Home... ah, it is so great...
It is so great, being out, but coming home is wonderful too. Poor lil' Thor.. he is plumb wore out. I think he is glad to be home again too.
We all had a good time.. seeing folks we had not seen for a while, and visiting all our old haunts.
The class reunion was one of the high points, and we have memories that will last us for a long, long time. As usual, we wish we had taken more pictures, seems like one never takes enough of them.
So... now all of us are all looking forward to just resting up.
Now, begins the Big, Big job of breaking down, and getting Thor all ready for winter. This is a MAJOR job. It consists of getting Thor winterized, his coat put on, and wheels all covered. Have you ever tried putting a cover on a big, 13 foot tall object? It is a job that takes hours!! Jim has to crawl on top, and while pulling the cover over Thor, I guide the cover to each side equally. It is really kind of funny to watch, I suppose. I am too busy to see the humor, I'm afraid. But, we want Thor to be all warm and cozy for the winter, until next spring, when we can uncover him for the next trip.
My little washing machine has been going flat out for six hours. At this point, I am sure there is a rainbow over our house. Stacks of ironing await me when this is all done... Times I wonder if I am getting too old for all this... But then, give me six months or so... and I will be all ready to do it all over again... and Thor will be out there, complaining of "itchy tires"... Jim will be saying " the mountains are calling".... and we will all be off and running again...
So... till then, have a wonderful winter, and watch for Lil' Alfie's next adventure....
God bless, all....
Jim, Pat and Thor
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Back home in Illinois
Wow.. it seems strange, being back home in Illinois. Things are the same, but different too. Jim had a list all made up.... places to see, folks to see, and our favorite places to eat. Where were we going to find the time for it all? But... we did. It was a week filled with laughs, tears, and fun.
We started it all out with seeing our little ginkgo tree's mommy. For those of you that have followed our travels in the past, this is about the little ginkgo tree that we brought back home from Illinois a few years ago. It has it's own registration and number. He was born in Hampton, Illinois, and his mommy was HUGE. She was cut down a few years ago, moved to the history center in Hampton, which was at this time, carved with the most wonderful scenes. We all feel so proud that our little ginkgo tree comes from this wonderful experiment. So, we felt we just had to go over to the history center to see the history of our little fella. It was most impressive... Here is a picture of the mother tree at the center, and the carvings...
The next day was the "memory walk", which we all had planned for so long. There is kind of a story to this. A group of us all lived in the same area, and attended the same school (Longfellow School). We all, each day, walked through the park, to the bottom of the hill to attend school. Close a fast friendships were developed during these walks through the years, and we have kept in touch throughout the years. We all thought that it would be the perfect time, while we were at the class reunion, to do a "memory walk" while here. There were a few that had passed on, some that were too far away to make it, and a few that were, physically unable to do the walk. So, we gathered together the ones that could, and walked. Boy... we had forgotten how steep the hills here, how far it was.... funny, when we were little ones, we just scampered up and down the hills!
But, we made it... a little winded, but we did... How strange, looking at the school... "didn't it seem bigger?" we all said. They are in the process of tearing and remodeling it, so it won't be the same next year... so it was good timing for us. We all sure enjoyed being together again.... even if we were all older, grayer, heavier...
The reunion was wonderful. There were more there than they had even planned on. It was two days just packed with things and places to go. Really kept us busy. Pat talking (lost my voice), Jim taking pictures. Friday night was pizza night, over 200 were there! Met lots of my classmates husbands and wives. Sat. morning we went over to the high school for a tour. Wow, have things changed!! But, there were still places that it was like I was just there last week. Really a strange feeling, knowing the last time I was there was 50 years ago! Sat. night was the reunion. I would not even know where to start to tell you about that! Just suffice to say, a good time was had by all.
After leaving the quad cities, we headed on out toward Missouri. Had to stop and take a picture of the "World's largest rocking chair". We were following along Route 66 when we came upon it.
It was one of our "unusual pictures" that we run upon every now and then... strange, huh?
The corn fields are all being cut now, and the farmers are really working hard to get it all done.
Since Jim is a John Deere man, we had to, of course take a picture of one in the fields...
Well, we will be off again tomorrow morning, and have to admit, we are looking forward to being home again... Thor says he is even kind of tired....
That's all for now...so, will being saying
see ya.....
We started it all out with seeing our little ginkgo tree's mommy. For those of you that have followed our travels in the past, this is about the little ginkgo tree that we brought back home from Illinois a few years ago. It has it's own registration and number. He was born in Hampton, Illinois, and his mommy was HUGE. She was cut down a few years ago, moved to the history center in Hampton, which was at this time, carved with the most wonderful scenes. We all feel so proud that our little ginkgo tree comes from this wonderful experiment. So, we felt we just had to go over to the history center to see the history of our little fella. It was most impressive... Here is a picture of the mother tree at the center, and the carvings...
The next day was the "memory walk", which we all had planned for so long. There is kind of a story to this. A group of us all lived in the same area, and attended the same school (Longfellow School). We all, each day, walked through the park, to the bottom of the hill to attend school. Close a fast friendships were developed during these walks through the years, and we have kept in touch throughout the years. We all thought that it would be the perfect time, while we were at the class reunion, to do a "memory walk" while here. There were a few that had passed on, some that were too far away to make it, and a few that were, physically unable to do the walk. So, we gathered together the ones that could, and walked. Boy... we had forgotten how steep the hills here, how far it was.... funny, when we were little ones, we just scampered up and down the hills!
But, we made it... a little winded, but we did... How strange, looking at the school... "didn't it seem bigger?" we all said. They are in the process of tearing and remodeling it, so it won't be the same next year... so it was good timing for us. We all sure enjoyed being together again.... even if we were all older, grayer, heavier...
The reunion was wonderful. There were more there than they had even planned on. It was two days just packed with things and places to go. Really kept us busy. Pat talking (lost my voice), Jim taking pictures. Friday night was pizza night, over 200 were there! Met lots of my classmates husbands and wives. Sat. morning we went over to the high school for a tour. Wow, have things changed!! But, there were still places that it was like I was just there last week. Really a strange feeling, knowing the last time I was there was 50 years ago! Sat. night was the reunion. I would not even know where to start to tell you about that! Just suffice to say, a good time was had by all.
After leaving the quad cities, we headed on out toward Missouri. Had to stop and take a picture of the "World's largest rocking chair". We were following along Route 66 when we came upon it.
It was one of our "unusual pictures" that we run upon every now and then... strange, huh?
The corn fields are all being cut now, and the farmers are really working hard to get it all done.
Since Jim is a John Deere man, we had to, of course take a picture of one in the fields...
Well, we will be off again tomorrow morning, and have to admit, we are looking forward to being home again... Thor says he is even kind of tired....
That's all for now...so, will being saying
see ya.....
Saturday, October 4, 2008
KENTUCKY...
Here we are... in Kentucky.... Fast horses and beautiful women...
Jim thinks he is in Heaven...
It is so beautiful... the leaves are all turning, and it is cool at night. What more could you ask for, right?
One of our stops was in Berea. It is a college town. Not just a normal college, but it is what they call a "working college". The campus is beautiful, and spreads out all over the town. We found it to be quite unusual and unique. Their word seems to be.. "To lend a helping hand". Thus, all over town you see these big hands. All painted and decorated. Some are quite striking. We took pictures of lots, but this was my favorite..
Our main purpose of visiting this part of the country was for Pat to visit places of her roots. The line descends from the Hanks line, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham's Mother, and family. To say that it was quite a leaning experience would be a understatement. The following pictures are self explanatory, so there is not a notation on each one. We hope that you enjoy them...
This is believed to be the original cabin in which Abraham Lincoln was born. It is housed in a beautiful structure, which protects it from elements of nature.
Tomorrow we will be off again, to Indiana. Seems rather strange to being headed North in October. but it just worked out that way.
We are looking forward to seeing lots more neat places... stay tuned....
As always..... Walk Softly.....
Jim thinks he is in Heaven...
It is so beautiful... the leaves are all turning, and it is cool at night. What more could you ask for, right?
One of our stops was in Berea. It is a college town. Not just a normal college, but it is what they call a "working college". The campus is beautiful, and spreads out all over the town. We found it to be quite unusual and unique. Their word seems to be.. "To lend a helping hand". Thus, all over town you see these big hands. All painted and decorated. Some are quite striking. We took pictures of lots, but this was my favorite..
Our main purpose of visiting this part of the country was for Pat to visit places of her roots. The line descends from the Hanks line, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Abraham's Mother, and family. To say that it was quite a leaning experience would be a understatement. The following pictures are self explanatory, so there is not a notation on each one. We hope that you enjoy them...
This is believed to be the original cabin in which Abraham Lincoln was born. It is housed in a beautiful structure, which protects it from elements of nature.Tomorrow we will be off again, to Indiana. Seems rather strange to being headed North in October. but it just worked out that way.
We are looking forward to seeing lots more neat places... stay tuned....
As always..... Walk Softly.....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Our "home" away from home
Our vacation is starting out in our most favorite place... The Blue Ridge Parkway. It has been very cool but that is ok--- lots of sleeping bags take care of that..
We had a very special visit this week end.... Beth and Jim came up to the mountain to spend a day with us.. We all had a wonderful time, and we all lost our voices, from so much talking and laughing all day. But it was a great time, seeing them again!
The leaves are all starting to change and turn..... and such lovely colors, you have never seen! It will be even more pretty in a very short time. But, thankfully, we were able to be here to enjoy the preview of the great show..
It is near impossible to choose just a few pictures to show you of this beautiful place.. but we have narrowed it down to a few. Hope you enjoy them..
When we are out traveling, I always seem to be on the lookout for houses that have been left behind, so to speak. They some how seem to all have their stories to tell, that they seem to be begging to be told. I find myself wondering who lived there, and loved this little "home". Even tho the house is nothing but brick and motor, they seem to die when no one is there to love them any more. This little house that we came upon in the hills looked so sad, even the tree some how seems to have its arms around it, comforting it--- The paint is peeling, the little porch is falling down.. but don't you wonder who loved it at one time?
Bridges, of all kinds have interested both of us for years.. we take pictures of bridges, when others around us are taking pictures of the flowers and people... but during our travels we have come upon quite strange ones... the ones along the Parkway, we found deserving of our attention and photography. They are quite striking... we found quite a few of them along the drive...
While sightseeing we found this beautiful waterfall. It was so beautiful and peaceful... almost makes you want to pull off your shoes and go wading. but, it was too cold for that, so we just had to enjoy it from a distance..
While leaving the Parkway this morning we just had to stop and take a few last pictures .. The fog was starting to lift up from the mountains, and it was breath taking.. We always find it so
difficult to say good by to our favorite place..
We are now on the next leg of our trip. Our next entry will tell you about our stay at Raccoon Valley... isn't that some name? Then, we will be off to Jim's ol' stomping grounds...Kentucky.
We will be checking in again in a few days with more news and pictures... Till then... take care.. and as always.... Walk Softly......
We had a very special visit this week end.... Beth and Jim came up to the mountain to spend a day with us.. We all had a wonderful time, and we all lost our voices, from so much talking and laughing all day. But it was a great time, seeing them again!
The leaves are all starting to change and turn..... and such lovely colors, you have never seen! It will be even more pretty in a very short time. But, thankfully, we were able to be here to enjoy the preview of the great show..
It is near impossible to choose just a few pictures to show you of this beautiful place.. but we have narrowed it down to a few. Hope you enjoy them..
When we are out traveling, I always seem to be on the lookout for houses that have been left behind, so to speak. They some how seem to all have their stories to tell, that they seem to be begging to be told. I find myself wondering who lived there, and loved this little "home". Even tho the house is nothing but brick and motor, they seem to die when no one is there to love them any more. This little house that we came upon in the hills looked so sad, even the tree some how seems to have its arms around it, comforting it--- The paint is peeling, the little porch is falling down.. but don't you wonder who loved it at one time?
Bridges, of all kinds have interested both of us for years.. we take pictures of bridges, when others around us are taking pictures of the flowers and people... but during our travels we have come upon quite strange ones... the ones along the Parkway, we found deserving of our attention and photography. They are quite striking... we found quite a few of them along the drive...
While sightseeing we found this beautiful waterfall. It was so beautiful and peaceful... almost makes you want to pull off your shoes and go wading. but, it was too cold for that, so we just had to enjoy it from a distance..
While leaving the Parkway this morning we just had to stop and take a few last pictures .. The fog was starting to lift up from the mountains, and it was breath taking.. We always find it so
difficult to say good by to our favorite place..
We are now on the next leg of our trip. Our next entry will tell you about our stay at Raccoon Valley... isn't that some name? Then, we will be off to Jim's ol' stomping grounds...Kentucky.
We will be checking in again in a few days with more news and pictures... Till then... take care.. and as always.... Walk Softly......
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thor has itchy wheels... and spiderwebs!
Thor is telling us it is time to get moving again! To prove the fact, he told us to look up.. over his roof. There, we saw the prettiest spider web... so delicately woven. It had rained that morning, and the mist and fog showed so pretty behind it. Now, I am no fan of spiders, mind you, but I DO have to admire their work. Thought you might like to see a picture of his work... it does not show up as well as with the eye, but you can see it a little.
We are very much looking forward to our next trip out. If all goes well, we will be pulling out the morning of September the 24th. Jim has been hard at work, getting Thor all cleaned up, and sparkling and shiny. Thor likes to put his best wheel forth when leaving the driveway. It has been a few days of hard work for the fellas, but Thor is really looking nice. Pat's job is to get the inside all cleaned and ready. Here is a picture of the fellas....
We finally have our trip all planned out. With diesel being so high, we have to plan the miles carefully. Our first stop will be in the Blue Ridge mountains... this is Jim's very favorite place to camp... The communications in the mountains is not the best, so the first part of our vacations will be kind of sparse with news.. but we hope to catch up and tell you all about what is happening, and what we are seeing after leaving the mountains...
Well, that is all for now... keep watching for us... and we will be posting after the 24th...
We are very much looking forward to our next trip out. If all goes well, we will be pulling out the morning of September the 24th. Jim has been hard at work, getting Thor all cleaned up, and sparkling and shiny. Thor likes to put his best wheel forth when leaving the driveway. It has been a few days of hard work for the fellas, but Thor is really looking nice. Pat's job is to get the inside all cleaned and ready. Here is a picture of the fellas....
We finally have our trip all planned out. With diesel being so high, we have to plan the miles carefully. Our first stop will be in the Blue Ridge mountains... this is Jim's very favorite place to camp... The communications in the mountains is not the best, so the first part of our vacations will be kind of sparse with news.. but we hope to catch up and tell you all about what is happening, and what we are seeing after leaving the mountains...
Well, that is all for now... keep watching for us... and we will be posting after the 24th...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
We're Home!!!
Ah... home looks good!!!
Always so nice to be able to go and see new places and meet new folks.. but time comes when a little internal clock says "time to go home". Guess they call that the "nester" in me. I start to long for my flowers and yard... and, oh yes, a nice long, long shower. Living in a rig, such as ours, is kind of like living in a doll house. Everything is small, small, small. Cute as a bugs ear, but it starts to wear on one after a few weeks. Jim has a difficult time at the gas pumps... $100.00 for a fill up kind of puts his nerves on edge. But.... it is all worth it. We are looking forward to saving our nickles and dimes for our next "mini vacation" in a few months. We will be spending it in the Blue Ridge mountains. Jim and Thor think it is almost next to Heaven. We are all looking forward to that. In October we will be writing about our trip to Illinois, for Pat's class reunion. No... won't be telling you which one!! So... that is about all for now. Check in again, and join us all on our next excursion..... Till then... everyone take care... and God bless...
Jim, Pat and Thor
Always so nice to be able to go and see new places and meet new folks.. but time comes when a little internal clock says "time to go home". Guess they call that the "nester" in me. I start to long for my flowers and yard... and, oh yes, a nice long, long shower. Living in a rig, such as ours, is kind of like living in a doll house. Everything is small, small, small. Cute as a bugs ear, but it starts to wear on one after a few weeks. Jim has a difficult time at the gas pumps... $100.00 for a fill up kind of puts his nerves on edge. But.... it is all worth it. We are looking forward to saving our nickles and dimes for our next "mini vacation" in a few months. We will be spending it in the Blue Ridge mountains. Jim and Thor think it is almost next to Heaven. We are all looking forward to that. In October we will be writing about our trip to Illinois, for Pat's class reunion. No... won't be telling you which one!! So... that is about all for now. Check in again, and join us all on our next excursion..... Till then... everyone take care... and God bless...
Jim, Pat and Thor
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
HILLBILLIES IN BRANSON
Our last night in Branson with the rally was a barn burner!!! Wow.. what a time we had. Never knew there were so many crazy folks. First off, we were treated to a great dinner... Jim loved that part!! After everyone had eaten about all they could hold, the hillbillies took over. A wonderful group, which had everyone laughing till they were crying treated us to great Ozark music. Everyone was stomping and clapping within a few minutes. The only female in the group tried (was a losing battle), to keep things under control. Surprising talent in
this group. Jim especially loved the concluding religious selection. "On my Father's side".The next thing on the agenda was a hillbilly contest. Wow... there were so seriously strange people walking across that stage... It was a hard decision for us all to make... came down to three contestants... Here is a picture of the group... see? I told you they were strange!! Then they all had to play for us... (spoons, washboard, and jug)... thankfully, the "band" played behind them... but they did pretty well!!
One couple that was one of the group favorites sat behind our table, and we got kind of a kick out of their antics...
Naturally, I have to add a picture of yours truly in my hillbilly outfit. I was not brave enough to join the rest... but I still enjoyed myself.. Could not get Jim to join in... but I at least got him to wear a rope to hold up his trousers, and he had a corn pipe pipe in his shirt pocket (he would not let me take a picture of him)... :-(
Do you remember my telling you about Thor's new found friend, the class A next door?
They became great pals during the week we were in Branson. Who knows what they talked about? Thor begged me to take a picture of his new friend before we pulled out... so I could not say no... (It is his Daddy standing in front)... I convinced them, after much begging (he is shy) to play the song "On the road again" why they were pulling out. I saw a little tear in Thor's eye when he heard them playing the goodbye song on the way out of the park...
They became great pals during the week we were in Branson. Who knows what they talked about? Thor begged me to take a picture of his new friend before we pulled out... so I could not say no... (It is his Daddy standing in front)... I convinced them, after much begging (he is shy) to play the song "On the road again" why they were pulling out. I saw a little tear in Thor's eye when he heard them playing the goodbye song on the way out of the park...
In one of the rare spare moments, between seminars, dinners and such, a group of the ladies got together to learn a way of trimming a tee shirt, which is really neat. Linda, the rally coordinator, taught the class. Some of us a quicker learners, I tend to drag behind the group. That is why Jim came along, to encourage me. I did not do one of the shirts... but I know how, once I get home, it will be one of the first things I do. We all enjoyed talking and laughing while working on the shirts...
Well... our time here at Branson has come to a close. What a great time we have had!! We have met so many great folks, and have promised to all keep in touch... till next year, when we all want to join up again.. ( I don't know it I can stand another time like this or not!!) but.. it sure was hard saying bye to all our new friends. Everyone was breaking down their rigs, hugging ... and yes.. a few tears slipped out.... kind of sad, seeing all the rigs lined up leaving... everyone waving... but, hopefully, we will all see each other next year....
It is back on the road for Lil' Alfie's Travels..... hope you have been enjoying our trip....
Pat, Jim and Thor
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Crazy town of Branson
We decided to take a few free hours and drive through the town of Branson. My, what a strange town. Kind of like a little Las Vegas. Lots of shops if you are so inclined to want to buy. Lots of places to eat too. The traffic tries your patience to the limit, I must say. Kind of bumper to bumper driving. Folks are not the most courteous. All in a rush, I guess to spend that money. One of the reasons we went was to take a picture of the craziest place we have ever seen. When visiting Branson a few years ago, we drove by this building, but were unable to take a picture. Jim has never forgotten it, so it was top priority this year to capture it on tape.. here it is... what do you think of it? Something else, don't you think? Leave it to Ripley..
Friday evening we had a wonderful catered dinner and afterward, some of our more brave rv'ers put on a "fashion show", which brought down the house! We all laughed till our sides ached. Such good fun was had by all.
Linda Payne, one of the rally coordinators, really set everyone back on their heels with a "wild and wooly" rendition of a song she dearly loves. It brought everyone up of their feet, stomping and clapping. It really got loud. I know they must have heard us all over the campground. Sure was hard, to end the evening. The rally days are going by so quickly.. we will all hate to say goodbye...
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
RV Dreams Rally
Our rally is getting in full swing...
The computer instructor, Chris, is having a great time with us... as is the "perfect poodle", Odie.
Everyone here seems to love our little computer geek poodle. He keeps everyone laughing.
The computer instructor, Chris, is having a great time with us... as is the "perfect poodle", Odie.
Everyone here seems to love our little computer geek poodle. He keeps everyone laughing.
Howard and Linda Payne, the rally coordinators, have done a great job, bringing it all together. The idea of a big tent was a inspiration. Everyone gathers under it and have a wonderful time socializing. Keeps us out of the sun too!! It is getting kind of crowded when we all get there together.. over 120 of us!! But everyone has a great time.
We are all meeting fellow rv'ers, who we have been talking to for over a year, so it is like we are meeting "old friends". My picture is with my fellow chat mates, Ellie and Karon. So good to finally meet them. Have so many I want to meet in these four days!! We all wear name tags that were all made up for us.. wasn't that a great idea? Jim and I already have raspy voices.. have not talked this much in I don't know how long. By the time we leave, we will probably have no voices.., ah... what quiet it will be, huh?
This evening we all gathered together for pizza and ice cream. Can you imagine getting in enough pizza for over 120 people? We all had a great time.. but the noise was something else.. all those folks talking... We were entertained with Linda and Howard.. our coordinators... you had to be there .
Well, tomorrow is another full day. So much planned for us... never a dull moment. I will hate to see it all end. Meeting so many great folks. Even Thor... he has made a fast friend with the class A next door. Wonder what they talk about when we are gone?
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