; come to find out it was the same placed I called. We are dry camped, because they have everything else taken/reserved.

I tried to setup the satellite, but the mountain is in the way.

We watched Nanny McPhee – What a neat movie

Camp Location:
N 60 48.175, W 148 56.000 – Portage Valley RV Park - Portage Alaska

Big Animal Report:
4 - Caribou

Attractions:
Denali Visitor Center

2007/07/05 – Thursday – Fun Ride

We slept in today. We said our good byes and left about 10:00.

We did stop at Petco and exchanged one item that we got and Cheryl went into Barns & Noble.

We stopped for gas and headed on down the road.

We stopped at Rainbow Village, I checked on a RV space, but none was available, the gal phone two other RV location and we found a place, back about 6 miles back to the north, so I went back the way we came and we got one night stay.

I unloaded the van and we headed back down to Rainbow Village to get a late lunch early dinner and some shopping.

We headed on over to the helicopter location and waited for our time depart.

What a neat flight, we all had a blast riding in the RV landing and walking on the glacier. It was raining while we were walking around, but we all had a good time.

When we got back, I loaded the van and then worked on getting my magnet mount lights to work on the van bumpers.

I also found one of the value stem extension about ready to have leak, so I changed that.

Camp Location:
N 63 49.263, W 148 59.228 – Denali RV Park – (North of Denali Park Entrance) - Alaska

Big Animal Report:
1 – Moose from Helicopter
A lot of Sheep from the Helicopter

Attractions:
Helicopter ride
Walking on a Glacier

2007/07/04 – Wednesday – LONG Ride - Arctic Circle

We got up at 4:45 and started to get ready, we left and got to the excursion place at 5:45, after dropping the dogs at our friends’ work place.

We started about 15 minutes early on our ride to the Arctic Circle.

Our first stop was at Joy. Next stop was at the Yukon River crossing for Lunch

We stopped along the pipeline and we took some picture by it.

We stopped at a location called Thumbs Up and explored around the rocks.

We then finally made it to the Arctic Circle. We all took pictures. The guide (Mary) put down a rug to mark the line for the Arctic Circle and we all walked across it. Mary even gave all of us some cake and whipped cream (she called it something like muck and frost)

On the way back, from the Circle Mary found a place so she could show us the Tundra and the Perma Frost.

When we were about ready to get dinner, a car that passed us broke one of the back windows in the bus. Mary got a piece of cardboard and covered the window and I helped her tape the outside up.

We then ate dinner at the same location as lunch at the Yukon River crossing.

We then again stopped at Joy for another break

At different times Mary would show a video of different aspects of Alaska, Pipeline, and road building.

At the end of the trip we all got a certificate that we crossed the Arctic Circle.

We picked up the dogs and got back to the RV at 11:30

Camp Location:
Same as yesterday - N 64 53.500, W 147 27.500 – R&P place near Fairbanks Alaska

Big Animal Report:
1 - Moose

Attractions:
Arctic Circle

2007/07/03 – Tuesday- Around Town

O I could have killed the dogs – more like Turquoise this morning, he woke me up at 4:30 in the morning, I think he saw daylight so he thought it was time to get up.

We did sleep in a little bit before doing things around town.

The first thing when we went into town was to go find the location where we need to be for the excursion tomorrow.

We then dropped the dogs off at our friends’ work place and we headed out to our first attraction.

We finally found the Pioneer Park; First thing we did was to find the square dance hall, well we will miss the square dance opportunity because we all ready have plans for dinner tonight. After walking around we went into the air museum and walked around that. Next was the train museum, but we missed the opportunity to ride the train around the compound. We finished the park by walking around all the little businesses.

We ate lunch at small family style restaurant.

We found the Museum of the North. What a neat museum, it had a great audio that you could rent and read all the information. But the biggest problem today was that they had the place VERY cold! So we rushed to on getting out of there.

We went shopping at Petco, Home Depot, and Fred Myers

We got the dogs and headed back to R&P so we could get ready for dinner.

They took us to Two Rivers. Nice place. I think the place has about three different menus depending on what area of the builder you are setting at – bar area, out side, and then main area. The food was good and I am glad we went; also it allowed more time enjoying R&P company.

Returning to the house R & I worked on the trailer cutting the wood that I got to fix the wood on the trailer that the tire was breaking.

We got to sleep about midnight even though we need to get up about 4:45.

Camp Location:
Same as yesterday - N 64 53.500, W 147 27.500 – R&P place near Fairbanks Alaska

Big Animal Report:
None

Attractions:
Pioneer Park
Air Museum (in Pioneer Park)
University of Alaska Museum of the North

2007/07/02 – Monday - Santa House and Fine Dinning

We left camp at 9:00.

Our first stop was back down the road at the “End of the Alaska Highway” to take some pictures at the Delta Junction Visitor Center.

We made it to North Pole Alaska. We stopped at the visitor center and then went to the Santa Claus House to do some shopping. A note on the Santa chair stated that he takes a break on Mondays and Tuesdays – so no Santa today. Of course we spent too much money but we did get some cool stuff.

I made a phone call to our friend R&P E, after getting lost, R guided us to where he works, after some talking, we then followed R to his house so I could set up the RV and unload the van.

I made some phone calls and I have booked us the Artic Circle excursion – The first trip I tried to book was a plane flight and drive back, but none was available, so we are taking the ride up and back – ~18 hour trip on a bus. The trip starts at 6:30AM

R&P took out for dinner at the Pump House – wow fancy place or should I say expensive, because we sure did not dress fancy. The place has good food, we had a good time and I have to really thank R&P for treating us to dinner!!!

It has been warm here, we slept with all the windows open, and it was 81 degrees at 11:00 PM with the sun still being up.

The sunsets at 1:35 AM and rises at 4:12 AM

Camp Location:
N 64 53.500, W 147 27.500 – R&P place near Fairbanks Alaska

Big Animal Report:
1 - Moose

Attractions:
Delta Junction Visitor Center
North Pole Visitor Center
Santa House
Pump House

2007/07/01 – Sunday - Rough

We left camp at 9:00

Today was nothing but driving – Slow and then fast then slow then fast.

The road was rough; we had to slow down in a lot of places! A few of the “heaves” made us almost jump out of our seats!

We had lunch at a location called “Dry Creek 2”

We got gas at Beaver Creek

We crossed into Alaska – We finally made it!

We did not stop in Delta Junction and we pressed on to Delta Junction. We got gas and propane in Delta Junction

We are stopped for the night in Delta Junction at Smith Green Acres RV Park

When I walked around the trailer I noticed that the driver rear tire of the Van has cracked trough the wood on the trailer – So now I will need to get that fixed in Fairbanks.

Mom and I will be doing the laundry tonight.

The kids for some reason cannot get online for school – so Cheryl will make a call tomorrow to find out what is happening with the account.

We also watched a movie tonight – Mr & Mrs Smith

Also during the day, both driver side trailer tires would not respond correctly; I am glad I did not change the tire – I guess I will wait until Oregon to have the dealer fix the issue.

Camp Location:
N 64 03.943, W 145 44.497 – Delta Junction, Alaska – Smith Green Acers RV Park.

Big Animal Report:
Bunny rabbet

Attractions:
None
Frost Heaves ride in the RV

2007/06/30 – Saturday – Broken

We left camp at 8:45. Cheryl and Amanda stay asleep awhile, while I drove down the road.

One the way to Whitehorse, Cheryl told me that the back window was shattered. I pulled over to see what we could do. It was determined that currently, nothing.

Approaching Whitehorse, I stopped at an RV Service place, but they are closed for Canada Day Weekend.

When we arrived in Whitehorse, we did some shopping. First we ate lunch at A&W. I then I gassed up the RV. We needed some grocery items, so a stop at Canada Super Store.

I have a roll of clear tap, so we tapped both sides of the window and hopefully we can get it fixed in Fairbanks.

A Wal*Mart stop was need for Amanda to get a knee brace, and then Cheryl needed her fix at Starbucks.

We did not get out of Whitehorse until 3:00.

Drive side rear trailer tire sensor is not report properly. I think the sensor broke away from the strap that was holding it. The sensor will respond about every ½ hour, but I should be getting a reading about every 2 to 5 minutes.

We pulled into Hanes Junction at 4:45 so it was time to camp. We are camped at Kluane R.V. Kampground which has free wi-fi.

Amanda BBQ bacon wraped turkey and pork chops and Cheryl made the rest – garlic cheddar mashed potatoes and breaded fried eggplant. And Eric said it is GOOD!

We watched a movie tonight – dam tear jerker – Bridge to Terabithia

I guess I didn’t change the trailer tire; I will wait awhile before doing it.

Camp Location:
N 60 45.122, W 137 31.268 – Kluane R.V. Kampground – Haines Junction, Yukon Canada

Big Animal Report:
NONE

Attractions:
Shopping at Canada Super Store, Wal*Mart, and Starbucks

2007/06/29 – Friday – Animals and Signs

We left at 9:00 – another good start…

About 10:30 we stopped at Liard Hot Springs – It was really nice and hot. None of us made it to the hottest part of the springs. We stayed in the water for about 45 minutes. After returning to the RV, we ate lunch.

Next stop is at Watson Lake. First thing to do was get gas. We then stopped at Northern Lights Centre and we stopped just in time to watch the hour show. We then went over to the sign post forest and did a quick walk around.

It was still to early for me to stop for the night so, we continued on for another two hours.

We stopped on Rancheria, Yukon for the night, also got gas, and we went into the little restaurant for dinner.

It took a little longer trying to get the satellite but finally I was successful on getting aimed.

Eric and Amanda did some schoolwork.

Camp Location:
N 58 50.776, W 125 13.863 – Rancheria, Yukon, Canada

Big Animal Report:
2-mule deer
10-stone sheep all together where standing beside the road
2-stone sheep off to the side of the road one had a good pair of horns
5-buffalo
10 buffalo and 3 calf-all herding together in a pack right off the side of the road
30+ buffalo with several babies including two that walked in front of us

Attractions:
Liard Hot Springs
Northern Lights Centre
Watson Lake Sign Forest

2007/06/28 – Thursday – Drive, Gas, & Lake

We left early today – 8:35, so we went into Dawson to go find the other mile zero post. I was able to park really close to it and get pictures of it. A friendly couple took Eric and my picture standing in front of it.

We had to stop in one of the road construction place for about 15 minutes waiting for a pilot car.

Our next stop was for gas at and lunch stop at Pink Mountain.

I had to hit the breaks hard to avoid a dear running across the road.

The next stop was at Fort Nelson for Gas.

According to Street Atlas, it was time to stop for the day, but it was only 3:00 so we continued on to drive.

We made it to Toad for gas and our night stop as well as dinner.

Our back window looks upon a beaver lake. Between doing laundry and walking the dogs, we say several animals.

Both kids worked on the schoolwork.

Camp Location:
N 58 50.776, W 125 13.863 – Toad, British Columbia, Canada

Big Animal Report:
6 – Dear
1 – Elk
1 – Stone Sheep
2 – Beavers
1 – Otter
5 - Moose

Attractions:
None (unless you want to look at all the hats in the store/restaurant/office at Toad)

2007/06/27 – Wednesday – Animals and Rain.

We left camp at 9:02 – right on time.

As you can see in the animal report (below) we say several animals along our drive out of Jasper National Park.

We got gas at Jasper.

We got lunch at Subway and gas at Grande Cache – A small town up on the side of a hill. The road climbs high to get into town, and then when you leave you go down a steep hill.

It was a hilly drive to get to Dawson.

When we got into Dawson, it was thundering and lightening.

We got some pictures at mile marker 0 of the Alaska Highway (in the rain)

Once we found a campground that could take us, we went into town to get gas and dinner. This allowed enough time for the rain storm to pass, so we could setup camp not in the rain.

Very nice sunset tonight

Camp Location:
N 55 45.923, W 120.15.667 – Dawson, British Columbia, Canada

Big Animal Report:
- elk cow wanted to cross the road, changed her mind as several cars and two motorcycles came by
- another cow cross road a little in front of us
- driver’side 2 doe’s grazing
- black bear going into Jasper
- 4 cow right hand side in trees. 4 more about 10 yards further up
- 1 goat right beside the road
- 4 bulls
- 6 goats on left side, 2 on right – 1 was a baby
- 2 deer – 1 doe, 1 buck

Attractions:
Mile Marker Zero of the Alaska Highway

2007/06/26 – Tuesday – High, Cold, and Remote

The day started when the alarm went off at 7:30. While I was getting things ready, I also checked the tire pressure on all tires, so all will be good on the tires.

We left at 9:00 and we headed towards Banff

We turned off the highway into Banff, while driving through town (with all of its construction). I found a sign for a Gondola Ride, so I made the drive up the hill and finally found a parking place for the RV and trailer (on the upper lot).

We went to the top and looked around, we also ate lunch at the top.

The next stop was at the Columbia Icefield to explore the Athabasca Glacier. What a drive to the top of the pass, at one point I was down to 25 mph climbing the hill.

We did the “Brewster Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience”. We got one of the last trips to the ice. When we got the chance to get out of the BIG buss, we where standing on about 1000 feet of ice.

After returning to the RV, it was late, so I found the next campground. I tired to get into a spot but it was way to small and I tagged the RV on a tree (no damage – just a little sap was left on the RV). Then I found another site where I could fit, so I was able to back into it. I had to use two 4x4 on the passenger front, one on the driver side, and one on the rear passenger side to get the RV leveled off (of course also using the leveler jacks).

But we did not have Internet because of the trees all around us; But a very nice camp location with the Jonas Creek running next to it – even with all the mosquitoes.

We did watch one of the many movies we brought along – so far the batteries are doing good!

Camp Location:
N 52 25.033, W 117 23.706 – Jasper National Park – Jonas Creek

Big Animal Sightings:
1 – Brown Bear (In Banff National Park)
2 – Black Bear (In Banff National Park)
1 - Deer (In Jasper National Park)
several big horn sheet on the excursion (in Jasper)

Attractions:
Gondola Ride (In Banff)
Glacier Experience (In Jasper National Park)

2007/06/25 – Monday – Got Mom and Rain

We got up early today – We left camp at 7:30 (normally this would be wake time not leave time).

We got gas at Flying J’s in Great Falls, MT. And it started to rain there and it was COLD.

I called Mom M about 11:35 and she was already at the station. Dam I am late, and was 24 minutes out. I thought I was going to beat her there. As I was driving over the bridge (over the railroad tracks), I could see her down there so I honked and she waved back.

We left Shelby, and headed for the boarder. Getting gas at the boarder was interesting. The gas station where I got gas has no attendant, no body in the builder, but at least it accepted the credit card.

We went on over to the visitor center to eat lunch, since we could not find a restaurant to eat at.

Crossing the boarder, we had to go into the builder to get cleared to enter Canada. I had to show all the birth certificates – Dam I don’t have Eric’s. They allowed us entry into Canada – hurray. As we were leaving the builder it was hailing – Wow COLD! (Mom said it wasn’t).

We made it to Lethbridge. Trying to find a bank that would accept our card was hard, we stopped at two different banks. I was given directions for a possible success. Cheryl had to jump out the RV, because there was no place remotely close where I could park the RV and trailer, so I went around the block waiting for her – I only had to drive around once. And she was successful at getting cash.

On the drive to Vulcan, it started to thundering, lighting and raining. We arrived and I got gas, then headed on over the to the visitor center – not that big of one, it is there. We got a patch for mom and post card for Cheryl to send back to a co-worker. We also did a game that Eric, Amanda, and myself did that was ok, but for $10.00, it am not sure it was worth it. But we did have a little fun with it.

Amanda and Mom looked on the computer for a campground, so our next stop was for the night. We stopped near Calgary, out of the rain – hurray.

I unloaded the Van and we headed on into a Wal*Mart to get some stuff like jackets that we forgot to bring along and to get dinner.

All in all a good day of travel.

2007/06/24 – Sunday – Nice Drive

We got on the road by 8:00.

We stopped at a Flying J’s in Blackfoot for gas and lunch.

We stopped at Flying J’s in Butte for gas.

We then made it the KOA in Butte.

While setting things up; I discovered that the reason the generator was not producing power is because it got unplugged when we had the flat tire. So we are ok with that aspect of things. I did go a buy a new sewer hose to replace the hose that got crushed when the tire exploded on the driver side.

Amanda and Cheryl made dinner. Eric and I walked the dogs.

I swear I am getting faster and faster at setting up the satellite.

Cheryl worked on her computer, Eric did a class assignment on a laptop, and Amanda and I worked on the getting some more stuff printed. The items being printed is like a treasure hunting for them to find things as we are driving down the road.

I did talk to Mom M and made sure what time we have to pick her up in Shelby.

2007/06/23 – Saturday – Drive from Hell

We started the day at 8:15, before leaving, we went into the casino for breakfast.

First stop for the day was at Flying J’s in North Las Vegas. After crossing into Arizona, we changed our clock ahead one hour into Mountain Time Zone.

Next stop was another Flying J’s in Saint Gorge for more gas and Lunch.

We have passed I70 turn off, we passed a really bad accident and they were still working on a person. By the skid marks you could see that the SUV lost control of the trailer and rolled both.

About hour before our next gas stop. All of a sudden we had the driver rear inside duly explode. I pulled over to the shoulder quickly to check out the damage. Well I was not going to change the tire on the side that had traffic pass by so close, so I drove really really slow to the next off ramp and pulled in to the big parking area so we could work on it.

The damage: Flat Tire, Crushed box around the waste container (black tank), Generator not working, a sewer hose being an item that was crushed, part of the generator exhaust.

The next stop was at another Flying J’s in Nephi.

At a mile before out next gas stop; All of a sudden we had the passenger rear inside duly pop (it didn’t exploded – it just made a very loud pop noise). Again I pulled over really quickly to check the damage. The outside tire was ok, so we were only 1 mile away from our next gas stop and the next off ramp (I just passed one). So again on the shoulder driving very slowly all the way to the Flying J’s

We changed the tire and on a good note, we only had the tire damage, no damage to the RV.

After changing the tire and getting gas, we were on the road again.

As we were approaching the campground, I discovered that it is no longer there, but the kids really wanted to go to the Mayan restaurant. So I thought screw it and lets see how late they are open.

I pulled into a lot across the street that could accommodate me. I noticed a guy coming out of the business and I asked where I could get tires on a Sunday and where I could park for the night. He said not sure about the tires, but he stated that I could park in his lot for the night.

I moved the RV into auto repair lot and we walked across the street to got eat food.

I did setup the satellite dish. Cheryl did some searches for business that are open on Sundays so we could get two new tires. She found a 24-hour service, so I called and the guy came out to replace both tires.

We were about 3 hours delayed over both tires and very tired. I sure hope tomorrow will bring a better day!

2007/06/22 – Friday – Drive Late

Lunch was with a friend to the Italian place on the diagonal. I did show off the new van to a few friends after work.

Cheryl made it home before I did, so she was able to start before I did.

We finally got on the road, but had to return to get a few things that we forgot, luckily we had not got onto the freeway yet, so the detour was a big deal.

We stop at Flying J’s, fueled up, and weighed the RV – 23000lbs

We got into Jean about 1:18AM

2007/06/21 – Thursday – One more day

Lunch was with my buddy to the bar for lunch.

Cheryl took Amanda to the youth group.

We did put more stuff into the RV. Tomorrow will be very hectic and I will post tomorrow entry on Saturday night, because we will not have any internet at our Friday night stop.

2007/06/19 – Tuesday – Pets and Shopping

Lunch, well my buddy had a late meeting, so he told right before his meeting – no 24 hour notice – hmmm. I went home to get the paper work, ate some lunch, and then headed on over the insurance agents place. I got the van added to the policy and the Prius taken off. I also increased the coverage based on his recommendation. I still need to think about the personal accident policy.

After work, a co-worker that has the same type of scooter like I have, helped me start taking apart the scooter to find out what is wrong. The circuit board has burned marks. After connecting the battery back up, we saw more sparks. So now we removed the circuit board, we tried to connect the battery direct to the motor and then we started to smoke the battery. So I think the motor is toast! Tomorrow we will look at the motor.

When Cheryl got home, we all went to the vet’s with the three dogs and the two cats. They got their shots and I have the necessary paper work for the animals for our trip.

After dropping off the animals, it was time for grocery shopping; with a quick stop at Del Taco for dinner. Mom did call to ask a question.

We put away all the RV stuff and now it was time for bed!

2007/06/18 – Monday – Getting more things ready

Lunch was with my buddy at the crazy chicken place and then over to Radio Shack. I got a splitter, but now thinking about it I need to get two more.

On the way home, my scooter started to come to a stop and start smoking. So I had to walk the remaining distance home, but when I got closer to the house a neighbor gave me a ride – very nice. The scooter was getting heavy so I was glad to have the ride.

I started to work on cleaning up the RV from the mess that I made from the prior two days.

The junk door is toast! – So this trip we will not have a junk door, so I had to find locations for all the stuff.

It took way longer then I expected, but the RV really looks nice now. So tomorrow we start to put more things in for the trip.

Cheryl and the kids did some shopping – book store and a craft store.

2007/06/17 – Sunday – Busy Again

We got up around 10.

Cheryl and Amanda got ready for the Croakers Club dance.

I started to work on the RV with the help from Eric most of the time.
- Replace both marker lights.
- Replace the passenger side taillight on the trailer.
- Put a 12V connection on my side of the bed
- Put a 12V connection on Cheryl side of the bed
- While I was working on the 12V connection I broke part of the bed – So I had to fix that.
- Now, trying to put a 12V connection for the kitchen area.
- My first attempt – I connected to a pair of wires that did not have power.
- Finally I was able to put a wire from on side to the other.
- The connection is a dedicated connection from the fuse panel.
- The junk drawer is in total disassemble.

Cheryl made it home, as well as CJ to spend some time with us.

We had friends (L.S. and L Mom) over and we compared vans – the friend’s mom got a new van a few days ago also – so we had to do the “comparing” to see which has better options. And why we paid more, well we got more options!

Cheryl ordered pizza for the whole group.

I finished the Laundry for the week.

2007/06/16 – Saturday – Busy!

We all got up fairly early – 8:00. First thing was we need to get the dogs (Zircon and turquoise) to the groomers. One the way over to drop off Cheryl and Amanda we stopped at Starbuck for their drinks (I don’t care for their drinks).

Once Cheryl and Amanda was drop off and the nail place, I went back over to the Toyota dealer to drop off the pink slip for the Prius, and to pick up the wireless headphones and remote for the DVD entertainment system and the remaining door key. The items were found and given to us without any problems.

The next stop was at Radio Shack to help in getting the XM radio connected to the van radio – and cable and some double sided tape.

Once, back at the house, I worked on putting stuff away in the van. I started to work on putting the XM radio in the van. I put the outside antenna on, ran the wire – looks like a pro did the job. I used tat double sided tape to hold the mount and then used the cable to connect the XM radio to the supplied AUX connection. I also showed the van off to a neighbor.
The Gardner was here this morning also, so I went ahead a paid him for the last three times. When it parked the RV this last time, I did not leave the Gardner enough room to get the lawn mower, so I had to help in get over the trailer so he could cut the backyard grass.

I finally got the call from Cheryl (Amanda), so off Eric and I to go pick them up.

The next location was lunch then Camping World. O man spent WAY TO MUCH!!!

While Eric and I started putting things way, Amanda and Cheryl got ready for a Square Dance Invitation.

Eric and I, put things away, I put the new DVD Player in (run purely on 12V, no inverter needed), replaced the broken cup holder, put the shoe hold in place, put the air mattress up and make the bed, put together the new BBQ, put the new vent cover on, and few other things.

Cheryl of course drove the van to the SQ Dance and took Mom D and boyfriend. While they were gone, I continued to work on the item listed above; I also worked on some readying of blogs.

Cheryl and Amanda got home about midnight, She still need to take CJ home, but wanted to drop off Mom D and boyfriend first. She did ask if I wanted to come along, so I did. But before heading to drop off CJ, we stopped at McD and get a midnight snack! The kids (Amanda and CJ) enjoyed the move and Cheryl and enjoyed the drive in the new van.

We finally called it quits and got into bed about 1:00 am.

2007/06/15 – Friday – New

I got stood up again by my buddy, so lunch was with a friend over to the Italian place on Candlewood.

Well, looked like we are going the new car route. The Prius needs $6,000 to fix it and it is a 5-year-old car, first style model. I think it was burning a little oil and we don’t know what else might be going wrong, and the price to fix it…

Cheryl picked me up and we headed on over to the Toyota Dealer. A sales person took us to one of their van. He showed us a Sienna 07 with ALL the options. We did a little negotiation and then it was off to the finance. There the month price went up a little bit more, but we got the security system, Low Jack, and the 6-year/100,000 mile warranty. WOW, we got a VERY NICE vehicle!

Once we got the keys, they brought out our (no now theirs) Prius over so we could transfer all of the stuff out of it and into the van.

We did do some driving around, Mom D wanted to see it, and we still haven’t gotten dinner, so we drove around a little…

We got back home about 10:30. I worked on emptying the van out of all the stuff from the Prius. I did a quick read of the manual for the van. Some really cool things! I then started to put some of the stuff back into the van into appropriate locations.

Now its 12:30 and I need to go to bed. – Later…

2007/06/14 – Thursday – Expensive

Lunch was by myself; my buddy did something else, so off to crazy chicken.

I got a call from the dealer about the status of the Prius. The current price to fix the “trans axle” (the transmission) is $6,500. A few more phone calls and discussion about what the trade-in value and or fixing the car. One of the sales person called me back and offered me $5000 for trade in, so that sounds good enough, so we will buy a new car.
Tomorrow we will be car shopping! Great a car payment again! Cheryl has been doing a lot of searching on the different models of Toyotas.

Cheryl took Amanda to the youth group.

I tried to work on a laptop, but my CD is not working.

2007/06/13 – Wednesday – Car troubles

Lunch was with the group of co-workers to celebrate the June Birthdays at Chiles

Cheryl and Amanda went to CJ Graduation.

I took the Prius over to the dealer to find out what the noise is when we decelerate at about 40 to 55 mph. The noise sounds like the tranny has no oil. I then had to wait about an hour and half before a shuttle was MADE available to take me home.

When I got home finally, the dogs need food, so off to the store to get dog food.

Sense the Prius is in the shop, I needed to get the Jeep ready so Cheryl has something to drive to work. So I had to clean it out – put away all the offroad stuff and fill it up with gas.

I finished the laundry – the only thing left is tomorrow is take the towels out and put them away…

I did work on the route, and put them into PDF format, so that they can be printed. The “Trip Sheet” is for the kids to keep track of our progress and they seem to really like them in the past.

2007/06/12 – Tuesday – Eric Church

I was once again stood up, so I went to lunch by myself over at Quizno’s.

I took Eric to the youth group tonight. I sat waiting.

Cheryl and Amanda went for a walk to Subway for their dinner.

I worked on the laundry again. I will have two more loads for tomorrow.

2007/06/11 – Monday – Tired

Lunch was changed, I had a late meeting, so I went with a friend to a new buffet down the road.

I relaxed today. I am tired; I guess staying up late doesn’t help.

I tried to do laundry, but only finished the second load of whites, still have about 3 or 5 more loads to do!

2007/06/10 – Sunday – More Prep Work

Well got a little more sleep, but was up by 10:00. The kids where not up yet, Eric did not get up until 10:30 – WOW REALLY late for him. Hopefully he is not coming down with anything… Of course Amanda didn’t get up until 1:00.

I worked on putting the car base for the XM radio into the RV. I was able to run the antenna from the vent cover all the way to the radio – with most of it hided.

Next item was to work on getting 12-volt connection in the front that is connected to the battery with better cables. First stop – Radio Shack.

I got the connection hard fixed and ready to go, but I don’t have any wire that would handle the power, So the second stop – Home Depot for thick wire.

I finally finished the 12-volt connection and all looks good now.

One of the few items on the check sheet before vacation starts….

2007/06/09 – Saturday – Start getting ready

Well we got home about 3:00 in the morning and – no we did not stop to get anything to eat.

I had several interruptions until I finally got up to start my day at 11:00 pm. I had lunch at noon.

Called, Circuit City about the stuff I should have, but still not the same answer – should be on the next truck. After complaining I left my number hopefully I will get a better answer when they call back.

I started on laundry

I started to work on putting things into the RV. Made the beds and couches. Fixed the cabinet (next to the door).

I got the call from Circuit City that the items could be pick up some 38 miles away. So I said sure I waited enough time and I wanted my stuff….

Cheryl and I went for the drive, after picking up the items, we stopped by Fry’s, but only got a few items. We then also stopped for dinner (brought it back to house).

Well, the laundry never did get finished – only one load was put in the dryer, but not put away – I guess I got a lot to do tomorrow.

2007/06/08 – Friday – Setting and Waiting

Lunch as a quick trip to the bank, but didn’t get what I wanted. Once returned to the office, a quick walk over to Quizno’s again for a sub.

Once Cheryl and I got home, we took the kids and Marble over to moms while Cheryl and I go and sit with our friend in a hospital for our friend’s mom.

Now its between 1 and 2 in the morning and we still have not had dinner so when we leave we will get something and try to get some sleep…

2007/06/07 – Thursday – Church

Lunch was a trip to the Ford dealer to pick up the RV – It is done. I had to pay for deductible for the tranny work and for the oil change. After bringing back the RV to work, I walked over to Quizno’s for a sandwich to go.

Cheryl took Amanda to the youth church group tonight.

I worked on a few item for the Square Dance Convention

2007/06/06 – Wednesday – Meeting Again?

I have a early morning dentist appointment, I got the broken tooth fixed.

Lunch was a trip to pick up the trailer. After picking up the trail we returned to work and headed on over to Quizno’s and I had a bowl of chicken noodle soup

Cheryl said I should go to the Dawgs Meeting, so when she got home I left for the meeting. I took about 1:15 minutes but at least I was at the meeting.

While I was at the meeting Cheryl and Eric went to McDonalds for a walk / dinner.

2007/06/05 – Tuesday – Meeting

Lunch was with the two tutors and a friend to Quizno’s – So I was in class all day today at work.

I got home later then I expected, but I only made it home only about a min before Cheryl did.

We got ready and headed off to the Dirt Devils meeting. Good meeting.

2007/06/04 – Monday – Trailer

Lunch was a trip with the Jeep and trailer to drop the trailer off at an RV service center. I am getting the trailer bearings and breaks done – they have not been touched for the last three years… After dropping the trailer off, my buddy and I stop at Carl’s Jr for lunch.

Cheryl and Amanda went for a walk, while I went to the store to get some items that we were out of.

I worked on laundry, but I have a long way to go most likely will not finished until Thursday.

2007/06/03 – Sunday – Work and Relax

After getting up late, Eric and I worked on the woodpile that I created from all the old wood furniture. So now it is all neatly cut piled by the fence waiting for the next time I need wood for a fire.

I worked on the laundry all day. I finally got all the RV stuff done, but now I am way behind on the regular clothing.

I did work on the vacation trip planning. And updated the travel journal – getting ready for the trip.

We did not turn on the TV all day. We listen to the XM radio, so that help in making it nice and relaxing work on things.

2007/06/02 – Saturday – Work & Play

Cheryl and Amanda went and got their hair done.

I worked on the computer a little.

I then talked with two different neighbors. When Cheryl finally came home (with lunch) I finally came home and at lunch.

I worked on the wood – cut it up into the appropriate size. I had to stop so I could get ready for your evening out.

We went to a dinner theater and watched Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, our family, mom Delp and boy friend, Mom Delp sister. We all had a good time.

I then worked on all the computers to remove a BOINC project that was causing problems on all the machines.

2007/06/01 – Friday – Relax

Lunch was by myself over to Quizno’s

When I got home I was sat down on the couch and I guess I took a nap for about ½ hour.

I did work on my desk some more.

Cheryl and I finally found how to get the com port to show in XP in the control panel under hardware. Now Cheryl and do her sync for her palm and assign the correct com port for it.

2007/05/31 – Thursday – Special Day

Lunch was with a group of friends (4) and we went to a place next to Trader Joes.

A friend came over to join us for dinner to celebrate. We went to Islands…

2007/05/30 – Wednesday – Clean Up

Lunch, we my buddy didn’t make it to work, so I thought I was going to be on my own, but a friend showed up in the elevator lobby and we went to the Pantry.

I started to work on the desk. I am down to one stack again. The stack of paper work is no longer blocking the monitor.

Still doing laundry – looks like I have about two more days of laundry at this rate.

2007/05/29 – Tuesday – RV Service?

Lunch was a trip with the RV to the Ford dealer. My buddy followed me in his Jeep so I had a way to get back to work.

After about ½ hour talk and researching service records, the transmission will most likely not be covered under the Ford warranty. But I did find the extended warranty, so it might be covered – hopefully.

After the Ford dealer he took me over to pay my water bill and then head no over to get a really quick lunch (on the go) from Arbys.

I worked on the all the stuff we took out of the RV and placed them in places so they are not in the way. While I was doing that, I also worked some more on the launder from the RV.

2007/05/28 – Monday – Drive Home

Well, it took a while for us to tear down camp. T helped me take down the wind generator, and we had everything else done about 10:00. T,D,&E left and we stayed to help tear down the Café.

We finally left about Noon, and I found out that G.H. was at flying J with a problem. I stopped emptied my tanks and went to help G.

G. has a radiator which is leaking. She bought some radiator stop leak, and I never did see hear so hopefully she made it home with out any further problems.

I noticed that a new truck was near Flying J so I went and got the RV washed. I not sure if I will go back it coast way more then Three Sisters did in the past.

The traffic was not good it was slow from the halfway point between Barstow and Victorville all the way down the pass.

I did pull off to take route 66 down the pass. I knew Cheryl needed to stop. I noticed the RV was smoking, O man, the RV was dripping tranny fluids.

We make it to the gas station at home and I was still dripping tranny fluid.

When I was backing up the RV into the driveway the tranny was slipping, so now I know I was very low on fluids.

We unloaded the RV and now the laundry room is pilled high with all the stuff from the RV.

So I started the laundry and went to bed.

2007/05/27 – Sunday – Games & Raffle

Today is the HDR game day.

I took T & D up to the games so they could see what type of games we do. No, I did not take the jeep up so would not break the Jeep.

After the games we went and watched the kids games, which most of them mimic what the adults do.

Before the dinner and the big raffle, I noticed an ambulance was approaching HDR camp, but turned off. So I grabbed the event First Aid guy and we walked over where the ambulance had stopped to check things out. – Get this - This is a boy thing!!!

Take a board, put it on another board like an x (so you have a teeter tooter). On one end put a rock on it now on the other end it, jump on it – well the rock went slamming onto the boys’ head! – One big shiner and 5 stitches.

The raffle started late, but was over within a reasonable time. I did win one raffle item, but I cannot use the item, it for a TJ, not a XJ.

After the raffle Cheryl and I stayed up and talked until after 1:00 in the morning.

2007/05/26 – Saturday – Sick but Jeeping

I got up about 7 and about 15 minutes latter I was empting my stomach. That wine and the mixing of baileys made me sick!!!

I still managed to get to the trail line up to get my group going. The Blue Moon run had about 20 vehicles. Amanda and friend E., T also joins me for the day.

On the biggest hill climb, I did have one vehicle not have a real 4x4 that I like to know. It does not have a transfer case (t-case), so he could not put the t-case into a low range like most standard 4x4s. So I had to back him down and he was able to go around the morning hill climbs. After lunch he went into town, because the hill climbs in the after noon has no go a rounds.

Most of the runs for HDR got back between 2 and 4 for a good run for most.

HDR did have one serious problem – we had a roll over. He rolled the vehicle about three times backwards. The driver ok, but the passenger was air lifted.

That evening, we had the Best Equipped Game. We only had two teams this year, but it was very close. But the Dirt Devils didn’t win this year, the other team did by pulling the winch cable all the way across the finish line.

T. had gotten sick in the afternoon, so he to a early night.

Time was for my night run I had about 20 vehicles, I did have to request and volunteer for a tail gunner. I had Amanda, and two of her friends E. and Twitch, Also I had D join me for the night run. We left about 15 minutes after the game. I had one problem that was resolved quickly on the up hill part of the trail, but on the down hill part, it required a tug from my tail gunner and we were moving again. I got the group back buy midnight.

When we got back the placed was dark so off to bed.

2007/05/25 – Friday – Bad Feeling

Got a little extra sleep, because I didn’t get to sleep until late last night.

Once up, I got with D.H. to go get some coordinates for the GPS hunt. Had a good time getting the info. Back at camp I got all the info into the computer and printed the sheets out – Yes, I did take the printer with us, but it take a little bit to get it connected to a different network.

All the time during the day, I had several friends asked where the Dirt Devils was camped at, so of course I pointed or took them over to them.

We also had our friends T&D C. come out and camp with us for the weekend.

Later that day, I opened the big bottle of wine and T and I had a glass of wine. But the wine had a very strong smell and the taste was very strong. I could not do another glass, so I drank some other stuff that Cheryl had – Bialys.


I got to bed late – about 1:00 in the morning….

2007/05/24 – Thursday – Go

Lunch was with my buddy plus two friends over to the burrito place by IHOP

When I got home I started to get things torn down – like the Satellite, the wind generator.

Amanda and I finally left a little after 7:00. We were off for HDR near Barstow.

I thought it was interesting to she how much Amanda interacted with me about the GPS software (Street Atlas and Topo).

All three dogs did fine on the travel up. The cats are still not happy about the pup so the hiss at him a lot.

We made into camp finally about 10:30 – I did not get everything setup until 12:30, I did not expect two hours to set everything up. It 1:36 in the morning and I am typing this…

2007/05/23 – Wednesday – Theater

Work was a little different today I had CPR, First Aid, and Defibulator device training, so lunch was graciosity given to us – Quizno’s

When Cheryl got home, we left for Amanda orthodontist appointment.

After the appointment, we then headed for the Glendale Theater to watch Hello Dolly.

2007/05/22 – Tuesday – Prep Work.

Lunch, I was on my own; so I went home Amanda was having lunch also.

When I got home I started work on trying to finish the wind generator. I did have to make a trip to Home Depot to get bigger twist nuts. When I was trying to put the generator on the pole, I had to come up with a way so the wires would not pull out of the twist nuts. So a little extra tape and that seemed to work.

The problem is I cannot test the generator because we do not have enough wind to turn the blades. I did see the blades move a little bit, but only for about 5 seconds. So I guess the big test will be out at our next adventure.
ALunch, I was on my own; so I went home Amanda was having lunch also.

When I got home I started work on trying to finish the wind generator. I did have to make a trip to Home Depot to get bigger twist nuts. When I was trying to put the generator on the pole, I had to come up with a way so the wires would not pull out of the twist nuts. So a little extra tape and that seemed to work.

The problem is I cannot test the generator because we do not have enough wind to turn the blades. I did see the blades move a little bit, but only for about 5 seconds. So I guess the big test will be out at our next adventure.

Cheryl did go to the store to get ready for this weekend.

The pup only had one accident tonight so a little better. But he sure does not like being on the leash, he was slinking, so he needs a lot more work.

I also worked on the remaining laundry, now I just need to put away the whites (the last load)

I paid several bills, but did not get far on the desk.
Cheryl did go to the store to get ready for this weekend.

The pup only had one accident tonight so a little better. But he sure does not like being on the leash, he was slinking, so he needs a lot more work.

I paid several bills, but did not get far on the desk.

2007/05/21 – Monday – Errands

Lunch was with a buddy and a friend over at the old Quizno place near Ralphs.

I left work and headed for the RV shop to find supplies for the wind generator wiring.
Well they did not have any connectors that were 8-gage, I stopped at Napa, and neither did they.

The next stop was at Home Depot. I got two sets of connectors (way to big for what I needed, but what will handle the 30 amps.)

I got home and started working on the wiring. I also worked on the laundry in the evening.

I did have to reset the router and sat modem, but I not sure why, but o well. As I am writing this I need to reset the connection again… it seems like computers never seems to be easy.

The puppy is not doing well at telling us he needs to go outside, so two accidents tonight.

2007/05/20 – Sunday – Dance / Meeting

I went and returned the connectors to build the wind generator, because they did not have any 8-gage connectors. So I need to look some more before Thursday.

We left for the Croakers monthly square dance. We had almost one full square of kids as well as almost a full square of Shirts-n-Skirts.

We left early to get to our next meeting. The HDR meeting starts at 4:00 so we made it there in time. We had a good meeting.

Returned home, I started laundry so I could have jeans for this coming weekend.

2007/05/19 – Saturday – Dog Day

We got up and we left the house around 10:30 to do some running around.

We eat lunch at a new location for us near Costco

We went for a two-hour drive to pick up a new puppy for the household. He is an Austrian Sheppard. He is a Cryptic Blue Merle. His name is Turquoise; he was born on Christmas Day 2006.

The rest of the day was playing with the puppy and of course trying to give attention to the other two dogs.

2007/05/18 – Friday – Relaxing

Cheryl stayed home again, trying to get over her cold/flu.

Lunch was with a friend was going to be at crazy chicken but we went to the bar instead.

We went out to get dinner – fast food – Jack-in-the-Box.

We just relaxed and not did much tonight….

2007/05/17 – Thursday – Cut

Lunch was with a group of 5 to a Greek food place near Dales.

When I got home, I told Eric we needed to go someplace. I got the keys for ‘Blue’ and he jumped in. But it took a few extra turn of the key to get her started. Once she was started, we headed on over to get our haircut.

Cheryl came home early because she is still not feeling good.

Once both of us got your hair cut, I did not have enough money to pay the bill, so a quick trip to the ATM and back to pay him.

Cheryl took Amanda to the youth group, while Eric and I relaxed.

My back is still hurting. I have been taken Alive and Bear back meds, but I am still hurting. Now I am wondering if it’s my weight. But that’s another story….

2007/05/16 – Relaxing

I did get a phone call from my brother, which he wished me a happy birthday – Thanks.

The group at work all went out as well as Cheryl and Amanda to lunch at TGIF – Wow they where very SLOW – Two hour lunch.

Once I got home, I relaxed and watched some TV. Now I think I will try to go to bed a little early.

Mom called to wish me a happy birthday.

2007/05/15 – Tuesday – SCAD Meeting

Lunch was with a buddy and a friend and we went to the bar for meatloaf day – good stuff.

I got home a little late, but Cheryl got home a tiny bit before me. She herd me coming down the road while I am riding my scooter, so she waited for me before going into the house.

We left for the South Coast Association of Dancers (SCAD) quarterly meeting at the presidents’ house down near Laguna Hills area.

The meeting was good, good information was being talked about.

Near the end Amanda just could not be quite so she told the group that tomorrow is my birthday, so of course they sang to me.
We got home near 11:00 so no I am trying to catch-up on my readings of the blogs and then off to bed.

2007/05/14 – Monday – Prep Work

I checked the phone log, I found out that Amanda was on the phone after midnight while we where asleep

Lunch was with a buddy and we went to the Golf Course and had lunch there.

When I got home, I got a call to remind me to finish the HDR GPS hunt game sheet.

I also got phone calls from work, so I had to fix those problems also.

So I worked on it and will send it out tonight

2007/05/13 – Sunday – Stuff around the house

I got a wakeup call from mom D. she was trying to get a hold of Cheryl to wish her a Happy Mothers Day.

I got up and we let Cheryl sleep in. But she didn’t sleep in to long.

I did make a trip to give some stuff to charity. Buy while I was out, I got most of the things necessary to get the wind generator to work for the RV.

Once I returned, I did start the working on the RV and wiring it up. I still need to find the connector of some type that will easy, quick, and not big and blocky.

Cheryl did order some pizza for diner. So she did not have to cook.
Now we relaxed and we watch a movie that we have for the evening.

2007/05/12 – Saturday – CA State Square Dance Meeting

Today we left early so we can go to the quarterly square dance meeting. This quarter, the meeting is towards San Diego.

We go to T and D place and the kids stayed with their kids. Us adults went to the meeting.

The first half of the meeting seemed to drag on and on with little stuff. We did go out for lunch at a burger joint. After lunch, the meeting seemed to go by faster but not really.

After the meeting, we returned to T and D place and finished watching a move.

For dinner we went to an Italian buffet. Good food and good deserts.

Once dinner was done with our chatting included, we then headed on home.
Another good day with friends, even if we sat through a meeting most of the day.

2007/05/11 – Friday – Radio

O man, I sure did not sleep to good last night. My back hurts as well as my arms – o well, off to work I went.

Lunch was with 4 other co-workers and Tokyo Hibachi.

We went shopping for my XM radio. I am a proud owner of a radio, two additional car units and a home base unit.

After buying the radio and some other stuff, we headed for dinner at Hofts Hut.

Now I listening to the radio and enjoying a relaxing evening (what is left of it)

2007/05/10 – Thursday – Volunteer

Today was not a normal workday. It was AARP Day Of Service day. The whole office goes to a volunteer location and work there for the day.

Well our location was at the LA Food Bank. We make bags with stuff in them that will be given out later.

I had the duty of getting canned juice out of the box and onto the table, which will be, then into a bag.

But lunch was a box lunch…

We also had a DJ so we had music to keep us going at a good rate.

When I got home, I took at nap, but my back is still really hurting…

So I tried to relax before heading to bed.

2007/05/09 – Wednesday – HDR Preparing

Lunch was with a buddy at Subway.

I worked with a friend on the HDR GPS game. He had 6 of the locations figured out, I had 2 locations, and we came up with another one, but we still want one more for a total of 10 points to find. Now I need to create the sheet and give him the sheet to critique.

Tonight I worked on my desk, trying to get the piles down to smaller size again.

2007/05/08 – Tuesday – Meeting about RV Parking

Lunch was with a friend at the Thai Connor.

I attended the Lakewood City Council meeting. One of the items on the agenda was RV parking on private property. The Council chamber was full on this night. The meeting started a little late, but they started the meeting did some “normal” approval of item.

Next was going to be something else, but the major went ahead and change the agenda to have the RV issues next.

The purposed change be delayed and more detailed review be done before recommending changes – See Lakewood News

But the best part of this ordeal is the following – we can still keep our RVs and trailers on our properties

Once this was stated and a brief discussion, the major asked the audience how many was there for the RV issue and about 90+% of people raised their hand. So a brief break was issued, and most of the people left.

Once at home, I relaxed and read blogs.

2007/05/07 – Monday – Sat Setup

Lunch was with a buddy at Quizno’s for lunch.

When I got home, I thought I needed to get the Satellite Internet up and running. I was reading on of the news group the other night and several people commented that there was a modem update.

Once I got everything setup and running, sure enough the modem was downloading a new version.

One or two of the three cats do not like the new automatic cat litter scooper. I keep finding surprises in a few locations around the house. So I put some of the old type litter in the new box, so hopefully they will start using it.

Cheryl and Amanda went and did some grocery shopping.

Well, the modem is up to date; all looks and works ok for now…

I finished the laundry tonight with the last three loads, so now the basket is empty until we retire for the evening.

2007/05/06 – Sunday – Dancing

This morning everybody slept in a little. We had to get up and get ready for our trip today.

We left the house a little early to head over Star Bucks for some morning go go.

I called Mom D, and she was to meet us over there. When we left, we needed gas so Mom D followed and I filled up.

The drive to Bakersfield was good and no major slowdowns.

The dance was fun and good amount of money was raised.

We got home about 10:00 and I finished a load and now its time for bed.

2007/05/05 – Saturday – Cleaning

Amanda was up early 5:30 – so she is going to be tired this afternoon.

Cheryl and Amanda went shopping about 9:30, while Eric was playing on the computer and I was trying to catch up on my sleep.

Once I got up about 11:30, I told Eric he has until Noon to finish so we can start finishing cleaning the RV.

Eric and I cleaned the RV up while Cheryl and Amanda was still out shopping.

Finally Cheryl and Amanda made it home.

Amanda got her upper ear pierced. I didn’t want her to get it, but Cheryl allowed her to get it.

We started to work on getting the house straighten up. Eric was working on his room and doing his laundry.

Amanda then was refusing to do what I wanted her to do and she was going to try to sleep, then I started to fight with her and not allow her to sleep, because then she would not sleep tonight.

Finally Amanda and Cheryl worked on the room, but not to my expectation. Fight another battle latter….

I did start our laundry this evening.

We watched a few shows before heading for bed. Hopefully Amanda will get to sleep without any major issues.

2007/05/04 – Friday – Frustration

Well, I thought we went to bed early, but I caught Amanda on her phone at 11:45 PM so I took the phone away. Then Cheryl after talking with her gave the phone back to her. We discussed this issue for the next two hours. I didn’t get to sleep until 2:45 AM this morning and Amanda was still up!

I am not sure what time Amanda finally woke up this morning. I did get up, but I was about ½ hour later then I normally would like to be to work.

Lunch was with a friend L.P. at Denny’s

At about 2:30 PM. I got an IM from Amanda and she was having problems with connecting to the Internet, She types the info on Cheryl’s laptop and I would guide her on what to do next. That was the first time she IMed me for some help. At least she was still typing (talking) to me.

At home, I worked on the computer some more. Cheryl ordered Pizza again (Which cost a fortune for all the things she gets!)

Her we go again. Amanda having a hard time going to sleep.

2007/05/03 – Thursday – Meeting

Lunch was with four friends to the Pantry for lunch.

I had a dental appointment so I left work for the appointment on time and without and problems (like there would be any :) )

Tonight was a city workshop meeting about RV parking. I arrived earlier then I should but I got good seat. The meeting didn’t finished until almost 9:30.

We found out that the computer we tried to lock down from the Internet didn’t work out. Somebody was able to be bypassed/disable what we put in, so now we need to find something else – I need to research more about how to lock down the internet.

In the meeting I found out that I am breaking the law currently so as well as A LOT of other people in Lakewood.
1) Trailers are not allowed on your property where somebody from the street can see it.
2) You HAVE to move you car/RV every 72 hours – Including if it’s in your driveway!

The new proposal that was presented and the committee want to know how people felt.
Well they really didn’t change much, the committee still was talking mostly about RV but not Trailers and still had the 72 hours.

A lot of the people that was speaking were emotional, but not factual on how, what should be included or not included in the ordnance. Like myself, a few did point out some examples and maybe some other points to look at also.

Hopefully the committee will make a suggestion to the city to not just jump at the current proposed ordnance and thoroughly exam the current out of date ordnance and revise them to be current and more for the property owner rights.

Well, I am starting to get into politics, but o well, the RV is really important to the way we like to play and live.

I will be attending the City meeting next Tuesday to find out what the committee propose.

2007/05/02 – Wednesday – Computer but not mine

Lunch was again on the road. The buddy wanted something at Circuit City, so off we go for lunch. Well, I needed some yellow for the printer. He on the other hand, got something different then what he planned on getting.

Cheryl called and told me we are going to fix a computer. So once she was home, we headed on over to work on a computer to stop people from going onto the Internet.

Afterwards, now the whole family is hungry, so we went to Polly's for dinner.

2007/05/01 – Tuesday – Meeting

Lunch was with two friends and we went to the old Quizno location next to Ralph which is a sub shop (but not a franchisee operation).

Before heading home, Cheryl informed me that Amanda wanted to go with me to the meeting, but not Eric.

Once at home, I tried to work on Eric to come with me, but no luck. So Amanda and I went to the Dirt Devils meeting.

The meeting was good like normal. And of course the usual talking session after the meeting in the parking lot.

Once I returned home, I found Cheryl had been working on her laptop add the necessary software for her transcribing. But she was having troubles getting the VPN to connect. She gave the computer to tray to work on it, but I worked on something else – upgraded the virus software. She took the computer back and finally got it to connect.

I worked on my also – upgraded the virus software as well as some more on the GPS software.

Before I knew it, it was 1:30 – way past my bedtime….