BIRD WATCHING, CAMPING, ALPACAS, RIDE EM & FIX EM!

MONDAY:
I woke up about 6:00 am,  had a cup of coffee, and decided it was to early to get up.  So back to bed.  Bob called me about 8:30 am as I had an appointment for a hair cut in Lockport at 12:30.  We stopped at the bank to get some cash.  On the way, Debbie sent a text inviting us to lunch at 1:15 at the hospital where she works.  I said, "sure if I get done in time."  There was a problem but it all worked out in the end and we met Debbie.

As soon as we got home, I took a two hour nap.  I was so tired.  After getting up and making some coffee to wake up, we were both sitting on the porch.  We discovered the prettiest Finches eating the sunflower seeds right from the plants.   Again this year, some critter planted the seeds from the bird feeder and we have sunflowers all over.  It was fun to watch the finches  as they twisted, turned, hung upside down, to get at the seeds.  If only I had a camera with telescopic lenses. 
TUESDAY:
Here's another day!  And how do you like the temperature change?  Not so nice, ahe?  The TV weather person said 17 out of the last 20 days was below average.  I guess fall is about three weeks early.  I don't like it!!

Most of the morning I pro casted on what to work on for the day.  Just hopping from one thing to another.  I wrote out a few over due greeting cards.  I prepared and mailed an e-mail for the camping group.  I folded the drip dry clothes.  Then after lunch, I went to the library as I'm out of reading material. 
Bob cut the lawn so that's all done before the next rain.  He has a couple projects going in the garage.

I cut off some t-shirts that are too long for me.  I zigzag the hem and that worked fairly well.  Yes, Sukie the white paper behind the needle does help to see the needle hole to thread it.   Only had one thread knot but it came out easily.
After supper I made Banana, Date, & Nut bread to bring camping.  Not the most exciting day. 

WEDNESDAY:
During the night, I got up and shut the window!  Wooo it was cold.  Too soon, too soon for these temperatures.  I pulled the same trick today-up at 6 and back to bed.  Then I slept late and till I showered, it was 11 o'clock before I left the house to go for camping groceries.  Bob went along to get groceries, to help me.

Once home it was sort stuff that goes in the house from the stuff for the camper.  Bob took a nap while I pulled stuff out of the cupboards and freezer that I wanted to bring.  He later carried it all out to motor home for me. 
We are chairmen for the weekend camp out and that means cooking Sat. breakfast and supper.  No big deal once you decide what to cook.  Pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs is pretty standard for breakfast.  For supper, we had decided on hot dogs.  Betsy suggested a meat sauce to put on them so she helped me "create" it tonight.  She had it at another cook out.  It made up very tasty.  Then I still need to make another casserole to go with it.  All the ladies bring casseroles.  Counting ourselves, we have five camping units signed up to come.

I took a breather and sat under the gazebo trying to get a picture of the Finches that are eating the sunflowers. 



CAN YOU SEE THE FINCH?



SO PRETTY!

Our clothes and cosmetics are packed so we should be ready to leave right after lunch tomorrow. 

THURSDAY: 
We arrived at Southwoods RV a little after 12:00pm.  Bob registered our unit and we headed for our site.  Bob walked around and around it.  His big ta do was which way to park for everyone’s convenience since we are cooking.  Afternoon sun was a big determent.  Okay Bob, let’s make a decision.  Finally set up,  then  it was realized that our electric cords wouldn’t reach.  With out question, nothing to do but tear down and re-park it.  After all that balancing in the first place, man!  Bob was not a happy camper!  So a couple hours later we were comfortable and enjoying our selves.  

That afternoon, Bob and Judge Jae tore our entrance door apart as I have had a horrible time trying to open it.  Push-pull, swear, push-pull etc.  Call Bob for help.   Judge Jae got his lap top out and researched our problem.  Bob had paper work sent in from a call he had made at home.  So the two technicians set out to solve the problem.  They tinkered and tinkered!  They had the door down to it’s skeleton.  Then it was finished; and what to my surprised eyes did appear?  The door worked beautifully.  Boy, high fives all around.  I am so grateful, it works so easy now. 

 

THE WINDOW WAS TAPED FOR SECURITY.
SO IT WOULDN'T FALL OUT!

 

 

THE NITTY GRITTY OF LATCH

  

Bonnie had permission to pick apples off a tree down by the office so we went there.  Then she and I sat in the sun to peel them and she later cooked applesauce.  A pleasant afternoon. 

We went out to eat at a place called Stone’s.  Good Meal!  Guess the group was tired as when we got back to camp, some disappeared.   Bob, Judge Jae and I sat out for awhile.  He coached us on our IPhones.  No girl talk so I went inside to read. 

FRIDAY:

This morning we heard our friends talking outside.  8:30 am and they are up and ready to cook.  What a pleasant surprise!  Donna had waffles ready to cook and melon all cut up.  So out I go with my bed clothes still on and told her how much I appreciated her efforts.  So nice.  I got dressed and made a big pot of coffee. 

DONNA FIXING WAFFLES

 

We talked about events for the day.  I wanted to go to the Alpaca Farms near Bergen.  That would be something different.  Everyone was agreeable so after clean up; away we went.  I was so pleased and happy that we went.  The owner lady was very knowledgeable.  She talked and talked about the history of them.  They had just sold off about 40 of them (Breeding Farm) but she still had 16 to observe.  They are so cute.  Guess what, they all do their dodo in the same spot.  Interesting ahe? 

We tried to feed them apples from a near by tree and found out they do not have a top set of teeth.  You must hold the food with an open palm so they can grasp it. 

THEY WILL SPIT AT YOU!

MANY FEMALES ARE EXPECTING. 
 11 1/2 MONTHS GESTATION.

THE MALES  KEPT IN SEPARATE PEN

They also had a store with beautiful Alpaca (made in America) fur/yarn.  It’s a wool type but better quality.  Beautiful items; quite pricey.  Bob found a pair of socks to wear in his fishing boots.  

BUILDING LOOKS NEW

BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS

BONNIE MODELING HATS AND MITTS

 

Then we all drove to Churchville to the Camping World store.  We gawked and gawked at all the items, discussing how something cheaper would work.  Ha!  We did make a purchase but nothing big time.  It’s fun to look at what’s available.  One has to stop and think, do I really need that or do I just want that?   Ruins a good time every time. 

Back at camp around 2:00 pm, it was hotter than blazes!  One more couple had arrived.  They had plans to attend an Estate Sale.  We had a ½ a sandwich and then I took a shower.   We are going for fish dinner at 4:45 so we didn’t want to eat too much.

BOB JAE HAS A FIX IT PROJECT ON HIS COACH
AUTO MIRROW ADJUST
WINDSHIELD WASHERS  

LOOK AT THIS MESS OF WIRES
AND THEY HAVE TO FIND THE PROBLEM
RIDE EM & FIX EM!

Then to our surprise, another Holiday Rambler owner had spotted us and stopped to say hello.  He is from another chapter down state.  He offered to show everyone his new 2013 Fifth Wheel.  We had seen it when we camped with that Chapter @ Turning Stones Casino in May.  Beautiful rig!  It has a fireplace in it.  Roughing it Smoothly!

 SATURDAY:

I was up before the alarm. 
After coffee, I dressed and started cooking the sausage.  I put that in a crock pot and then started scrambled eggs.  I tain't never cooked two dozen scrambled eggs!  Then prepare the pancake mix (3 batches) which will be cooked outside. 

 After breakfast and clean up, I made Deviled Eggs and Dump Cake for supper.    The ladies came over to invite me to go to the Chinese Auction down at the office.  We put in lots of tickets but no luck winning.   The ice cream was good there!  Bob and 3 others went back to the Alpaca place to exchange his socks as they were to small.

 

Backup at camp, our fifth camper had arrived.  We had some snacks and drinks until supper.  So much food. 

DICK COOKED THE HOT DOGS ON HIS $150.00 GRILL THAT HE PURCHASED FOR $10.00.
 HIS GREAT LAWN SALE DEAL!

EVERYONE IS STUFFED!  TIME FOR CAMPFIRE!

EVERYONE IS SO STUFFED
IT'S HARD TO STAY AWAKE
 
 

 

 SUNDAY:

We were home by noon.  Then it's unload the food, clothes, clean, and reload for the next trip.  GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME!  We leave Wednesday for Annalynn and Mark's wedding.

Betsy put the pool heater on in the morning for us so we could swim.  The pool was down to 76o from all the rain.  My friends, Mo & Sam brought over some Italian Almond Cookies for our trip.  Mmmm good.  We visited and swam. 

After dark, I started work on this Blog.  While Bob was editing the photos, I laid on the couch just for a breather-ha...He called me at 10:30 and I couldn't wake up enough to finish this.

So it's been a great week.  Next week will be even better with the wedding. 
We will leave the Gran View on Sunday for another camp ground, to dump and to rest up!  Then the drive home so probably no Blog until Monday again.

Have a good week and thanks for clicking in. 

Making Memories!

GOLDEN GRAM

SUMMER COMPLAINT AS GRAM USED TO CALL IT!

MONDAY:
I came home from camping with a real snout full, lots of congestion.   I'm still taking the pills suggested by the pharmacist in Silver Creek and it makes me sleepy.  
I went on the computer to Blog and to change the background color.  I've done it before.  Well, I just wasn't "with it" as I screwed up the works.  All my right hand information disappeared!!!!  So I checked my last posting on Face Book and it was empty!!!!  No typing!!  Dear God, I never should have tried today.  Annoyed at myself, I shut down and went to lay down.
I have no idea what kind of afternoon we had as I slept thru it.  Betsy called me to get up for supper. 
TUESDAY:
More of the same.  A person likes to rest but then you think of all your work to do and it makes one feel guilty.  However, having a cold is comparable to a birthday; if you stretch it you get more attention; that's nice.  Then why do I feel so cruddy? 



 I had books to return to library so I did go there.  Oh, I picked up a new book by Lisa Scottoline-"DON'T GO" .  She is one of my favorite writers.   I couldn't find an area to put the book down so I read it all in one day. 

A VERY GOOD MYSTERY

 

WEDNESDAY:  Hay, I got a puff of energy.  I took the sheets off our bed and put them in the wash; had to get the snots off my pillow cover.  I dusted our room and Sarah's as she is coming home this weekend for a friends wedding.  I still have to do the floors.    Bob offered to help but I knew rain was predicted thus we felt he should stick to his outside jobs so he mowed the back field.  I asked for his help in the afternoon on the computer.  (If it rained)  He also washed our truck. 

 

After lunch, we started working on computer, reconciling, paying bills, one thing and another.  We worked together pretty good considering I was miserable.  He fixed my Blog!  Looks like I went button pushing  crazy on Monday, I had Google+ turned on-what ever that is?

 

I was tired by the time to make supper.  I didn't feel like a heavy meat dish.  We had some left over chicken so I cooked noodles and broccoli for pasta Alfreda with chicken.  We have a good sauce recipe to pour over top of all made with cream cheese, parm.   It's kinda heavy now that I think about it...winter dish.  It was graciously accepted by the chow hounds.

 

It's SHARK WEEK on TV.  I watched that some in the evening with Betsy.  I never knew there were so many kinds of them.  Boy, they have big mouths.  Funny, it's just background noise for Betsy.  She sat there with her lap top and phone and figured out how to change the channels on the TV with her phone.  Hay you, why did you change the program?  She is laughing!

THURSDAY:

 Wow, a second night of rain.  Hope it keeps the mugginess away. 
I shouldn't have to water plants for a day or two. 

Bob and I went for groceries as the last time Sarah was home the refrig was bear.  I already told Bob, no reading labels this time, get what we want and head home. 



A HUGE FLOWER POT DOWNTOWN,  THIS YEAR THEY PUT PLANTS AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE EVERGREEN.  THEY ARE PRETTY.  BATAVIA HAS A NEW SLOGAN ON THEIR POLE FLAGS--"MORE FEET DOWNTOWN".  THAT TELLS ONE THAT BATAVIA IS STRUGGLING TO STAY ALIVE.

I started a sewing project.  I want to replace the old pink cover on my bed neck pillow that matched sheets about ten years back. 




PINK & GREEN SLIP TO BE REPLACED.
Now that I think about it; I bought those sheets in FL. when David and Donna lived down there.  Oh, man they are older than ten years.

Since visiting MacKenzie Childs seeing all that color, I picked out some wild colors to match our current sheet set. 

 

It's been a long time since I have sewed anything.  I did remember how to fill the bobbin.  I had trouble seeing the hole in the needle to thread it; guess I should have had the cataracts removed.  Old age!  Quite by accident, I found if I made a shadow behind the needle then I could see the hole better. 
I measured and cut all my pieces, and started the hemming.  Then the ruffles.  I got the ruffles caught and they didn't look right, lost my patience's with the ripping of the seam.  Time to bundle it all up and mail it to my sister!   She would have it made in no time and ten others too.

I tried to finish it and stay up until Betsy and Sarah came in from the airport but I was to tired and sure that it would go together much better in the morning. They finally came about midnight.

FRIDAY:
Sarah left early in the morning using our truck for her hair appointment.  When she got home, it was after lunch and it was primp time!  While that's going on, it's best to just stay out of the way!  True to form, she frets and worries about her appearance. 

The wedding she was attending was her best friend's sister.  They live on Stringham Drive. 




ANNIE & SARAH
AFTER ALL THAT PRIMPING? 



MARK & SARAH
AT AMY'S WEDDING.

Mark and Sarah left about three o'clock.  Then it was quite and I tried to get a few things done.  Number one, fix the buttons on Sarah's jacket.  She lost one and I was sure there should be one attached to the lining somewhere.  Nope!  I had to get the ole button box out and sort thru it for a replacement.  I had to move a button down and put the new one in as a replacement so I had two that matched on the belt part.  Lucky I found one with the same type of design on it.  I did find my button thread but all my needles had rust on them.  It's been a long time since they were used. 

The previous buttons had been put on before the lining was attached, no way was I going to open that lining...I just needled thru all the material.  The coat will probably be at the curb before those buttons fall off.

David and Donna called to come for a visit.  We planned to have dinner together.  They picked up pizza and chicken wings on their way here.  We heard all about their vacation to West Palm Beach of which David won as top salesman for April and March.    (All expenses paid)  They had beautiful photos on their I-pad.  

When Bob and David get together, all conversations eventually turn to fishing.  Bob and David have wanted a chair to take fishing and Bob has been inventing some ideas on how to carry one with all their other paraphernalia!



THE CHAIR IS SUSPENDED BY A PAIR OF SUSPENDERS.
  OKAY BOB!

After they left, Bob and I went up to bed.  We both had a good book going and we read till 2am.  How stupid!

SATURDAY:
Slow starting morning at 11:00 am.  I got up, had coffee. 

Sarah and I watched the golf masters at Oak Hill Golf Course in Rochester.   Sorta, we both had our phones and monkeyed around with them.  I made albums for all in the family and moved each of their photos into the albums.  I've been wanting to get that done for some time now. 

After lunch, the girls had to make a desert to bring to the lake.   I hung around, tried to help, listened for any gossip.  They told me to grind the oreos in the food processor-I did.  When I was done, they had a fit because I did the whole package, they didn't tell me to only do twenty.  So they have a thicker crust.  May have improved that recipe! 




WHIP UP THAT PUDDING GIRL! 

After I went back to the golf game.  We all took a nappie.  When I awoke the score had changed, the leading player had fallen behind.  So disappointing for him. 
The girls were leaving.  Bob and I just kinda looked at each other, now what?  We cleaned up and went to Miss Batavia for supper.

SUNDAY:

Sarah hurried around doing wash and packing for the return trip to Boston.  In between, we sat and watched the Golf Masters from Rochester.  She left about noon.

I continued to watch the game until supper time when I realized there was still nine more holes to play.  Nuf of that.  

After supper Bob wanted help holding a ladder while he installed a rain gutter thingie on the back of the motor home.  He doesn't like all the white streaks coming down the back.

 

ALL DONE.

That's about it for this week.  It's amazing how quick the days go by. 

 

Hope you all have a good week and thanks for clicking in.


GOLDEN GRAM 



OCD OBSESSIVE CUPCAKE DISORDER, RIDE EM & FIX EM, RODEO, ALEX-OUR PILOT, AND CAMPING ON LAKE ERIE

MONDAY:
We had to run over town (Little Buffalo) and get a few things before heading to Lockport for Bob's physical with Dr. Haroon.  We had lunch at home and then left.  Right away I start thinking about that cupcake place in Corfu. 

BUTTERCRUMBS BAKERY

 I asked him to drive by way of Corfu so we could check out the cupcake place I had heard about at the shower.  He did and we found it but alas, no cupcakes.  They are made to special orders.  Well, we found many other niceties to buy.  So we had a box full to take to Debbie's for a coffee treat. 

At Lockport, I dropped Bob off as I had a return for Bon Ton and did some shopping.  Then went back to pick Bob up at Dr's.  He was happy with the results.  Passed his EKG OK.  Now he has to schedule a stress test in Lockport but doc said it should wait till after Annalynn's wedding.  (All in the family kinda guy) 

We went to Debbie's and had coffee and the treats.   Who ever said Money can't buy happiness, has never shopped in a bakery!  585-599-4550     www.buttercrumbsbakery


Christianna, Joe and Mario came over to visit. 

All seems to be under control for the wedding.  There's a few details left. 

TUESDAY:
What a cool morning for July.  I hate it!
I don't care much about wearing jeans and having to wash them already.  The wash is started, ugh!

We will be waiting on the Cable Guy-Ha!  I don't suppose his name is Larry.  The problem with the Internet has continued.  Brian showed up right on time.  We had a class at the Verizon store so Betsy came home from work to finish the cable guy's call.  He changed some of the outside fittings as they looked old.  Hopefully, that was our problem. 

The class at Verizon was 2 hours again.  There was several people there, some could keep up and some just ran their batteries down. 
The attendant went through so many items; GPS, CALENDARS, REMINDERS, NOTE PAD, APPS, PHOTOS, GENIUS, SIRI, FACE TIME, AND THE VERIZON USAGE.  It was a full plate.  I probably forgot a few too.   At the end, our brains was burning so we had to go for ice cream to cool down.

He showed us how to search for apps to install and since supper is done, I downloaded Gas Buddy (price per gal-where ever) and a craft store-HOLLY HOBBY.  I wonder if there are any Blogs out there?

Other than that, we loaded up the motor home for take off tomorrow morning.  We were invited to attend a Rodeo in Gerry, NY, with friends from Chapter I2.  That's one town south of Lilly Dale, oh boy.  Wonder if I'll have time to partake a few messages at the stump. 

Well, Bob just said he is going the hill up, which means he is going up to bed.  I have to write a packing reminder list and then I'm going the hill up too.

WEDNESDAY:
A long day!  We rose early, showered, and backed the motor home out, heading up to the college for car hook up.  The lights didn't check out and this time Bob couldn't fix them.  He worked from 10:30 am until 12:30.  We drove home and he worked all after noon.  He called our friends to say we had problems. 
I went in the house and made Yum Yum coffee cake and goulash for supper.
Kinda a bummer day.

THURSDAY:
Bob wanted to get up early and hit the auto parts stores that was closed last night.  He is pretty sure it's a tiny box mounted on the motor home that is causing the non functioning lights.   He went to five stores and ended up ordering the part.  It was to be here by 12:30pm. 

We had lunch in the motor home since all the food is out there.  Then Bob left for the part.  Maybe, maybe we can still go.  Yes, he got the part.  Now to install it; the ground is all wet as it just poured during lunch.  Wishing him luck!   

PART & CONNECTORS

 

 

 

Bob had repaired the lights and we checked them out and was ready to go about 2:00pm.
  

Arriving at 5:00pm, we quickly parked with our friends help, and headed up to the dinning hall for the Ox Roast dinner.  While walking the midway, we bought sugar waffles and Bob purchased a new straw cowboy hat. 

 

I PURCHASED THE SUGAR WAFFLES THAT I HAVE LONGED TO HAVE. 
NICE FRESH WAFFLES, SO GOOD.

IS THAT A 10 GALLON ONE?

 

 The cowboys of the rodeo are participants of a traveling circuit.  On the program, they are from 11 different states; as far away as Texas.  There was four contestants from New York State.  They have built a career in earning points to be eligible for the big money at the end of tour at the western big rodeos.   The program was two and a half hours long with a fifteen minute intermission. 

Even thou the event was very professional, Bob was disappointed in the fact that there wasn’t much glitz and glamour.  Maybe two riders had fancy chaps but that was it.  When you grow up with Hopalong Cassidy and his famous horse with all the silver on the saddle and bridle, black dress code with glitz, I guess it is a let down.

Aside from all the riding broncos & steer, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping,  I had two favorite events of the evening.

A young girl rode around the arena, standing up on the backs of two beautiful ponies.  I’d say they were just a little bigger than Shetland’s . 

 

14 YEAR OLD GIRL AND HER PONIES.

Then come to find out the Clown for the evening performed with the same duo of ponies; riding thru fire torches-one horse to each side, and then jumping a bar barricade.  He was presented as the best horse trainer in the East.  We think the young girl must be his daughter. 

Then the funniest thing was called a Calf Scramble.  Kids from 6 months to twelve years old (separated into age groups) had to chase a calf and get the ribbon off of it’s tail for a $5.00 prize.  Kids were running everywhere as the calves scattered. 

 

CALF SCRAMBLE..SO CUTE!

At the end of the evening we made plans to depart at 10:30am for our next venue.  Enough of these flies and manure!

FRIDAY:

This morning it was cool and damp, a heavy fog had settled in.  I didn’t sleep much as a sore throat is developing.  I gargled with salt water before bed.  This is not fun. 

We waited until 10:30 am before leaving so we wouldn’t arrive at Sheridan Municipal Campground before our sites were empty. 

 

This place isn't the Ritz but at $20.00 a night who could complain, it includes water and electric.  There is a road down to Lake Erie and the lake was a rolling with white caps.  There is a basketball court and a play gym so that is good. 

THE LAKE IS BEHIND US.

 

WE WALKED THE BEACH.

 

 

 

 

 

During lunch, we had a text message from our grandson Alex, at Vance Air force Base, Oklahoma.    He was in a plane that he had driven/soloed by himself.  One of his friends made a video so we could see his take off!   Oh my, I was so excited, all I wanted to do was cry!  This is the second plane that he has soloed in.  I believe he has one more type to fly.

 

 

 

HIGH SPEED, TURBO PROP

 

 

DOESN'T HE LOOK CONFIDENT!  AND HANDSOME.

After set up we walked down to the beach.  Lovely.

We went out for supper to the VFW,  Bob tried a fish fry again and was very pleased with it.  I had shrimp in the basket.

We stopped at Tops on way back to camp for a few things and a bundle of wood.  We also drove around and our friends showed Bob two fishing piers so he stopped to buy worms.  Campfire was great as it was so nice and warm out anyway.  I came inside around 9:30 as I was so congested.  What a bummer.

SATURDAY:

Beautiful sunny day.  Our friends are off to Westfield to the Portage Pie place.  They tell us a lady makes 100 pies a day.  I did not feel like going.  Bob put on his fishing attire and went down to the lake with worms in tow.  I stayed in motor home and read a book.  When Bob returned we had lunch and then drove to Silver Creek and went in a Rite Aid for cold medicine. 

By evening, I felt somewhat better so we all ate outside at the picnic table and then had a fire. 

 

I think I slept about 2 hours all night.  Coughing, sneezing etc.

SUNDAY:

I was up early, made the coffee.  After our showers, we just kinda fell into gear of packing to depart.  We paid for our camping, dumped and left,  driving up Route 20 to Irving for fuel fill up at Native Pride.

 

While riding, my head dropped a couple times, hard to stay awake.  With those cat naps, once home I was gun ho to get the motor home unpacked so I could take a good nap. 

 

I slept until 6:00pm.  Betsy had supper ready.  What a good kid!  I was not much into the thought of cooking!

 

End of story!  Here's to a good week ahead and to a great big thank you for checking in. 

 

 

GOLDEN GRAM