State Fair

The fair is now officially over.

Before the fair we went to training, potluck, and a tour of the fairgrounds - all on the same day. The tour was to show us the new or moved items. The tour guides were the board members. We had a great time. Didn't take pictures at the potluck but took them on the tour. Here's just a few. One of our blue information booth and the red/white awning is at the manager's home where the potluck was held.




A few pictures taken during the fair of the sand sculpture, the butter cow and the new garden area on Expo Hill. For those of you who have been to the fair, it was where the THRILL Rides were. The hill is being redone to use more energy efficient lighting. Next year, it will be even better with handicap access from down the hill. This year they even had a couple of cooling benches that were solar powered.




Now, the sand sculpture


Fair wouldn't be complete without the butter sculpture




To bring you up-to-date:

Sharon's house has been sold ---- YEA!!!

We have a job in Springfield, MO starting on September 15. We'll probably be leaving Iowa on Sept 11.

Well, got a go - hopefully will be able to write more later.

End of July Already - into August

I've been trying to update the blog now for several days. So, if I get this posted, yea. I downloaded IE 9, then found out the blog wasn't compatible, backed out IE9 and now periodically have problems.

Can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. The weather is still hot and humid. Can't say that we're overly excited about this summer's workamping. But, at least we get to volunteer at the fair. Seems like we're always working or on-call for something. We decided we won't be working here next summer. The bright spot with the experience we gained this summer, we're hoping it will get us better positions for the winter and next summer. We've sent our resume down to a couple of campgrounds in Texas and a campground in Mesa, AZ is also interested. So, it's getting positive.

We're getting stuff ready for the fair. We help get some of the information ready for the volunteer program. Should be wrapping up this weekend so the coordinator can get it sent to the printer.

Nothing more on Sharon's house. Hope it sells soon.

Last weekend we had a girls day out with my sisters and my nieces. Had a great time. We had lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn:
My sister Marcia, her daughter Michelle; Sydney and Jodi (my brother's daughter and wife)

Teresa (Pam's oldest), my sister Pam, Mykie (Pam's middle child) and Samantha (Pam's youngest). Can't see Sam very well so I'll add another picture of her and Mykie.




We did a little shopping and tried to see a few museums. Found this small lake full of lily pads


Remember I mentioned ending up at some places - then moving on. Here's a picture of the group moving on. :)


Most of the museums were closed or would take too much time. Did stop at the barn museum, though. Miniature farms, etc. Pretty cool



State Fair starts next Thursday - so hopefully I'll be able to update again real soon. It seems to be working again. And, with any luck we may be heading to Springfield, Mo for the winter beginning September 15th. And, we're talking to the owners at the campground in Onawa, Ia for next summer. Some things are looking up for us.

June, already

Can you believe it we're in June. The heat & humidity make it seem like July or August. Well, right before Memorial Day weekend the other workamping couple, Carol & Jesse or as Sharon liked to call them Tweedledum & Tweedledee, left. It did come as a surprise but a welcome one. We're still finding out stuff that they did or didn't do. Right now, the bathrooms are clogged up. Carol refused to clean hair out of the drains so she just swept everything down the shower drain. There is a weekly treatment that is to be added but she didn't do that either. Apparently, they asked her about it - answer - I don't do that. And, I guess, she didn't bother to tell anyone either.

The campground is starting to take shape with the flowers. We just love watching the birds. Today, a hummingbird was feeding from our feeder. Here are a few pictures.
Our campsite.

KOA sign when tulips blooming


Our goldfinches


Rosebreasted grossbeak. Haven't seen them the last few days.


Harris Sparrow. Not supposed to be in this region. Has very interesting markings.


Have the usual robins, sparrows (house, chipping, and song) and a couple of house finches.

We're so proud that the Baltimore Orioles are still hanging around. They like the grape jelly.



We also have 3 types of woodpeckers: hairy, downy and the red-bellied.

Haven't had the chance to take their pictures yet. Flowers are blooming in the pots nicely so maybe you'll have some more pictures later.

Buddy & Maria, workamping & friends, from Louisiana showed up on Thursday to work this summer. We're very excited about this. They are a truly awesome couple.

Well, that's it for now. Who knows when the next blog will be but we have a few more days off this year together so maybe doing a little more site seeing.

Catching up

I know it's been a month since I last posted. So for all of you whiners, here it goes. Let's see, we finished inventoring(?) the store. Here's a couple of pictures of what it looked like when we were done. Groceries & RV supplies have been added since this picture.




We have to admit that this summer hasn't gone as well as last. Let's just say that the other work kamping couple and us have a different attitude about what it means to work in the campground. And, let's just say, it doesn't mean sitting and staring at a computer or watching other people work. O.k. maybe later we'll have more stories but don't get Sharon started. She may not stop. :)

We attended two high school graduation parties this month. So, made two trips up to northwest Iowa - back to back weekends. The first weekend we were able to stay by Sharon's sister Ruth.

Sharon & Ruth bonding over pictures on the computer.


We attended Sharon's nephew, Dan, graduation party. You would think that we would have taken better pictures but apparently not. Sorry, Dan.




Now, on to the next weekend. First, we were able to see Sharon's great nephew, Jack. He is one year old today.

Just saying: doesn't it look like Aunt Sharon is picking on Jack. Aren't you surprised she could even hold him (even for a minute) after this. :)




Then on to Sharon's nephew, Adam, graduation party. I think we noticed how badly we took pictures at Dan's so tried to do a better job. Not sure if you could say much better though. I think our talking got in the way of picture taking. ha ha




On Sunday afternoon we were able to visit Sharon's mom in the nursing home. Had a very nice visit. Took a picture of her Mom with her roommate, Flossie.





And, we made a couple of trips over to the house during this time period. Didn't think to take pictures after we (o.k. Patricia & Dave) tore the carpeting off of the steps and hallway. We did a little spring cleaning. The real estate agent thought it would be helpful. Must say, it was very very dusty.

I guess that just about covers the last month. Except we have been doing a little bird watching from our windows. Maybe the next month, will include some pictures of the flowers we planted around the campground, also.