WEST VIRGINIA STATE FAIR GROUNDS

RALLY OPENING!

 SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

Good morning everybody.  We have a nice day again.  It rained last night but didn’t affect anyone as it was later in evening.  Our friends, Bob and Carole B. came over and we visited.  We compared our driving adventures-mountains! 

Bob is off to the seminars.  I didn’t see anything of interest during the day on the schedule so I’ll wait until tonight to go over to the buildings for the Opening Ceremonies and entertainment. 

Bob is back for lunch.  I have my quilting all over the front of coach; he will have to eat standing up.  Ha.  He bought new windshield wipers and has a new orange light replacement.  He must have knocked it off the right side while coming thru construction.  He brought silicone spray from home and he is adjusting the sliding hall doors and sliding windows and then spraying them.  Just a happy, busy handy man! 

I’ve done six blocks.  They are so easy.  I can now see how the white piece forms the diamond.  It would be nice to make a color coordinated quilt this way.  But for using up scraps, this is great. 

 

USING UP SCRAPS

 Last night’s entertainment was a skit; not very well received.  Evening events start at 6:00p.m. at this rally; makes it a push to have supper and get up to hall.

MAKE A WISH
BASKETS, QUILTS, LOTS OF $100.00 WAL MART GIFT CERTIFICATES  

SCH0LARSHIP TABLES

OPENING CEREMONIES
PRESENT COLORS
ALL OFFICERS
 

TUESDAY: SEPTEMBER 23^RD

Woo Hoo! It’s cold this morning.  Turn on some heat. 38 degrees.  We have breakfast included today so hurry up to halls for 7:30 a. m. for some grub.  A business meeting followed; thank you to Past Officer’s and swearing in of new.  Boring, I took a nappie.  Bob brought me back to the coach and he left for more seminars.  Three have been no shows.  Apparently the vendor was just at Hershey Show and didn’t do well; and decided we didn’t have enough attendees so he didn’t come. 
Bob returned for lunch with a booster for the TV antenna.   I went back over to the fairgrounds with him to catch the ladies making quilts.  Bob says, they have some snazzy new cutting tools that I want to see.  They weren’t there.  I left my quilt top.  We stopped at a Quilted Box craft and took a pic or two.  

 

JONI & SHARON
MAKING THE QUILTED BOX

 

OUR NEIGHBOR PRACTICING ON HER NEW
NATIVE AMERICAN STYLE FLUTE
PURCHASED HERE

 

BOB'S PURCHASE FOR TODAY

 

Bob headed out for the Rand MCNally GPS seminar and it was a no show also.  They held a round table and lots of info was brought up by owners of the GPS’s.  Moral of the meeting; use a paper map!  Ha! 
At 4:00p.m. the motor homes sales force held an Open House.  Music, beer, wine, snacks.  Bob and I went thru about five new coaches and decided we still like our best.  They are making them more beautiful, just like a home.  One was very pretty, but $640,000.00.  We headed back to motor home, exhausted.  Allbright Co. had just finished putting the sealer on the roof.  Another vendor came to check the windshield wipers and he installed the new pair.  We are skipping tonight’s entertainment as Bob wants to install his new purchase.  He is up on roof now, also cleaning vents. 

WE ARE JAM PACKED IN HERE
HOPE NO EMERGENCIES

I spread my quilt blocks out and pulled the paper pattern off the back.  It’s looking good but I’m wondering if I’ll get it finished to turn in. 

GETTING BIGGER

WEDNESDAY: September 24

Relaxing morning.  We made our own breakfast, showers, and started a load of wash.  We will go to Quilt Workshop at 1:00 p.m. and then to the Director’s Pizza Party which will take care of supper.  No entertainment tonight.  Bob and Carole stopped by again, they went downtown and went dancing last night.  Bob even sang a couple songs with the band, he says. 

JONI AND SCOTT'S PIZZA PARTY

SCOTT PRESENTED MOE AWARD TO DONNA AND JERRY
(MEMBER OF EXCELLENCE)

SEPTEMBER 25^TH THURSDAY:

After an early breakfast at the cafeteria on grounds, we drove downtown to Lewisburg.  Bob had a return at Wal Mart and we wanted to see some Civil War places.  We never found the Quilt Shop, which was OK as I’m having an off day anyway. 

 

AT THE LEWISBURG SPRING 

GRAVE OF 95 UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
IT'S IN THE SHAPE OF A CROSS

Back at the motor home I enjoyed a two hour nap, just not with it.  Bob fixed the screen in door which had fallen out.  He went to the vendor’s booths for parts before they all left today.  Then he went to a motor home round table meeting.   During the afternoon, we both went to a writing seminar for instructions to put articles in the Ramblings magazine.  After that we headed for McDonald’s as we had to eat quickly before the evening entertainment. 

We enjoyed The Gibson Brothers from Upstate New York.  (Blue Grass)  A five member band with the two brothers doing vocal.   They played for an hour and a half and they were excellent. 

 

GIBSON BROTHERS FROM UPSTATE NY

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014:

Today’s highlight for me was the electric pressure cooker seminar.  The guy was funny and informative.  He wasn’t selling the pots; he said go to Bed, Bath and Beyond.  He made a bean soup starting with hard beans-never soaked, a dip and a chicken dinner.   The frightening use seems gone; he handled the pots so easily.  There is even a smoker with a place for wood chips inside.  Amazing!  All crafts and ribbon winners were on display in the same building.

We had a big dinner included today.  Speakers gave thanks to all the committee members.  The Scholarship winners were announced and each won $2500.00 to their benefit.  The lady who handles the quilts for the deprived children announced that our group completed 327 more.  She has been doing this since the year 2000 and her goal was to make 10,000 in ten years.  She now says the count is in the 14,000 amount. 

LADIES QUILTING

CAROLE WAS LUCKY AND WON THE OKLAHOMA BASKET.

FIRST TIMER'S AT RALLY FROM CANADA

The closing ceremony was an impressive presentation by the Veteran’s Chapter and the recognition of four World War II Veterans.  They all wore white shirts and hats with two being sword bearers.  After the Canadian flag was put at rest, the announcer read a description of the thirteen folds of the American flag.  The folds being done by the Veterans at each announcement.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014:

7:00 a.m.  Once again fog covers the valley.  The rally is over and the driver’s are chomping at the bit to get going to their next destination.  They are not necessarily going home; some are heading for the South and winter arrangements.  Bob went to the fair camp ground office and paid for another night so we can leave Sunday; we didn’t want 215 coaches pushing us down the mountains.  Bob still has some maintenance that he wants to do today also.  We have the curtains open and we are peeping out to see the parade.  The driver’s are a sight to see; the maneuvering they can do with these 40 footers.

Our day turned into a house keeping day, inside and out.  We went downtown for a few things, and then after supper we dressed up to go out dancing.  Bob and Carole had invited us to a Music Hall, (non alcoholic) one burg over.  We had a 9.5 grade to travel over but it wasn't bad with tall trees on both sides. 



SATURDAY NIGHT BAND

 

CAROLE & BOB WALTZING

 SUNDAY:
We left about nine o'clock.  We had about 70 miles of mountains but they weren't too bad.  Once we picked up Route 81 it was easy peasy.  We drove all day and check into Harper's Ferry KOA about four o'clock.  Bushed!
Bob wants to see the Harper Ferry area.  I need a new pair of jeans since I wore the current pair out but I'll  bet the two ideas never meet. 

That's it for now.  It's been a fast paced week for us,  Thanks for clicking in and hoping you have a good week.

GOLDEN GRAM 

 

 

TRAVELING

MONDAY:
We are still packing for our trip to West Virginia.  I'll have everything that I own if we don't leave soon.  Just kidding.   We made a trip to grocery store again for the perishables.  All going good but it's tiring.
TUESDAY:
Betsy called us before leaving for work.  Again, I was up half the night unable to sleep so I'm dead to the world when she called me.   We left home around 9:30 and headed up to the college parking lot to hook up the car.  The back right tail light on the car didn't work.  Bob pushed on the cord to the motor home and it worked.  Apparently, I didn't push it in the outlet far enough.  We tested all the lights and they were all working fine.  Then I stood by when he pulls ahead to make sure the wheels go around and the hitch levers pop.  I noticed a puddle under the motor home.  It had rained this morning, so I wondered.  I watched and saw a drip, drip, drip.  Trouble in River City.   Well, maybe it's from the air conditioner...what ever possessed me to check it out, I'll never know.  A fluke!  I told Bob to drive ahead, then come to back of coach.  He did, he touched the puddle with his fingers to smell the liquid.  And, he is smelling, and smelling!  Okay Bob what is it?  I reached down and did the same, it's gas.  He drove to Boyle's Motors and had a mechanic check it out.  I went back to sit in the car and the Brake Buddy is working.  What to heck?  Bob is in garage with the men.   When he comes out, I tell him.    He is not concerned.  He's still thinking about the MH.  It's a transfer pump of some kind leaking.   They will call for the part.  So we take the car and head to McDonald's.

At home Bob tested the Brake Buddy.  It's not holding air...leak somewhere.  He took the Brake Buddy all apart and couldn't find anything broken or leaking.   So he says, we go without it.  I really think he is trying to kill me!  Drive the mountains without the Brake Buddy to stop the car.   I taint going!!!!!  He is now on the phone trying to beg, borrow or steal one.  He wants a discount like he can get at the rally.  Lots of luck sweetie.  I think we should take the car and go.
The garage called the motor home was ready about 5:30.  Our evening was full of discussion- to and fro.

BOB'S SUNFLOWERS

While in Oklahoma for GS Alex's graduation, Bob bought these sunflower seeds.  There was six seeds in a pack for $2.00.  I asked to take this pic just to relieve some tension and for fun.  

WEDNESDAY:
Again this morning Bob was on the phone trying to locate a brake buddy to buy.  He had decided that we have to much already invested, not to take the car and motor home.  I agree, we would be miserable without a car.  The only one  that he could locate was at Colton RV in Tonawanda and he didn't want to drive there but they did not have a driver to deliver it to their other location which would have been an easier drive for us.  So I drove the car and followed behind the motor home.  Everything takes time, it's now noon.  Bob went in to purchase the thing and I made sandwiches.  Boy, that place is busy, tight corners, trailors and motor homes being moved this way and that, had to worry about being side swiped.  It took a while to hook the new one up, what with reading directions and all.  Before leaving we ate our sandwiches.
We drove to Irving Indian Resevation to buy gas.  After fill up, Bob went back and felt the wheels, brakes or what ever men do to make sure the wheels weren't hot.  Then  he checked the Brake Buddy.  Okay, we are driving again and noticed the Brake Buddy readout on the dash has a different number and it's a flashing!!!!  Now he's yelling at me, get the instruction book, turn to the error messages and see what it means.  Yes sir!  Woo hoo,  it takes a lot to get Bob nervous and I guess this one more thing did it.

The instruction book said to reset the whole contraption.  So we had to exit at Dunkirk and find parking and Bob went back and went thru the set up again.  That worked and we went back on the road.

We arrived at Grove City/Mercer KOA about 5:30.  Our first assigned site didn't work out as we couldn't open the slides without hitting the posts for electric.  Off to another.  It wasn't level.  We had the air bags emptied, slides out, and jacks down and couldn't balance.  We had to move the coach either forward or backward.  Oakie Doakie, fill up the air bags, pull up the jacks, put in the slides, and move.  RV having fun yet? 
THURSDAY:
Boy, I need another coffee.  I slept so hard last night.  Bob had the heat pump going and I couldn't stand the noise so I shut the hall door and shut out some of it.   I'd dare not to complain.  

What's the plan?  We have about a 200 mile run today to the next stop so we didn't hurry getting ready to leave.  It was nice weather making a good driving day.

Some hills were worse than others, actually it was mountains once past Pittsburgh.  We arrived at Flatwoods KOA about 4:30pm, ready to relax. 
While Bob was registering, the Brake Buddy indicator started beeping.  What?  Not again.  The short verison of a long story is the car battery was dead.  Bob called AAA. 

NICE CAMP GROUND

After supper we went over the maps for tomorrow.  The locals here advised us to take a different route than AAA had planned for us.  Too many grades and switchbacks, we were told. 

Our friend, RJae sent copies of mountain info to help us.  He and his wife are vacationing in Maine.  They just toured Arcadia National Park.

I need to read a little to relax.

FRIDAY:
Last night we were getting anxious to end this drive and we decided to set the alarms and get up early and do it!  We got up at seven and was on the road by 8:30.  We no more than reached the bottom  of the camp ground hill and the Brake Buddy indicator was flashing again.   So Bob pulled over and went back and reset it.  Apparently, if he keeps his foot on the brake too long, it will flash.

It had been foggy in the camp ground and we worried the road would be but it cleared up quickly.   Then Bob pulls over again; he couldn’t remember if he put the car transmission in neutral.  He hadn’t, so good thing we hadn’t  gone far.

The roads are really good here, no pot holes like at home.   It wasn’t long and we reached our first (today) 6% down hill grade.   Mother Nature has her beauty but she is also powerful!  She has tamed Bob’s driving.  He is now driving with the conditions!  He used the Jake Brake all the way today.  No more down the hills at 65 miles an hour like he shot out of Pittsburgh.  At that time, the coach was just a rocking….I was so uncomfortable, scared, that I let loose with a few choice words!  

Once we reached Route 64 it wasn’t long and we reached the 7% down hill grade that our friend RJae sent us info on last night.  SPEED LIMIT 45 miles per hour posted.  Bob used the Jake Brake and he down shifted the gears and we crawled.  Hoa, Hoa!   

7% GRADE
45 MILE PER HOUR POSTED

There was two truck run away places, glad we didn’t need them.   33,000 pounds plus 2600 for the car takes good braking! 

We made it to the fair grounds about noon.  Volunteers were every where directing us to parking.  We are jam packed in rows.  We had lunch then we took a much deserved nap.  After supper our friends came over to visit.  We spotted their RV up on the hill. 

FAIR GROUNDS CAMP GROUND
FIRST TIME TO HAVE SEWER AT A RALLY

SATURDAY:

We were just finishing breakfast when our friends  Joni and Scott came over.  He is the Director of Region 1 and she is the President of our Chapter 12 at home.  They had called to see if we had the printer with us as they needed a couple signs printed.  They are hosting a Pizza Party on Wednesday which they wanted signs printed for Region 1 attendees.  They also wanted a sign printed of the 2015 Region 1 Rally back in New York to post at the buildings.  Joni also needed a work scheduled printed and e –mailed.  We were happy to help them however, Bob had all kinds of problems—computers are great when they work.

After lunch we went downtown Lewisburg for a Wal Mart store as our sewer hose had split at the last campout and the vendors here hadn’t arrived yet.  We picked up a few groceries too. 

WAL MART DISPLAY HERE

Then we stopped at a bakery that two young men had just opened.  Bob picked out several treats and I wanted a loaf of good bread. 

That wasn’t all…I had spotted a Dairy Queen on the way in so I announced that it wasn’t a vacation until we had some DQ.  Of course, it delayed supper time.  

GREAT TREAT!
ON VACATION NOW!

While we had the car out, Bob packed the charity basket items we had received from other Chapter’s at home and delivered those to Joni’s coach up on Director’s Row. 

SUNDAY:

Bob was up first.  He commented that there was a heavy fog.  He said the lamp lights were just little glowing spots.  It was cool in the coach but not uncomfortable.   I was up early and had coffee then went back to bed to keep warm. 

After I did get up, I made French Toast and there was a knock on the door.  The company that Bob had called yesterday to wash the roof of coach had arrived.  They had told him they would come on Monday.   All the commotion!  People were standing around and watching, some signing up for the service too.

CLEANING JOB.

QUICK ROOF CLEANING JOB

Bob had been sitting around this morning, kinda looked like he didn’t have a thing planned.  He mentioned that he figured out how to drive the car over to fair grounds.  The fair grounds is  all split up with the highway going thru it.    There is a walking bridge to get across.  So far we hitched rides with the golf cart volunteers.  You should see that bridge.  Hoa, Hoa!  

BRIDGE OVER RT. 219

Bob has the new sewer hose all hooked up and has told me that I can use the washer and dryer.  It’s best to keep the loads small so they dry with less wrinkles.   So I’ll do that today.  I can’t decide if I want to start the sewing project or just sit here and wait to see if we can get the Buffalo game on our TV.   

We drove over to the fair grounds and used their internet.  Also took my charity basket to put on the raffle table.  Guess I’ll try to remember to check messages every time that we go over so we don’t have to use Hot Spot so often.  Tomorrow starts the action; starting at 7:30 a.m. with hospitality.   I checked out the crafts and wasn’t interested in any so I’m glad I brought my quilt making.   Our friends, Bob & Carole from Ransonville, N.Y. were just arriving. 

HI BOB

We couldn’t get the Buffalo Bills on our TV so Bob watched other teams.  We picked up the score in between the scrolling.  Sorry Bill’s fans. 

Betsy’s Homemade spaghetti sauce was on for supper..mmm so good.  I didn’t have a pot big enough to cook the noodles in so I used the electric skillet.  It worked pretty good.  Kinda weird.

Okay, now to cut and paste, and add photos.  I want to be done to watch the Pittsburgh game.

Have a good week everyone and thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

 

 

 

 

 

GEARING UP FOR THE TRIP TO THE HOLIDAY RAMBLER INTERNATIONAL RALLY

MONDAY:
A cool morning as I sat on the porch with coffee.  The woodchuck was out!  I went in to call Bob.  By the time he came the woodchuck was gone.  So we sat on the porch, waiting for it to come back out from under the shed.  Ha, entertainment for the retired!  It did come back out on the lawn and Bob got a shot off, but missed!  It turned and scooted under the shed again.  The most excitement of the day.

This morning I printed copies of my blank menu planning sheets so I can think about meals needed while on the road.  I hate to buy meat from different locations so I hope to figure out what I'm cooking and how much I need for the trip, and get it frozen.  I made chili for supper and had enough to freeze for one more meal.  Well, that's a start.

After supper, we all went out to finish closing the pool.  Bob had purchased new plugs and they fit perfectly, with no problems.   The elephant cover is very heavy but it was folded so we just walked along the side of pool, then Bob and Betsy dragged it across the water while I held the side piece.   The snaps were next and they take a lot of tugging.  

NOW IT'S DONE.
WE CAN MOVE ON TO OTHER ACTIVITIES.

TUESDAY:
We went to the Farmer's Market.  I wanted to visit the wine booth to purchase a couple bottles of local product (it has to be make in NY)  for the other two charity baskets.  MAKE A WISH AND SCHOLARSHIP which President Joni will put together once we are there.  We had a taste of the wine but it didn't turn me on so I picked two bottles with a pretty label.  
Then wandering around there we came across locally made vinegar.    Oh, so cute little bottles, made just down the road in Pavilion, NY.  It was a toss up between that and small bottles of maple syrup.  The vinegar wins!  A gallon of maple syrup is now $48.50!  Hoa, Hoa!  

A big trip to the grocery store followed as we are out of milk and bread again.   We sure filled the trunk of the car up for just needing two things.  By the time we unloaded, carried to the kitchen, and had lunch, we were done in.  NAPPIE TIME.  
I woke up at five o'clock, mad at myself.  Half groggy I pulled together a good supper; I was smart enough to buy a prebaked chicken at the store so all I had to do was sides.  I hate when that happens.  

BOB PUT THE WINTER COVER ON POOL HEATER.

WEDNESDAY:

This morning we wanted to make sure all bills are paid before we leave.  What ever did we do before computers?   I love the predate feature.  Computers are wonderful when they work, agree with me?  I also thru in a load of towels.  Thank goodness, we don't have to stand at a wringer washer and hang items outside to dry.  Oh, I know how to use a wringer washer, did it many times in the dark ages.  Just thankful!

After lunch I started dragging food items out of the cupboards that we could pack in the motor home.  I have my menu sheets pretty much filled in and that makes it easier.  (20 days of meals)  Couple days are empty so Milkman can take me out!  I hope.   I will have to shop again for items like bread, veggies and fruit.

GOOD HEAVENS IT'S FOUR O'CLOCK ALREADY!  Time to start supper which I just love.  Ha!  

After watching the game shows, I went back on the computer.  I had no desire to watch Obama.  I'll wait for the reviews.  The news can't be good, more young men and women to die.  Upsetting to me.  I read several book reviews.  

THURSDAY:
More details to get done.  I need a baby shower gift for our friend's expected "great" grandchild.  The shower will be held while we are on the road, so a simple gift certificate will be easy to mail.  

I need some reading material to take or a craft.  I walked around like a fish out of water last night looking for something to read.   I really didn't care for the book about Lincoln - more war & deaths- but I was hard up for reading material.   Bob had read it some time ago so when I showed an interest, we  looked up many of the places mentioned in the story on the Virginia maps.    Now he wants to work those destinations into our trip.  Hoa! Hoa!   First I have to survive thru the mountains.  

Do you know how some dreams stick with you forever?  When I was very young, (4-5 ) my oldest brother went into the Navy.  We lived in the country at a four corners, beside a railroad line.  Somehow I had heard Mom & Dad talking about the war and Japanese soldiers.  I dreamed that the train stopped and the enemy soldiers jumped out.  I could see that their uniforms were different than my brothers and they had rifles.  They came down the hill to our house to kill us!  I jumped out of bed and ran thru the dark house to my younger brother's bedroom.  (DARK AGES: no electric, Aladin lamps, coal stove, ice box not a refrigerator)   It was so frightening that it is still a vivid memory for me.   As far as I know, my brother never left the states.  

The Steelers' game was all "dirty" play and penalties.  Big Ben wasn't the same after he got hit in the chest, way off for the night.  I went to bed after third quarter.  

FRIDAY:
Well, I guess I need long sleeves today, cool in the house.  Bob is off to P.W. Minor's Shoe Outlet.  They reopened. 

SIZE 13 IS HARD TO COME BY.

I'm off on another toot!  I have an idea with a purpose, ha.  I have a cupboard full of pieces of material that do not stay organized.  I need to use it up. 

MESSY BESSY

 I got the bright idea of preparing quilt blocks while I'm on the trip.   I'll have lots of time at the coach while Bob attends the maintenance seminars.  Then I can donate the blocks at the rally as one lady heads up a workshop of "quilting of all kinds" at the rally.  I have gone before and helped cut fabric.   She then donates all finished blankets to needy children in the rally area.  

I  have two simple layouts in mind.  One is a String pattern which looks super easy and the other is called a Stashbuster quilt made from strips of fabric but it's sewn and cut to look like blocks.  But I couldn't find the Foundation paper at JoAnn's Fabric for the String pattern.    When I got home, I ordered the paper on line.  I don't even know if I can cut straight!  So I will work on the Stashbuster. This ought to be something.  
I started cutting and sewing.  I had skips in the cutting so Bob thought there was a chip in the rotary blade.  Back to JoAnn's.  All kinds of tools was 40% off..yeah ..timed that right.  It was cheaper to buy the whole tool than the blades, so that in hand and a couple new rulers and I was off for home.  

MY SCRAPS

Bob has been stuffed up and not feeling well so he sat right down and helped me cut fabric.  Then the sewing rows didn't come out straight so he figured out how I should square them up.  (Lots of ripping)  We worked until we finished it. 

JUST A LAP QUILT

Oh, when Bob went for the mail he brought in a package for me, the Foundation Paper was delivered already.  Wow, almost over night!  Now I can try the String Quilt.  Tomorrow.

SATURDAY:
More crafting.  I had to try the String patches.  That's a neat trick to use up lots of scraps.  It's so easy.  You sew right on the 10"paper, then trim fabric at edges.   (Missouri Star Quilt Tutorial called String Quilt)  You do not have to match colors to use up your scraps.  If you put white as the middle strip, it will make a diamond when you have four done.  

WILD COLORS 

Before lunch I packed up all sewing items I will need while on the trip.  A quick lunch and then the Bills game.

LOTS OF FABRIC SCRAPS PACKED.

LORENZO IS READY FOR THE GAME!  

BUFFALO is so excited and full of emotion.  1) New Owner, 2) team stays in Buffalo, 3) and Jim Kelly is cancer free.   The RV parking lot filled up the day before the game, first time in history.   The game was pretty good too and it looked like the stadium was at full house.   

Oh my gosh, Spiller just returned a kick off for 102 yards for a touch down.  Unbelievable!   I hope they continue to improve but Bob was worried they would get to confident and would not work next game.  

So we continue with packing tomorrow and shove off on Tuesday morning.  I hope to continue the Blog with all the new surroundings and activities.  If not possible,  I will try Face Book updates.  

Thanks for clicking in.  I appreciate all my readers and comments.  
Have a good week.

GOLDEN GRAM 

AND HERE COMES FALL!

MONDAY:
Bob commented on seeing a big group of little black birds come swooping down on the lawn and start hunting for food.  He said, they were so many that the lawn turned black.  So are the birds gathering for migration already?  

Seems like I have heard several people comment on the expected winter being worse than last year.  Does that mean snow or cold?  
We better make plans to get our defenses up!  

Thoughts are just changing to fall, never mind winter.  I put some of my fall decos up.  

BETSY'S HANDIWORK FROM LAST YEAR

That's a job.  I have them stored in plastic tubs under neath the stairs area, along with the Easter and Christmas tubs.  I have to move all the vacuum tools, suitcases and other misc. storage to get to the boxes.  I try to remember to switch the tubs of the next needed season as I'm putting one season back.  Easier said than done.  More organization needed here!  

Our pool outing for the day was interrupted twice,  dark clouds came up and thunder so we had to skedaddle out of the water. 

While camping last weekend a TV program (maybe a series) was mentioned to me so I asked Bob to check it out for the evening.  All I remembered was OVERLANDER.   He searched and searched.  Then I saw FB people talking about it and it's called OUTLANDER.  No wonder Bob couldn't find it.  

TUESDAY:
I had a rough night, it was one of those bummers.  I had coffee then went to call Bob as he is waiting on Mr. Woodchuck to show himself.  Bob is mad as the woodchuck ate off the rest of his sunflowers by the shed, including the flower part.  Bob should get a trap or smoke bomb.   Watch, it won't come out again.

After Bob went for a haircut, we went over town to the Farmer's Market.  I wanted to buy tomatoes for canning.  Debbie and family in Lockport canned all day Saturday.  Some 200 quarts!  Momma Mia!  That would be a killer.  That's canning for four families. 

THEY NEED TO RIPEN

 We bought a bushel, plus veggies.  Then to the grocery store for lids and rings.  Bob was sick in the store so we hurried thru it.  After lunch at home he laid down.

I wanted to put a plastic cover on one of my cookbooks for some time and decided today's the day.  I dragged out all the stuff and worked on it.  

Then I made a square with pumpkin designs to put in a charity basket that I have in progress.  It's a Dunkin Donuts theme with cups, towels, fall scarecrow, and pumpkin. 

Now my sleepless night is catching up to me but I made Western Stuffed Peppers for supper.  They are suppose to be a hot little number but I forgot the green chilies in the store so I improvised with some of our sons hot salsa sauce.  Boy that's good.  Okay, we plop it in the oven and go lay down for twenty minutes till Betsy gets home.   Ahe hu...I awake and it's six o'clock and the peppers are burnt brown on top!  I missed the text from Betsy saying she wouldn't be home for supper and Bob (who never gets hungry) didn't come upstairs to see what's burning.  He was on the computer, heaven and earth doesn't stir him then.  

WEDNESDAY:
Little writers block ! Mostly computer time.  

NEW RECIPE.  EGGPLANT PARM

GOOD BUT I MISSED THE BREADING/FRYING
NOT A GOOD WARM UP

THURSDAY:

The day started off with watching geese fly over while having my coffee.  Another sign of an early fall approaching.  

I knew it was to be nice out today (81o) so I hustled around in the house with duties so I could enjoy the pool, one more time.  

Bob decided to register for the Holiday Rambler International Rally.   So it's off to the mountains (WV) we go, hope my nerves can stand it! 

I had a few more decorations to get out for Halloween, then after lunch Bob and I went outside.  In between dips, we removed the diving board, the ladder and the railing by the stairs and put them in storage.  Then the tent that was put up for a few weeks.  All we have to do now is closing the pipes and the winter cover.  We think we have one more day in the 80's, so the closing will follow that.

 FRIDAY:
We swam all afternoon.  We pulled the sun liner off to dry it then we rolled it up for storage. 
After swimming all afternoon, we decided to go out for supper.  I was sick of cooking!  So we went across town to the Sport of Kings (Sporto's) .
I went to the Dollar Store to get wrapping for my Charity basket too.  Then I put it together when we got home. 

I'LL BRING TO INTERNATIONAL RALLY FOR THE HABITAT  FOR HUMANITY TABLE.
JONI IS MAKING ONE FOR MAKE A WISH
AND THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.  

SATURDAY:


Storms last night have really lowered the temperature, it's cool.  This would be a good time to can the tomatoes.  We bought them Tuesday and was told to let them ripen for two days.  Four days later and they are still firm.  The color is good. 
So I started out about ten and  finished up about five o'clock.  We had trouble with the kitchen cook top as it started clicking.  Bob to the rescue.  He ended up turning off the electric to the ignition starter and we finished  that way.  When it's cool we will have to check it out more.  We ended up with 20 quarts.  I'm really tired now.  Might be smarter to go out for spaghetti dinners instead of canning!  

PEELED  -  TIME TO PACK

LOOKING PRETTY
WE LIKE THE BASIL LEAVES IN THEM FOR SPAGHETTI SAUCE

I cleaned up pots and pans, then we watched TV while waiting on the last kettle to cook.  So tired!  We drove over town for something to eat.

ONE DOESN'T SEE THE SKY LIKE THIS TO OFTEN.

SUNDAY:

Here's Another Sunday!  I slept in quite late so I cooked poached eggs for my breakfast while Bob considered it his lunch.  Then we had the canning to wipe, date and put away.  Everything put away, it feels good to have the kitchen back in order.  

We hurried so we could watch the games.  Ready for some football?  Funny, three teams tied up, three won with a field goal.  

Some time today, Bob put new smoke alarms in the motor home.  He had discovered while talking to our friend RJae, that the battery was in backwards, and our previous device was out dated.  I mean OUT DATED.  There was only one, and it was dated 2001,  replacement suggested before 10 years.  Wonder how Bob missed that one, he is so good about changing batteries in the house.  (every time change)

INSTALLED - ONE IN FRONT AND ONE IN BACK OF MH

 Time to post.  I almost finished reading Bill O'Reilly's book - Killing Lincoln.   Guess I'll try to finish it.

Have a good week and thanks for clicking in.  

GOLDEN GRAM