We’re in Blaine, Washington

 

May 18, 2014                                                                                                                             Lorraine’s report

Howdy folks, thanks for stopping by.  Well, this week was sort of boring.  We didn’t travel anywhere, or go and do anything worth noting.  But we did have a fun day last weekend with my sister and her family. 

We were invited over for Mother’s Day, and it was truly fun!  It has been 18 months since we last saw any on my family, and it was exciting to see, catch up and visit with all of my sister’s family.  And the food was really good!!!  Of course we all enjoyed each other’s company, and the catching up was a lot of fun.  Thank you Thelma, John, Kerri, Johnny, Carl and Ashley, with their spouses and significant others.  It was F U N and we enjoyed the times we had with you. 

Of course the food everyone prepared was sooooo good!!!  Couldn’t have asked for more fun, except for wishing my two children were with us.  That would have made it perfect.  Miss them both as we always do on any holiday. 

So this week was normal, except that I had to go into the doctors for a fasting blood test.  At least it wasn’t as bad as having a bowel clean out or the like.  This week we see my oncologist and my regular family doctor.  And as usual, I always hesitate to say anything is good, until I hear my doctor say “all is well” and I don’t have my cancer back.  This is one thing that never leaves me.  Some year I may get “over it”, but who knows, maybe it will never go away.

We got to see Jan and Glenn this week for lunch.  It was nice, and we hope they sell their home and become part time, on the road travelers.  They are hoping it works well for them, since we enjoy it so well. 

To me the best thing we did was to go to the Silver Reef Casino and have their lunch Seafood Buffet.  It has gotten pretty expensive to have the seafood buffet.  But Chuck took me there on Thursday and was it ever mummy.  I had my fill of the Dungeness Crab.  It was sooo good!!!  When we are away, having the seafood buffet at other casinos around the nation is not the same as having the seafood buffet as we get here in the Great Pacific Northwest.  They have other crab, but it is not the Dungeness crab, and they want a fortune for it. 

Tomorrow is Victoria Day in Canada.  Hope all our Canadian friends enjoy the day-have a great day.  Then it is Memorial Day.  Many thanks to all the Veterans who served our great nation.  Then next month is the start of  graduations here in the county. 

So with that, I’ll say “see you down the road.”  Hugs to all,

Lorraine

5/18/14                                                                                                                                       Chuck’s report

Another good week  here in Washington.  I know I said we wouldn’t post every week, especially when we didn’t do much and this week would probably qualify.  But I know Lorraine took some pictures this week so figured that I should probably write something and include a few of those pictures. 

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day and we were invited over to Lorraine’s sister’s home.  She was planning on having all her children, grandkids and their spouses/friends over for dinner too.  It was nice to see all the family we haven’t seen for over a year, some had changed for sure, others not so much.  Sorry that Rose was unable to attend, she had to work, sure can understand that as I missed out on lots of gatherings during my working years too. 

It was good visiting with them and everyone had plenty of snacks and dinner later too.  Because we’ve missed all the birthdays and such for the past 18 months, I brought over a couple different bottles for toasting everyone’s missed birthdays, fun.  A very nice day, both weather wise and visiting with family wise too.

Monday was a quite day for us, we did make a last minute decision to have lunch at the senior day buffet at the casino, that was the only exciting part of the day. 

Tuesday we headed into town so Lorraine could get blood drawn for her upcoming doctor visits this week.  Later we hit Wal-Mart and a couple of other stores while we were in town. 

Wednesday was another stay-at-home and enjoy type of day.  Lorraine did some laundry and I found a couple of things to do also, like vacuuming and empting the holding tanks. But mostly we just sat around, read our books and played on the computer, nice.  

Thursday was a day that Lorraine had been looking forward to for awhile, Seafood buffet at the casino.  She really enjoys Dungeness crab and we haven’t found many places that have Dungeness, most have King or Snow crab and Lorraine doesn’t like it as well.  We knew they have Dungeness along with lots of other seafood too so had made plans to go here.  They have their lunch buffet then close down for an hour before they start their dinner buffet, same food, just more money for dinner.  So we decided to go to the lunch, get the same food for less, no brainer, huh.

Lorraine did get filled up on crab, I think if she had a choice better Dungeness crab or lobster it would be a very tough decision for her.  She got lots of lobster when we were back East last fall and will probably get more crab while we are here and/or in Alaska this summer. 

Friday was another stay at-home and enjoy day, we are liking these.  We did have to make a run to the nearby small grocery store but that was our only drive that day. 

Saturday we had plans to meet with a ex co-worker of mine and his wife, Glenn and Jan.  We’ve known these folks since 1972 and last saw then at 1000 Trails in Palm Springs last December.  We met them at the restaurant at the casino, shoot, it was only open for dinner and we were there around lunch time.  So we decided to go to the deli instead and ordered off the menu.  We had a very good visit, it wasn’t busy so we sat around for an hour after eating just visiting.  Then we tried our luck on the slots for awhile before we said our “so longs, see you later” and headed home.  Once again, it was a good visit, too bad we didn’t think to get pictures however. 

The weather has been really nice here the past week.  I know Seattle broke a couple of record highs and we were right there too.  But as always happens here in the great NW, the highs soon dropped back to the normal mid 60s with cloudy skies.  The forecasts were for rain on Saturday and today but lucky for us, they were wrong, we had the clouds but no rain.  It did rain South of us but we didn’t get any here.  The forecast is for 4 more nice days before the rains come again, nice.

Lorraine is getting excited about her upcoming 50th High School class reunion coming up in July.  Just this morning she filled out a paper and is sending in a check for dinner when we we get there. 

That’s about all, guess I’ll add some pictures and get this posted. 

Thelma (Lorraine’s sister) on the left and Lorraine on the right. 

 

Thelma and husband John

   

Thelma and her two daughters, Ashley on her right and Kerri on her left. 

 

All the children, grand kids, spouses and friends. 

 

Thanks  Chuck

 

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We’re in Blaine, WA

 

May 11, 2014                                                                                                                   Lorraine’s Report

Yes, we are still parked at Latitude 49 in Birch Bay Village, and enjoying the crazy weather.  It has rained a whole lot on us, but some days it is just nice and sunny, like now.  And this week it is suppose to get warmer, like in the 70’s to 80’s. Not even close to what we’ve left when we left Yuma to begin our trip north.  It was in the mid to high 90’s and I doubt we will see that until the end of summer.

I went to church this morning and had an enjoyable time having morning tea and fruit and cookies for breakfast.  The ladies were very nice and we enjoyed a good visit.  Church was good, and I am happy to attend.  It was all good!

I’m missing my two children, been 3 years since I’ve seen Rick, and 3 weeks since we left Susy and Kaitlyn.  Sometimes it’s hard to be away from them all.  The years just seemed to fly away, gone, just like the wind.  But I hope they know how much they are loved, and would do anything for them, no matter what!!!

So Chuck wrote about our week, and I would like to wish everyone a “Happy Mother’s Day”.  The preacher said   “Only Mothers can not be replaced in our hearts and minds.  No one can take her place.  She is irreplaceable “ Even if she is gone, nothing or no one will ever take her place.  And to have my Mom carry and give birth to ten, yes 10, children, and to have Chuck’s mom carry and give birth to 9 of them, makes me appreciate all that was done for us.  So many memories…

With that, I will say, see you all down the road.  Hugs to all,

Lorraine

 

5/11/14                                                                                                                            Chuck’s report

Wow, time is flying by here, seems like just yesterday we got here but its’ been almost two weeks already.  But we are liking this “down” time, not getting ready for travel days and such.  But as usual, hitch itch will probably be starting soon, tough life.

We used this week to get some affairs in order with the nice gal that is leasing our house.  She would like to buy it but things need to line up better for her, hopefully this year. 

Last Sunday, Lorraine went to church, she was happy when she got back, saw some friends and talked with the pastor too.  She will be going again this morning too.

Monday we met Joe and Alice at the casino for old farts day, cheaper lunch buffet for us.  We had a good visit, not so much on the slots.  Later we walked over to the lodge to check our mail and check out their trading paperback books.  We found a few, replaced them with some we had read.

Wednesday we were at the jewelry store getting Lorraine’s bracelet repaired and other stuff checked and cleaned when an ex coworker of mine, Jim and his wife Margaret, happened to walk in.  He told us there was a ARCO/BP retiree luncheon in 1/2 hour right across the street.  We finished up with the jeweler and walked over to see what was happening.  There was about 12 couples there, we knew most of them, and they were just ordering drinks when we got there so it was good timing. 

We managed to grab two seats and had a good time visiting, catching up and all around discussing each of our lives for the past few years.  Some of these folks I haven’t seen for years so it was good to catch up with their lives.  Don and Kathy were right next to us and they have a 5th wheel they use quite a bit.  He said it’s tough, they like to travel here in the summer but they also like to have their garden at that time too.  Plus they have 5 acres to take care of and it gets pretty wild if they are gone too long.  He said they could never full time as they need the anchor house so they will continue doing the same for the future.  But anyway, we had a good time and may go to another retiree luncheon as they have them every month.

Friday we had some errands to run then stopped by the casino for a little bit.  We met and had a good visit with Richard and Sandy too, good to catch up on their lives since we were here last.  Lorraine does call Sandy once in a while when we are on the road so she somewhat keeps up but nothing like a real, in person, face to face visit.  We’ll have to do it again soon.

Saturday we hung around the coach while Lorraine prepared some food dishes.  We are invited to her sister’s place for a Mothers Day dinner.  We went over to their house last week for dinner and saw them and their son Carl but will see the rest of the family today.  Lorraine was busy for a several hours but it was me that had a nap later.  What’s up with that? 

The weather this week has been a mixed bag again, we’ve had our share of rain with a couple of days with sun too.  The high temps have only been to the low 60s (or high 50s a couple of times) and the lows in the 40s.  It is spring time for sure here, Lorraine has the allergies to show it too.  The rain does help knock down the pollen but as soon as the sun comes out, all the plants just grow that much faster and make that much more pollen.  But it nice to be home with all the green, even it it does come with a price.

No travel plans for the next few weeks and no pictures to add.  So that means I’m done and will get this posted.  

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We’re in Blaine, Washington

 

May 4, 2014                                                                                                                          Lorraine’s report

Howdy folks, from the great state of WA-and it’s raining.  Welcome to WA and the great Pacific NW.  So what else does it do?  Who knows, I’m already tired of the wet, rainy weather.  I think of how beautiful the southwest was, sunny skies, every day! Some days just sitting in the nice, sunny weather, just enjoying the outdoors. 

So this week we came home.  It has been 18 months since we left WA.  I know I was excited to be coming home, but the rain makes me wish the sun we had would still be here.  I guess you can’t have all you want.  It’s nice to be back in an area we liked, but I don’t know why. 

Last week we enjoyed our nice visit with Judy and Bruce.  It was wonderful to see and visit with you both.  I think it was over 50 years since we last saw each other.  I enjoyed our visit with you two, and hopefully, we’ll stop by again and visit again on our way south.  Thanks you two, loved the time we had.  

I went to church today, and the preacher talked about Grudges.  Man oh man, did I need to hear this. It has been 18 months since I went and heard him talk, and he hit the nose, right on the head for me. GOD IS Good!!!  I talked with the preacher afterwards, and he prayed with me.  God still loves me, and I will get over the past and the people who tried to hurt me. 

So, this week has been one of cleaning up the rig. Chuck washed the whole thing from top to bottom, and I’ve been busy inside.  It sure got dirty coming home.  It’s raining again, but at least we plan on being here until after we get back from Alaska. 

I’m missing my daughter and granddaughter, but I’m anxiously waiting until we can go north.  First to my 50 year high school reunion, then on to see my son, Rick and Donna.  It has been two years since we’ve seen him, and I can hardly wait.  It should be fun to visit again with them. 

On Saturday, my sister called and we went over for a visit and dinner.  Did we have a good time, or what!  We spent a lot of time just visiting, catching up and the like.  I showed her the pictures, and talked about all we had seen and done.  There was so much, will have to just take it as it goes. 

Other than the normal, everyday things, we don’t have anything going on.  And that is not bad, either.  So I hope every one had a great week.  See you all down the road.

Hugs to all,

Lorraine

5/4/14                                                                                                                                      Chuck’s report

Yep, back to home base for us, it’s been 1 1/2 years since we’ve been in the area.  I think it was October, 2012 when we left after our last stay here.  We didn’t come back last summer or fall because we made a trip to the NE instead, a very nice time and a trip we will probably do once again some year.  But it is nice to return to the green and see lots of trees after wintering in the desert again.  Just not sure about the NW weather we’ll be having but have to take the good with the bad.   

Last Sunday we talked with Judy and Bruce and they agreed to come to our place for a visit.  We had a good time then someone suggested we go to the casino for a bit and we ended up having a good buffet dinner with them too.  It’s too bad they aren’t going to the class reunion with Lorraine but now that we know where they live, we’ll probably see them on one of our trips through the area.  Thanks for spending time with us, we sure had fun.

Monday was our planned day for travel on through Seattle and up here to Blaine but we decided to spend one more day, supposedly a quiet one.  It didn’t really turn out that way, Lorraine was busy doing laundry and I found a few things that needed to be done and we cleaned up the rig some too. 

Tuesday morning we packed up and got on the road, hoping we would not get caught in the usual terrible traffic around Seattle.  We ran into a few spots where the traffic was heavy/slow and the roads were really rough starting just South of Seattle and most of the way through the city too.  But all in all, it wasn’t too bad, we’ve certainly seen/driven worse.  They say Seattle traffic is the 5th worse in the nation, I’m sure we’ve seen the top 4 too.

Anyway, we got here around 2 and got set up.  Joe and Alice came by to say hi but didn’t stay, they didn’t want to interrupt our normal set up routine, thanks guys.  They also had to go to one of their grand son’s baseball or soccer game later.   We decided to go out to Bob’s Burger and Brew for a quick dinner and met Rob and Norma, our Canadian friends who just got back from down South too, there.  We had a good time catching up on our winter travels and plans for the summer.  They have spent almost all the time in the US they are allowed for one year so probably will not be coming down much.  They were planning on leaving the next morning so it was good timing on our part to get here in time to see them before they headed out.  Thanks for the visit and hope to see you somewhere this summer. 

Wednesday morning dawned nice and clear with the forecast to be very nice, a good day to wash our coach.  I washed the roof, took a break, washed the front and one side, took a break, washed the back and the other side and put stuff away.  I sort of sat down for a rest and next thing I knew, I was waking up after a refreshing nap. 

Thursday was another good day so I decided to continue with this cleaning jag.  First, I washed the tires and wheels on the coach, didn’t polish the wheels yet though.  Then moved onto the car, it was dirty too but it didn’t take as much work to wash it.  So now we had clean rigs once again and the coach should stay clean as we aren’t planning on driving it much for the next three months. 

After putting all the cleaning stuff away we headed to Bellingham to run some errands and do some shopping.  We drove around just a bit and could see some changes around, some things gone, new things in, that sort of thing.  Lorraine wanted to drive by our house on the way back so that’s what we did.  We didn’t stop or anything but did enjoy the ride around the bay. 

Friday we had made an appointment to have our dog groomed.  While she was in the shop we had to run a couple more errands in town and just as we were driving back we got a call they were finished with Misty so we headed that way to pick her up.  Boy, what a difference.  The last time she had a trim was early winter and then it just a haircut, not a grooming.  I usually give her a bath once a week or so but she sure needed a good grooming.  They gal did a good job, said her nails were petty long too. 

Yesterday  Lorraine got a call from her sister who lives nearby inviting us over for dinner later in the afternoon.  We just hung around the coach for the day except for a quick run to the grocery store.  Then we headed over to Thelma and John’s home for a very good visit and dinner.  It was late when we got back, we may have kept them up later than planned as we continued with our visit over desert. 

The weather this week has been a mixed bag.  It rained on Sunday and we even had a few sprinkles on Monday before the sun came out and it started warming up.  We really brought the good weather with us as Tuesday was the first 80F day since last year.  The TV weatherman said Seattle had the warmest weather in the nation (except for California and Arizona) on Wednesday, that doesn’t happen often.  The nice weather continued through Thursday but started cooling off a bit.  I actually changed to wearing shorts vs long pants for couple of day.  But by Friday, things returned to normal Western Washington spring weather, rain and gray skies.  The long range forecast is for more of the same with heavy rain over the next 30 hours, they forecast us to get about 1 1/2”, and continuing with lots of showers over the next few days, welcome to Washington.  Even though we lived here for over 40 years, it doesn’t take long before we get tired of the rain, I know I’m ready for sunny days already. 

Our travel plans are pretty simple, none planned for awhile.  We may make a couple of short trips but will keep pretty much grounded for the next three months.  I doubt we continue posting weekly while we’re here, we don’t plan on having lots going on.  Not saying we have big, exciting things to write about when we are on the road but the blog does give us a good record of what/where/who has been going on in our life.  So don’t be surprised to only see a few blog updates from us over the summer. 

Now to pick a few pictures to add here and get on with our day. 

We did have a rainbow for awhile on Monday.   

 

That’s Mt. St. Helen in the background, should have taken a picture the evening before when the sun was shining on it better.

 

Coming into Seattle.  More green with mountains in the distance. 

 

 

This is the I-5 bridge over the Skagit river that collapsed two years ago.  All repaired and back in service.  

  

 

Norma and Rob at dinner with us the night we got here. 

 

Ok, enough of that, guess I’ll post this now.

Thanks   Chuck

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