Fourth of July

Well, have a couple of hours this afternoon while Sharon watches the Cubs and before the employee barbecue so thought I'd write a few words.

The summer is going fairly well.  Sharon's having foot and leg issues.  She has plantar fasciitis.  So after standing for awhile her foot aches and her legs swell some.  The doctor won't prescribe anything for it because of her other meds.  He just said learn to live with the pain.  Yep!  That's what he said.  We're only going to work 4 days a week now.  That's helping a lot.  So things should improve somewhat before the fair starts.

We'll be heading up to Iowa on August 1st and staying at the KOA in Adel.  Looking forward to seeing our fair friends again. 

Last week my sisters came for a short visit.  We put a lot into Wednesday and sort of wore them both out.  So we stayed inside the cabin on Thursday and played games.  We took a small drive around town and stopped at the national cemetery.  We had visited Wilson's Creek battlefield the day before.

We're standing in front of a flag found on the battlefield right after the battle.  Pam is on the far left.  She was doing fairly well.  Lost most of her hair after the first chemo treatment but looks good in the turbans and hats.  She's so coordinated.  Marcia's in the middle.  She got her brace and new shoes for her feet.  Marcia has Type II Diabetes and has been diagnosed with neuropathy.  She's now seeing a specialist that specializes in saving feet and legs due to diabetes.

It may sound depressing but everyone is doing well and we sure do have a great time when we get together.

At the cemetery we found a section of soldiers from Iowa.  We learned that after this battle, Iowa's governor mandated that a regimental unit couldn't be named the "first" due to the fighting of this infantry group.  Visiting this national cemetery was very moving.  It's the only cemetery that has both union and confederate soldiers buried.  They were brought here after the battle.

We've decorated the office for the fourth.  Took some pictures of Scott & Diane and a couple of the newer workcampers out front underneath our award sign.

At the beginning of June, Scott & Diane took the employees and families to a Springfield Cardinals baseball game.  It was a very cool evening.  You guessed it, Sharon wore a sweatshirt and was still cold.  They lost.  But we all had a good time.

This week the weather has been beautiful.  A few times we were able to sit outside reading in our recliner lawn chairs and enjoying the scenery.

We went shoe shopping at the mall yesterday.  Believe it or not, I didn't buy any shoes.  Guess just didn't find anything I wanted.  Sharon found a couple of pairs, though.  Nice support shoes without having psychedelic colors.  That was the hardest part, finding plain colored shoes. 

Over the next couple of weeks, we're hoping to get the cupboards cleaned out with our extra day off.  Think it will happen.  Maybe.  We'll see.

Almost a month has passed and I'm taking the time to update again.  Isn't it amazing. 

This weekend we're heading to NW Iowa for Sharon's nephew's (Austin) graduation.  So, you ask, what's been happening these past few weeks.  Let's see if I can remember.  I'll start from the most recent and work my way back.

Last Wednesday & Thursday (May 8 &9), Sharon and I took a trip to Adair, IA to visit my sister, Pam.  At the end of April she found out that she has cancer.  In less than 6 weeks time:  diagnosis, surgery and recuperation.  She'll have treatments over the next several months.  We were going up the week after her surgery but snow occurred in Iowa and Missouri.  

Here she is sitting on her new front porch.  We were enjoying the outdoors for a little while.  During her surgery, they removed 16 lymph nodes from her leg.  This caused her leg to stop functioning.  Hence the cane.  She's able to walk and go up and down the stairs but still trying to get those nerves to "fire up".  She was extremely happy the day we came, she is now able to stay at home by herself now.  My other sister, Marcia, came over for the afternoon and early evening also.  And, of course, we played games.

As I mentioned, the week before we had snow.  Not as much as Iowa but still it looked gruesome for a little while.

We had planted some flowers just the week before.  Most have survived.

This one is my favorite.  The daisies with all of the colorful zinnias around them.  They're growing up fine.

You should see the geranium now.  Three very large blooms.  Needless to say, this one survived.

This didn't survive the snow and frost.  At least we have a picture to prove it did exist.

 

 

 

We bought a new birdfeeding station.  A couple of hummingbirds tried to eat from the chickadee feeder so we went and bought a hummingbird feeder.  We have two pairs of hummingbirds, so far.

 

 

 

 



We've had several birds visiting.  We've had a couple of Baltimore Orioles stop by so now we have a container of grape jelly on the feeder. 

We've had grosbeaks for the last few weeks.  Sharon got a picture with 3 females, 1 male and an immature male.  We've had an indigo bunting stop by also.  Of course, we still have all of the normal birds:  red belly woodpecker, downy woodpecker, house finches, goldfinches, white throated sparrows, song sparrows, and a couple of other sparrows that I can't remember at the moment, bluejays, cardinals, mourning doves and of course, the red wing blackbirds.  I'm sure I'm forgetting a few.

Well, it's almost time for me to start lunch so I'll sign off for now. 

April

Can you believe it!!!  I'm updating before 6 months have passed.

Let's see what's been going on the last couple of weeks.

Scott & Diane invited us to their home for Easter dinner.  We sat outside until dinner was ready.  It was beautiful.  Their magnolia tree had large buds but had not begin to bloom, yet.   If you remember from posts past, S&D have eclectic tastes.  Here's a picture of part of their deck.  They love to go through thrift and antique stores.  You never know what they may find.

If you can imagine, it's a lot of fun just looking around to see what you can find.  Dinner was delicious.  She ordered a Honey Ham and we got to take home the left overs.

On Tuesday, they left and took a trip to Italy.  We were mainly in charge again.  So glad when they got back.  Their pictures were awesome. 

The next week we had two visitors.  Gary & Sue stopped in to see us on their way from Texas up to Iowa.  It was great to see them again.  We made a pizza when they arrived and sat outside eating and enjoying the sunshine.  No pictures of this visit but I'll see if I can find one of them from our Texas trips.  Here's one from their last visit with us.  Sharon's also in the picture.

Mindy & Dan stopped in later that day.  We were working and got kind of busy so they left.  We met up with them again on Thursday at Lamberts for dinner.  Forgot to take a picture of our food but did get these.

And, of course we had leftovers. 

The leaves are starting to leaf out and some of the trees are in bloom.  We remembered to get a couple of the trees. 

We have two new couples working this summer.  Had staff meeting this past week that lasted 4 1/2 hours - so glad they provided lunch.  We're looking forward to this summer.  It will be one of the first times that we may be working with people who actually know and do what they are supposed to.  Awesome.

It looks like we may be making a few trips up to Des Moines over the next few weeks.  My sister had surgery earlier this week.  She had a hysterectomy and they stretched some nerves, muscles, and tendons in her left leg.  Her leg is numb and she's doing physical therapy to get it working again.  So, it looks like we'll be doing some traveling on one of our days off to visit and provide moral support.

Well, the cubs game is over so it's time for me to go do something else.

It's About Time

Yes, I'm updating.  And, of course, no promises to keep this up on a weekly basis. 

This past week we have been fighting snow and chilly temps.  Today, it's 50 degrees and the snow is gone but it did look like this just a few days ago.

The first picture was on Sunday when we had to work.  The second picture was taken from our window on Thursday when we stayed nice and warm and comfy.

We're going to be closed on Sunday for Easter.  We'll go in and check things out for a couple of hours in the morning and then go over to Scott & Diane's for dinner.

This afternoon we finally got to see Lincoln.  Great movie but I've always been a fan of Lincoln.  I find his life so interesting. 

Sharon and Diane have been talking so it looks like we're coming back to Springfield after the fair. 
Can you believe we're talking about the fair already.

I am so ready for Spring.  We're going to be in charge of the flowers and bird feeders.  Scott wants bird feeders at the deluxe cabins and we love working with flowers.  They're not big on perennials so we'll be using planters and scattering around the front - at least so far.

Next week Scott & Diane will be going to Italy for 10 days.  Sharon & I will be mostly in charge while they are gone.

Last Wednesday we went out to dinner to celebrate Sharon's birthday.  She chose Red Lobster.  She order mahi mahi and shrimp.  Yes, I tried a bite the fish and ate one of the shrimp.  It wasn't bad.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Of course, I wasn't that adventurous so I ordered the New York Strip.

You won't believe this but we're now ordering from Schwan's again.  There is a freezer in the Pavilion that we can use and we're taking advantage.

This is one of the first years I can remember that we didn't fill out brackets for the NCAA tournament.  We have been enjoying the games.  We have the TV on while we're working.  When it's kind of slow, Sharon's in the back watching the games.  So enjoy working while watching TV.  HaHa

While up in Northwest Iowa, Sharon got together with her family at the Pizza Ranch in Rock Rapids.  Donna got a cake to celebrate her and her brother, Kevin, birthdays.

 

 

 

Well tomorrow will be a run errand day and Sharon's doctor appointment.  We need to go to Lowe's to pick up some more suet.  Still have bird seed for another week.  We know we have a pair of Carolina wrens and red-bellied woodpeckers.  So far, we've seen four downies.

 

 

The gold finches are starting to turn a bright yellow.  Sharon took this one yesterday on our new finch feeder.

 

 

 

 

As I said, I definitely want Spring to arrive.  Tired of soggy ground and chilly temps.



WOW. It's December

Can't believe it's December all ready and that I haven't posted since October.  So what's been going on - you say.  Let's go all the way back to November.  That was only 14 days ago.  Now really.

Just been working, talking, watching TV and playing games.  Have tried out some new recipes. 

One afternoon, I answered the phone to an unknown caller.  Sometimes I like to live dangerously.  Ha Ha.  It was a customer service rep from Verizon.  And an hour later they had made me an offer I couldn't refuse.  I now have a smart phone.  Sharon has a phone that she can text.  We have a new mifi (it's a jetpack) that you can have up to ten devices.  Forgot to mention it's also 4G.  OK, so we only have 2 but there's room for growth.  he he

The jetpack and smart phone were free.  Sharon's phone was only $19.99 after rebate.  We now have unlimited talking, texting and shared 5GB for slightly less a month then we were paying.  Like I said a deal we couldn't refuse.

Thanksgiving we spent with Diane & Scott.  They cooked 3 turkeys:  one smoked, one fried, and one fried with a chipotle glaze.  Plus the usual fixings and pumpkin cheesecake pie and pecan pie.  Who knew that Diane could cook.

Forgot to mention from the end of October until Thanksgiving, Diane & Scott took a mini vacation so we were busy keeping up with the campground along with Lynn & Jim.

Forgot to take pictures at Thanksgiving.  So sorry.

Just last week, we went down to Branson with Becky (housekeeper) and her two twin 9 year old boys.  We went to the Buttefly palace and then took a tour of Christmas lights at Shepherd of the Hills.  The Christmas Light tour ended at Inspiration Tower with free passes to the top and hot chocolate or hot apple cider at the General Store. 

Some pics from the tour that turned out well.

Inspiration Tower with lights to the top

 

 

Sharon, Vincent, Nicolai, Becky

 

 

Living statue of an angel in the Butterfly palace

 

 

The Trail of Christmas Lights was 2 1/2 miles.  It was spectacular.  It did take us about an hour to drive through it.

 

 

The beginning of the tour had these lighted trees.  See that small white light at the end.  That's the ticket booth.

 

 

 

There were carolers out in front of this church but the picture didn't turn out well.

 

 

They even had the Lochness monster. 

 

 

Well, I need to go back to the office so I'll try posting more pictures on facebook.  





October To Date

It's been a busy month for us.  We've been working about 5- 6 days a week depending on what's going on.  We're back into the swing of things and now things will change again - scheduling wise.  Bob, our maintenace person, hurt his back.  When he went to the doctor he found out that he has degenerative bone disease.  He's now back to work about 3 days a week and limited in what he can do.  Sure miss him a lot.   Can't believe how much he really did for us.

KOA has two awards they hand out to campgrounds if they meet certain criteria.  We exceeded and earned the first award, "President's Award".  To get the next one, you need extremely high survey results from the campers that stay with us.  This campground has never received this award, "Founders Award" due to low survey results due to the trains.  We get comments like: the campground is great, the staff is awesome, but the train whistles are annoying.  Well, this year we got the Founders Award.  Diane & Scott, will be called on stage during the KOA convention (for owners) to receive it.  In honor of all of our hard work, they took the entire staff and their spouses, guests, etc out for dinner to a high end restaurant.  We had a separate room all to our selves.

A few pictures from our dinner.

Lynn, Becky and Becky's daughter, Ariel.

Forgot to take pictures of our dinner until after we started eating.  The presentation of the food was so spectacular -sorry we didn't think of it before we ate half of our meal.

This was Sharon's meal.  She had Chilean Sea Bass with lobster sauce; risotto; seafood puff pastry and grilled asparagus.  She didn't even offer me a bite and she ate the WHOLE thing.

Here's my dinner: mashed potatoes; steak; green beans and covered with a red wine & cheese sauce.  The garnish on top was string potatoes.

Last Saturday, the 13th, we had the possibility of a thunderstorm.  Well, no rain by the time we closed at 7:30pm.  But before 9pm the sirens started.  There was a tornado sighted just 5 miles to the north of us.  Just across the interstate.  Then the winds and rain came.  Unbelieveable.  We opened up the office and stayed there for safety.  However, we couldn't get hold of all of our guests, so I went out on the golf cart and picked up a few people and brought them back to the office.  Talk about looking like a drowned rat.  The warning was over by 9:15 and everyone started trooping back to their campers.  We were walking through the place to lock up again and noticed water was pooring in under the doors.  We went outside to find 4 inches of water at least surrounding the sides and back of the office.  Well, Sharon, Lynn, Jim and I started getting rid of the water.  No time for pictures.  You'll just have to use your imagination.  Jim took the big pump and started pumping the water away from the building.  Lynn and Sharon manned the shop vac to get major portions of the water.  For the smaller areas inside the store area, I was using the mop.  We were greatful for the larger shop vac.  We emptied at least 6 times.

The next day, we used the carpet cleaner to suck the water out of the carpet.  Diane & Scott got back from St. Louis around 1pm on Sunday and they tore up the carpets.  Well, that was our excitement last weekend.

We were off on Thursday this week, so after running errands Sharon went out and took some pictures of the fall leaves here in the campground.  It was such a beautiful sunny day.

We still have quite a few trees that are green but the colors are just so beautiful this year.  With the winds that we've been having the last couple of days, a lot of leaves are falling.

This picture is of our fall decorations in front of the building.

I love this next scene.  The trees along the railroad tracks are all green except for this one section.  It's just so pretty looking at it all day.

The next month will be very busy.  Diane & Scott leave next Tuesday or Wednesday and won't be back until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Schedules will be kind of odd while they're gone but at least we are working with some great people.

First Week Back

We've been back for one week now.  Started back to work last Sunday morning.  Took us a little bit to get back into the swing of things again.  There's a new work camping couple here:  Jim & Lynn.  They've been doing this for several years.  He's around 70 years old and she's slightly younger.  They are an awesome couple.  Have enjoyed talking with them this week.  It sounds like they're staying here through the winter, also.

We are parked back in the same spot as before.  In case you forgot what it looked like, here's a picture from last year.

It looks pretty much like this since the grass is now green again with the rains over the last 10 days.

Yesterday, our friends:  Gary & Sue, stopped over in Springfield on their way to Weslaco, TX.  They worked in Okobojie this past summer and will work down in southern Texas this winter.  We were off yesterday so after they arrived we went over and caught up and then went out for dinner at Lamberts.  You know the home of throwed rolls.  They'll be in town until Monday at least.  The gear box went out on their camper and they have someone coming on Monday to hopefully fix it.  They want to be in Weslaco by Thursday.  Forgot to pull out the camera last night so no pictures.

By the way, if you look at the Springfield KOA photos on line, you'll see a picture of Sharon.  And it's a pretty good one, too.

Not much to tell, we arrived safely.  No issues on the drive down just some rain.  The rain stopped long enough for us to set up.  We still haven't set up the grill or the bird feeders yet but hopefully this week. 

This week just been getting settled and trying to remember all of the little things.  So far so good.  Haven't forgotten any major items but we'll get there.  For the most part the weather has been beautiful.  Thursday night had a spectacular lightening show with thunder.  Lost electricity for a short period of time when lightening struck close by.  No damage.

We've enjoyed this past week and looking forward to the Fall season.