Weekend Camping

Thursday

I was up early and signed on to finish my online Driver Improvement Course for saving on insurance.  This was almost a painful experience because it went at such a slow pace.  It took another 3 hours this morning but I finally finished.  It said there was a final exam but I got an email saying congratulations on completing the course.  So now to wait for the certificate in the mail.

Bonnie finished staining the shed today and also baked some cookies.  I picked up some gas for the mower and also went up to court for a while. Then came home and cut grass.  Again it was not that hot today but boy was it humid again.  We even had a severe thunderstorm warning but we never got any rain, although we could hear the thunder.



Friday

We had the coach loaded and ready to pull out for a weekend campout with our camping group.  We stopped at the top of the hill and hooked up the CRV to tow.  It was only a short trip to Grand Island and we were there and set up by 2pm.  Then we visited with the group until 5 when we headed for a fish fry.  Dinner was good and then I spent the evening around the campfire catching up on all the news.  Finally headed to bed around midnight.

Saturday

Well it rained hard off and on all night.  Bonnie was to walk in a charity walk this morning with her sister, but she canceled when they called.  Then we heard the walk was canceled because of the rain.  Our campout hosts decided to deliver breakfast to each of the coaches as it was to wet to take everything to the pavilion.  It was nice to have 'Meals on Wheels' knock on the door with eggs, sausage, biscuits, and gravy They were served hot and dry in the rain and were delicious.

Caroline came to say good morning in the rain

Bob and John delivered breakfast

Great breakfast

We decided to watch a movie and let the rain pass by, then do a little exploring.

Just down the road are the remains of a Nike Missile Base

Good use of the old base that once protected the area

Then we headed to lunch.

Shrimp PoBoy

Jambalaya

After that we visited Kelly's Country store and picked up some jar candy and fudge.  Then back to the coach to rest up and watch another movie.  The rain has stopped but it is still damp and cool.

The rest of the afternoon turned out to be beautiful as we sat out and visited with others in our group.  We were just setting up for supper when the black clouds rolled in and dropped about 10 to 15 minutes of rain on us before the blue skies and sun returned.  By the time supper was ready it was beautiful and dry again and we enjoyed a very nice meal outside again.

It was dark by the time we cleaned up so we visited a bit and then headed for the coaches, no campfire tonight

Sunday

A nice cool night for sleeping and a beautiful morning when we woke up.  We gathered for breakfast outside again as it was so nice out.

Smiling faces at breakfast

 Some of the dogs got to come.

Daisy Mae

 And some had to stay in their coach

Murphy (so sad)

In no hurry to leave we had time to chat

Then it was time for the good byes.

See you on down the road

 Once home the House on Wheels got to park on her new concrete pad

New home

Once home we called Elizabeth and told her I could get her brakes done today.  So she came out and I spent the afternoon changing brakes while the Buffalo Bills lost to the Jets.

PB Blaster to get the old loose and off

On with the new

 While I did the brakes Alexus picked up the extra concrete and we got it out of the driveway

Extra concrete all picked up.

Thats about it we are headed for church this evening and then home to rest.

Labor Day Week

Monday Labor Day

Up this morning and before I knew it we headed over for the Maynard family reunion.  We had a good turnout and as usual lots and lots of food.

Lots of family

The kids had fun with the Hula Hoop

The plastic hoop introduced by Wham-o in 1957 is still a hit with the kids.  Actually in one form or another the hoop has been around for many centuries.

We were stuffed when we headed home.  The forecast had been for rain this afternoon instead it it hot and humid.

Hard to believe its Labor Day which is the unofficial end of summer here in Western New York.  Folks are closing their pools and start preparing for winter.

Tuesday

Up early this morning and off to see the dentist, for one filling.  Then home, it will be a sad day today.  Emily our cat will be put to sleep this afternoon if she lives that long.  She has been sick for a while and we are both ready to make sure she is not suffering.  She seems at peace but seldom moves and is just not herself, so the time has come.

It was a sad afternoon here and we have buried her under a big tree upon the hill a nice peaceful area of the yard.  Elizabeth and Alexus came for supper and were here when I buried Emily.


Wednesday

It was strange today not to have our cat greet us in the morning.  It will take a while to used to not having her here.  I signed up and started taking an online Driver Improvement Course from AARP today.  It is to reduce our insurance.  We take one every 3 years.  Bonnie took hers just before she retired at work.  This is the worst online course I have ever taken.  It takes 8 hours and there is maybe an hour and a half of material.  I finished 4 of the 8 units today and that was all I could stand.  You have to keep hitting the next key about every 30 seconds I guess to make sure you are awake.  And before each chapter quiz you have to call a toll free number to repeat a phrase for voice verification to make sure it is you taking the course.  What a pain.  With any luck I will finish tomorrow.

I also had to make a run to Warsaw to pick up prescriptions and some boards for the shed.  Bonnie had a dentist appointment so we were both gone most of the afternoon.  It was cooler today but very humid.  I am hoping for low humidity and cooler temps so I can get some yard work done.

Thats about it from here for the first part of the week.  We are headed camping this week end.

Thanks for Checking In.

Labor Day almost the end of summer

Thursday

Early morning had another contractor here at 8am to bid on the black top.  Then I worked on a few things in the house until late morning.  Then it was off to Flappy's to have lunch with a former coworker.  We get together to catch up every few months.  We always have a lot to share and the time just flies by.  He was out west last year and is headed for an Alaska Cruise in a few weeks which we did a few years ago.

Then I headed to Lowe's to pick up concrete sealer that I will put on when we get back from Florida since the concrete needs to cure at least 30 days.  I got 15 gals but not sure that is enough, at least it is a good start.

Picked up 3 buckets of sealer

As soon as I got home I headed over to Merle's to pick up the two sheets of T-111 siding that Bill picked up for me.  They loaded it up and I headed for home.

T-111 to replace the siding on the shed

 Bonnie is going to stain it all Grey.  I picked up some sweet corn for supper and it was so delicious.  Also stopped to get a picture of all the sunflowers on the way home.  Once home I cut the sheets in half and I guess tomorrow we will try to get it on the shed.

Picture does not do them justice.

I was expecting another contractor to bid on the driveway but they called and said they may not make it until Tuesday.  So thats about it for today, lots of running around today.

Friday

Up early again this morning.  By the time I finished my second cup of coffee it was time to head to Attica to attend the funeral of a friend at church.  It was a very nice celebration of his life and well attended.  While in Attica we made a stop at the bank and then at the hardware store to pick up stain for the shed.  On the way home I stopped for a close up shot of the sunflowers.

Pretty flowers

Then once home I had a little lunch while Bonnie went to pick up Alexus.  Then I headed out to replace the siding on the shed.  Bonnie and Alexus would then stain it.

Off with the old on with the new

Resting up

Ready to go

Started on the back

This is the new side

The old and the new

One gallon did 2 sides and I still need to replace the corner boards.  So we think we need 2 more gallons at 24 bucks a gallon.  Elizabeth came out and picked up the pizza and wings Bonnie had ordered.  Now its movie time while Alexus gets her hair done.  The movie had lots of problems and we almost gave up and went to bed but a skipped a couple chapters and we were able to watch the end of "Broken Trail".

Saturday

September 1st already.  Bonnie's car is due for inspection in September so I headed up to Becker's garage to get in lie to get it inspected.  Most of the others there had August stickers on their cars.  No problem the car passed with no problems.

Then I stopped at court for a couple hours and submitted my monthly report and headed home.  Bonnie was busy baking and I did some computer work.  Then we talked and decided since the coach was repaired and home and the calendar was clear we could go camping next weekend.  Our club has a campout on Grand Island so I called and was able to get reservations.  The Branches of the Niagara is the campground and it has a zip line that Bonnie has vowed to ride.  Alexus likes the zip lines and I think they will be with us for Saturday night.

Bonnie fixed eggs and ham for supper, it was good.  Then I headed out and moved some stone to the edges of the new concrete to form a smooth transition.

Need lots of stone here.

Spent the evening napping and watching some TV.

Sunday

Up this morning and headed for church.  Then we stopped at Elizabeth's.  She had been to Amish country yesterday and so we sampled cheese, donuts, pie etc and called it lunch.

Once home I got a quick nap and then it was time to head to a going away party.

Headed for the party

A good turnout

Safe travels to Emily who is leaving for a 9 month missions program called GAP.  She is one of the folks that went to the Dominican with Bonnie and now she will be gone for 9 months in this program.

The we headed to church again as a missionary was speaking and giving a report of her work.  She did a good job and it was interesting to hear of her work.

Finally home and now its time to post this and then relax.  Tomorrow is a family reunion, lots more good food.

The Radiator is fixed, The Coach is Home and Mouse #13 Caught

Monday

It was overcast all day but I finally went out to spread some stone at the end of the parking pad.  Shortly after I got out there it started to rain.  It never did rain much just enough to get everything wet.  So I went out and got the mail and headed back into the house since it was lunch time.  We had stew that Elizbeth had dropped off, it was very good.  Bonnie worked on her trip scrap book and pretty much finished the pages.  It needs a cover and put together.  I got a shower and will leave for court soon.

I made 4 calls for bids on the blacktop and so far only one has called back.  So hope to here from them soon and keep that ball rolling.  Well still only one call back.

I headed up to court and did not get home until after 10pm, busy night.  Two deer were laying down in the front yard when I pulled in.  I sure will be glad when we can pull up to and into the garage again.   We are parking in and on the side of the driveway now.  I also had an email when I got home that the coach was done and they wanted to run it again in the morning to make sure all the air was out of the cooling system.  Then once the warranty people pay we can pick it up.

Time to read a little then bed I have an early morning tomorrow.

Tuesday

Up early for a dentist appointment then I will head to court.  I was 2 minutes from the dentists office when my phone rang.  They were calling to say they had to reschedule my appointment.  I was close so went into the office and rescheduled my appointment.  Since I was in Attica I ran over to John Deere and ordered a filter for my leaf blower.  Its a Stihl and it is hard to find parts for it except at dealers.  Then I stopped at ACE hardware to pick up some items only to learn that the sale does not start until Friday.

Finally at court and I spent 3 hours there catching up from last night.  I got home just as Bonnie was leaving.  She had time to tell me that a second person came to measure the driveway so we should get a  quote soon from them.  Got a call and the third paving company came and worked up a quote and gave it to us.  We headed into WW and I was surprised to see that I was the same.  Then over to Elizabeth's for dinner.

Finally home and time for bed.


Wednesday

Busy day today but I accomplished a lot.

After my oatmeal I headed to Attica to help at the logging company with some computer issues.  They provided a wonder lunch.  I made a deposit for court while I was over that way.  I called Bonnie she was just finishing up a batch of Peach Jam.  She would be ready to take me into Fleet Maintenance to pick up the coach.

So as soon as a got home around 1:30pm we took off to get the coach.  All went smoothly and all I owed was the deductible and the extended warranty paid the rest.  After my month in Knoxville last year this repair was a breeze.  Dealing with extended warranty companies is an Art form and these guys know what they are doing.  The drive home was good and the coach is now parked in the driveway next to its new concrete pad that will soon be cured and ready to park on.

Good to have it home

 As soon as I got home, I jumped in the truck and headed to Warsaw.  I needed to sign some paper work so a friend could register the ATV that a sold him a few years ago.  We thought we were going to get there just as they closed but it all worked out and he was able to register the ATV.

Once home I could not get the key pad on the garage to open so I checked it out and found the battery needed replaced.  Its been in there a long time.  But then it still did not work, I had to reprogram the keypad to the opener.

Garage Keypad

Just as I finished up UPS came and brought Bonnie's new camera.  Its a Canon SX40 HS with 35X zoom so with the iPhone cameras and this we should be all set for the Disney and the Cape Cod trip.

New Camera

Thats about it for tonight, I am still getting quotes on the driveway and one company is coming at 8 in the morning.

Thanks for Checking In.

Time to Catch Our Breath-----Then Back to work

Thursday

I had a good nights sleep and was up just after 7 this morning.  Around 7:30 Jeff and Tom pulled in and removed the forms from yesterdays pour.  They also marked the concrete for cutting.  I had some things to do so was gone most of the day.  When I came back the concrete was cut and Bonnie had the wash almost done and had baked a couple cakes.  I had picked up the parts I needed to overhaul the hydraulic cylinder on the tractor.  Its still working and seems to have stopped leaking so I will delay the repair as we need the tractor to move some stone and dirt.

The radiator is out of the coach and they are deciding what to do.

We took the food and Elizabeth cooked it so we just got home.  Time for a little reading and rest.

Friday

Not too much going on today.  I worked at court for a few hours.  Came home and had a late lunch.  Then a quick nap.

Then I went out and cut all the grass under the watchful eye of a doe and her fawn who watched me for quite a while, I stopped twice to get a picture.

only about 50 feet away but in the shadows

Once I finished cutting the grass I got on the tractor and moved a few rocks and filled in a little where the water has washed out the road.

Then in for supper and somehow I slept through most of the news.

Thats about it for today.

Saturday

Not much planned for today.  Got up had my coffee and oatmeal and then headed up to court for a few hours.  On the way I picked up Elizabeth's vegetable share for her.
Once home I asked Bonnie if she wanted to go hear the Kingsmen Quartet down in Machias.  She said yes and so we plan to head down there later.

I cleaned some of the concrete dust up in the garage today but there is so much more to clean.  I also used the leaf blower to clean the slab off some and noticed that the air cleaner needs replaced.

We headed down to the concert a little early.  Friends are camping down there and were kind enough to pick up tickets for us.  We visited for a while and then headed up for the concert.  The Kingsmen are from North Carolina and we really enjoyed their singing.

The Kingsmen

Finally got home and now ready to head to bed.

Sunday

Up this morning and off to church.

Watched a movie and napped this afternoon.  The girls came for supper and left for home around dark.

Sorry its been a bit boring the past couple days.  But Thanks for Checking in.

Its Pouring......................Concrete

Monday

Set the alarm again for this morning, this is a bad habit.  We were up early and pulled out right at 9am to head for Fleet Maintenance to have them look at the leaking radiator.

The guys should be here at 1 right after lunch and the concrete truck is due at 2.

The guys were here and Bills cousin also came as he is the concrete finisher.  The truck rolled in at 2:08 and the concrete was poured and floated 45 minutes later.  As soon as it sets up they will finish it and be gone.

Ready to pour

The pour is started lots of activity

Setting the pitch to the drains

Floating the edges

All floated 45 minutes after starting.  Just needs to set up a bit then finish with the power trowel.

Then I headed to court for the evening.  Now home and relaxing.  Lots to do tomorrow.

Tuesday

Up early again today and headed out to the bank and post office.  I actually got to the post office before they opened by a few minutes.  I checked the concrete before I left and it was hard so thats a good sign.  Now to give it time to cure.  I had some work to go over at court so I stopped in there for a couple hours and finished that up.

Our hot water boiler has been booming when it lights so I brought in the air compressor and vacuum to give it a good cleaning.

Our boiler

 I put it all back together and it still did it.  I called Bill S who works on these for us and asked him to put us on the schedule.  Then I took one more look and filed the top of the ignighter a little and made sure the small gas tube was not kinked.  I test it and it worked right.  Tried it 3 or 4 more times and it worked.  So now will have to wait and see if it keeps working.  Bill can't fix it if it is working.  Our boiler heats our domestic hot water also and it has been getting to hot.  So when I called Bill S back to let him know it was working I asked him to order a new thermostat for the hot water tank.

I ordered a new one of these.

The other Bill and his guys rolled in just before 1 to finish the prep for the next concrete pour.  The truck is due here about 2:30.  Its a beautiful day so all should go well.

Pins in the edge of old slab to keep it in line with the new one

Lots of dust from cutting in the expansion joints

After the joints were cut I washed down the floor and guess what all the water ran to the drains and ran out the drains, just like it was supposed to.

The first of three trucks was on right on time and the 2nd and 3rd were waiting as the one before them finished up.

First truck and all five guys swing into action

Bill manned the Bull Float to push down the stone and bring the cream to the surface

First truck is empty

Third truck is almost done

All done with a broom finish

The guys started the pour right around 2:30 and the last truck left right at 4:00pm.  The finish work was done right around 5 and the guys headed home.

Bonnie came home from taking her sister to the Dr and we have an evening to relax.

No word on the radiator repair yet.

Wednesday

Slept in a little today.  Bonnie was up early to take Alexus to the dentist.  They got home just as I had to leave for my annual eye exam.  Alexus has to have a tooth looked at and as always they dilated my eyes and I had trouble in the sunshine the rest of the day.

The guys were here and busy when I got home.  They took off the forms from yesterday and were forming up the pad where we park the coach.  This is the third day of pouring.  Day 1 was 6.5 yards, Day 2 was 25 yards, and today is 11.5.  Total is 42 yards.  Most of the work is done for the contractors but Bonnie and I have all the final grading and seeding to to do all around the edges of the concrete.  Plus I need to get some estimates on what blacktop will cost.

I worked a little on the camping club newsletter today.  I will look it over again tomorrow and then get it sent out.

12X50 Pad all formed up and ready

Steve cut yesterdays pours, boy is it dusty

2:27 truck one arrives and the pour begins

Almost done, ended up going 55 feet to finish the concrete on the truck

3:28 the pour is finished now to let the concrete set up

Ready to put the broom finish on

5:25 almost finished. 

The guys were gone by 6 and Bonnie and Alexus had gone to Hidden Valley to attend a Republican event.

Tomorrow the forms come off and then we just have to wait for it to cure and then seal it.

So thats about it for the beginning of this week.  Thanks for Checking in.