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.