Family time

 With my eye surgery behind me now, Labor Day approaching, we are packed up and headed for East Jordan, MI to see my sister before we head to the UP for an extended vacation. She recently lost her husband of nearly 60 years so it was important to us to spend a little time with her. Besides, it is so beautiful and restful there....the perfect place to start our vacation. It was a short stay of only a few days but we packed a lot into those days. We had a small “work bee” at our folks cemetery plots, I visited the local farmers market, we took a walk or two on the country roads taking in the clean, fresh air, had some good eats, helped her out wherever we could and spent some quality time together before we took off.

Sunset from my sisters place

Our campsite for a few nights

Nothing like old barns

View from the yard

Baxter and I looking back from the road

Farmers market down by the water

Us hooking up, ready to hit the road again.

Since we are gone from family most of the year, our families are always in our hearts and on our minds. Our trips back to Michigan gives us the opportunity to get the “family fix” that we need to sustain us through the rest of the year as we fulfill our dream of seeing as much of our beautiful country as we can with the time we have left. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. So make each moment count.

Until this current craziness in this world is over remember to mask up and social distance when necessary, and enjoy the great outdoors. And while out there, don’t forget to look up, it’s amazing out there.  

I Can See Clearly Now.....

I have worn glasses most of my entire life. In my early adult life I wore contacts, which I lovingly referred to as “ coke bottle bottoms” as my glasses were just about that strong. As maturity settled in it became harder to correct my vision. While I was in town this summer I needed to get new frames and lens. My old frames were old and worn and I was excited about picking out new stylish frames. To my surprise I was told I had the beginning of a cataract in each eye . They were very new and small but if I had cataract surgery they could put corrective lens in and my vision would be corrected and I possibly wouldn’t need to wear glasses any more! No more glasses? Could this really be? Sign me up...now!  So before the end of summer I had both eyes corrected and now have  near 20/20 vision for possibly the first time in my life. It was a flawless procedure and can’t say enough about how this procedure has changed my life.

I know many people are hesitant about having cataract surgery.  I never really thought about it. But when it was presented to me and everything explained, I knew this was going to happen. My doctor was amazing and his staff treated me like I was the only patient. If you think this might be in your future, I hope it will be as exciting and successful as mine was. 

In the meantime, remember to stay healthy and happy.....mask when necessary, social distance, get outdoors and,  above all, look up cause it’s amazing!

Summertime, and the living’ is easy.

We have arrived at Lake Billings RV Park in Manton, MI. Our rig is setup, things are in place and this will be home until around Labor Day. Lots of people here on the weekends but they pretty much stay to themselves during time of COVID. Rob has started working and spending time with his son during the week where they have provided him with a place to call home while there. He comes home most weekends and try not to have too long of a “honey do” list so we can enjoy some together time before he heads back.

While I spend my days doing my normal routines, I also have met some nice folks in the park that I am able to hangout with if I so chose. One of my longtime Cadillac friends is spending several months here also. This has given us the opportunity to rekindle our friendship and catch up on things. We spend our time kayaking, walking, eating and playing cards or games. The time sure went by quickly.

Because of COVID so many things were postponed or cancelled this year and high school graduation was one of them. We weren’t sure if there would actually be a graduation ceremony for our granddaughter but June 28th we were on the football field, with restrictions, watching the her and her classmates proudly accept their diplomas. Earlier in the season they had a graduation parade to honor them all. It was done very  well and I’m hoping it becomes a new tradition.

Before we came to the park we had made arrangements to have a new windshield put in our RV because the seals were old and leaking. Moisture is not an RV’s friend! Douglass came to the park and replaced it on the spot. That was one big job and I was very impressed. So let it rain now, no problem!

Life is full of surprises and gives us many blessings.  One more beautiful  blessing has been added to our growing family. Our first great granddaughter, Raegan Hope Allen, was born and introduced to the world in early June. She has brought so much joy and happiness to this loving family. We are so happy that we were in town to experience this joy.

This year has been a strange, weird, sad, sickening year. We could never imagine the turmoil our world would be going through. We each have our own struggles, concerns and worries and need to choose the path we take. Please remember to mask when needed, social distancing and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s for your own good. And while out there remember to look up, it’s amazing up there.

Expect the Uexpected

We got the phone call were had been waiting for. The campground we had called (no reservations could be made during the winter...first come, first serve via telephone) during the winter called to say a site had been reserved for us for the summer. I was doing the happy dance in the middle of the grocery store!  Within a few days we were packed up and ready to hit the road. Unfortunately, down the road became about 100 yards. It seems the motorhome airbags would not inflate completely, allowing us to travel.  Rob tried everything he could think of before we resorted to calling someone. After many phone calls we finally found a mobile service but they could not come until around noon the next day.  Needless to say, we weren’t going anyplace. We were able to back into the closest spot to hookup to some electric and  stay until we found out what the problem was.

Just as they said, the mobile repair truck was there before noon. He looked things over, started the rig, shut it off, repeated again, and again, and bingo! The airbags filled just like they were supposed to. It seems they sometimes can get stuck, which obviously that’s what ours did. We were so thankful for a quick fix so we could be on our way.  Rob had remembered the motorhome was in need of a wheel alignment. He asked if they did this sort of thing and the repair man called and got us in pronto! We knew it would be a while before it was done so we went for a ride to the park so Baxter could get some outdoor time. Phone rings, it’s the repair shop asking if we were near by to come back and talk with them. Sort of like getting a doctors report that you don’t want. We return with with hesitation. They handed us a laundry list of things that needed to be fixed before the wheel alignment could take place. Not what we were expecting. So without any other choice, we give them the go ahead to fix her up. Fast forward some $$$ and hours later...we are on our way, with a smooth ride and peace of mind that things were safe and sound.

We are on our way to the City of Manton RV park for the summer with expectations of fun times ahead. At least for me....poor Rob answered another call from FORD to come spend the summer with them at the Truck plant in Wayne. We are both looking forward to catching up with friends and family before we head out the end of summer.

Enjoy the beautiful weather ahead. The most important message I have for all is to spend as much time as possible outdoors doing the social distancing thing, wear your masks where necessary, eat good and stay healthy. And while outdoors, remember to look up, it’s amazing out there.

Social Distancing

After many weeks of “Staying in Place” in Georgia, thanks to my daughter, we were able to secure a place to land in Michigan, even though the Govenor has the state in “lockdown”. What was even better is the fact that, if we had to, we could stay the entire season. We were beginning to feel like a passenger on the MTA, never to return.

The travels through five states to get to Michigan was uneventful, thankfully, and a very pleasant drive. On the other hand, finding campgrounds open was basically non-existant. I had visions of us parked along the road some where in nowhere land, being hauled off to jail for breaking the law! Our journey for a 4 day trip worked out well but had to alter plans based on places to stay. We learned a long time ago to be flexible.

As we traveled through the different states we found it odd to see one state with hardly any traffic, businesses closed and road construction at a stand still, and then the cross over the state line and things were completely opposite. Rest stops were open with notices about social distancing and washing your hands....like we needed to be reminded of it, again! Roads were being worked on and no evidence of a virus going around. I guess that’s the way it will be as states start opening up at different times. It felt like we were part of a science fiction movie.

Long last we cross over the Michigan border....ahhh, Pure Michigan. Or so we thought. What we found was really disheartening. The Welcome center was not only closed, but looked like a crime scene as the entrance was barricaded with caution tape. It certainly did not make us feel very welcome. Wonder how other out-of-staters felt. Was I taking this too personal? Maybe, maybe not. Covid19 has changed the way we live and travel for sure. We certainly were not prepared to travel with such restrictions. I sure hope by the time we travel next fall things will be a little more relaxed and normalized.

We are here for the duration of Summer and part of Fall although it appears Summer (or even Spring) is taking its good ole time getting here. We have had to alter our wearing apparel. Shorts and sandals just won’t work right now. Luckily we were able to locate our warm clothes as they are a must right now, along with gloves, earmuffs and boots! Brrr, my body does not do well in the cold any more. Guess I have been spoiled by enjoying warm winters that the southern states offer.

There are still so many places in Michigan to explore, even though we have lived here all our lives. We are looking forward to traveling the backroads looking for wonders that are waiting to be explored.  It’s the best way to Social Distance...get fresh air, sunshine and exercise.

We hope this blog finds you all in good health, physically, mentally and spiritually. Enjoy your time with your loved ones and don’t forget to wash your hands. And whenever you are out exploring don’t forget to look up, it’s amazing out there.

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Exploring during COVID19

Ok y’all. I’m thinking it’s time for this Coronavirus to be gone! I know, I know. So many are dying and many more are sick. I do feel bad but how do we know who and what to believe. Just watching the daily news is enough for us to question the authenticity of it all. Why can’t they all just agree instead of every news station and every other type of media all have their theory or opinion. Grrrrr. Alright I’m done with my rant. I do hope you all are safe and healthy.

To occupy my way too busy mind, Rob humors me and takes us on a road trip to St. Simons Island. It’s across the water from Jekyll Island. While on Jekyll Island a week or two ago, we had seen the ship that capsized last September but only saw the bottom of it. It contains 4200 automobiles and needs to be sliced apart (after all the cars are removed) to get it out of the water.

       

The bottom of the Golden Ray from Jekyll Island

The top of the Golden Ray from St. Simons Island                                        

More details can be found at ssiresponse.com

As we approached the town we were surprised to see how many establishments were open as the “Stay in Place” order was still being enforced, or so we thought.  Even though Georgia was one of the first states to enter into Phase 1, which included the loosening up of the requirements for the beaches, it surprised me that we only saw 3 couples on the beaches. Every other place was well represented with people, most practicing safe socializing. Many locals were out on the pier trying their luck at bringing in that “big one” they all dream about. The best we saw on anyone’s line was a small hammerhead.

As we walked along the stone walkway taking in the sights, for a short while it felt so right and normal to be out and about.  The playground was closed as were the picnic areas, but it didn’t seem to matter. Most everyone was taking in the sunshine, getting exercise, be it walking, running or biking. We were all just living in the moment, thankful for the freedom we were feeling.

It’s unfortunate that the quarantine and “stay in place” is going on because there is so much to see here but it will have to wait until another time when we have regained our ability to explore unrestricted. We saw enough to whet our appetite so this will be added to our “must return to” list.

We took the long way back so we could take in some more sights. We are just awestruck at the size and beauty of the living oak trees that umbrella so much of this town. I hope you enjoy the few pictures that I have attached that show how this town is encapsulated with the beauty of these trees.

Having spent some time among the beauty of Mother nature, we made our way back to the car with a clearer mind, relaxed body and refreshed soul.

I leave you with this reminder: practice social distancing whenever necessary and possible, be kind to your neighbor and wash, wash, wash those hands. This too shall pass. When you get outdoor, remember to look up, it’s amazing out there.

Quarantine

We are still here at the Country Oaks campground. To our disappointment, on March 25th we received a cancellation notification from the resort in Emerald Isle. It stated that unless we could get to the campground by the next evening, they would be canceling our reservation due to the coronavirus and mandates by the NC Governor. Really? Now what. We thought things over and decided with the current state of the country we best stay here a little longer, if possible. Luckily, we were able to extend our stay for another week. This gives us time to plot and plan for our next destinations.

The morning of March 30th we find a notice taped to our door effective immediately. A 72 hour moratorium on campgrounds....if you are here you can stay, but no new reservations. Also, a curfew has been implemented from 8 pm to 6 am for the next 7 days, except for the essentials. Well now, we weren't prepared for this! The virus seems to be ruling the world right now. The stress of figuring out where we can and can’t  travel was more than we wanted to (or could) deal with. It seems we are never going to get to Michigan. The college and high school graduations have already been cancelled, and Ford Motor Co. is down until the “stay in place” is lifted. That being said, the urgency was not as great, but we sure do want to get home to see our kids, grandkids, and those great grandbabies.

Once more I make a visit to the office to see what our options are. They are more than generous and understanding. She erases names, moves names, and a few other things I wasn’t sure of, and then WhaLah!!! She had room for us until the end of the month! I could have hugged her but we were practicing social distancing. The only drawback was we had to move to another sight, which was no big deal except it is on a slope and it took some creativity to get it level enough so we didn’t feel like we were walking like a drunk.

Our site

                                                    This is Flash, miniature horse here

This is Leonard, resident cat

Since we will be here for awhile, now we will tackle a few RV issues that we have been putting off. We certainly can’t say there wasn’t enough time to do it! This “stay in place” has created a different set of issues though, such as: how bad TV REALLY is, I am baking goodies way too much, running out of ideas for creative meals, and have started new routines with the dog that I am sure will be hard to break. But, the big issue here is to stay healthy, happy and safe. I am confident this Coronavirus will pass soon and we will once again be on the road toward Michigan. Until then wash those hands, practice safe distancing and when outdoors, look up, it’s amazing out there.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

We are preparing to make our way across the state of Florida and head north. We plan on traveling the east coast a bit, then west and, eventually to Michigan to see family and spend the summer. Ford has invited Rob to spend some time with them this summer, and he has graciously (and excitedly) accepted. So based on graduations and work plans,we hope to be in Michigan by the end of April.

We are aware that travel could be a little difficult due to the Coronavirus but based on the media, we should be good to go. Our first leg to Kingsland GA has gone well. We have landed safely. After all, it was only a 4 hour trip. It’s a cute campground with everything we need. We will be here for 5 days and then make our way to Emerald Isle, NC where we have reservations for a week starting April 4. When we made the reservation they had us download their app for communications....just in case.  We are anxious to do some “social distancing “ exploring. After several days at the campground we make our way to St. Mary’s for sightseeing and some exercise. Since everything is closed, this will definitely be a return visit at a later date.such a cute town.

Downtown St. Mary’s

After a few more days being quarantined and boredom setting in, we were in need of some exercise and different views so we took a day trip, along with our bikes, to Jekyll Island. The beach was beckoning us but only to view it as the beach was closed due to the virus. The bike trails were beautiful, plentiful and calling our names so off we went on another adventure. Along the way we discovered a few others enjoying the day on bikes, lonely tree lined streets aching for the sound of foot steps and the feel of the flesh of the bike tires, and a campground with nothing better than an Ice Cream shop. Whoohoo, just what we needed. Well maybe not necessarily needed, but definitely wanted. Having enjoyed the scrumptious cool refreshment, we peddled our bikes back to the parking lot, loaded the bikes on the car and made our way back home, feeling rather warm, exhilarated and refreshed. Time to enjoy a relaxing evening.

With the days are quickly passing by during our quarantine we prepare and make plans to leave here, hoping to find a few places along the coast as we make our way to Emerald Isle. We’ll be back shortly to update you on our travels.  Please practice social distancing and wash those hands and while you are outside getting exercise, look up - it’s amazing out there.