GOOD SAM RALLY, SYRACUSE, NY

MONDAY:
After getting home so late last night from our Ohio trip, I really slept in today.  About noon, I drove to Lockport to help Annalynn assembly her wedding invitations.  It was sprinkling most of the way.   During the afternoon, Christianna and Grandma Antoinette came to help.  We worked until 4:45 pm, when we had run out of stamps.

GRANDMA ANTOINETTE AND ANNALYNN

CHRISTIANNA

TUESDAY:
Packing the motor home again!  I folded all the wash so we would have what we need for this weeks camping jaunt to the Syracuse State Fair Ground for the Good Sam Rally. 
I couldn't decide what clothes to bring so most of what I own is out in the camper.    Bob went to the bank and had a couple other errands.  I checked food and packed that in motor home.

We had supper early so we could attend a class at the Verizon Store from 5:00-7:00.   (It’s free)   Two young men presented the class, they were excellent.  But I want to go again.  After an hour and a half, I was beyond keeping up.  I missed some on videos and on downloading apps.  Don’t they all make it look so easy?  These little IPhones can do a lot of things and we only had the basics.  There is an Advanced Class offered also.

 After class we buzzed thru the grocery story real quickly for a couple items. 

WEDNESDAY:

We left home about 9:00 am., and found our designated parking lot at the fair grounds very easily.  We are “DRY’ camping in a field.  Some are paying for electric which is supplied by big generators placed here and there; they run day and night.    Out in Indiana at a rally there was a power surge or something and we lost a TV to that problem, not again. 

 

BIGGEST GENERATOR THAT I"VE EVER SEEN

 

THE CAMPERS PLUGGED INTO THIS UNIT. 
LINES LAID THRU THE WATER AND MUD.

 

Coming into the parking area we were directed to a special lot for time to unhook the car.  (Toad)  Then we drove into parking line to the field parking.  I sent a text to Betsy to say we made it.  Bob had the coach set up in no time; he says it’s because he doesn’t have to do the electric, water and sewer.     Excuse the pun but its Polish Baths now. 

We walked to shuttle station for a ride down to registration building.  BIG LINES of campers signing in.  Then we hitched a golf cart ride to the seminars.  The shuttle wasn’t close folks; at pick up or drop off, so it’s lots of walking.  My hips hurt!  My knees hurt!  Sudden realization hit me; I may not be able to do this.  Dammed old Arthur! 

The seminar was “DON’T TRADE YOUR COACH, UPGRADE”.  A self made man was the barker and he was selling every product necessary to “Upgrade-clean” your Coach.   Believe me when I say, the products weren’t priced like the Dollar Store prices. 

I came back to the Coach then.  Bob stayed down there for another seminar which was cancelled and he came back to the coach too.   We sat around reading the schedule and had our 4:00 o’clock coffee.

He wanted to hook up the generator exhaust before using it.  So I waited to cook. 

 

BOB PUTTING GENERATOR EXHAUST TOGETHER. 
USE WAS REQUESTED SO OTHER CAMPERS WOULDN'T BE RECEIVING THE FUMES.

 

EXHAUST IS ASSEMBLED.

Bob grilled a big steak and I made a baked potato and salad, also a dish of fresh strawberries.   About midnight we had a dish of Butter Pecan ice cream.  ROUGHING IT SMOOTHLY!   

Bob gets annoyed with me when I say that I need groceries.  “Don’t we have enough food in there now?”  “If you want to eat hot dogs all week then we have enough food, okay Bob. 

Bob’s sister Jane called on Face Time.  We had a nice visit.  I am starting to love the I phone!  I played around with mine during the evening.   

THURSDAY:

It’s raining, it’s pouring!  It’s a monsoon!  Bob has already gone down to the show area, he put my Coach boots and Coach umbrella inside for me.  I changed all my purse items and put them in my back pack so as not to ruin my Coach purse.   My oh my, my grand kids have given me many nice Coach Gifts. There isn’t any WiFi here so I guess I type in Word and copy and paste to the Blog when I get home.  Now thru the I phones, we are suppose to be able to hook up to computer for Internet, thru something called Hot Spot, which is another Techie thing to learn. 

There are more campers coming in this morning, in all this rain.  

 

 

 

 I had a front row seat for all the action in the parking lot.   A big 40 footer is stuck, spinning his wheels.  Call in the tractors!   It’ still raining!  Bob just called, he advised me to stay in camper it’s so wet down there, which cancels our lunch date.   Oh, oh there is a big red and white wrecker on the scene, flashing lights, wonder which one he is going to tow?   This is unbelievable folks!  I’ll make some bacon and eggs. 

UMMM!

 I brought my address file so I can enter them into my phone; guess I’ll go do that. 

Bob returned to the motor home about 4:30 pm.  He was exhausted, cold and wet.  His face showed pain but he pushes to do it all.  He had attending the following seminars:

1)  Understanding, Monitoring and protecting your RV electrical system.  (We need another part for safety)

2)  The Perfect Trip at your Fingertips.  This was a Trip Planning Microsoft program, Bob received an updated DVD for free from salesman-$89.00 on market.  He, who talks the longest, gets the freebies.  Ha.

3)  He stopped at Colton’s (dealer from Buffalo) to visit with Jimmy Colton.

4)  He went thru one isle of vendor building.  He didn’t know which Microsoft towels I wanted.

We had supper and then went over the schedule for Friday.  The Get Re-Hitched Event will be tomorrow.  It’s sponsored by Reese Hitches.  We watched some TV.   I had finished one book and started another. 

 

FRIDAY:

Up at 7:00am.  Bob showered while I made him a sandwich to take with him.  He reported that the food lines were terrible long yesterday and all chairs were wet; Pepsi was $4.00 a bottle.  While talking to someone, he was told there are 3000 motor homes registered for this event, if they are all here, that’s 6000 people.  (If 2 in a rig) He did get a sausage, pepper sandwich but no Fried Dough, Sweet Waffles, or regular fair treats.  Darn!  Today all the tours start, Winnebago sponsors an Ice Cream Social and Mr. Las Vegas (Wayne Newton) is the entertainment for tonight.

We went thru the vendor building today.  I purchased some micro fiber cloths that I like.  They work great to wipe down the shower.  Bob bought the electric protector that he thought we should have had 10 years ago, to protect against different levels of power supplied. 

 

 

 It was a good show but I didn’t find the new style carpet for outside that doesn’t kill the grass. 

This afternoon we attended the “GET RE-HITCHED” program sponsored by Reese Hitches.  The line weaved and turned to enter the stage area.  We went thru a counting machine as they wanted to know how many attended as they were hoping to beat last year's record of 1087 couples.  A minister lead the crowd in repeating wedding vows-we had to say "I DO!"  We took pictures of some of the cute couples that did dress for the occasion.  Good Sam gave 2 round trip tickets for use any where in the US to the longest married couple and the newly weds. 

ALL UNKNOWN 








EXCEPT THIS HAPPY COUPLE
BOB AND CAROLE
OUR
CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMEN FROM RANSOMVILLE, NY

 

 

We came back to MH and had our coffee and decided we were too tired to go back down for the Wayne Newton show.  Maybe we will see him on the news tonight.  Now to relax.

SATURDAY:

No alarm today, we relaxed and had a good breakfast of bacon & eggs.  Bob wanted some since I had cooked them for myself the other day.   After we drove around in the car trying to locate 2 Holiday Rambler couples from our area back home.  They were in the Orange lot and it was muddier there.  We heard today that they sent about 400 MH’s to park in the shopping Mall due to the conditions in each parking lot. 

We made our dinner meal about three o’clock and went back to the show.  We went thru some new Allegro MHs, then for ice cream.  We went to find seating for the Reba McIntyre show.  While waiting, other campers told us we didn't miss much last night as the Wayne Newton show was a disappointment.  His voice is gone, they said it cracked and he couldn't hit the notes.  Reba on the other hand, was very good.  We enjoyed every song, she is quite the entertainer. 

 

  

REBA

 

 

BOB SNUCK AROUND TO GET THIS PIC OF HER SOUND CONTROL BOARD.

 

The show was over about 8:15.  We headed out for the Tram ride back to the MH.  We dug out some goodies and opened a bottle of Coke and went outside to sit for the fireworks.

 

PRETTY!

 

We plan to leave in the morning for home.  It’s been a great time.

SUNDAY:

We left about 9 am.  The first rest area had a McDonald's and I had mentioned stopping for pancakes for Bob's Father's Day treat.  Well, we weren't hungry yet.  You guessed it, the next four areas didn't have a Mickey's place.   We ended up stopping at the last one before our exit from thruway which was 15 miles from home. 

 

1350 CALORIES!

 

At home we visited with Sarah who had came home for Father's Day.   Then we cleaned up and headed to Lockport for dinner that Christianna, Annalynn and Rocky had prepared.  Deb & Rocco came home last night from Europe so they had many stories and photos.

 

A big week for us, lots of fun!  Hope you have a good one and thanks for clicking in. 

 

GOLDEN GRAM

 

 

 

 

 

WE HAVE AN I PHONE!

MONDAY:
It's a hassle morning as we have a luncheon date with our camping friend Wendy, who has resigned as the camping Treasurer due to the passing of her husband.  Shit,  shower and shave (SSS) and we were on our way about 11:30am.   She had suggested a restaurant called Mazio's in Clarence.  It was so busy!  No wonder, they make their  own home made bread and chips.  We had  great food and visited away.  She passed over all the records and cash on hand.   She commented on all that she has been doing; and how much she didn't know how to do now that John is gone.  Very sad!  She has sold their motor home. 

We had a baby ice cream cone once back to Batavia and then couldn't face making supper. 

We have been talking about updating our telephones.  Once Betsy was home from work, we all  went to Verizon.  Within an hour and a half and Bob and I both have the I phone 5.  Betsy put ours on her plan so we have more data space available.   We were so lucky; as the girl rang up the purchase a special came up and we received a hundred dollars off each phone.  Yeah!  All the stuff one has to know to get it to work right, sink this, sink that, this password, that password...holy molly.   We weren't home an hour and I was ready to give it back. 

I HATED THE NEW PHONE!

The manual is worthless!  A stinky tiny pamphlet was all there is available.    Man, I have no patience.  Betsy is a big help.  She showed both of us several features.  I took a photo of Cinderella and posted that to my screen saver by myself which surprised me.

CINDERELLA 

Tomorrow will be better when not so tired.
We had cereal and headed to bed around 10 ish. 

TUESDAY:
I was up early, even before Betsy at 6:00.  I was hungry.  I made some toast and coffee.  It was cold all thru the house.  So I put on my fluffy housecoat and jumped back in bed.  I slept until 9 something, and then it was hard to wake up. 
I started the washing from our camping trip.  I had to wait until Bob got up so I could pick up the clothes upstairs.  Come on Sleeping Beauty-get up! 
That evening I was checking my contacts in the phone, they were all jumbled.  I redid most of them and then Betsy offered to help me.  None of my doctors names came in so I have them to add.  I think Verizon only loaded Bob's info into both phones.  They had trouble with my phone, it took a long time to set it up. 

WEDNESDAY:
I went outside this morning to take a picture of my rhododendrons; as they are so pretty right now.  Plus I wanted to practice with my phone.  The camera part works much easier than on my previous phone. 

 I JUST LOVE FLOWERING SHRUBS!
 DO I NEED TO TRIM THAT SPURT OF GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PINK BUSH? 
 DOES ANYBODY KNOW? 

We needed a few things at the store so about 11:30 am we went over to "Little Buffalo" (west side of Batavia).  Man, the traffic downtown and school isn't even out yet.  I went to Wally World while Bob went to the pool place.
Once home he worked on the pool.  Those flying white things are making havoc on the filter and pump basket.  I went out to take the flannel sheets off the motor home bed and to clean!  
Bob and Betsy mowed the lawn before supper as rain is predicted for four days.  What?  Four days?   I watered my plants anyway, that rain may miss us.

PROOF OF A HARD DAYS WORK!

THURSDAY:
We wanted to go to the Apple Store at Walden Galleria to get the insurance coverage (Apple Care) on our I-phones.  Also Bob had scheduled a class in I-Photo 2.   It was one heck of a drive up there in the pouring rain.  Of course, my fear button starts up when the conditions are bad and I'm instructing Bob to no avail.  I dropped Bob off and went to Macy's, later joining him to get my phone coverage.

A GREAT TREAT ON OUR SHOPPING TRIP TO GALLERIA.

Betsy sent a text, she had come home at lunch to let Cinder out.  She saw a deer and a fawn in the back field.  She took a photo from the porch deck but it's hard to make the animals out with all the rain.  So unless there was twin fawns,  the coyote that we spotted last week hadn't killed the fawn.  So now we have to watch for it. 

 

 

 

After supper, we saw two deer (no fawn) and Bob was able to get a couple shots of them.  They came right up close to our fence.

 

FRIDAY:
Bob wanted to do stuff around the outside this morning before we headed off for PA and Ohio.  I went to the grocery store for a few items to bring on the trip.
After lunch, Bob took a nappie and I loaded the motor home.  (foods, meds, cosmetics and clothes)  I was ready to go when he woke up.  We had a cup of java and he began unplugging the motor home.  We drove up to the college parking lot and hooked the car (toad) up for towing.   And away we went! It's about 3 hours to my sister's house and we made it by 8:30.  I took a nappie on the way and when I woke up Bob had the pedal to the metal.  (Over 65)  I asked when they changed the PA speed limit.  Ha!  He  was beyond the 55 posting limit. 

CAMPING AT MY SISTER'S IN PA.
 

LUPINES   IN MY SISTER'S FLOWER BEDS.

FLOWERS WERE JUST BEAUTIFUL, ALL AROUND HER HOUSE.

Toots made supper for us and then we visited till 1:00 o'clock in the morning.  Good thing I had a nap.

SATURDAY:
Toots had to go to town for a few things plus she had a graduation party to attend so Bob and I headed to Ohio to visit with his sister, Marj. 
On the way, we stopped at the White Turkey Drive Inn for lunch. 
What a treat!

 

 

THE JUKE BOX MACHINE STILL WORKED FOR A QUARTER.

 

 

 

 

WOULD YOU LOOK AT MY ROOT BEER FLOAT! 
 IT WAS SO DELICIOUS. 
I didn't need a sandwich.

We also took the time to ride around the Conneaut Harbor.  Many relatives had worked on the docks unloading big ore boats.  Bob just can't miss seeing it all. 

On the way back into Pa, we stopped to visit Bob's Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Goldie.   They have the original Fobes homestead.   

THEY HAD THE AMISH COVER THE BARN WITH VINYL SIDING.
  THEY ARE DOING A DIFFERENT BUILDING EACH YEAR. 

Aunt Phylis and Uncle Goldie are in their 80's.  We interrupted Aunt Phyllis's horseback ride around the farm and nearby neighbor's.  Can you imagine at 80 something, riding horse back?
They now have 3 horses and about 7 carts and sleighs left per Goldie. They had help mucking the stalls during the winter but are now doing it themselves.   Uncle Goldie was telling of his "slow down", he thinks he had a stroke.   He couldn't get up on the tractor so he built a step on it and away he goes.  Amazing couple, just love em.
SUNDAY:
@ Dalton's Graduation party.

ME AND TOOTS

ME, NEPHEW DONNIE AND G. NEPHEW DALTON



THE DECORATIONS HANGING DOWN
ARE ALL DALTON'S SPECIAL OLYMPIC MEDALS FOR SWIMMING.
HE HAS MANY RIBBONS TOO.

You know the story of graduation parties; one eats too much. 

And there goes another busy week for us.  

Hope you had a good week and a great big thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

MONDAY & TUESDAY:

Planting and planting! 

WEDNESDAY:
Many of the plants have been snapped right off already!  Some little creature is making me mad.

Oh Boy, here it is Wednesday already.   Having the holiday this week shouldn't cause a problem but it seems the week is going faster.  

We spent today going over all our social and camping requirements and the next six weekends are booked with one thing and another.  When we pull in the yard on Sunday afternoon, it's hard to think of getting a Blog posted.   I'm getting nervous and wonder how I did it the previous summers.  Maybe I'll have to post a different day.

We are attending a Good Sam  Rally this year in Syracuse.  They have a great agenda planned; Wayne Newton and Reba.  Plus they have a wedding renewal for guests, we are to bring a copy of our marriage certificate, wear a veil, bouquet and boutonniere and be judged.  Over a thousand couples participated last year.  Doesn't it sound like fun?  They also have a dog show,  Veteran's parade, tours,  culinary shows, and lots of food stands-can't wait to get a sugar waffle!

Betsy and Bob trimmed the shrubs out front tonight.  They also pulled out a couple that we didn't like.  Actually, we put to many plants in the space and now there isn't enough room for my Rhododendrons. 
THURSDAY:
We are loading the bus.  Check the cupboards, go to the grocery store and load up.  Tomorrow, we are going to Turning Stone Villages near Syracuse area for a HRRVC Council meeting; Bob being President of our Chapter will attend.  I will relax and read. 

Betsy went shopping for shrubs and brought two Barberry plants home to plant.  Jeez Bets, I didn't even have time to think about replacements.  They will look nice on the side that does have room. 

BETSY-PLANTING NEW SHRUBS

FRIDAY:
We were loaded and ready to leave by 11:30am.   Betsy had an eye appointment at 1:00pm and would be home after to watch Cinderella.  Cinder is still suffering with the bad shoulder. 

We arrived at campground just in time for supper.  There was four chapters at this camp out (17 units) and two of the couples did a great job of keeping things moving...they cooked and did all the set ups.  Their hair isn't grey yet either! 

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS-ENERGY!

ALAN BUCK NY STATE TREASURER
CARM GIZZI NY STATE MANAGER

CRAIG DONNELLY ASST. NY ST. MANAGER
MARIA DONNELLY WEB MASTER

SATURDAY:
When Bob returned from the meeting, he told me that there will be two International Rallies next year.  One in Denver for the Western members and one in Ladson, SC for the Easterners.  The eastern one will be at a fair grounds on I26, just outside of Charlestown, on Sept. 24-28th with early parking the 21st-23rd.  That's a first for the organization, that I know of. 

After the Council meeting, we drove to Utica to check up on grandson, Eric.   David, Donna, and Eric's buddy Alex were moving the students from one apartment to another.  They were exhausted from the heat.  We went to McDonald's and brought them some food and milkshakes and cold water bottles. 

ERIC DROVE THE UHAUL FROM BUFFALO TO UTICA.
  NO TROUBLE, AMEN.

ALEX AND ERIC
AH YOUTH - THEY DON'T LOOK EXHAUSTED DO THEY?

 Back at camp, after happy hour and supper, they had a Make A Wish ticket drawing and made $301.00 for that charity.  They had some very nice donations from Camping World.  They also did a 50/50 with proceeds going to the HRRVC Scholarship drawing.  $92.00 was split for that event.    Man it was hot there.  Muggy too.

PHOTOS FROM OUR DAUGHTER WHILE TRAVELING IN EUROPE:

ROCCO & DEBBIE

ROCCO-THE THINKER!
THAT'S FUNNY!

DEBBIE 

ROCCO 

These last 3 photos didn't come in right- they looked stretched wide, sorry about that.

SUNDAY:
We left Turning Stones Villages about 11:20.  We stopped at the Indian gas station to fuel up @ 4.02 per gal for diesel.  Last year it was $4.24 but it's still to high. 
We stopped later for lunch.  Bob stretched out on the bed while I made sandwiches.  My first thought was oh boy, he is whipped..am I going to have to finish the drive home?  He prevailed.  I did some driving from the passenger seat.  Bob says to me, "Your doing some hard driving over there!"   Yes, I was making suggestions....
1) Your eating the white line!
2) Do you suppose you should slow down in this congested traffic?
3) Do you suppose you could slow down in this wind?  Etc.

Home by 3 something and Betsy had delicious Strawberry pie with cream cheese filling for us to enjoy with our coffee.   Bob hit the couch and is still sleeping 3 hours later.  Maybe the shingles still has him tired.   We will unload later after this wicked wind stops.  The canvas on the gazebo is up and over again; guess we will have a sewing job again.  Dang wind! 



TODAY IS THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GRANDDAUGHTER, CHRISTIANNA AND HUBBY JOE.
THE BAKERY SENT THEM THIS BEAUTIFUL CAKE.
WHAT A NICE SURPRISE. 



Well, that's our week.  More busy ones to come.  Hope you all have a great one and thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM