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Leaving Yankees

larry — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:32:24 +0000

We had a wonderful time with family and friends in western PA. We exchanged gifts with my sister’s family as we won’t be back that way for Christmas. Jay and Chris once again housed us for days and it was time well spent as mourning was still playing a key role there and close friends are necessary. We journeyed East to New Jersey to visit with the young ‘uns for the final time before the end of December. Saying goodbye and giving one last hug to our new grandchild was heart wrenching and neither of us could hold back tears. On our final day at Lake in Wood, Jerry stated he would pick us up at 5 and we would meet Cheryl and we would all go to for dinner one last time. Little did we know that he foiled us when we arrived at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Kevin and a great home cooked lasagna meal was had. Great friends are priceless. The next morning we had all packed in anticipation of leaving when we realized the bedroom slide failed to come in. Nothing, Broke, No Noise, Nada. I got out the large rachet and cranked it in by hand. Much to my chagrin I had awoken that morning with the flu. It was all I could do to move let alone deal with the slide. Thank goodness for Robin’s penchant for all things mechanical. Finally, we crossed the Mason-Dixon, heading for Dixie and sunny skies. On the road for about four hours and could only make it to Winchester, VA as the body was giving way to misery and discomfort. Driving wasn’t easy either as my eyelids felts as if they weighed in by pounds. Candy Hill Campground proved a welcome respite. The next morning I drove to Walmart for onions and vinegar and it was all I could do to muster that much. As I lay and watch television, Robin made turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, creamed cucumbers, and a pumpkin pie as we dined on a veritable feast for Thanksgiving Day. Feeling gulity, I mustered enough energy to help her clean up. The next morning we headed for points South again.

Mean Mother Nature

larry — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:43:12 +0000

Saturday was our last day at work in the Gnome Cafe. Plans were to work breakfast and lunch and the close by 2 pm. This would give us preparation time for the big Halloween dinner and party being held later that evening. By 9 am. the snow started in a drizzle and in an hour, everything was white. At noon, there were at least four inches. The snow was wet and heavy and you could begin to see branches bow due to our late summer and an overabundance of leaves still on the trees. Directly before closing the power went down and clean-up was not an option. Things had gotten severe in a short time such that traction on the paved roads was nearly impossible, golf carts were rendered useless, the we took on blizzard-like conditions. It soon became apparent that the great Halloween party and any subsequent evening activities were going to be cancelled. The park was full this weekend so this came much to the chagrin of all residents. However, this act of nature could be blamed on no one. We left the cafe and headed back to our rig only to find a 40′ long tree had broken and placed itself across the top of our roof, rendering the rear slide out useless. Things continued to worsen and the crack of trees breaking outside sounding much like a shooting range. Sounds were ominous and every few seconds another loud “crack” would sound and you had to look to see if anything around you was going to come down nearby. We fired up the generator and I was wise enough to load up the water tank so we would be fine for awhile. I began thinking however, that it was one thing if I couldn’t move the bus, but another if the truck should encounter damage and we be without any transportation. It was then that we decided to move it to the main parking lot, safe from the possibility of more falling trees. Lock it into four-wheel drive as no one was going anywhere without it. In fact, the heavy and now ten inch blanket was making even four wheeling a bit unnerving. Driving to the parking lot I found many vans, and cars spinning in place, trying desperately to make their way out somehow. Where they were going was a surprise to me as the main road outside the park was even more of a disaster than the manicured ones inside. I spent much of the evening towing people out of their misery and into the parking lot whereby they could get a bit of traction. We parked our truck and started walking back to the motohome. While we were gone another problem posed itself. A large limb went thru the front of the grille, knocking off our hood covering that houses the wiper apparatus, fluid tanks, and other mechanical instruments. How fortunate we were that both tree fallings happened while we were not at home. We hunkered down for the night, found one channel on the TV as the cable system went out and started to return emails. It’s been four days now without water, the electricity was restored yesterday, and the damage to the park and units in the thousands. But the skeleton crew is doing yeoman work in restoring as much as possible. We had planned on leaving early this week but are still awaiting a backed-up insurance adjuster. We’re doing our best at lending a hand with anything needed. Sure our plans are altered but being retired, there’s no time table. Shortly we’ll head for the midwest and visit some old friends we haven’t seen in two year. More on our travels shortly. Enjoy the slideshow.

Hearts Scarred Forever

larry — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:14:38 +0000

Ann Bakker. She was both crystalline and mercurial. Her beauty, her shimmer, simply dropped out, leaving us all with only cold clarity. We met Ann a year and half ago. She is the wife of Jerome, my supervisor, who has become a friend. We grew close over this recent twenty months. We laughed, we cried, we visited, we dined. We cajoled with each other, whined and complained, and in turn, rejoiced at all we were thankful for. We grew to be true friends, those that you would do the unthinkable at the drop of a hat. Yesterday, life was stolen from Ann’s body. Her family suffered a week of misery by this unannounced fate. She was a youthful fifty-two. We are cheated, all of us. For the personnae that she embraced, was not enough. The last time we encountered Ann we were leaving the park for our trip west. She was walking her beloved Samson. Jerome rode along with her. As our eyes met theirs, we laughed. A practical joke was fielded, and without words, glances were enough. We all burst into laughter. That’s how it was with Ann. There is a reason far beyond my thought process for this “void” life has surrendered unto us. In time, we will learn this. And Ann’s purpose in our lives, the fate of our meeting, shall be rejoiced in ways too numerous to calculate . We love you, sweet Ann.

My photo pays homage to Ann’s spirit. It was taken at the 2010 Halloween party in the cafe. I chose it for this was she; witty, quiet but fun. You can see the enjoyment on her face at the height of her “Jerome” season.

Great Start to the New Year

larry — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:00:26 +0000

Two Tickets to see Penn State and Florida in the Outback Bowl $150

Parking Near the Stadium in some guy’s yard $20

Having my son with me at the game —-PRICELESS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

MacDonald’s Art Deco

larry — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:20:37 +0000

I spied this display on the model railroad setup and immediately felt that inner shock taking hold once again. Aging is a cruel hoax. You know what I mean. No matter your age, no matter your phsyical condition, be it middle aged, a boomer, or graying, you still feel like a youngster in your mind. I thought this mindset was just akin to me. But as I grow wiser, it is of universal acceptance. We all feel like high schoolers in our minds. Or at the very least, mentally in our 20′s. And as I pondered upon this plastic replica, I was saddened to remember that I have lived long enough to actually purchase a 15 cent hamburger from MacDonald’s. In fact, I bought their three course meal for 47 cents as advertised. Yep, a hamburger for 15, the fries for 12, all topped of with a 22 cent milkshake. I am humbled by the disparity between geological and human time, humbled by the fleeting nature of my existence. I don’t have the luxury of changing my shape over the epochs as other life forms may. Life is short. Time is of the essence. But if I am going to make the most of my life, if I am going to strive for some heroic contribution, then it may take a while. I may need all the time I can get. So the notion that we can simply lose a few hours—time, strikes me as absurd. Which leads me to wonder why, when time is so important to all of us, each November we steal some of it away from every one of us. And dark come before dinner.

Christmas In October

larry — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:47:53 +0000

We spent a little time across the Delaware River this week. Ryan and Carolyn would be out of town and we were the designated puppy sitters. Erin was house sitting there so there would now be six hands to try and handle the spoiled “Sadie”. Beagles never stop. Despite a myriad of intermittent walks and allowing her to run free for an hour or more, her energy level was still off the meter. But how could you not fall for this face. A day and a half in the Garden State satisfied my need for a travel fix. I left the girls and returned home alone.

Passing through the entrance gate a bit forlorned, I saw lighted trees with red bows adorned.

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Jerome hanging wreaths while Jerry stood near.

At weeks end it shall be Christmas in October, I think I”m seeing things, ah, but no, I’m still sober.

The trolleys is ladened with green garland galore, so Dave can drive the park with campers galore.

Park models are outlined with strands of colored light, while residents turn lawns into blowup Disney sights.

Klaas is reveling as his kingdom gets dressed , for a most glorious holiday for each of his guests.

The main hall proves host to a Christmas cuisine, but it could be the cover for Martha Stewarts magazine.

No place have we camped with frills such as this, so once again we’re moved by such Christmas bliss.

This weekend we all celebrated the annual Christmas in October at Lake In Wood. Here above the Mason-Dixon line, weather dictates a November closing. The park was full, the camaraderie was in best of holiday spirits, and no one left without a positive comment. It was “glamping” at its best. Enjoy the slideshow that gives you a smidgen of our eye candy.

Living Inside My Head

larry — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:09:39 +0000

Living alone takes a bit of an adjustment. And it’s probably different than what you expect. Contrary to being lonely, it’s the abundance of freedom that is the adjustment. There is no one here to be concerned about, to take care of, but also no one to share with. The girls are on a twelve day holiday in the Caribbean and I do whatever my heart desires. This is the longest stint I’ve been solo in the last 33 years. But therein lies a bit of an issue. So much free time before we start another workamping gig. What shall I do with it all? Each morning Brutus and I take a three mile walk, usually around Peters Lake. By the end of the last mile the little guy is dragging and it’s all I can do to get him back to the truck. I fill the rest of the day running small errands, visiting the driving range, commiserating with friends and family, playing golf, returning emails and riding my motorcycle. Most everyone would envy this lifestyle, this freedom, the harbinger of the idle mind. That’s why my recent hiatus. My daily machinations are I’m sure mundane to a large degree . But my mind is not idle, it is racing. And that is why the constant attempt at keeping busy. I am pondering my situation and status as a recent call from my neurosurgeon has given me the ultimate quest. Time to gear up for due diligence and put my mental armor in sheaths of defense. There will be more about this tomorrow. I’m still contemplating my strategy before I share it with anyone else. I’m free to go introspective for another night.

Brutus’ Big Disappointment

larry — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:17:07 +0000

I’ve been hearing talk this week about driving to New Jersey to babysit a little one name Sadie. It must be a new addition that I was unaware of, but it doesn’t matter. I just love to lick little kids. They just smell so good. This time we packed up the truck and left the rig behind. I’m used to this as I ride with my mom most of the time this way. A five hour ride on the Turnpike isn’t my idea of a road trip. My only salvation was a lady in a booth at the Valley Forge exit. My dad handed her money and she handed him a white piece of paper but also a little treat for me, saying how cute I was. Another half hour and I’m excited as can be, walking to the door to meet this little cutie. Carolyn let us in, we exchanged hugs and kisses and then, there before me, was the biggest disappointment of my life. Not a little baby, not some sweet smelling bundle of joy to lick. No, it was a Beagle. Can you believe it. I was carted all the way out here to babysit a puppy. And I’m going to have to spend the whole weekend with this chick. I’m going to try and make the best of this but I”m not happy about this at all. Mom and Dad were people I’ve never seen before. They doted all over this Sadie, rubbing her, playing with her, and almost totally ignoring me. She tried to pay attention to me but I didn’t want to have anything to do with her. It was a good thing it was late and we were all going to bed. Sadie got caged for the night while I slept in my usual place between my mom and dad. Awaking the next morning thinking some fun was in store for me, I soon found out that everyone was going to the airport to retrieve Ryan. Sadie was pestering me, wanting to play, nipping and jumping to the point that I had to get downright nasty with her and growl back. Thankfully she was caged while they left and I had the run of the entire house. I checked things out real good but there was nothing of much interest here. Most everything is put in its place and doors upstairs were closed so I could do no snooping. It seemed like forever until they all came back. And would you think they came over to pick me up. NOOO. It was Sadie who was queen of the hour. It was like I was never even there. I just settled in for a long nap. Everyone was doting over this chick and I was having none of this. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Electric Issues

larry — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:30:31 +0000

Leaving our friends’ home to settle in the local KOA proved to be a two fold reason. I wanted to get the motorhome back from the shop to test everything out prior to heading out again at the end of the month. The second reason was despite trying not to leave a footprint, it can be a bit unnerving to host friends for any length of time. It was a good thing for the test trial. We pulled into our site and while Robin was doing her thing inside, I hooked up the water hose, sewage hose and connected the electric cable to the source box via our surge protector. Once done , I came in only to find we had no electricity. Back out to check the connections. I noticed no blinking lights on the surge protector and no “on” light. Oh no. Not another malfunction. This surge protector costs way too much to have to purchase another. Pulling it out and re-inserting I found the red blinking lights. This means there is power but it has to take a few minutes to fire up. After a few minutes the green light did come on but I wondered about its faint glow. Thinking all was right I went back inside only to find that our refrigerator wouldn’t work on AC power. Topping that off, none of the outlets worked on the left side of the rig. My heart sank. A thousand dollars just forked over for six new batteries and now this. When I took the rig in for service, all things were working. Now I have no power on half the rig. My disgust was at a fever pitch. I tried calling Bob, my local RV doctor but to no avail. It was five minutes past five. Going back outside I removed the 50 amp line and plugged into the 30 amp breaker. Everything worked. At least we would have power to the refrigerator. We could power up the water heater using propane. I would call Bob back on Monday morning to take the rig back to troubleshoot the problem. The next morning I found that all the outlets were in good working order when plugged into the 30 amp. This wasn’t the case yesterday. I had the campground owner come up to our site and check out his utility box. Therein lay the problem. After an evening of worry and concern over what I thought was a major issue we found that the campground 50 amp service was bad and needed replaced. What a relief.

More Miles than I care to count.

larry — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:05:52 +0000

I didn’t want to bore you with redundant traveling. Like Charles Kuralt said of the interstate highway system: ”you can travel from one end of the country to the other without seeing absolutely anything.” So we left Oklahoma, getting off the mother road (Rt.66) and back onto I-40, due east into Little Rock, then on to Memphis, bedding down for the evening in Nashville. Yes, I’m breaking all the rules with this much time on the road but we have destinations awaiting to fill dental and medical fixes. Leaving Nashville we did make a detour into Centre Hill Lake in eastern Tennessee to check out houseboats. It’s just something we’ve been discussing and dreaming aloud for about three years. After a day and a half of window shopping, we’ve decided that’s not in our future plans. Way too much gypsie blood in me to stay put on one lake for a week or so. Can’t imagine being anchored out or even floating on the water for several days without the ability to get in a vehicle and drive. And if anchored in a slip at the dock, then I may as well be in the motorhome. So off it was to Raleigh to visit child #2. A brief stay there and then north to the gas and oil fields of western PA. Back home again and bunking down with friends. The 2200 mile journey has come to an end and its time to take care of office visits.