Dear Representative Herseth Sandlin:
Health Care Reform – YES!
Please begin some benefits THIS YEAR!
(perhaps children)
We elected you to represent us. We, the majority, want (and feel we need and deserve) a fundamental change in our health care delivery system. The key barrier to health care is economics which are controlled by the insurance corporation monopoly. Health Care Insurance Corporations may not be the only factor in limiting access, increasing cost, denying benefits, and so forth, but it is the greatest contributor by far.
We need an extreme change in our health care delivery system. (See note 1 about abortion and aliens.) A publicly owned insurance company would be best. It would passively reduce costs to citizens and government. It would improve access because of reduced premium rates. It would reduce denials of benefits because of the increased competition to please the subscribers. It would improve insurance corporations adherence to their contracts without scheming to reduced their costs by over selling policies that imply generous benefits and then refusing to pay out by straining the interpretation of the fine print in the contracts they print and sell.
As a health care provider, I will testify that I would rather have an easy 60% compensation from a government insurance than have to deal with any current insurance corporation. They are sticklers for irrelevant details and so many other ploys to delay and reduce their payments. My operating costs accrue while they earn interest on money they hold, if they ever do get around to paying. I'm sure HOSPITALS would agree.
And, please, remove the exemption from anti-trust that the insurance corporations have (the McCarran-Ferguson law).
We voters are willing to pay more in taxes to get health insurance coverage from a non-profit government plan because it will reduce our net expense. (See note 2.) And a public option will increase access for the 100,000 uninsured in South Dakota. (See note 3). We know it's true.
(If 100,000 are uninsured or under-insured, do the statistics mean that 100 die each year in South Dakota because of insurance corporation practices – unaffordable premiums, denial of benefits and coverage, and under-covered subscribers due to co-pays and deductibles? That's the ratio in the National statistics -- 40,000,000 uninsured and 40,000 die due to lack of insurance.)
Which do you want more: the support of the electorate, or the campaign money from the insurance corporations? Are you for us, or the insurance corporations? We need to kill the insurance corporate monopoly and abuse, not the corporations. We need to provide health care for every citizen.
Any legislator who does not act to our wishes may face a campaign to get them replaced at their next election. It's just a fact of doing what is expected. I don't like to present ultimatums, but there are some serious issues on which we need strong representation.
Thank you for your service,
Dr. Richard C. Masterson
PS: I hope to get appointed to see you in Washington before the 10th of November. I may be able to bring my Canadian friend who is willing to answer questions about his country's plan.
Note 1: HR 3962 (and HR 3200) include denial of Federal payment for abortion except for incest, rape, and life of mother. Also included is denial of Federal health care for non-citizens – employers are required by law to verify citizenship before hiring. (We need stronger enforcement of this employment law rather that making a duplication of it for another agency to wrestle with.)
Note 2: The worst case would be a net change in subscriber costs of about zero. Because we are over spending now the sum of:
+ increased lost work time (reduced personal income, GDP productivity, and social contribution) due to more serious illnesses,
+ premium,
+ deductible,
+ copay,
and get poor “service”.
As soon as we get a Public Insurance Company Option, that cost may be matched by increases in taxes for immediate set-up, initial loss funding, and national debt payment. (The public company will be required to pay back loans, and cover losses with premiums.)
But we will be healthier!
(“Poor Service” and “Good Service” refers to denials, exemptions, requirements, out-of-network care, demand for 'further documentation', courteous and sympathetic phone calls and letters, and so forth.)
Note 3: Access to care for the un/under-insured will improve primarily due to the premium reduction. It will make is less expensive for government programs to provide insurance, too.
The insurance corporation tactics that are unfavorable from many angles to the subscribers are also barriers to care, not just “business tactics.” They are keeping us sick.
###
Friday, November 6, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thank you Senator Reid, I think...
We have a Public Option, BUT... It is not available to enough subscribers to have a statistical impact on the current health care system. There for, it is not Health Care Reform!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Visit to Sen. Johnson's Office
Comments from the South Dakota Senator's Offices --
-- Senator Thune's (R-SD)
-- Senator Johnson's (D-SD)
(Sorry I am so tardy in posting these summaries of my visits.)
Fantastic Summary of the Whole Issue: Read on line
"Poor Substitutes — Why Cooperatives and Triggers Can't Achieve the Goals of a Public Option" by Dr. J.S. Hacker, New England Journal of Medicine, September 23, 2009.
For more on Health Care, goto: RichardsChase.blogspot.com
Or you can read some of it here ...
A Visit to Senator Thune's Office
I was first greeted by Jessica Yearous, Staff Assistant, with a cup of coffe. (Yes, it was good coffee.) After a brief wait and some talk about the weather and my full time RV living with Jessica, Meredith arrived and introduced herself. Then we went into the adjoining conference room.
Our conversation started very easily with Meredith saying that reforming health care is important and insurance companies are not going to help. Those were my first two points in my prepared discussion bullets. So, I felt quite encouraged about working on the reform model with her.
The insurance company issue covered the following points:
The profit motive has led to setting high rates and denying benefits. Meredith pointed out that most health insurance companies are "non-profit." So there is some other reason to abuse the consumer?
The free market -- We agreed that we need to provide/force coverage for pre-existing conditions. (We didn't discuss portability between jobs or lost job.) I granted that I am equivicating on "pre-existing conditions" because I feel that, on some level, when the insurer sees a documented above average risk coming, they should be able to increase premium or get some extra compensation, while I feel that the consumer needs to be able to get some kind of affordable coverage at the same time. (Perhaps a "high risk pool" as proposed by Senator McCain.)
I reported that there is a "culture" in place now that includes abuse. I was even advised by a Medicaid consultant to bill for a larger filling than I had placed, if I thought the fee should be higher.
Subsidizing the purchase of insurance is not a cost cutting reform, we agreed. It would be a subsidy to insurance company profits; especially because there are no limits on the premiums the insurance company can charge while collecting a taxpayer subsidy for the difference. It may make insurance available for many of the un-insured, but it would be an ever escallating expense.
The patient's option to buy additional insurance should be available, I claimed. There should not be a prohibition on consumers buying "botique" policies or supplemental policies. I feel there there will always be people who are outside the mainstream who want alternaive treatment -- medical modalities, cosmetics, luxury treatment, and so forth -- who should be able to satisfy their desires. This lead to two points:
1. Meredith pointed out that people in England who can afford to, have the option of flying to America to get care they want. I was wondereing as she said that, "Why they can't buy 'out of system' care in England?" There must be some allowance for cosmetic or alternative care.
2. "Balance billing" was discussed. Meredith had not heard the expression, but did understand the concept. We did not conclude whether we supported it or not. It means allowing the provider to bill their own fee and applying insurance benefits as partial payment. That is currently prohibited in the provider agreement with the insurance corporations signed by the provider if they want to be an "preferred provider" who can recieve payments from the insurance corporation. (The patient/insurance customer is encouraged to seek out "preferred providers" by a reduction in their co-payment.)
There should be a "safety net" list of procedure or diagnoses that are benefits of the public option -- much like the MedicAid services limited list. This would give everyone a minimum of care. And the schedule of services covered would create a supplemental insurance market for the insurance corporations to provide public service at a profit.
Meredith mentioned, when we were comparing Medicaid to the services from a universal coverage, that "some people" suggest that the government give the health care funds in the program directly to the recipients so they can buy what is best for them in the (free) marketplace. I said, "Oh, no! You don't want to do that!" Meredith's response was one of suprise. Either I was rude, or she had not heard before that a major function of Medicaid is to provide care to the poor and uneducated who are in-capable of making a purchase decision on their own. I was trying to say that we should expand the provision of the Medicaid schedule of services to include everyone. Hence, we would have universal coverage without totally removing the need for the individual or group to purchase supplemental insurances. The minimal services available could include "preventive procedures."
Tort reform was brought up by Meredith. I agree that there is a lot of service provided that is only necessary to minimize the losses if the provider is sued. (The statistics are that every provider will be sued at least once, on average.) We agree that tort reform will help recudce the costs of care. (If we reduce our legal costs, we are reducing the attorny's income.)
I pointed out that if we just focus on reducing costs, I believe we will get an automatic improvement in outcomes. The reduction of frivilous law suits, the elimination of "defensive medicine" (un-necessary procedure just to prepare for a defense in a potential law suit if the patient becomes unhappy), the activation of a government sponsored non-profit company, and the new emphasis on using "most effective" techniques (lowest overhead expense with same or better result expectations) will improve quality. It could be called "effectiveness" or "efficiency."
Unfortunately, Meredith feels that if we get a health reform bill/law, it will be a subsidy for the insurance corporations, and increased costs for the government, to provide care to some of the un-insured. I am holding out for a non-profit company established by the US Government. We need to do something "extreme." The degree to which insurance corporations fight against a Public Option, indicates how much more helpful the Public Option would be for citizens in getting the abusive insurance industry under control and improving care.
Five Democrats actually voted against a Public Option?!?!
I sent this email to five Democrat Senators on the Finance Committee on Sep 30:
"I am disappointed in your position in the Finance Committee on the Public Option amendments. A Public Option will establish a self-supporting and non-profit insurance company. That's all. We are patients/constituents versus insurance corporations. I am a doctor who sides with the patients. -Fondly Yours, Dr. R.C. Masterson (D-SD resident). Available at 202-841-4265 ...." and RichardsChase.blogspot.com
To Senators (using their web forms):
Baucus (MT),
Carper (DE),
Conrad (ND),
Lincoln (AR),
Bill Nelson (FL)
I sent a "Thank You" to Senator Kerry (D-MA). His comments in Committee were right on target.
-- Senator Thune's (R-SD)
-- Senator Johnson's (D-SD)
(Sorry I am so tardy in posting these summaries of my visits.)
Fantastic Summary of the Whole Issue: Read on line
"Poor Substitutes — Why Cooperatives and Triggers Can't Achieve the Goals of a Public Option" by Dr. J.S. Hacker, New England Journal of Medicine, September 23, 2009.
For more on Health Care, goto: RichardsChase.blogspot.com
Or you can read some of it here ...
A Visit to Senator Thune's Office
I was first greeted by Jessica Yearous, Staff Assistant, with a cup of coffe. (Yes, it was good coffee.) After a brief wait and some talk about the weather and my full time RV living with Jessica, Meredith arrived and introduced herself. Then we went into the adjoining conference room.
Our conversation started very easily with Meredith saying that reforming health care is important and insurance companies are not going to help. Those were my first two points in my prepared discussion bullets. So, I felt quite encouraged about working on the reform model with her.
The insurance company issue covered the following points:
The profit motive has led to setting high rates and denying benefits. Meredith pointed out that most health insurance companies are "non-profit." So there is some other reason to abuse the consumer?
The free market -- We agreed that we need to provide/force coverage for pre-existing conditions. (We didn't discuss portability between jobs or lost job.) I granted that I am equivicating on "pre-existing conditions" because I feel that, on some level, when the insurer sees a documented above average risk coming, they should be able to increase premium or get some extra compensation, while I feel that the consumer needs to be able to get some kind of affordable coverage at the same time. (Perhaps a "high risk pool" as proposed by Senator McCain.)
I reported that there is a "culture" in place now that includes abuse. I was even advised by a Medicaid consultant to bill for a larger filling than I had placed, if I thought the fee should be higher.
Subsidizing the purchase of insurance is not a cost cutting reform, we agreed. It would be a subsidy to insurance company profits; especially because there are no limits on the premiums the insurance company can charge while collecting a taxpayer subsidy for the difference. It may make insurance available for many of the un-insured, but it would be an ever escallating expense.
The patient's option to buy additional insurance should be available, I claimed. There should not be a prohibition on consumers buying "botique" policies or supplemental policies. I feel there there will always be people who are outside the mainstream who want alternaive treatment -- medical modalities, cosmetics, luxury treatment, and so forth -- who should be able to satisfy their desires. This lead to two points:
1. Meredith pointed out that people in England who can afford to, have the option of flying to America to get care they want. I was wondereing as she said that, "Why they can't buy 'out of system' care in England?" There must be some allowance for cosmetic or alternative care.
2. "Balance billing" was discussed. Meredith had not heard the expression, but did understand the concept. We did not conclude whether we supported it or not. It means allowing the provider to bill their own fee and applying insurance benefits as partial payment. That is currently prohibited in the provider agreement with the insurance corporations signed by the provider if they want to be an "preferred provider" who can recieve payments from the insurance corporation. (The patient/insurance customer is encouraged to seek out "preferred providers" by a reduction in their co-payment.)
There should be a "safety net" list of procedure or diagnoses that are benefits of the public option -- much like the MedicAid services limited list. This would give everyone a minimum of care. And the schedule of services covered would create a supplemental insurance market for the insurance corporations to provide public service at a profit.
Meredith mentioned, when we were comparing Medicaid to the services from a universal coverage, that "some people" suggest that the government give the health care funds in the program directly to the recipients so they can buy what is best for them in the (free) marketplace. I said, "Oh, no! You don't want to do that!" Meredith's response was one of suprise. Either I was rude, or she had not heard before that a major function of Medicaid is to provide care to the poor and uneducated who are in-capable of making a purchase decision on their own. I was trying to say that we should expand the provision of the Medicaid schedule of services to include everyone. Hence, we would have universal coverage without totally removing the need for the individual or group to purchase supplemental insurances. The minimal services available could include "preventive procedures."
Tort reform was brought up by Meredith. I agree that there is a lot of service provided that is only necessary to minimize the losses if the provider is sued. (The statistics are that every provider will be sued at least once, on average.) We agree that tort reform will help recudce the costs of care. (If we reduce our legal costs, we are reducing the attorny's income.)
I pointed out that if we just focus on reducing costs, I believe we will get an automatic improvement in outcomes. The reduction of frivilous law suits, the elimination of "defensive medicine" (un-necessary procedure just to prepare for a defense in a potential law suit if the patient becomes unhappy), the activation of a government sponsored non-profit company, and the new emphasis on using "most effective" techniques (lowest overhead expense with same or better result expectations) will improve quality. It could be called "effectiveness" or "efficiency."
Unfortunately, Meredith feels that if we get a health reform bill/law, it will be a subsidy for the insurance corporations, and increased costs for the government, to provide care to some of the un-insured. I am holding out for a non-profit company established by the US Government. We need to do something "extreme." The degree to which insurance corporations fight against a Public Option, indicates how much more helpful the Public Option would be for citizens in getting the abusive insurance industry under control and improving care.
Five Democrats actually voted against a Public Option?!?!
I sent this email to five Democrat Senators on the Finance Committee on Sep 30:
"I am disappointed in your position in the Finance Committee on the Public Option amendments. A Public Option will establish a self-supporting and non-profit insurance company. That's all. We are patients/constituents versus insurance corporations. I am a doctor who sides with the patients. -Fondly Yours, Dr. R.C. Masterson (D-SD resident). Available at 202-841-4265 ...." and RichardsChase.blogspot.com
To Senators (using their web forms):
Baucus (MT),
Carper (DE),
Conrad (ND),
Lincoln (AR),
Bill Nelson (FL)
I sent a "Thank You" to Senator Kerry (D-MA). His comments in Committee were right on target.
###
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
First 2 Months at Thomaston Dam
June 12
Got our laundry done this morning and a wee bit of grocery shopping. Just needed a very few things so we went to the little store here in Thomaston. Usually got over to Watertown, a few miles from here where there's a big "Stop N Shop". I really like that store, they have absolutely anything you could possibly want or need. The little store here in town is OK but limited. By doing this we were able to go to the laundromat close by and while things were drying come home. While here I made up a couble batch of the Weight Watcher's soup which is so good. Richard likes it too so we need the double amount if it's going to last any time at all.
In the meantime, we're getting our lawn mowed. Ranger Marissa is doing it on the riding mower. It's really a weed patch but when mowed it looks better. A few days ago I picked some of the wildflowers around here, actually made a beautiful bouquet! Right now the wild roses are in full bloom and the air is filled with the scent. Lovely!
Pretty nice arrangement we have here. We sit around and "play" 5 days a week, the Rangers even come and mow the lawn for us, and we only work 2 days a week. No utility bills or rent. Pretty nice arrangement, huh?
Now it's Friday morning. It poured rain all evening and all night. Must have gotten at least a couple of inches? Who knows? We were snug and dry in our little house. However, when headed to bed I discovered the vent over the foot of the bed was open, and you know what was soaked below it. Had to strip the bed, of course. Thankfully it didn't soak the mattress or the memory foam pad on top of it. The bedding soaked up enough, apparently. Remade the bed with different sheets and all. The only real frustration was we'd just made up the bed with fresh sheets earlier in the day. Not a biggie, just aggravating. What's really aggravating is these vents are automatic, supposed to close when temps go lower than a certain level or when it rains. Usually they work fine, not this time. We ended up in a dry bed and slept soundly, waking occasionally when the rain got particularly heavy.
-----------------------
June 11
Will this rain ever stop? Have heard a number of complaints that it's been more rainy than usual. The storm in DC that blew over the tree at the White House was definitely felt by Ruth. She commented they'd had two major storms that day. We had a big storm, lots of rain but no wind, thankfully.
Spent the day at the CT state library yesterday. Got there about 9:30, ended up staying until 5 PM. Had packed a lunch for us, there is a nice little lunchroom down the hall where we can eat. We both felt more organized this time so were able to accomplish alot and not feel so frustrated. Got caught in heavy traffic coming home, however, but all went well. At least we were inside while it rained off and on outside. At least I'm assuming it was raining... Will stay home today, may go out for laundry a bit later on.
------------------
June 7
Left here about 7:30, drove straight down Hwy 8 to Bridgeport, takes about an hour. Parked for free (a plus) and walked a short distance to the ferry. Didn't have to wait long before boarding, bought our ticket on board, found a nice spot to sit up on the top open deck. Did the whole trip up there in the open air and sunshine. Just a perfect day, smooth water all the way across, full sunshine so used plenty of sunscreen and enjoyed the view. It takes about an hour and a half to get across LI Sound. Got a cab to the train station. Probably about a mile and a half. Get this, it was $8 for the cab and $5 for both of us to ride the train for the next hour and a half! Obviously the train is a better buy. Had we known exactly where we were headed, we had plenty of time to walk to the train, but we didn't have a clue where to go. Got there in plenty of time and were allowed to board the train a long time before it left on schedule. Very comfy digs so we were able to enjoy the trip. Some scenery, lots of trees, saw alot of back yards as well. Some industrial areas. Got to Mineola right on time where R & M met us. The Mazda was in the shop getting a new key programmed. It has one of those locking systems where if you don't have an original programmable key and get a regular key, once you use the regular key, the engine won't run. Complicated.
They were also getting a tray for the very back that fits on the floor for the dog. To protect the car from his occasional barfs and pees. Rode in it a bit, gorgeous car with all the fancy stuff. A car they can enjoy for many years, for sure. Barashes are downsizing to just one car, figured the girls could enjoy the car. In the meantime we get to enjoy their "old" Toyota (that they also were given by Martina's parents) for the cost of the insurance, for the next 5-6 months. Then they will sell the Toyota and be down to the Mazda and the little red convertible that Martina's grandmother gave Martina before she died.
Had an authentic Mexican lunch in a Latino area near Garden City, then hugs good bye and headed back to the ferry. Made it with 6 minutes to spare! Drove on, got out and locked the car, walked up to where you buy tickets on board and by that time we were under way! Had we missed that ferry at 4:45 we would have had to wait until 6:30 for another. Whew! Got home around 7:15 or so, too late to do the park cleaning, so we put in extra time this morning. While there working for 3 hrs apiece this morning, we were invited to join a huge AA group having a picnic today. Richard had helped them carry some boxes to the table. We probably won't go, but they were certainly a friendly group. We'll be back over there around 2 PM, so may get involved. We're hardly AA members, but supportive. Actually, when we got in from our day Saturday we promptly had a glass of wine to unwind.
Another beautiful day today. Nice for those who work all week but on our days off all next week it's to rain every day! But we have a nice easy and cheap car to buzz around in - in the rain!
---------------------
June 4
We've been hearing bits and pieces of Obama's Cairo Univ. speech. Sounds like he delivered a wonderful speech, hopefully it was well received. He apparently made some pretty impressive points - at least from what we've heard. He's so cool, like you, we're so proud of him being our President and representative. We watched the NBC special the last 2 nights of his tour of the White House. Again, just so interesting and good. What a great family we have living there now. A breath of fresh air in all ways.
----------------
June 3
We're still trying to figure out just when to make the trip to NZ. Sent out an inquiry this morning about renting an RV for a few weeks, should hear back in a few days. It's a local outfit out of Nelson. Seems alot of them are out of Auckland or Christchurch, a problem to pick up the vehicle. Thought it might be a fun way to visit other parts of the south island. Settling on a date is the big hurdle. Would like to get it settled soon.
All is fine here. Just chased our resident ground hog away from my lettuce plants. I've acquired 3 fair sized pots and planted a couple of cherry tomatoes, some lettuce, chives, and basil for our enjoyment. He seems to think we're willing to share with him.
Saturday we're ferrying over to Long Island to meet up with Ruth and Martina. We'll only get to see them for a couple of hours. They are driving their Toyota up to Point Lookout to see Martina's parents. We'll get that car from them, they will drive the used Mazda home. The Mazda has been Barash's car, they have purchased a new car and have offered them the Mazda.
Work is going well here. We're enjoying our week-ends only schedule. Hope we can keep that schedule as the other couple are leaving this week-end. They've been coming here for 5 years, burned out.
----------------
June 3
Richard's CPR and first aid class last week? I guess it went OK, his certificates came yesterday, the instructor, "Patch", delivered them. It actually has nothing to do with cleaning a picnic are, just a good opportunity that I didn't take advantage of, but Richard did.
Not much going on here, we went out yesterday, briefly, to the library and refill the truck fuel tank, before gas prices go up for the summer. At least we're assuming they will go up again. Hopefully not as bad as last summer. Last time we'll probably fill the truck up for the summer. Once we get the Toyota on Saturday we'll be using that car most of the time.
We keep hearing reports about how broke California is. Sad situation, one that's been going on for a few decades now. Sounds like the situation has gotten worse, however.
Beautiful morning but we're to have rain again this afternoon, maybe. A storm will be going across NYC and Long Island, we'll be on the north edge of all that. Who knows if we'll get rain or not.
----------
June 1
Worked on cleaning up my computer this morning. I was down to only about 750 megabytes of space, not room enough for even many photos or any kind of software. Transferred alot to our storage disk, deleted tons of junk that was gathering dust and space. Now I have a couple of gigabytes free, but had hoped for more.
Gorgeous day here but a tad cooler. Might be nice enough to sit outside and read awhile this afternoon. Back to clouds and possible rain tomorrow. Another reason not to return to this area next summer. However, we'd like to spend a summer in MA. We have two good opportunities pending for hosting next year. Not as much free time but where alot of my ancestors lived. I like MA anyway, I love the historical aspect. More intense than here.
----------------
May 31
Friday night we watched "The Brave One", I think I mentioned that in an earlier email. Last night we saw "Kite Runner" about a boy who grew up in Afghanistan. Really good movie. It was subtitled which I usually don't enjoy. However, this was done very well and it really kept your attention. The subtitling didn't seem to get in the way as it often does. Great insights on life in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the craziness of extreme Islam, etc. If you haven't seen it, DO! We've upgraded to 2 movies at a time with Netflix because of all the summer reruns and nonsense on TV, so we'll be watching more movies, no doubt.
Busy 2 days here with working 2 shifts but now we're done for the week. Home now and of course a thunderstorm has rolled in. A gorgeous day up until about 2 PM. Lots of thunder and lightning now so unplugged the computers to be safe.
------------------------
May 30
Richard and I are learning a new software to use with our genealogy programs -- "GenSmarts". It's a totally separate program that goes thru the data program that's on our computer. It searches out where we are missing bits of information and tells you where you can get the missing information. It also ties into some of the online research sources that we subscribe to. Doubt any of this makes sense to you since I can't actually show you what it does. It's a pretty neat program, however, and I think it will really help pull things together. Especially for me, as I've found ancestors back in time since they arrived in the Americas. Especially my mom's side as almost all came in during the early 1600s! I'm at the point on her line where I really don't have to look for the people but need to learn and verify what I know about them. We're really impressed with this program and look forward to really using it.
Watched "The Brave One" with Jodie Foster last night. Have you seen it? If not, DO. It's very dark, tense, has times of violence for sure, but very interesting. Quite a study in how the mind might work after being a victim. She's such a good actress and does a great job.
I'm reading "The Wedding" by Nicholas Sparks right now. I always enjoy his books. This one is interesting. A love story as his books usually are, but from the husband of many years perspective.
-------------------
May 29
We headed up to Torrington so Richard could exchange some work shoes that had been ordered for him. Needs a different size. Then we went to Wal Mart and got our anniversary gifts to each other, a new waffle iron (our's died), a popcorn airpopper, and a 4 cup programmable coffee maker. New toys! I also found some cute cropped pants that are mostly cotton that fit like a charm - and cheap. And a new spaghetti server. I've had one of those plastic ones but the teeth have broken off. Found a metal one, threw that in the basket. And a good picnic table cloth I've been looking for - red and white check, 96 inches long, so it will completely cover most any size picnic table we encounter. Picked up a few groceries as well. Then started our laundry near there, found a Mexican place to have lunch. We'd eaten there before, last summer. An OK spot. Got more groceries at the Big Y, a huge store up there, then finished our laundry and headed home. Didn't get back until late afternoon so Libby got her dinner late.
Richard tells me he's getting me window awnings for 2 of our windows that often face the sun. They will be like our big awning and should go a long way toward keeping the interior cooler during the summer months. And the rain off the glass. We love the big windows on this RV but sometimes we're positioned in such a way as you have to pull the shades to tolerate the direct sunshine! This will be my birthday gift which will make me very happy.
Marissa and Amy, two Rangers, planted us a butterfly bush and also some blue berry bushes. The butterfly bush is planted just off the patio. Don't know if we'll see it bloom this year or not. The other bushes are over in the "lawn" (mowed weeds), to help hold the soil above the creek. They won't produce for a few years, we're told. The ladies did all the work, thankfully. Discovered my grape tomatoes are starting to bloom too. Hopefully we'll have some soon. Our lettuce is going gang busters, can't keep up with it. The herbs are all doing great also.
So, that was our day. Today will be back to the slow quiet day, too rainy to do much outside. Even though it's supposed to be around 70, the rain makes it too cool to be comfy out there. Tomorrow and Sunday we work, of course.
--------------------
May 26
Rainy today, so cloudy and a bit gloomy. Guess that's what makes it pretty here when the sun does come out. The first time we were in CT many years ago I couldn't figure out where the homes and businesses were. Turns out they were hiding behind the trees!
Not much going on here right now. Richard spent most of the day doing CPR and First Aide training. I probably should have gone also but just didn't want to. I've been thru CPR training a few times and I really think I would know what to do if I had to. He was gone from 8 AM until 2:30 PM so Libby and I had a wonderful day at home. Got a bit of cleanup done, alot of research and alot of reading. I put on some lovely music and coasted thru the day. Nice to have so much time to myself, actually. Richard came home all trained and ready to go in an emergency, briefed me on changes to the routine. Now it's 30 compressions to 2 breaths, once you have the airway cleared, just so you know.
-------------------
May 26
Tuesday evening here. Quiet day, took a lovely walk on the old road I'd mentioned in an earlier email. Lovely quiet walk. I've always thought (previously) that CT was a state solid with people. However, not so. Lots of people here, behind and hidden behind the trees and hills, it seems. Anyway, the walk we took was on an old road along Leadmine Brook. Along there all we heard was the quiet creek, wind in the trees, and saw only one other person sitting on the bank fishing. Doubt he saw us, actually. So peaceful and so green and lush. Just a lovely walk. Oh yes, saw lots of wildflowers and heard lots of birds. I've attached a couple of photos. Just a lovely walk. Came home and puttered the rest of the day. Stopped at the store to pick up a roast on our way back home. I'd found a recipe online for a chuck roast that sounded good. Cooked in a crock pot. Turned out fine but had hoped it would be more tender. Got to smell it all afternoon and that was wonderful.
Cool day today, especially after a few days of heat. Has gotten cloudy as the day went along. Beautiful and sunny during our walk, however. Stopped by the grocery store and then the library on our way home Dropped some DVDs off, watched "Michael Clayton" last night. Not sure just what to think of it. I found it confusing with all the flash backs, but over all and interesting film. We have "The Brave One" here from Netflix right now to watch. Not sure if we'll get to it tonight or not.
Richard went to a staff meeting up at the Corps office early this afternoon. I stayed home, meetings don't thrill me. Tomorrow he's going to a CPR training which I could go to also, but won't. Been there, done that. Know I should go, but really not interested. I think I could remember enough if there really was an emergency. I stayed home to putter and read. Working my thru James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series. Enjoying those books.
-----------------
May 26
It was a gorgeous day yesterday, high 70s, maybe 80? Beautiful clear sky, light wind, just a perfect holiday. This morning is alot cooler and not to get as warm, with rain late this afternoon. We had our hamburgers grilled last night and ate on our patio. Just perfect for it. Then sat and enjoyed our view of the forest for awhile. Just such a pretty evening. When we got back from work I decided to make a small potato salad. Got it together then spread it out on a baking sheet, covered it, and stuck it in the freezer to chill. And it worked! Had nice cold potato salad to go with our hamburgers. A treat, hadn't had potato salad for a few years, methinks. Guess I got in the picnic mode when we worked in the park?
Our plan is simple for today - nothing much. We'll drive over to an area of Corps property called "Leadmine" later on and take a walk. There are some old roads that are blocked off from cars. A walker was telling me the other day that those are good places to take walks, so we'll go check at least one of those out. It's a rustic area except for one section that model airplane flyers use. I don't enjoy walking with cars whizzing by, and walking thru a neighborhood does nothing to restore my soul, so maybe this will be a find? The trails around here in the state park are so steep and rough are more work than pleasure. The state park is just across Branch Brook which we're next to. Can't get over there on foot, though. You have to drive all the way around to the entrance.
-------------------
May 25
http://mhsmaneline.org is the site for Morningside High School alumni news and e-newsletter. I graduated in 1959, Richard.
-----------------
May 24
Did we ever time things well. Just as we climbed into the car (this time, it's usually a truck) to head back home from working, the clouds opened up, rained 1/10 of an inch all at once. By the time we got home it had slowed to a sprinkle, so didn't get very wet. Boy, can it ever rain here!
--------------------------
May 23
Saturday the 6th of May we're hoping to exchange some work time with the Mattices. Ruth and Martina will be bring the Toyota up, with Henry in it, swap it with the Mazda that the Barash's are passing on the R & M. The plan is for the ladies to sell the Toyota, but first we'll borrow it for about 6 months (pay the insurance and any expenses so the girls won't have to, since we'll be using the car). Anyway, it will be a full day to get the car from Long Island. We'll train from Waterbury to Bridgeport, then ferry across to Port Jefferson on L.I., then take the Long Island Railroad as far as Mineola which is just 20 minutes from Point Lookout. The ladies will meet us there with the Toyota. We'll do lunch or something for an hour or two, then they'll head back to Point Lookout with the Mazda and we'll reverse our trip back to the ferry and Bridgeport, and drive home from there.
------------------------
May 20
Kaitlyn is a beautiful baby as is Zachary. Kathy McCormick has gorgeous kids, no question about that! We have such gorgeous great nephews and neices! Vickie's boys are handsome dudes, beautiful babies as well. David's daughter is a pretty girl, and his son is autistic. I know it's been hard on Maggie and David raising him. Thankfully they've seem to have done a good job educating themselves about autism and how to help him.
Not sure why R & M picked out the name of Henry for their dog. Whatever, if the dog answers to it and they are happy with it, no matter to me. Maybe they just wanted something different for a dog?? I guess he's doing OK, they are figuring out how to deal with his housebreaking issues and things are going better on that front. They took him to a dog park over last week-end where he was very intimidated by some aggressive big dogs. They left for awhile, came back later when those dogs were gone and found about 10 mid sized dogs playing together. Henry jumped into the fray and had a blast, so I'm told. He is a sweet dog, well behaved around people. They've gone to major efforts teaching guests have to approach him (since he's so fearful and can snap at people). We had no problems at all, he was good as gold while we were there. Very calm, just laid at our feet most of the time. Can't ask for more than that.
This week we have 3 days off, Mattices are due in today and will start work tomorrow.
And it's absolutely beautiful outside and supposed to stay that way. Yippee! The next couple of days will quite warm, so it's predicted. Thurs and Fri it's to be up in the 80s and partly cloudy. Good timing for our days off. Actually, I'm hoping for miserable weather Sat and Sun when we work, keep picnickers home (I know, I'm not a nice person) along with their messes.
Memorial Day week-end is the worst of the entire year at Northfield Dam picnic area. It's such a big park and the picnic tables are plentiful and almost all are occupied all week-end. And folks in CT are so messy! Of course, I suspect many of these people are apartment dwellers who have no yards of their own, so have few cares if someone else has to clean up after them. All the smokers seem to think the ground is their personal ashtray but what they don't understand is someone has to pick up all those cigarette butts. My turn to whine, but smokers have always been on my black list.
At least this year we don't have regular restrooms with flush toilets to clean up. Porta potties are much easier and kids don't tend to play in them and throw water about. And you can't plug up toilets with things like watermelons which we had happen last Memorial Day. You wouldn't believe what people try to put in toilets and expect things to disappear! And don't get me started on the messes the dirt bikers make in their parking area, or the trash fishermen leave along the banks of the lakes.
Otherwise it's a lovely day. Maybe grilling something for dinner is in order? We have some nice steak in the freezer. Yesterday we ate the the Chinese buffet again while our clothes washed next door.
Had a slow start to the day. We volunteers are still short a truck to use. A new pickup has been purchased for the crew here and we're to get one of the older ones. The new one is sitting in the parking lot and has been since we arrived in April. It needs a bed liner (the black stuff that goes inside the truck bed to prevent damage to the painted metal) and I guess thanks to government red tape it is still waiting all this time. Once that's done the radios and stuff have to be moved out of the old truck into the new truck for one of the guys to be able to use it routinely. Once all the equipment is moved over then we'll get the old truck. In the meantime we get whatever truck isn't in use that morning. Well, yesterday we got up there and no truck at all! Everything was in use up at the top of one of the dams. We waited until almost 10 AM (we usually start at 7 AM) then I went and got my hair cut as scheduled. When I got back the truck was there. So we started 3.5 hrs late which put us that much behind in our day. Instead of leaving for laundry, lunch and groceries at 10:30 after my hair cut, we finally got going on the day. Finally got home about 4 PM, in time to give Libby her dinner. Long day and we were weary.
Watched the finale of Dancing with the Stars, Shawn Johnson won the trophy. Gilles somebody was a close runner up, actually I though he'd get it. Anyway, that show ran all evening. Oh yes, we did see the finale to NCIS.
This week seems to be finale week for the various TV shows we watch. A new movie arrived, "Last Chance Harvey" with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Looks like a good one, saw the previews and like both those actors. May not watch it until Friday night? Depends on all the finales on TV this week.
Not sure what we're doing today. Maybe just be outside? Welcome the Mattices? Go for a walk in the woods?
--------------------
May 14
Richard spent much of the morning putting the mailbox in. Had to dig a hole in rocky soil. And there is alot of rock around here. Why our earliest settlers landed on the New England shore wasn't all that smart. Many were farmers, or wanted to be and this is no place for farming, for sure. And the winters are so hideous, so I'm told. Anyway, I guess he got the hole dug. When cutting the post to the right length the saw horses collapsed that are up in the garage at the office, with him on them. Really bruised the back of his left hand and took skin off his shin. Nothing that won't heal but he is a tad beat up. Finally got the post installed, went back after lunch to attach the mailbox, found it done for him. Anyway, it's finally in.
No other real news. I stayed home while Richard worked on the mailbox. Did some research on a couple who arrived here from England around 1630 or so. Couldn't find them anywhere. I have their data but needed stronger references to feel they were the right folks. Otherwise I'd have to assume that lineage was "hatched", so ta speak.
Then I got side tracked on the Nelson, New Zealand newspaper business Web site. When you scroll to the bottom you find 3 newspapers in addition. Anyway, enjoyed reading some of the stuff about Nelson and area. Definitely a difference in English. Unfamiliar terms for things. Not British terms either. Also, there's some Maori words mixed in as well.
It's been a rainy breezy day today, of course. In spite of such a nice place to park, methinks we won't be back next year. Time to do something different. We'll probably try to do all the research we want for CT while here this summer. Very pleasant to be surrounded by all these beautiful trees, however. I'll be surprised if we ever get our cable hookup, the rate things gets done around here.
We put some of that stuff on the back of Libby's neck that's to ward off ticks and fleas. It's left her fur in that area very greasy. Also, we've been finding clumps of fur around the RV. Not sure if it's coming from that spot or not. We're hoping she's not allergic to it or something. We've found 3-4 ticks on her in the last couple of months and don't want to find any more. Also, we're not far from Lyme, CT, home of the deer ticks and Lyme disease. Yes, I know it's everywhere now, but it still if makes me a tad skittish. Anyway, I hope this stuff doesn't cause her problems.
--------------------------
May 13
Beautiful, gorgeous day here for a change. Had some clouds float thru during the middle of the day, but now there's not a cloud to be found. Had a quiet day, just doing odd jobs around home here. About 5:30, Vinnie, the head honcho came down to our site in his truck with a new mailbox in back. He and Richard went off to discuss it's placement, needed equipment for Richard to install it. Now we've had dinner and Richard is out digging a hole somewhere up by the gate.
By the way, did you know we live in a gated community?? It will only be a community of two RVs, but we do have a gate. Actually two gates, one that opens up the office and work yard area, then another beyond that that leads on down to the RV sites. Very exclusive folks, we be.
Now, as to where the water would go if the dam should break - well, right at us. However, it would take alot of rain - an unbelievable amount, so we're not too concerned. And if there was that much rain, believe me, we'd be outta here. We're on wheels, remember?
--------------------
May 12
Finished our work week today. Nice morning, started out very sunny and very clear, cool, but nice. Now it's very overcast and has tried to rain a couple of times. Supposed to have thunderstorms this evening. We'd like to be able to sit outside and enjoy our dinners but that hasn't happened since the first week we were here.
After work we headed off to the laundry and to get a few groceries. I'd been having a yen for Chinese food of late. Turns out there's a Chinese buffet next to the laundromat. Last week we'd noticed alot of people going in and out of it, so decided to try it. $6.99 per person for all you can eat. Usually, we pass up buffets as they aren't all that wonderful to start with, plus, we're not big eaters. However, since we had to wait for our clothes to dry, we opted to have lunch there. A huge buffet and the food was wonderful!! Richard enjoyed all sorts of seafood dishes that he said were "ambrosia"! I selected a number of tastes of various chicken dishes, noodles, veggies, etc. and they were all wonderful. Such a variety of dishes to try! We waddled out, with plans to return again soon. Actually, we could enjoy lunch there every laundry day, but that might get old after awhile.
Got groceries while clothes were washing at a wonderful Stop N Shop, a chain which is all over this area. Discovered it last summer. So almost a one stop day, complete with lunch. Now we're home, doing various little things. Not sure what we're going to do with our 2 days off. Need to find a cool place to visit?
Black Rock Lake isn't much for swimming. I suppose you could but it's not situated for swimming. Northfield Dam has a beach but I wouldn't swim there. Too many Canadian Geese use it, if you know what I mean. Lots of goose poop everywhere. Certainly not appealing.
----------------------
May 12
by Richard
At 350 Old Branch Rd, Thomaston, CT, the Google map shows the Black Rock Dam and what the Army Corps of Engineers calls the Black Rock Pool on the west side. The more romantic name for the pool is Black Rock Lake.
We live on the east side, down stream side, of the dam. You will see two RV parking pads on the map. The one that is closer to the dam is perpendicular to the dam. We are living at the site further east of the dam which is parallel to the dam.
I am trying to arrange to get a mailbox at the office, just 200 feet north of us. The run around is amazing. Ranger Chuck wants to get his Homeland Security barriers installed first -- a big project that hasn't even been started. I have even offered to do all the labor -- just bolt the box to the fence post.
-----------
Got our laundry done this morning and a wee bit of grocery shopping. Just needed a very few things so we went to the little store here in Thomaston. Usually got over to Watertown, a few miles from here where there's a big "Stop N Shop". I really like that store, they have absolutely anything you could possibly want or need. The little store here in town is OK but limited. By doing this we were able to go to the laundromat close by and while things were drying come home. While here I made up a couble batch of the Weight Watcher's soup which is so good. Richard likes it too so we need the double amount if it's going to last any time at all.
In the meantime, we're getting our lawn mowed. Ranger Marissa is doing it on the riding mower. It's really a weed patch but when mowed it looks better. A few days ago I picked some of the wildflowers around here, actually made a beautiful bouquet! Right now the wild roses are in full bloom and the air is filled with the scent. Lovely!
Pretty nice arrangement we have here. We sit around and "play" 5 days a week, the Rangers even come and mow the lawn for us, and we only work 2 days a week. No utility bills or rent. Pretty nice arrangement, huh?
Now it's Friday morning. It poured rain all evening and all night. Must have gotten at least a couple of inches? Who knows? We were snug and dry in our little house. However, when headed to bed I discovered the vent over the foot of the bed was open, and you know what was soaked below it. Had to strip the bed, of course. Thankfully it didn't soak the mattress or the memory foam pad on top of it. The bedding soaked up enough, apparently. Remade the bed with different sheets and all. The only real frustration was we'd just made up the bed with fresh sheets earlier in the day. Not a biggie, just aggravating. What's really aggravating is these vents are automatic, supposed to close when temps go lower than a certain level or when it rains. Usually they work fine, not this time. We ended up in a dry bed and slept soundly, waking occasionally when the rain got particularly heavy.
-----------------------
June 11
Will this rain ever stop? Have heard a number of complaints that it's been more rainy than usual. The storm in DC that blew over the tree at the White House was definitely felt by Ruth. She commented they'd had two major storms that day. We had a big storm, lots of rain but no wind, thankfully.
Spent the day at the CT state library yesterday. Got there about 9:30, ended up staying until 5 PM. Had packed a lunch for us, there is a nice little lunchroom down the hall where we can eat. We both felt more organized this time so were able to accomplish alot and not feel so frustrated. Got caught in heavy traffic coming home, however, but all went well. At least we were inside while it rained off and on outside. At least I'm assuming it was raining... Will stay home today, may go out for laundry a bit later on.
------------------
June 7
Left here about 7:30, drove straight down Hwy 8 to Bridgeport, takes about an hour. Parked for free (a plus) and walked a short distance to the ferry. Didn't have to wait long before boarding, bought our ticket on board, found a nice spot to sit up on the top open deck. Did the whole trip up there in the open air and sunshine. Just a perfect day, smooth water all the way across, full sunshine so used plenty of sunscreen and enjoyed the view. It takes about an hour and a half to get across LI Sound. Got a cab to the train station. Probably about a mile and a half. Get this, it was $8 for the cab and $5 for both of us to ride the train for the next hour and a half! Obviously the train is a better buy. Had we known exactly where we were headed, we had plenty of time to walk to the train, but we didn't have a clue where to go. Got there in plenty of time and were allowed to board the train a long time before it left on schedule. Very comfy digs so we were able to enjoy the trip. Some scenery, lots of trees, saw alot of back yards as well. Some industrial areas. Got to Mineola right on time where R & M met us. The Mazda was in the shop getting a new key programmed. It has one of those locking systems where if you don't have an original programmable key and get a regular key, once you use the regular key, the engine won't run. Complicated.
They were also getting a tray for the very back that fits on the floor for the dog. To protect the car from his occasional barfs and pees. Rode in it a bit, gorgeous car with all the fancy stuff. A car they can enjoy for many years, for sure. Barashes are downsizing to just one car, figured the girls could enjoy the car. In the meantime we get to enjoy their "old" Toyota (that they also were given by Martina's parents) for the cost of the insurance, for the next 5-6 months. Then they will sell the Toyota and be down to the Mazda and the little red convertible that Martina's grandmother gave Martina before she died.
Had an authentic Mexican lunch in a Latino area near Garden City, then hugs good bye and headed back to the ferry. Made it with 6 minutes to spare! Drove on, got out and locked the car, walked up to where you buy tickets on board and by that time we were under way! Had we missed that ferry at 4:45 we would have had to wait until 6:30 for another. Whew! Got home around 7:15 or so, too late to do the park cleaning, so we put in extra time this morning. While there working for 3 hrs apiece this morning, we were invited to join a huge AA group having a picnic today. Richard had helped them carry some boxes to the table. We probably won't go, but they were certainly a friendly group. We'll be back over there around 2 PM, so may get involved. We're hardly AA members, but supportive. Actually, when we got in from our day Saturday we promptly had a glass of wine to unwind.
Another beautiful day today. Nice for those who work all week but on our days off all next week it's to rain every day! But we have a nice easy and cheap car to buzz around in - in the rain!
---------------------
June 4
We've been hearing bits and pieces of Obama's Cairo Univ. speech. Sounds like he delivered a wonderful speech, hopefully it was well received. He apparently made some pretty impressive points - at least from what we've heard. He's so cool, like you, we're so proud of him being our President and representative. We watched the NBC special the last 2 nights of his tour of the White House. Again, just so interesting and good. What a great family we have living there now. A breath of fresh air in all ways.
----------------
June 3
We're still trying to figure out just when to make the trip to NZ. Sent out an inquiry this morning about renting an RV for a few weeks, should hear back in a few days. It's a local outfit out of Nelson. Seems alot of them are out of Auckland or Christchurch, a problem to pick up the vehicle. Thought it might be a fun way to visit other parts of the south island. Settling on a date is the big hurdle. Would like to get it settled soon.
All is fine here. Just chased our resident ground hog away from my lettuce plants. I've acquired 3 fair sized pots and planted a couple of cherry tomatoes, some lettuce, chives, and basil for our enjoyment. He seems to think we're willing to share with him.
Saturday we're ferrying over to Long Island to meet up with Ruth and Martina. We'll only get to see them for a couple of hours. They are driving their Toyota up to Point Lookout to see Martina's parents. We'll get that car from them, they will drive the used Mazda home. The Mazda has been Barash's car, they have purchased a new car and have offered them the Mazda.
Work is going well here. We're enjoying our week-ends only schedule. Hope we can keep that schedule as the other couple are leaving this week-end. They've been coming here for 5 years, burned out.
----------------
June 3
Richard's CPR and first aid class last week? I guess it went OK, his certificates came yesterday, the instructor, "Patch", delivered them. It actually has nothing to do with cleaning a picnic are, just a good opportunity that I didn't take advantage of, but Richard did.
Not much going on here, we went out yesterday, briefly, to the library and refill the truck fuel tank, before gas prices go up for the summer. At least we're assuming they will go up again. Hopefully not as bad as last summer. Last time we'll probably fill the truck up for the summer. Once we get the Toyota on Saturday we'll be using that car most of the time.
We keep hearing reports about how broke California is. Sad situation, one that's been going on for a few decades now. Sounds like the situation has gotten worse, however.
Beautiful morning but we're to have rain again this afternoon, maybe. A storm will be going across NYC and Long Island, we'll be on the north edge of all that. Who knows if we'll get rain or not.
----------
June 1
Worked on cleaning up my computer this morning. I was down to only about 750 megabytes of space, not room enough for even many photos or any kind of software. Transferred alot to our storage disk, deleted tons of junk that was gathering dust and space. Now I have a couple of gigabytes free, but had hoped for more.
Gorgeous day here but a tad cooler. Might be nice enough to sit outside and read awhile this afternoon. Back to clouds and possible rain tomorrow. Another reason not to return to this area next summer. However, we'd like to spend a summer in MA. We have two good opportunities pending for hosting next year. Not as much free time but where alot of my ancestors lived. I like MA anyway, I love the historical aspect. More intense than here.
----------------
May 31
Friday night we watched "The Brave One", I think I mentioned that in an earlier email. Last night we saw "Kite Runner" about a boy who grew up in Afghanistan. Really good movie. It was subtitled which I usually don't enjoy. However, this was done very well and it really kept your attention. The subtitling didn't seem to get in the way as it often does. Great insights on life in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the craziness of extreme Islam, etc. If you haven't seen it, DO! We've upgraded to 2 movies at a time with Netflix because of all the summer reruns and nonsense on TV, so we'll be watching more movies, no doubt.
Busy 2 days here with working 2 shifts but now we're done for the week. Home now and of course a thunderstorm has rolled in. A gorgeous day up until about 2 PM. Lots of thunder and lightning now so unplugged the computers to be safe.
------------------------
May 30
Richard and I are learning a new software to use with our genealogy programs -- "GenSmarts". It's a totally separate program that goes thru the data program that's on our computer. It searches out where we are missing bits of information and tells you where you can get the missing information. It also ties into some of the online research sources that we subscribe to. Doubt any of this makes sense to you since I can't actually show you what it does. It's a pretty neat program, however, and I think it will really help pull things together. Especially for me, as I've found ancestors back in time since they arrived in the Americas. Especially my mom's side as almost all came in during the early 1600s! I'm at the point on her line where I really don't have to look for the people but need to learn and verify what I know about them. We're really impressed with this program and look forward to really using it.
Watched "The Brave One" with Jodie Foster last night. Have you seen it? If not, DO. It's very dark, tense, has times of violence for sure, but very interesting. Quite a study in how the mind might work after being a victim. She's such a good actress and does a great job.
I'm reading "The Wedding" by Nicholas Sparks right now. I always enjoy his books. This one is interesting. A love story as his books usually are, but from the husband of many years perspective.
-------------------
May 29
We headed up to Torrington so Richard could exchange some work shoes that had been ordered for him. Needs a different size. Then we went to Wal Mart and got our anniversary gifts to each other, a new waffle iron (our's died), a popcorn airpopper, and a 4 cup programmable coffee maker. New toys! I also found some cute cropped pants that are mostly cotton that fit like a charm - and cheap. And a new spaghetti server. I've had one of those plastic ones but the teeth have broken off. Found a metal one, threw that in the basket. And a good picnic table cloth I've been looking for - red and white check, 96 inches long, so it will completely cover most any size picnic table we encounter. Picked up a few groceries as well. Then started our laundry near there, found a Mexican place to have lunch. We'd eaten there before, last summer. An OK spot. Got more groceries at the Big Y, a huge store up there, then finished our laundry and headed home. Didn't get back until late afternoon so Libby got her dinner late.
Richard tells me he's getting me window awnings for 2 of our windows that often face the sun. They will be like our big awning and should go a long way toward keeping the interior cooler during the summer months. And the rain off the glass. We love the big windows on this RV but sometimes we're positioned in such a way as you have to pull the shades to tolerate the direct sunshine! This will be my birthday gift which will make me very happy.
Marissa and Amy, two Rangers, planted us a butterfly bush and also some blue berry bushes. The butterfly bush is planted just off the patio. Don't know if we'll see it bloom this year or not. The other bushes are over in the "lawn" (mowed weeds), to help hold the soil above the creek. They won't produce for a few years, we're told. The ladies did all the work, thankfully. Discovered my grape tomatoes are starting to bloom too. Hopefully we'll have some soon. Our lettuce is going gang busters, can't keep up with it. The herbs are all doing great also.
So, that was our day. Today will be back to the slow quiet day, too rainy to do much outside. Even though it's supposed to be around 70, the rain makes it too cool to be comfy out there. Tomorrow and Sunday we work, of course.
--------------------
May 26
Rainy today, so cloudy and a bit gloomy. Guess that's what makes it pretty here when the sun does come out. The first time we were in CT many years ago I couldn't figure out where the homes and businesses were. Turns out they were hiding behind the trees!
Not much going on here right now. Richard spent most of the day doing CPR and First Aide training. I probably should have gone also but just didn't want to. I've been thru CPR training a few times and I really think I would know what to do if I had to. He was gone from 8 AM until 2:30 PM so Libby and I had a wonderful day at home. Got a bit of cleanup done, alot of research and alot of reading. I put on some lovely music and coasted thru the day. Nice to have so much time to myself, actually. Richard came home all trained and ready to go in an emergency, briefed me on changes to the routine. Now it's 30 compressions to 2 breaths, once you have the airway cleared, just so you know.
-------------------
May 26
Tuesday evening here. Quiet day, took a lovely walk on the old road I'd mentioned in an earlier email. Lovely quiet walk. I've always thought (previously) that CT was a state solid with people. However, not so. Lots of people here, behind and hidden behind the trees and hills, it seems. Anyway, the walk we took was on an old road along Leadmine Brook. Along there all we heard was the quiet creek, wind in the trees, and saw only one other person sitting on the bank fishing. Doubt he saw us, actually. So peaceful and so green and lush. Just a lovely walk. Oh yes, saw lots of wildflowers and heard lots of birds. I've attached a couple of photos. Just a lovely walk. Came home and puttered the rest of the day. Stopped at the store to pick up a roast on our way back home. I'd found a recipe online for a chuck roast that sounded good. Cooked in a crock pot. Turned out fine but had hoped it would be more tender. Got to smell it all afternoon and that was wonderful.
Cool day today, especially after a few days of heat. Has gotten cloudy as the day went along. Beautiful and sunny during our walk, however. Stopped by the grocery store and then the library on our way home Dropped some DVDs off, watched "Michael Clayton" last night. Not sure just what to think of it. I found it confusing with all the flash backs, but over all and interesting film. We have "The Brave One" here from Netflix right now to watch. Not sure if we'll get to it tonight or not.
Richard went to a staff meeting up at the Corps office early this afternoon. I stayed home, meetings don't thrill me. Tomorrow he's going to a CPR training which I could go to also, but won't. Been there, done that. Know I should go, but really not interested. I think I could remember enough if there really was an emergency. I stayed home to putter and read. Working my thru James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series. Enjoying those books.
-----------------
May 26
It was a gorgeous day yesterday, high 70s, maybe 80? Beautiful clear sky, light wind, just a perfect holiday. This morning is alot cooler and not to get as warm, with rain late this afternoon. We had our hamburgers grilled last night and ate on our patio. Just perfect for it. Then sat and enjoyed our view of the forest for awhile. Just such a pretty evening. When we got back from work I decided to make a small potato salad. Got it together then spread it out on a baking sheet, covered it, and stuck it in the freezer to chill. And it worked! Had nice cold potato salad to go with our hamburgers. A treat, hadn't had potato salad for a few years, methinks. Guess I got in the picnic mode when we worked in the park?
Our plan is simple for today - nothing much. We'll drive over to an area of Corps property called "Leadmine" later on and take a walk. There are some old roads that are blocked off from cars. A walker was telling me the other day that those are good places to take walks, so we'll go check at least one of those out. It's a rustic area except for one section that model airplane flyers use. I don't enjoy walking with cars whizzing by, and walking thru a neighborhood does nothing to restore my soul, so maybe this will be a find? The trails around here in the state park are so steep and rough are more work than pleasure. The state park is just across Branch Brook which we're next to. Can't get over there on foot, though. You have to drive all the way around to the entrance.
-------------------
May 25
http://mhsmaneline.org is the site for Morningside High School alumni news and e-newsletter. I graduated in 1959, Richard.
-----------------
May 24
Did we ever time things well. Just as we climbed into the car (this time, it's usually a truck) to head back home from working, the clouds opened up, rained 1/10 of an inch all at once. By the time we got home it had slowed to a sprinkle, so didn't get very wet. Boy, can it ever rain here!
--------------------------
May 23
Saturday the 6th of May we're hoping to exchange some work time with the Mattices. Ruth and Martina will be bring the Toyota up, with Henry in it, swap it with the Mazda that the Barash's are passing on the R & M. The plan is for the ladies to sell the Toyota, but first we'll borrow it for about 6 months (pay the insurance and any expenses so the girls won't have to, since we'll be using the car). Anyway, it will be a full day to get the car from Long Island. We'll train from Waterbury to Bridgeport, then ferry across to Port Jefferson on L.I., then take the Long Island Railroad as far as Mineola which is just 20 minutes from Point Lookout. The ladies will meet us there with the Toyota. We'll do lunch or something for an hour or two, then they'll head back to Point Lookout with the Mazda and we'll reverse our trip back to the ferry and Bridgeport, and drive home from there.
------------------------
May 20
Kaitlyn is a beautiful baby as is Zachary. Kathy McCormick has gorgeous kids, no question about that! We have such gorgeous great nephews and neices! Vickie's boys are handsome dudes, beautiful babies as well. David's daughter is a pretty girl, and his son is autistic. I know it's been hard on Maggie and David raising him. Thankfully they've seem to have done a good job educating themselves about autism and how to help him.
Not sure why R & M picked out the name of Henry for their dog. Whatever, if the dog answers to it and they are happy with it, no matter to me. Maybe they just wanted something different for a dog?? I guess he's doing OK, they are figuring out how to deal with his housebreaking issues and things are going better on that front. They took him to a dog park over last week-end where he was very intimidated by some aggressive big dogs. They left for awhile, came back later when those dogs were gone and found about 10 mid sized dogs playing together. Henry jumped into the fray and had a blast, so I'm told. He is a sweet dog, well behaved around people. They've gone to major efforts teaching guests have to approach him (since he's so fearful and can snap at people). We had no problems at all, he was good as gold while we were there. Very calm, just laid at our feet most of the time. Can't ask for more than that.
This week we have 3 days off, Mattices are due in today and will start work tomorrow.
And it's absolutely beautiful outside and supposed to stay that way. Yippee! The next couple of days will quite warm, so it's predicted. Thurs and Fri it's to be up in the 80s and partly cloudy. Good timing for our days off. Actually, I'm hoping for miserable weather Sat and Sun when we work, keep picnickers home (I know, I'm not a nice person) along with their messes.
Memorial Day week-end is the worst of the entire year at Northfield Dam picnic area. It's such a big park and the picnic tables are plentiful and almost all are occupied all week-end. And folks in CT are so messy! Of course, I suspect many of these people are apartment dwellers who have no yards of their own, so have few cares if someone else has to clean up after them. All the smokers seem to think the ground is their personal ashtray but what they don't understand is someone has to pick up all those cigarette butts. My turn to whine, but smokers have always been on my black list.
At least this year we don't have regular restrooms with flush toilets to clean up. Porta potties are much easier and kids don't tend to play in them and throw water about. And you can't plug up toilets with things like watermelons which we had happen last Memorial Day. You wouldn't believe what people try to put in toilets and expect things to disappear! And don't get me started on the messes the dirt bikers make in their parking area, or the trash fishermen leave along the banks of the lakes.
Otherwise it's a lovely day. Maybe grilling something for dinner is in order? We have some nice steak in the freezer. Yesterday we ate the the Chinese buffet again while our clothes washed next door.
Had a slow start to the day. We volunteers are still short a truck to use. A new pickup has been purchased for the crew here and we're to get one of the older ones. The new one is sitting in the parking lot and has been since we arrived in April. It needs a bed liner (the black stuff that goes inside the truck bed to prevent damage to the painted metal) and I guess thanks to government red tape it is still waiting all this time. Once that's done the radios and stuff have to be moved out of the old truck into the new truck for one of the guys to be able to use it routinely. Once all the equipment is moved over then we'll get the old truck. In the meantime we get whatever truck isn't in use that morning. Well, yesterday we got up there and no truck at all! Everything was in use up at the top of one of the dams. We waited until almost 10 AM (we usually start at 7 AM) then I went and got my hair cut as scheduled. When I got back the truck was there. So we started 3.5 hrs late which put us that much behind in our day. Instead of leaving for laundry, lunch and groceries at 10:30 after my hair cut, we finally got going on the day. Finally got home about 4 PM, in time to give Libby her dinner. Long day and we were weary.
Watched the finale of Dancing with the Stars, Shawn Johnson won the trophy. Gilles somebody was a close runner up, actually I though he'd get it. Anyway, that show ran all evening. Oh yes, we did see the finale to NCIS.
This week seems to be finale week for the various TV shows we watch. A new movie arrived, "Last Chance Harvey" with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Looks like a good one, saw the previews and like both those actors. May not watch it until Friday night? Depends on all the finales on TV this week.
Not sure what we're doing today. Maybe just be outside? Welcome the Mattices? Go for a walk in the woods?
--------------------
May 14
Richard spent much of the morning putting the mailbox in. Had to dig a hole in rocky soil. And there is alot of rock around here. Why our earliest settlers landed on the New England shore wasn't all that smart. Many were farmers, or wanted to be and this is no place for farming, for sure. And the winters are so hideous, so I'm told. Anyway, I guess he got the hole dug. When cutting the post to the right length the saw horses collapsed that are up in the garage at the office, with him on them. Really bruised the back of his left hand and took skin off his shin. Nothing that won't heal but he is a tad beat up. Finally got the post installed, went back after lunch to attach the mailbox, found it done for him. Anyway, it's finally in.
No other real news. I stayed home while Richard worked on the mailbox. Did some research on a couple who arrived here from England around 1630 or so. Couldn't find them anywhere. I have their data but needed stronger references to feel they were the right folks. Otherwise I'd have to assume that lineage was "hatched", so ta speak.
Then I got side tracked on the Nelson, New Zealand newspaper business Web site. When you scroll to the bottom you find 3 newspapers in addition. Anyway, enjoyed reading some of the stuff about Nelson and area. Definitely a difference in English. Unfamiliar terms for things. Not British terms either. Also, there's some Maori words mixed in as well.
It's been a rainy breezy day today, of course. In spite of such a nice place to park, methinks we won't be back next year. Time to do something different. We'll probably try to do all the research we want for CT while here this summer. Very pleasant to be surrounded by all these beautiful trees, however. I'll be surprised if we ever get our cable hookup, the rate things gets done around here.
We put some of that stuff on the back of Libby's neck that's to ward off ticks and fleas. It's left her fur in that area very greasy. Also, we've been finding clumps of fur around the RV. Not sure if it's coming from that spot or not. We're hoping she's not allergic to it or something. We've found 3-4 ticks on her in the last couple of months and don't want to find any more. Also, we're not far from Lyme, CT, home of the deer ticks and Lyme disease. Yes, I know it's everywhere now, but it still if makes me a tad skittish. Anyway, I hope this stuff doesn't cause her problems.
--------------------------
May 13
Beautiful, gorgeous day here for a change. Had some clouds float thru during the middle of the day, but now there's not a cloud to be found. Had a quiet day, just doing odd jobs around home here. About 5:30, Vinnie, the head honcho came down to our site in his truck with a new mailbox in back. He and Richard went off to discuss it's placement, needed equipment for Richard to install it. Now we've had dinner and Richard is out digging a hole somewhere up by the gate.
By the way, did you know we live in a gated community?? It will only be a community of two RVs, but we do have a gate. Actually two gates, one that opens up the office and work yard area, then another beyond that that leads on down to the RV sites. Very exclusive folks, we be.
Now, as to where the water would go if the dam should break - well, right at us. However, it would take alot of rain - an unbelievable amount, so we're not too concerned. And if there was that much rain, believe me, we'd be outta here. We're on wheels, remember?
--------------------
May 12
Finished our work week today. Nice morning, started out very sunny and very clear, cool, but nice. Now it's very overcast and has tried to rain a couple of times. Supposed to have thunderstorms this evening. We'd like to be able to sit outside and enjoy our dinners but that hasn't happened since the first week we were here.
After work we headed off to the laundry and to get a few groceries. I'd been having a yen for Chinese food of late. Turns out there's a Chinese buffet next to the laundromat. Last week we'd noticed alot of people going in and out of it, so decided to try it. $6.99 per person for all you can eat. Usually, we pass up buffets as they aren't all that wonderful to start with, plus, we're not big eaters. However, since we had to wait for our clothes to dry, we opted to have lunch there. A huge buffet and the food was wonderful!! Richard enjoyed all sorts of seafood dishes that he said were "ambrosia"! I selected a number of tastes of various chicken dishes, noodles, veggies, etc. and they were all wonderful. Such a variety of dishes to try! We waddled out, with plans to return again soon. Actually, we could enjoy lunch there every laundry day, but that might get old after awhile.
Got groceries while clothes were washing at a wonderful Stop N Shop, a chain which is all over this area. Discovered it last summer. So almost a one stop day, complete with lunch. Now we're home, doing various little things. Not sure what we're going to do with our 2 days off. Need to find a cool place to visit?
Black Rock Lake isn't much for swimming. I suppose you could but it's not situated for swimming. Northfield Dam has a beach but I wouldn't swim there. Too many Canadian Geese use it, if you know what I mean. Lots of goose poop everywhere. Certainly not appealing.
----------------------
May 12
by Richard
At 350 Old Branch Rd, Thomaston, CT, the Google map shows the Black Rock Dam and what the Army Corps of Engineers calls the Black Rock Pool on the west side. The more romantic name for the pool is Black Rock Lake.
We live on the east side, down stream side, of the dam. You will see two RV parking pads on the map. The one that is closer to the dam is perpendicular to the dam. We are living at the site further east of the dam which is parallel to the dam.
I am trying to arrange to get a mailbox at the office, just 200 feet north of us. The run around is amazing. Ranger Chuck wants to get his Homeland Security barriers installed first -- a big project that hasn't even been started. I have even offered to do all the labor -- just bolt the box to the fence post.
-----------
Saturday, April 25, 2009
We've Made it to Thomaston!
April 16 & 17, we had a very nice visit with Kim & Theo in Mays Landing. Janet and Jerome were there too. They had come from Santa Cruz -- Janet flew, and Jerome railroaded.
We took 6 days to get 300 miles up the road to Thomaston Dam, an Army Corps of Engineers site that includes three dams and their pools. We'll be here till August 15. The work is not hard. Well, on hot days -- most days -- it is not for sissies.
Our RV parking site
We have the continuous sound of the effluent from Black Rock Dam. It's a flood control dam that has a small pool -- about 300 acres, I guess. It did not get much water this year because the upstream flood control dams and lakes were able to keep it all.
We took 6 days to get 300 miles up the road to Thomaston Dam, an Army Corps of Engineers site that includes three dams and their pools. We'll be here till August 15. The work is not hard. Well, on hot days -- most days -- it is not for sissies.
Our RV parking site
 |
| From 2009-06 CT |
Monday, April 20, 2009
Mays Landing = Janet, Jerome, Kim, Theo
We left Mays Landing this morning after a lovely week-end with family. Janet and Jerome have been visiting their daughter and grandson in Mays Landing and the timing was perfect for us to be there also. We seldom get to see any of them so it was wonderful to be able to spend a few days with them. We arrived in Mays Landing on Thursday, late in the afternoon. Friday we spent the day with Janet and Jerome with Theo at his home. He's a delightful two year old, just a beautiful little boy.
Once his mom, Kim, arrived home from work we went over to where we'd camped for the next few nights. None of them had seen our "new" RV we moved into in the summer of 2007 and we wanted to show off our home. Kim and Jer picked up pizza on the way for our dinner and we had a lovely meal on the "patio". Sadly, Kim's husband, Mark, was in PA visiting his parents. His dad's health has taken a turn for the worse and he needed to be there.
Saturday we all went to Cape May. I was especially pleased as I've been wanting to visit that resort community for some time!
We got off to a slow start as the Fardette's rental car had a dead battery. We were able to give it a "jump" from our pickup and off we all went. Cape May is a delightful beach community with lots of great shops and restaurants and it's full of beautiful Victorian homes as well. The entire community is an historic district. It had been incorporated in the mid 1850s, although in the mid 1750s it had already been a site visited by Philadelphia's vacationers. This info came from Wikipedia, by the way. Beautiful beaches and we felt fortunate to find parking places! A beautiful day so the city was full of visitors.
It was so great for me to be able to have the time in the car with Kim to do some catching up. She's a lovely young woman and I enjoy her so much. Richard and Jerome had a good male bonding time in his car. We had to take two cars as none of our vehicles would have handled all of us comfortably. By the time we got back to Mays Landing we were all ready for a quiet evening at home.
Sunday we needed a day off as we'd been seeing family and friends since the first of the month. As a result I'd done absolutely no cooking other than rewarming left overs since the first of the month! I think I've forgotten how to cook! In the evening we were able to have the time to chat with Ruth who is presently in southern California. She'd spend the day with another of her cousins, Kathy McCormick, her son Zachary, and her mom Muriel. It was good to catch up with that side of the family vicariously.
Sunday called for a quiet day at home with dinner out with just Janet and Jerome. It was nice to have the time with just them. They treated us to lovely dinner at a local "Pub". A pretty nice place for a pub, actually. A delicious dinner and we had to say good bye to them all. Who knows when we'll get to see these wonderful people again. Hopefully not too long from now, but I fear it will be a year or so.
 |
| From 2009-04 |
Once his mom, Kim, arrived home from work we went over to where we'd camped for the next few nights. None of them had seen our "new" RV we moved into in the summer of 2007 and we wanted to show off our home. Kim and Jer picked up pizza on the way for our dinner and we had a lovely meal on the "patio". Sadly, Kim's husband, Mark, was in PA visiting his parents. His dad's health has taken a turn for the worse and he needed to be there.
Saturday we all went to Cape May. I was especially pleased as I've been wanting to visit that resort community for some time!
 |
| From 2009-04 |
We got off to a slow start as the Fardette's rental car had a dead battery. We were able to give it a "jump" from our pickup and off we all went. Cape May is a delightful beach community with lots of great shops and restaurants and it's full of beautiful Victorian homes as well. The entire community is an historic district. It had been incorporated in the mid 1850s, although in the mid 1750s it had already been a site visited by Philadelphia's vacationers. This info came from Wikipedia, by the way. Beautiful beaches and we felt fortunate to find parking places! A beautiful day so the city was full of visitors.
 |
| From 2009-04 |
It was so great for me to be able to have the time in the car with Kim to do some catching up. She's a lovely young woman and I enjoy her so much. Richard and Jerome had a good male bonding time in his car. We had to take two cars as none of our vehicles would have handled all of us comfortably. By the time we got back to Mays Landing we were all ready for a quiet evening at home.
 |
| From 2009-04 |
Sunday we needed a day off as we'd been seeing family and friends since the first of the month. As a result I'd done absolutely no cooking other than rewarming left overs since the first of the month! I think I've forgotten how to cook! In the evening we were able to have the time to chat with Ruth who is presently in southern California. She'd spend the day with another of her cousins, Kathy McCormick, her son Zachary, and her mom Muriel. It was good to catch up with that side of the family vicariously.
Sunday called for a quiet day at home with dinner out with just Janet and Jerome. It was nice to have the time with just them. They treated us to lovely dinner at a local "Pub". A pretty nice place for a pub, actually. A delicious dinner and we had to say good bye to them all. Who knows when we'll get to see these wonderful people again. Hopefully not too long from now, but I fear it will be a year or so.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Day off, and rain
Good morning from very rainy DC area. Started raining late in the evening last night, rained all night, due to rain all day today and into tomorrow. Seems like it's always raining when we're parked at Greenbelt. Know it can be gorgeous, but who needs sprinklers in this area!? Thursday will be our best day to travel, we decided, partly cloudy is the forecast. Not fun to drive in the rain, especially on a very busy interstate. We're warm and dry, thankfully. Our little catalytic is doing a great job for us.
Quiet day yesterday. I read, napped, puttered around here. Richard spent much of the day on the computer, did a few things outside, fortunately before it started raining. Climbed up on the roof to clean the solar panels of road dirt and such. Then washed the outside of our windows which certainly made it brighter in here. So much road dirt had collected from driving in the rain. And now it's raining again - of course. That's just about all we did all day. Heated up restaurant left overs for dinner. So wonderful to have the day at home relaxing. We'd been going strong for the previous 12 days, so we needed a day off!
Today I have a doctor's appointment at 10:30, need to talk to her about some prescription questions and I need a blood test anyway. Easier to talk to her face to face than thru a nurse on the phone - you know how that is. Can get the blood draw in her office, saves another trip somewhere. Need to stop at the Verizon store with questions about my phone, for example, why it shuts off mid-conversation. We also now have Warren's phone, wondering what it would cost to discontinue his service since we are still under the 2 year contract business (got new phones less than 2 years ago). Or just keep Warren's phone for Richard to use for the $10 a month extra. Need to stop at the bank to make a deposit also. Such fun to run errands in the rain. That will be our day by the time we deal with traffic. Doesn't sound like much but the traffic takes time to maneuver around.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
We are here in Greenbelt. Came in in the rain, light rain while setting up. This morning is clear, the high is to be 53 degrees. We'll have breakfast and leave in an hour to go over to Takoma park, spend the day. Meet Colin, etc. Then we'll walk up to the Farmer's Market. Can't imagine there's much this time of year. And we had shopped just before leaving TN. And...since we've not eaten at home but one in the evenings for a week, we haven't used much at all. Just bread, eggs, and milk which have been replaced 2 days ago. Can't imagine there will be much in the way of veggies at the market. Even the one night we ate at home it was leftovers from the previous night out.
Last night we met R & M for dinner at Franklin's Brewery over here in Hyattsville. Good place, very noisy, however. Lots of U of Maryland energy? It's close to the University. Unusual menu. I had Thai chicken pizza which was yummy and interesting with peanut sauce, peanuts, chunks of white meat, lots of cheese, cilantro on a thin crust pizza. Richard had a "veggie" pot pie which consisted of 3 kinds of beans, black, garbanzo and pinto, with a big amount of mashed potato in the middle, on a pie crust that was in the bottom. Topped with cheese, I think. Ruth had barbecued chicken, Martina had fish and chips. Martina enjoyed a sampling of beers made on the premises, I had wine, Ruth had a beer, and Richard abstained. Guess he figured he was the designated driver? Had a lovely visit then went our separate ways. We were all weary and needed to be at home for the rest of the evening.
Cold night and as campers here there is no electricity to plug into so dependent on our catalytic heater. It does a nice job but we couldn't warm the bed with our electric blanket. We're spoiled. The generator does a great job as well to build up the batteries, then of course we have solar panels and we're parked in direct sun here. It's just a different way of living. Libby loves the catalytic heater, lays in front of it all the time. She did end up snuggling between us overnight.
Today is our only real day to spend time with R & M but I suspect we'll be home well before dark. Ruth is swamped with stuff, as usual. Martina may want to go for a bike ride since it's a pretty day. Everything seems to be up in the air about Philip's surgery. He's home from the hospital and will see doctors tomorrow morning.
Beautiful drive up here, intermittent rain and interesting clouds. Lots of tulips and daffodils along the highways in the Shenandoah Valley, and places were the redbud was thick! Spring green in the lower areas, just beautiful. We took some backroads for awhile, got ourselves off the interstate for a breather. Just so pretty. Hard to describe. Spring in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley. Wow!
Must get some breakfast going here so we can leave again. Nice to be parked for a few days, at least.
Missed the severe weather of rain and tornadoes in Tennessee just fine. Just rain, some wind at time, but not a problem. When we last talked to Paul and Mary, they were bracing for bad storms, we got out of there in time, methinks.
Friday, April 10, 2009
by Richard
We are in Roanoke, VA for the nite. Will be in Greenbelt tomorrow. Tornadoes are currently active in area of Pigeon Forge, TN where we just left. Out friends Paul & Mary are there in their RV. They don't need strong winds with a rig on wheels. We drove in rain; now the sun is out.
Our blog richnkay.blogspot.com links to our current photo album when you click on the slide show. Or you can go directly to our Picasa Albums at picasaweb.com/mastersonenator. Picasa has just one "s". You will see snow in the Smokies.
(We were taught, "Put a period or comma inside quotes. All other punctuation marks follow logic." But nowadays, so many computer people don't understand quotes that they say "without the quotes" after they give instructions. So, I think it is advisable to be strict about the quotes. Include only the text that applies. That is, periods and commas go outside, unless they are part of the message. I digress.)
I must get back to doing nothing -- well, I am doing retirement.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
We were going to go to Dollywood today, our last day here, but we cancelled. Just worn out! Instead of Dollywood yesterday, we drove over to the Cherokee Museum, which was fascinating and extremely well done. It's on the Cherokee Reservation, in another very busy tourist town. We couldn't go up over the mountains to get there in the morning as the road was closed by snow. Had to take the long way around; it took 2 hours. Had lunch at Subway as we knew we were going out to dinner again in the evening. Paul drove, so Richard was able to enjoy the scenery better and Paul knew the way there. The museum tells the Cherokee history from prehistoric times to the present, extremely well done. Lots of information on the Trail of Tears, of course. We spent over 2 hours there. By the time we came home, the road over the mountains had opened up, so it took only 1 hour to get back. It was a beautiful drive, too, with lots and lots of snow, but the road was completely clear.
We all needed a few groceries so stopped at Kroeger briefly. We got home in time to turn around for dinner. RVing friends of P & M's are in the area for awhile, so we 4 met them at The Brewery for dinner at 5:30. Richard and I split a dinner of ribs and smashed potatoes with a side of broccoli and cheese, yummy. Then we all came back to Paul and Mary's for red velvet cake and conversation. Got home at 9 PM. Long long day and we're soooo worn out.
I went over to P & M's at 8:30 this morning to see if Mary would feel bad if we canceled out on today's trip to Dollywood. She's got to be tired too. She works tomorrow on top of everything! We need to do laundry and prepare to travel again tomorrow. It will be two long days on the highway. Tomorrow we have to be at the Michelin dealers to get the new tires on the RV very early, before we travel. Then we have a long day of driving. It doesn't sound like it. It's only 253 mi up to Roanoke, VA. In the RV it seems longer, as we don't want to travel as fast and we're ooolllddd.
Just now hung up from a call from Ruth. I think I mentioned Philip Barash is in the hospital with a blocked carotid artery.
My, how Gatlinburg has changed. It's a darling town but too many tourists! And this isn't high season. It took forever to get thru the town. There are too many cars and pedestrians. Fortunately there's a bypass of sorts, but even it's overloaded. It's turned into a mini Pigeon Forge. I'm sure it was much more delightful years ago. I wouldn't bother going there, now, personally.
Finally spring is truly back. Clear sunny skies, warmer today, about 70; it should be perfect to sit outside after a bit. We need to do laundry and get ready to pull up stakes. It's not big jobs -- just take a wee bit of time. The most important thing is rest up and relax a bit. We're taking P & M out to a Mexican restaurant they've been wanting to try, tonight. A feeble thank you for the wonderful week.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 5:24 AM
Thankfully the sunshine has returned and it looks to be a pretty day today. Yesterday Paul took us on a trek to Cades Cove where many families settled back in the early 1800s. It snowed off and on all day, at times blizzard like. Beautiful drive, however. Quite a contrast to the trip into the mountains on Sunday. We've been below freezing the last two nights. Enough, already! Spring is to return today, so we're told. The birds are certainly out in full force this morning!
Back to Dollywood today, to see some of the stuff we didn't have time for Saturday.
We've been running around and eating out a lot. Every meal has been absolutely delicious, though. Yesterday for lunch we ate at the Old Mill, good southern cooking. Richard and I shared pot roast that was wonderful! Complete with corn chowder and fritters for starters, then the roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans southern style, and big fluffy biscuits! Thank goodness we shared the meal! Dinner out again tonight with P & M and friends they met somewhere who are also visiting here. Don't know how much more of this wonderful food I can take!
Friday morning, early, we pull out. First stop is just a few blocks up the street to get new tires on the RV, then we will drive as far as we can. Want to be in DC by Sat. night. Two long days of travel. Ruth must be getting anxious to see us, I think she called 3 times late yesterday. Philip Barash is in the hospital, something about blockage in his carotid arteries. Not good. He'll be there for some time, I guess, as he has lots of other health issues. Not sure when we saw them last. Not sure how critical the situation is, Richard talked with Ruth about Philip.
R & M plan to drive up there soon, not sure just when. They'll drive Shelly, the car, because they'll have Colin with them. Leave Shelley at Pt. Lookout and drive back in the Mazda that they'll be getting from Barash's. I won't have to make the drive north in the Toyota, thank goodness. I will have to drive it back in the fall but it will be easier to skirt around Philly and NYC and all that.
Not much other news, just that we're tired at this point. We need a day at home, or 2 or 3. Getting old... Having fun, though!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 5:11 AM
Good morning from snowy Pigeon Forge, Well, it isn't very snowy, just traces on hard surfaces, like rooftops, picnic tables, windshields. It IS cold, however. Supposedly today we're going over the mountains here to visit the Cherokee Museum. Best to check road conditions, however. Paul is driving, and he's driven in snow much of his life, at least. Yesterday was very quiet which we needed. I guess Mary got sent home early from work, the place was very quiet thanks to the cold wet weather. Watched a movie with them last night, a comedy with William Macy and Meg Ryan, but I can't remember the name of it -- "The Deal"? OK, not the greatest, then home to watch "24". Had the beans and rice with cornbread with them that their friends had made for them. At this rate I'm going to forget how to cook!
Years ago Richard and I climbed up the Cumberland Gap trail from this side of the mountains. Thought perhaps my Loyd ancestors or someone may have come over it. Well, turned out they took an easier route, by flatboat down the rivers from southern VA, into TN, etc. Eventually on a keelboat up the Mississippi to Iowa. However, the hike up to the Gap was hideous, steep, rocky, hot. I haven't a clue how they got themselves (women in long skirts), kids, animals, household goods up that way. Even if it had been a wider trail it would have been horrible. Of course the real trail may have been where the highway goes today which might have been better, but I doubt in those days, not much better. These mountains are steep, big time! And I thought the Rockies and Sierras were steep! Anyway, this is truly a beautiful area, probably just gets prettier and prettier as spring progresses.
Not much other news. I've got my camera ready to go for today's trip. I guess in good conditions the trip takes about an hour to get to the Museum, not sure about today. We're leaving here about 11 AM
Quiet day yesterday. I read, napped, puttered around here. Richard spent much of the day on the computer, did a few things outside, fortunately before it started raining. Climbed up on the roof to clean the solar panels of road dirt and such. Then washed the outside of our windows which certainly made it brighter in here. So much road dirt had collected from driving in the rain. And now it's raining again - of course. That's just about all we did all day. Heated up restaurant left overs for dinner. So wonderful to have the day at home relaxing. We'd been going strong for the previous 12 days, so we needed a day off!
Today I have a doctor's appointment at 10:30, need to talk to her about some prescription questions and I need a blood test anyway. Easier to talk to her face to face than thru a nurse on the phone - you know how that is. Can get the blood draw in her office, saves another trip somewhere. Need to stop at the Verizon store with questions about my phone, for example, why it shuts off mid-conversation. We also now have Warren's phone, wondering what it would cost to discontinue his service since we are still under the 2 year contract business (got new phones less than 2 years ago). Or just keep Warren's phone for Richard to use for the $10 a month extra. Need to stop at the bank to make a deposit also. Such fun to run errands in the rain. That will be our day by the time we deal with traffic. Doesn't sound like much but the traffic takes time to maneuver around.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
We are here in Greenbelt. Came in in the rain, light rain while setting up. This morning is clear, the high is to be 53 degrees. We'll have breakfast and leave in an hour to go over to Takoma park, spend the day. Meet Colin, etc. Then we'll walk up to the Farmer's Market. Can't imagine there's much this time of year. And we had shopped just before leaving TN. And...since we've not eaten at home but one in the evenings for a week, we haven't used much at all. Just bread, eggs, and milk which have been replaced 2 days ago. Can't imagine there will be much in the way of veggies at the market. Even the one night we ate at home it was leftovers from the previous night out.
Last night we met R & M for dinner at Franklin's Brewery over here in Hyattsville. Good place, very noisy, however. Lots of U of Maryland energy? It's close to the University. Unusual menu. I had Thai chicken pizza which was yummy and interesting with peanut sauce, peanuts, chunks of white meat, lots of cheese, cilantro on a thin crust pizza. Richard had a "veggie" pot pie which consisted of 3 kinds of beans, black, garbanzo and pinto, with a big amount of mashed potato in the middle, on a pie crust that was in the bottom. Topped with cheese, I think. Ruth had barbecued chicken, Martina had fish and chips. Martina enjoyed a sampling of beers made on the premises, I had wine, Ruth had a beer, and Richard abstained. Guess he figured he was the designated driver? Had a lovely visit then went our separate ways. We were all weary and needed to be at home for the rest of the evening.
Cold night and as campers here there is no electricity to plug into so dependent on our catalytic heater. It does a nice job but we couldn't warm the bed with our electric blanket. We're spoiled. The generator does a great job as well to build up the batteries, then of course we have solar panels and we're parked in direct sun here. It's just a different way of living. Libby loves the catalytic heater, lays in front of it all the time. She did end up snuggling between us overnight.
Today is our only real day to spend time with R & M but I suspect we'll be home well before dark. Ruth is swamped with stuff, as usual. Martina may want to go for a bike ride since it's a pretty day. Everything seems to be up in the air about Philip's surgery. He's home from the hospital and will see doctors tomorrow morning.
Beautiful drive up here, intermittent rain and interesting clouds. Lots of tulips and daffodils along the highways in the Shenandoah Valley, and places were the redbud was thick! Spring green in the lower areas, just beautiful. We took some backroads for awhile, got ourselves off the interstate for a breather. Just so pretty. Hard to describe. Spring in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley. Wow!
Must get some breakfast going here so we can leave again. Nice to be parked for a few days, at least.
Missed the severe weather of rain and tornadoes in Tennessee just fine. Just rain, some wind at time, but not a problem. When we last talked to Paul and Mary, they were bracing for bad storms, we got out of there in time, methinks.
Friday, April 10, 2009
by Richard
We are in Roanoke, VA for the nite. Will be in Greenbelt tomorrow. Tornadoes are currently active in area of Pigeon Forge, TN where we just left. Out friends Paul & Mary are there in their RV. They don't need strong winds with a rig on wheels. We drove in rain; now the sun is out.
Our blog richnkay.blogspot.com links to our current photo album when you click on the slide show. Or you can go directly to our Picasa Albums at picasaweb.com/mastersonenator. Picasa has just one "s". You will see snow in the Smokies.
(We were taught, "Put a period or comma inside quotes. All other punctuation marks follow logic." But nowadays, so many computer people don't understand quotes that they say "without the quotes" after they give instructions. So, I think it is advisable to be strict about the quotes. Include only the text that applies. That is, periods and commas go outside, unless they are part of the message. I digress.)
I must get back to doing nothing -- well, I am doing retirement.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
We were going to go to Dollywood today, our last day here, but we cancelled. Just worn out! Instead of Dollywood yesterday, we drove over to the Cherokee Museum, which was fascinating and extremely well done. It's on the Cherokee Reservation, in another very busy tourist town. We couldn't go up over the mountains to get there in the morning as the road was closed by snow. Had to take the long way around; it took 2 hours. Had lunch at Subway as we knew we were going out to dinner again in the evening. Paul drove, so Richard was able to enjoy the scenery better and Paul knew the way there. The museum tells the Cherokee history from prehistoric times to the present, extremely well done. Lots of information on the Trail of Tears, of course. We spent over 2 hours there. By the time we came home, the road over the mountains had opened up, so it took only 1 hour to get back. It was a beautiful drive, too, with lots and lots of snow, but the road was completely clear.
We all needed a few groceries so stopped at Kroeger briefly. We got home in time to turn around for dinner. RVing friends of P & M's are in the area for awhile, so we 4 met them at The Brewery for dinner at 5:30. Richard and I split a dinner of ribs and smashed potatoes with a side of broccoli and cheese, yummy. Then we all came back to Paul and Mary's for red velvet cake and conversation. Got home at 9 PM. Long long day and we're soooo worn out.
I went over to P & M's at 8:30 this morning to see if Mary would feel bad if we canceled out on today's trip to Dollywood. She's got to be tired too. She works tomorrow on top of everything! We need to do laundry and prepare to travel again tomorrow. It will be two long days on the highway. Tomorrow we have to be at the Michelin dealers to get the new tires on the RV very early, before we travel. Then we have a long day of driving. It doesn't sound like it. It's only 253 mi up to Roanoke, VA. In the RV it seems longer, as we don't want to travel as fast and we're ooolllddd.
Just now hung up from a call from Ruth. I think I mentioned Philip Barash is in the hospital with a blocked carotid artery.
My, how Gatlinburg has changed. It's a darling town but too many tourists! And this isn't high season. It took forever to get thru the town. There are too many cars and pedestrians. Fortunately there's a bypass of sorts, but even it's overloaded. It's turned into a mini Pigeon Forge. I'm sure it was much more delightful years ago. I wouldn't bother going there, now, personally.
Finally spring is truly back. Clear sunny skies, warmer today, about 70; it should be perfect to sit outside after a bit. We need to do laundry and get ready to pull up stakes. It's not big jobs -- just take a wee bit of time. The most important thing is rest up and relax a bit. We're taking P & M out to a Mexican restaurant they've been wanting to try, tonight. A feeble thank you for the wonderful week.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009 5:24 AM
Thankfully the sunshine has returned and it looks to be a pretty day today. Yesterday Paul took us on a trek to Cades Cove where many families settled back in the early 1800s. It snowed off and on all day, at times blizzard like. Beautiful drive, however. Quite a contrast to the trip into the mountains on Sunday. We've been below freezing the last two nights. Enough, already! Spring is to return today, so we're told. The birds are certainly out in full force this morning!
Back to Dollywood today, to see some of the stuff we didn't have time for Saturday.
We've been running around and eating out a lot. Every meal has been absolutely delicious, though. Yesterday for lunch we ate at the Old Mill, good southern cooking. Richard and I shared pot roast that was wonderful! Complete with corn chowder and fritters for starters, then the roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans southern style, and big fluffy biscuits! Thank goodness we shared the meal! Dinner out again tonight with P & M and friends they met somewhere who are also visiting here. Don't know how much more of this wonderful food I can take!
Friday morning, early, we pull out. First stop is just a few blocks up the street to get new tires on the RV, then we will drive as far as we can. Want to be in DC by Sat. night. Two long days of travel. Ruth must be getting anxious to see us, I think she called 3 times late yesterday. Philip Barash is in the hospital, something about blockage in his carotid arteries. Not good. He'll be there for some time, I guess, as he has lots of other health issues. Not sure when we saw them last. Not sure how critical the situation is, Richard talked with Ruth about Philip.
R & M plan to drive up there soon, not sure just when. They'll drive Shelly, the car, because they'll have Colin with them. Leave Shelley at Pt. Lookout and drive back in the Mazda that they'll be getting from Barash's. I won't have to make the drive north in the Toyota, thank goodness. I will have to drive it back in the fall but it will be easier to skirt around Philly and NYC and all that.
Not much other news, just that we're tired at this point. We need a day at home, or 2 or 3. Getting old... Having fun, though!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 5:11 AM
Good morning from snowy Pigeon Forge, Well, it isn't very snowy, just traces on hard surfaces, like rooftops, picnic tables, windshields. It IS cold, however. Supposedly today we're going over the mountains here to visit the Cherokee Museum. Best to check road conditions, however. Paul is driving, and he's driven in snow much of his life, at least. Yesterday was very quiet which we needed. I guess Mary got sent home early from work, the place was very quiet thanks to the cold wet weather. Watched a movie with them last night, a comedy with William Macy and Meg Ryan, but I can't remember the name of it -- "The Deal"? OK, not the greatest, then home to watch "24". Had the beans and rice with cornbread with them that their friends had made for them. At this rate I'm going to forget how to cook!
Years ago Richard and I climbed up the Cumberland Gap trail from this side of the mountains. Thought perhaps my Loyd ancestors or someone may have come over it. Well, turned out they took an easier route, by flatboat down the rivers from southern VA, into TN, etc. Eventually on a keelboat up the Mississippi to Iowa. However, the hike up to the Gap was hideous, steep, rocky, hot. I haven't a clue how they got themselves (women in long skirts), kids, animals, household goods up that way. Even if it had been a wider trail it would have been horrible. Of course the real trail may have been where the highway goes today which might have been better, but I doubt in those days, not much better. These mountains are steep, big time! And I thought the Rockies and Sierras were steep! Anyway, this is truly a beautiful area, probably just gets prettier and prettier as spring progresses.
Not much other news. I've got my camera ready to go for today's trip. I guess in good conditions the trip takes about an hour to get to the Museum, not sure about today. We're leaving here about 11 AM
Monday, April 6, 2009
Smokey Mountains National Park, et cetera
After a stunning warm day yesterday, a big storm has now rolled in. The high today is 50 (it was 81 yesterday as it turns out), and that will diminish in the course of the day to below freezing during the night. By late this afternoon it will be around 40. Snow is predicted overnight! Yes, I said SNOW! The high tomorrow is about 38, another freezing night, then it will slowly start warming again. Had winds in the night, woke up in the wee hours with my arm getting wet, it had started to rain and was blowing in the window beside me! Glad we got out yesterday to see some sights!
First we went in search of a Bank of America. Supposedly there was one just 3 miles up the parkway, needed to deposit a check and get more cash. We drove and drove, never found it. [It must be an ATM inside a Walgreen's Drug Store.] Traffic ain't fun around here either! Drove around 20 miles round trip, found an easier way on the way back, thankfully, gone for more than an hour!
Had lunch on our little patio, Paul came over to chat while we ate and we decided to take a drive up into the Smokies.
Beautiful trip! Lots of spring flowers in bloom, especially trillium. Have never seen it so thick! Unfortunately my photo of it didn't come out good. Also lots of Dutchman's britches which I'd never seen before - always wanted to, they are sooo cute! Hope to get Paul's picture of them from him. Lots of mountain folk cabins still up there, still standing. Visited those and the Visitor's center. Loads of waterfalls also, the best ones are a bit of a hike back thru the mountains, a few miles. Didn't do that, especially with Richard's knee and my foot. Plus it was too late in the day to start out - and hot! The Visitor's center was very interesting, especially the gift shop. Paul bought a small book about the various cabins, how they were made, uses for different features, who lived in them, etc. The various families who lived in the cabins have been identified, etc.
Of course this is Dolly Parton's country. Saw an interview of her last night on "60 Minutes". Good timing. I guess this town owes its existence to her. You wouldn't believe this place, it's like a one story Las Vegas, Miracle Mile, combined with all the tourism right around Disneyland, etc. Goes on for miles and miles. Gatlinburg, up the mountain a bit, is the same way!
Everything thing down here in Pigeon Forge (mostly) is new, clean, in excellent repair, etc. The only "old" thing is the old mill which is an attraction in itself. At least that we've seen. Dollywood was expecting 9,000 people yesterday, according to Mary. But it was a much larger of crowd of 15,000. They even asked Mary to work a couple of extra hours at the end of the day! Today will be the opposite, I'm sure, thanks to the weather. We'll certainly stay home and recuperate after 2 days of running around! Paul has programming to do, so he won't feel like he has to take us somewhere today. So we can vegetate and rest up.
Then we all went out to dinner again. I'm sure I'll gain weight this week. To the Blue Moose, known for it's hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, etc. Too noisy, though, it's a Sports Bar, 15 TVs going plus loud music! Tonight a neighbor of Paul and Mary's is bringing them a dinner of beans and rice plus home made cornbread, enough for the 4 of us! Southern cooking, homestyle! I guess Paul had helped them with setting up their computer, so this is a thank you? They are from Mississippi, very strong accent. He seemed very nice. Didn't meet his wife. She makes cornbread every day, so he says. We 4 are going to try to get them to eat with us at P & M's RV.
So, socializing and sightseeing are going strong. We're looking forward to today, a quiet rainy day at home to recoop.
I had forgotten to mention that right now it's the "International Festival" at Dollywood, hence all the international stuff going on. However, when that's over all kinds of other music groups and entertainers start their stints. Plenty to see and do all the time. I guess the International events are every year when the park first opens. Tuesday the park is closed, open the other 6 days a week.
First we went in search of a Bank of America. Supposedly there was one just 3 miles up the parkway, needed to deposit a check and get more cash. We drove and drove, never found it. [It must be an ATM inside a Walgreen's Drug Store.] Traffic ain't fun around here either! Drove around 20 miles round trip, found an easier way on the way back, thankfully, gone for more than an hour!
Had lunch on our little patio, Paul came over to chat while we ate and we decided to take a drive up into the Smokies.
 |
| From 2009-04 |
Beautiful trip! Lots of spring flowers in bloom, especially trillium. Have never seen it so thick! Unfortunately my photo of it didn't come out good. Also lots of Dutchman's britches which I'd never seen before - always wanted to, they are sooo cute! Hope to get Paul's picture of them from him. Lots of mountain folk cabins still up there, still standing. Visited those and the Visitor's center. Loads of waterfalls also, the best ones are a bit of a hike back thru the mountains, a few miles. Didn't do that, especially with Richard's knee and my foot. Plus it was too late in the day to start out - and hot! The Visitor's center was very interesting, especially the gift shop. Paul bought a small book about the various cabins, how they were made, uses for different features, who lived in them, etc. The various families who lived in the cabins have been identified, etc.
Of course this is Dolly Parton's country. Saw an interview of her last night on "60 Minutes". Good timing. I guess this town owes its existence to her. You wouldn't believe this place, it's like a one story Las Vegas, Miracle Mile, combined with all the tourism right around Disneyland, etc. Goes on for miles and miles. Gatlinburg, up the mountain a bit, is the same way!
Everything thing down here in Pigeon Forge (mostly) is new, clean, in excellent repair, etc. The only "old" thing is the old mill which is an attraction in itself. At least that we've seen. Dollywood was expecting 9,000 people yesterday, according to Mary. But it was a much larger of crowd of 15,000. They even asked Mary to work a couple of extra hours at the end of the day! Today will be the opposite, I'm sure, thanks to the weather. We'll certainly stay home and recuperate after 2 days of running around! Paul has programming to do, so he won't feel like he has to take us somewhere today. So we can vegetate and rest up.
Then we all went out to dinner again. I'm sure I'll gain weight this week. To the Blue Moose, known for it's hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, etc. Too noisy, though, it's a Sports Bar, 15 TVs going plus loud music! Tonight a neighbor of Paul and Mary's is bringing them a dinner of beans and rice plus home made cornbread, enough for the 4 of us! Southern cooking, homestyle! I guess Paul had helped them with setting up their computer, so this is a thank you? They are from Mississippi, very strong accent. He seemed very nice. Didn't meet his wife. She makes cornbread every day, so he says. We 4 are going to try to get them to eat with us at P & M's RV.
So, socializing and sightseeing are going strong. We're looking forward to today, a quiet rainy day at home to recoop.
I had forgotten to mention that right now it's the "International Festival" at Dollywood, hence all the international stuff going on. However, when that's over all kinds of other music groups and entertainers start their stints. Plenty to see and do all the time. I guess the International events are every year when the park first opens. Tuesday the park is closed, open the other 6 days a week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
