I can't believe it. We're actually heading down south. Iowa had lots of snow. I definitely had my fill of it. Later I'll post about Christmas in NW Iowa. Need to download the pictures first.
We left DM around 2:00 pm. Sharon had an echo test this afternoon so we had a late start. We think all is well. She'll talk to her family doctor in the next day or two but no one found anything - which is very very good.
We lasted as far as El Dorado, KS. Arrived around 8:00 pm, I think. Time flies when you're on the road. Went out to the truck to get another bag and I couldn't believe it - it was snowing. As we were driving through KC, we noticed snow this time. Wasn't any when we drove north. It was 47 in KC when we went north and 28 on the way south.
I'm guessing it will be a few days before I complain about the rain.
Sharon's watching Big Ten Basketball. Actually, I think she's sleeping through it. :)
So far the drive is going well, just want to get home. More later.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday. Weekend Over
The trip has gone well going to Des Moines. We made it in just two days. So we did a little shopping on Friday. Wanted to learn how to drive in this stuff again. It is definitely cold here. It did get above freezing (about 35) for an hour on a couple of days. Heading out tomorrow for Northwest Iowa. Hoping to beat the next storm coming in (freezing rain, snow, etc.).
Had a wonderful day on Saturday with my family. It was a really good time. A few presents were opened, ate a lot, and played a few games. We got together at my niece, Mykie's.
And then I got to see and hold my new great niece, Jersey. Isn't she just the cutest!! Here she is with her mom.
Doctor appointments today. Just the normal routine ones since we were back. Looks like we'll need to stop back in Des Moines next week for one more test next Tuesday morning. Sharon needs to have another one and couldn't get it scheduled today. May delay returning to Texas by one day.
Didn't realize how much I would actually miss the warmer weather and the RV. Guess it really does feel like home.
Have a great Christmas. We're planning on spending Christmas with Sharon's Mom and sister, Ruth. Then on Saturday, we'll get together with Sharon's family.
Had a wonderful day on Saturday with my family. It was a really good time. A few presents were opened, ate a lot, and played a few games. We got together at my niece, Mykie's.
And then I got to see and hold my new great niece, Jersey. Isn't she just the cutest!! Here she is with her mom.
Doctor appointments today. Just the normal routine ones since we were back. Looks like we'll need to stop back in Des Moines next week for one more test next Tuesday morning. Sharon needs to have another one and couldn't get it scheduled today. May delay returning to Texas by one day.
Didn't realize how much I would actually miss the warmer weather and the RV. Guess it really does feel like home.
Have a great Christmas. We're planning on spending Christmas with Sharon's Mom and sister, Ruth. Then on Saturday, we'll get together with Sharon's family.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Des Moines
Well we made it to Des Moines a day earlier than we thought. We hit KC before 3:00pm and realized we might as well go on to Des Moines. The hotel could add another night to our stay. Of course, we couldn't get it for the same great price but they did provide us with a discount.
We were wondering when we would start seeing all of the snow and hitting freezing temperatures. For the drive up it was mostly in the 40s including Missouri. The sun was shining for the second day of the trip. Mostly cloudy the first day.
The hotel must have thought we'd be very very cold coming from the South. The room was too hot even for Sharon. We were in t-shirts. We turned the heat way down but it didn't seem to help. For awhile thought we may want to turn on the AC to cool it down. It's better today. Of course, we turned it off for the entire morning and afternoon. And, what is it with using numbers 1 - 10 to determine the temp. What's wrong with using farenheit? We have it set on 3 (10 being the hottest) and just turned it down. Maybe later tonight we can move it back up.
Getting together with my family tomorrow for our Christmas. We'll be driving up to Madrid to my niece, Mykie. Visited with my sister Marcia this afternoon. She has been in a cookie baking mood for the last couple of weeks. So, of course, we had to try them. I think Sharon's favorite was a sugar type cookie (forgot what Marcia called it). She said it melted in her mouth. I liked the gingersnap and pecan/butterscotch.
Tomorrow should be great. I'll get to see my new great niece, Jersey, for the first time.
Sun is still shining here and so far no more additional snow. Des Moines is supposed to have another storm next Wednesday. Too bad we're heading up to NW Iowa on Tuesday. lol
Have a good weekend.
We were wondering when we would start seeing all of the snow and hitting freezing temperatures. For the drive up it was mostly in the 40s including Missouri. The sun was shining for the second day of the trip. Mostly cloudy the first day.
The hotel must have thought we'd be very very cold coming from the South. The room was too hot even for Sharon. We were in t-shirts. We turned the heat way down but it didn't seem to help. For awhile thought we may want to turn on the AC to cool it down. It's better today. Of course, we turned it off for the entire morning and afternoon. And, what is it with using numbers 1 - 10 to determine the temp. What's wrong with using farenheit? We have it set on 3 (10 being the hottest) and just turned it down. Maybe later tonight we can move it back up.
Getting together with my family tomorrow for our Christmas. We'll be driving up to Madrid to my niece, Mykie. Visited with my sister Marcia this afternoon. She has been in a cookie baking mood for the last couple of weeks. So, of course, we had to try them. I think Sharon's favorite was a sugar type cookie (forgot what Marcia called it). She said it melted in her mouth. I liked the gingersnap and pecan/butterscotch.
Tomorrow should be great. I'll get to see my new great niece, Jersey, for the first time.
Sun is still shining here and so far no more additional snow. Des Moines is supposed to have another storm next Wednesday. Too bad we're heading up to NW Iowa on Tuesday. lol
Have a good weekend.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday & No Snow
After seeing photos of the snow in Des Moines and hearing about the freezing temperatures, we're very grateful to be here in Texas. Since we're heading up to Iowa at the end of next week, we'll have to dig out the sweatshirts and winter coats buried in storage underneath the camper.
Yesterday, we drove to Fredericksburg to do a little shopping. It's in the hill country about 1 1/2 away. Still looking for a grab bag gift for Christmas. We questioned going since it was windy and in the upper 30s. But the sun was shining, so we took off. Our neighbor, Dana, went along for the ride. Along the way, we stopped at an Apple Farm/Store and toured an RV park in the foothills. There were herds of deer all over the place. Texans like to think that everything is BIG in Texas, but their deer look like miniatures compared to the ones in Iowa. A friend made the mistake of asking if they were miniature deer. The local Texans were just a little touchy about that.
We ate lunch at a small German restaurant in Fredricksburg. Found out that I'm not that fond of cooked red cabbage (especially with vinegar). Prefer my red cabbage raw and in a salad. Sharon had sauerkraut. She didn't think she'd like the spiced noodles since the server told us it had bell peppers in it. Well, of course, I tried the noodles. I couldn't find the spice nor the bell peppers. They still tasted good, though. The schnitzel was great. Overall, a great meal.
We then went touring the stores. A lot of different little stores including a general store and five and dime. Very interesting. And, yes, I did find a grab bag gift. We found a german bakery, also. They told us 3 of their most popular items. The most popular was the pretzels. So, of course, we bought a pretzel. Did I mention they know how to do pretzels, here. They have pecans, walnuts, and brown sugar mixed in the dough. After baking, they're covered with a cream frosting. Can hardly wait to try them.
It is chilly here. The mornings have been in the upper 30's and during the day in the 50s. The locals have said that this kind of weather is just usually a couple of days and in January. More rain/drizzle is expected. Doesn't it figure, our first winter away from Iowa. But, still better than 14 - 16 inches of snow and sub zero temperatures.
With the weather so cloudy, we've been working on organizing more things within the camper. Finding homes for a few items that we brought with us that we just couldn't live without. Since we were gone yesterday, I'm sure the guys picking up the garbage were really disappointed that our can wasn't full this morning. (They go around every morning checking out the garbage cans.)
Didn't take any pictures yesterday but thought I'd just include one from before. Taken from our camper on a late cloudy afternoon.
Yesterday, we drove to Fredericksburg to do a little shopping. It's in the hill country about 1 1/2 away. Still looking for a grab bag gift for Christmas. We questioned going since it was windy and in the upper 30s. But the sun was shining, so we took off. Our neighbor, Dana, went along for the ride. Along the way, we stopped at an Apple Farm/Store and toured an RV park in the foothills. There were herds of deer all over the place. Texans like to think that everything is BIG in Texas, but their deer look like miniatures compared to the ones in Iowa. A friend made the mistake of asking if they were miniature deer. The local Texans were just a little touchy about that.
We ate lunch at a small German restaurant in Fredricksburg. Found out that I'm not that fond of cooked red cabbage (especially with vinegar). Prefer my red cabbage raw and in a salad. Sharon had sauerkraut. She didn't think she'd like the spiced noodles since the server told us it had bell peppers in it. Well, of course, I tried the noodles. I couldn't find the spice nor the bell peppers. They still tasted good, though. The schnitzel was great. Overall, a great meal.
We then went touring the stores. A lot of different little stores including a general store and five and dime. Very interesting. And, yes, I did find a grab bag gift. We found a german bakery, also. They told us 3 of their most popular items. The most popular was the pretzels. So, of course, we bought a pretzel. Did I mention they know how to do pretzels, here. They have pecans, walnuts, and brown sugar mixed in the dough. After baking, they're covered with a cream frosting. Can hardly wait to try them.
It is chilly here. The mornings have been in the upper 30's and during the day in the 50s. The locals have said that this kind of weather is just usually a couple of days and in January. More rain/drizzle is expected. Doesn't it figure, our first winter away from Iowa. But, still better than 14 - 16 inches of snow and sub zero temperatures.
With the weather so cloudy, we've been working on organizing more things within the camper. Finding homes for a few items that we brought with us that we just couldn't live without. Since we were gone yesterday, I'm sure the guys picking up the garbage were really disappointed that our can wasn't full this morning. (They go around every morning checking out the garbage cans.)
Didn't take any pictures yesterday but thought I'd just include one from before. Taken from our camper on a late cloudy afternoon.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Christmas Parade
What's a few snow flurries and 30 degree temperatures? We still had some warm clothes. It didn't keep us from the Christmas parade. I'm going to post a few photos here, the rest will be on our Kodak gallery.
First we met up with our friends at El Viaje. They had made a huge pot of vegetable beef soup and cornbread. Another one of their friends and her two kids joined us.
Our friends with the two kids - dressed for the parade.
The parade was in Fredericksburg which is about 1/2 hour from their house. We drove the truck. We parked at a street corner on the parade route. Sharon and I brought a couple of chairs and some blankets. We put the chairs along the street so we could take pictures. Renee and the kids jumped into the back of the truck to watch the parade. The wind died down and Sharon and I didn't need the blankets. The parade was amazing. We couldn't believe all of the floats. Very impressive for such a small town.
The band members even had lights on their instruments and their clothes.
Yes, you are correct that's a chicken car. Great isn't it.
After the parade we went down to the town square. Tents were set up with merchandise to buy. There was even a food tent. Fredericksburg is a German town - so lots of sauerkraut and sausages. We decided to eat at the Mexican restaurant up the street. The kids were getting tired and didn't want to eat in the cold. Always blame it on the kids when you can. lol
We arrived back home a little after 11:00. It was a long day but so very much fun. Hoping you're enjoying the days leading up to Christmas, also.
First we met up with our friends at El Viaje. They had made a huge pot of vegetable beef soup and cornbread. Another one of their friends and her two kids joined us.
Our friends with the two kids - dressed for the parade.
The parade was in Fredericksburg which is about 1/2 hour from their house. We drove the truck. We parked at a street corner on the parade route. Sharon and I brought a couple of chairs and some blankets. We put the chairs along the street so we could take pictures. Renee and the kids jumped into the back of the truck to watch the parade. The wind died down and Sharon and I didn't need the blankets. The parade was amazing. We couldn't believe all of the floats. Very impressive for such a small town.
The band members even had lights on their instruments and their clothes.
Yes, you are correct that's a chicken car. Great isn't it.
After the parade we went down to the town square. Tents were set up with merchandise to buy. There was even a food tent. Fredericksburg is a German town - so lots of sauerkraut and sausages. We decided to eat at the Mexican restaurant up the street. The kids were getting tired and didn't want to eat in the cold. Always blame it on the kids when you can. lol
We arrived back home a little after 11:00. It was a long day but so very much fun. Hoping you're enjoying the days leading up to Christmas, also.
Hair Cuts/Hair Color
It is true. It's hard to find a good hair cut and color. Ask Sharon. Better yet, let me show you.
Before picture:
After picture. Cut's not bad. It's a little shorter than what she's used to but the color. . . .
It's darker but she's getting used to it. Almost likes it. Guess we'll have to see. Not changing again until the gray starts coming back.
Been doing some Christmas shopping. Went to a Christmas parade last night. Will make that a separate post.
All for now. Going to start looking at the parade pictures that we took in the dark. Hopefully some will turn out.
Before picture:
After picture. Cut's not bad. It's a little shorter than what she's used to but the color. . . .
It's darker but she's getting used to it. Almost likes it. Guess we'll have to see. Not changing again until the gray starts coming back.
Been doing some Christmas shopping. Went to a Christmas parade last night. Will make that a separate post.
All for now. Going to start looking at the parade pictures that we took in the dark. Hopefully some will turn out.
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