Winter at Rio Bend RV and Golf Resort

Maybe it's time to update everyone. We're happily nestled in our site in El Centro, CA in the Rio Bend RV and Golf Resort. We love this park. So many things to do and we're loving our involvement. 

I'm teaching Zumba Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings to a not-so-large group of ladies but they keep telling me the park will fill up fast starting after Christmas and there's lots of Zumba enthusiasts coming.

Chuck is enjoying keeping busy with various kinds of handyman jobs around the park. He's fixed streets lights, fences, tree lights and helped with building a new stage. He's My Man moving all the tables and chairs for class. We're both keeping busy and that's just how we like it.

The weather here has been perfect; in the 70s but colder weather is coming to us as well as you at home up north. Not the cold temps you're having.......not even close, but will be in the 60s during the day and close to freezing at night. How can you NOT love that? Our 70s will return in about a week.

Besides Zumba, I'm helping with the ladie's activities in the Activities Center. We've had an ice cream social and jewelry classes. Not to mention the beautiful library in that building! Wednesday night I could go play cribbage! Soon there'll be a Yankee gift exchange and potluck that Meredith and I are organizing. Meredith and I decorated the railing around the swimming pool with lighted garland on Monday. Soon there'll be a ladies fashion show and luncheon which I"ll be helping with dressing the models! Wonder if there's any men models?

We attended a couple Friday fish fries, a Welcome Back Dinner with yummy pulled pork sandwiches, and Thanksgiving dinner. There's been a dance after dinner twice now.

I went to a card game at a neighboring park called Sunbeam and had fun meeting more ladies. Tomorrow I go back to that park and shop at their Christmas Craft sale and attend an old-time dance class there. Oh, we had a Shop, Walk and Talk sale here where everyone that participated, put out their wares at their RV site. They'll be doing that a couple times a month.

Well, that's it in a nutshell. Oh, we had two Sunday night football parties at our site; outside when it was a little warmer, but fun time with friends and food. We had our TV going and neighbors brought their fire pits.

I think that's it. Will be back and maybe have some pics to post. Does it sound like Seinfelds's parents enjoying their retirement in Florida? More next time.........

Eagles Nest RV Resort

We are here in Eagles Nest RV Resort in Ilwaco, WA.  It's truly a very nice park.  It has every type of site you might want.  We are up on top so we can get satellite reception for TV.  We found it to be a very friendly park.

We haven't used any of the facilities yet; there's an indoor swimming pool which looks warm and heavenly but not being big on swimming and pools, we'll wait till later, if at all, to try that.  The deck outside a million dollar looking clubhouse, is huge .  A beautiful building and it's such a shame there's nothing going on in there except a puzzle being worked.  I'm pretty disappointed that there's no cards, games or even potlucks or breakfasts; nothing.

We went for a hike today down through the woods and the lower part of the park; into phase 3.  Another shame, it's all ready with sewer, water, electric and cable and it's all completely closed off.  There's a few sites for trailers or campers and lots of room for people wanting to tent-it.

Chuck

Ocean at Long Beach

We also went to town, Ilwaco and into Long Beach to just check things out and find the park we'll stay at in two weeks.  Two weeks here and two weeks there.  

We drove to to Warrenton, WA today to check out the Fred Meyer there and get some bananas and a watermelon.  We went over the huge famous Astoria bridge.  I'll get pictures of that next time as we plan to go to Seaside, OR.  Astoria is in OR where the movie Goonies was filmed.

I'll do a review on this park, Eagles Nest RV Resort, after we've been here for a little longer.

IIlwaco, WA

Lake Sawyer RV Park Black Diamond, WA

Have you ever stayed at Lake Sawyer RV Park in Black Diamond, WA?  Well, it's setting is beautiful and right on Lake Sawyer.  It's easy to find and wonderfully wooded.

We've stayed at this park several times and spent one whole summer and winter here in 2011-12 because of my needing treatment for breast cancer.  The crew is very friendly and helpful.

There's no many activities going on in the clubhouse.  I love activities like cards, games, crafts and pot lucks.  They do have a pool table and are starting Texas Holdem' along with Bingo in the clubhouse this summer but don't know how long it'll stay on the adgenda.

The spaces are pretty tight with 104 sites with 27 pull through sites.  There are 68 full hookup sites and many are shaded.  Pets are allowed.

We are 40' and they accept our rig but if you check the website:   Lake Sawyer RV Resort , which is the only one I could find with the most information, it says no big rigs.  Like I said, the sites are tight as you can see in the photo.

The do take credit cards for over $20 charge.....not hard to do.  They have 30 and 20 amp only and the power is iffy now and then.  Make sure you don't get put along the back fence if you want the best chance of continuous power.  We haven't had many problems if we don't run too much at once.  Hard to do if you use your AC and it's electric.

There are restrooms, showers and laundry with two washers and two dryers, coin operated.  There is propane for sale on the property.  There is wireless Internet which I believe is Tengonet and there is a fee.  There's cable TV and if you're in the right site, you can use your satellite dish but remember, it is beautifully wooded here.

There is no swimming pool and swimming in the lake at Lake Sawyer RV Resort is not allowed but there is a park on the lake just down the road.  There is a nice little playground and the park is very kid friendly.  There's also a basketball court and horseshoes and paddle boats to rent.

No boat launch but but there is docks with a fee for moorage.  There is a boat launch  in the park down the road.  It is a Sunrise Resort but also open to the public.  The rent cabins also.  

Taken from a website........"Lake Sawyer boasts a year-’round resort in the greater Seattle area. The resort’s spacious ten-acre grounds with tall firs and park-like lawns make it a popular spot for picnics. The club, situated near the western slope of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, has plenty of waterfront on Lake Sawyer, one of the area’s largest natural lakes containing some of the best bass fishing in the state. Enthusiasts will find canoeing and fishing, or just sunbathing and relaxing."

Decisions Decisions

     

We have made a few plans.

Today we ordered new glasses for each of us.  Even with insurance, it's quite expensive but much needed.  

I have a mammogram and a bone scan test scheduled for next Tuesday and then we will be ready to leave this park for awhile if we'd like.

We think we like.  On the 13th we will be heading to Long Beach, WA for a about 4 weeks.  We're looking forward to moving, traveling and seeing the ocean again.

There's a kit festival on the the weekend of the 19th.  I love kite festivals!!

Just made reservations for Eagles Nest RV Resort in Ilwaco, WA.........Can't wait to get on the move again and hopefully, I can get to Vancouver, WA to see Jenn!!

Will post pictures of that outing when it happens.

RV Park Reviews

Emerald Cove RV Resort in Earp, CA

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1522596/emerald_cove_rv_resort_in_earp_california.html


Colorado River Oasis RV and Motor Home Park

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1522720/colorado_river_oasis_rv_motorhome_park.html


Wilderness Lakes RV Resort in Menifee


http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1394680/wilderness_lakes_rv_resort_in_menifee.html?cat=16


Palm View RV Park in Perris, CA

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1351738/palm_view_rv_park_in_perris_california.html?cat=16

Almond Tree Sommerville RV Park

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1325478/almond_tree_sommerville_rv_park_in.html?cat=16

Parkway RV Resort
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1325394/enjoy_america_parkway_rv_resort_.html?cat=16

Lake EAston RV Resort, Washington

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1191879/lake_easton_rv_resort_in_washington.html?cat=16

Other articles that might interest you:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1157812/lets_make_your_myspace_comments_dynamic.html?cat=15
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1124961/rv_andor_motorhome_vacations.html?cat=16
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1097886/buying_your_first_motorhome_or_rv.html?cat=16

Lake Sawyer RV Park is Home Again

I don't know about you but these posts going backwards really screws up my brain.  I'm back and decided to start at the beginning and read my posts from when we first went full-time.  Of course, that wasn't our first time out in a motor home as we had two others before this one that we are spending our full-time RVing life in, but I am not going back that far.  LOL

Our trip last year was different than usual because we left WA in May of 2012 after staying a full year in WA to take care of my breast cancer treatments.  So when we were finally able to do so, we hit the road.

From here, Lake Sawyer RV park in Maple Valley, WA, we headed east through WA, Idaho and into Montana where we spent some time with a friend in Red Lodge.  Went on through South Dakoka stopping at Wall Drug for donuts and Al's Oasis for a buffalo burger.  We ended up in Shakopee, MN for over a month and visited with all the family.  Even had Jack, our son, fly out and spend some time with us.

When we left MN, we had fun at the Amana Colonies in Iowa and headed on to Branson, MO, New Orleans and on to Rockport, TX.  We stayed the winter from November 1 through April 1, at Palm Harbor RV park where I taught a Zumba class and had a beautiful wonderful class of ladies that I really miss.

We left the park and headed to LA again and changed out our refrigerator......we now have a residential frig that I am in love with!  Then on to Indiana where we had the whole outside of the RV striped like you would the siding on your house, resided and then painted.  I can post a picture of two of that.  Poor thing used to be all white!  We are loving it!

 

So from Indiana, we went back through MN and stay for 10 weeks with my sister while the RV was being worked on.  From there, we went to Indiana to get the RV and to Windom/Westbrook, MN, his hometown, for another week or so.

We were on the road again for home and stopped again at Al's Oasis and Wall Drug!  Love those places.

We've been home, Lake Sawyer RV Park in Maple Valley, for about a month now.  I've taken care of my oncologist doctor appointment and next week will take care of the mammogram and bone density tests. 

August 5th is our 46 wedding anniversary! and the 13th of August, we'll be heading west to the ocean for a few weeks to a month.  Hopefully, I can get to see Jen and the boys from that direction and hopefully, maybe, it'll even be a little closer!

Not too exciting when we're not on the move.  I'll update when I have some photos to post.

Happy travels everyone!

kathy and chuck

 

I'm going to try to update this blog so everyone can find out what happened since my last post.  August 31, 2011 2011 travel is beginning for us. Priorities are to sell the house, clean out the storage unit and get on the road! Stay tuned for updates. August 31, 2011 Stain and deck paint bought today. Will get in the house for sure tomorrow the 1st! yea!!
August 31, 2011 sold the murphy bed today. September 1, 2011 Deck cleaned, started painting, carpet ordered and will be installed Tuesday. Happy holiday everyone! September 1, 2011 Maybe I'll get some pix posted tomorrow. Really tired. September 2, 2011 Getting a fresh start on finishing up that deck today. Gotta get going before the sun hits the deck and it's hot! Got a lot done even though I broke three finger nails and my back is aching me! Pix later. I had some but downloaded them from my phone and missed a step so now that I deleted them, I'll have to retake them. I'm up to 6 "likes" Yea!!

September 3, 2011

I ache all over more than anyplace else today!! It's going to be hot today and for a week. Someone let me know if this shows up on my "Kathy Anderson" wall. I didn't see any settings to change. Thanks.

September 3, 2011

Patio is now sealed and it's only 10:15am. No more blisters, just the same ones. Gotta go buy more sealer to do the front porch. Will it ever end?

September 3, 2011

Taking a coffee and banana bread break....toasted banana bread with lots of butter.

September 5, 2011

Let's see, what have we accomplished since my last post. Got the patio and front porch sealed, a bedroom painted, the appliances out to the garage, the fence fixed, some garden edging replaced, the hot tub cleaned, filled and hot! I cleaned the shower today and will have to re-caulk tomorrow. Oh, I cleaned the front threshold. Think we did enough on "labor" day! Now, having wine and cheese.

September 6, 2011

Carpet going in but won't be done till tomorrow. Old appliances have just been taken away! Whoohoo!! Easy $100.

September 6, 2011

Drinking my coke and wine mix. Think it's called a jote? (Spanish for Black Vulture)

September 6, 2011

 

September 14, 2011

This is no longer fun! We're getting close but I'm completely tired! We're in the staging mode but still have the garage to deal with. Calgon ins't going to be enough! At least the weather is cooler.

September 17, 2011

Microwave and range installed........Think I've got my groove back! Whoo hoo! After the 95 degree Zumba Fitness event on Sunday, I'm finally feeling much better! Age creeps up on you!

October 11, 2011 

Found a lump in my left breast myself.  Saw a doctor on the 3rd.  She said not to worry about it and made me a mammogram appointment.  From there, there was an ultra sound, a biopsy which came back positive.  On to seeing an oncologist, radiation specialist, can't think of his title and a surgeon.  Surgery was scheduled for November 7th.

After healing up, attending a Party in Pink for myself that my terrific Zumba friends put on for me, I was off to see the oncologist to find out more.  One more test to have done and wait for that report to come back. 
 

November 29, 2011

Long overdue update: The house is in the process of selling. The inspection is next. We're just sitting here yet at the house in the motor home waiting for the closing date which could be anytime from Dec 19th through the 30th. Then we're on to Lake Sawyer RV Park in Maple Valley.

Really no new news on my treatment but things are looking more and more like there will be chemo treatment. 

About mid December I found out that the last test proved I could possibly have the cancer return so chemo was in order.  I started my first treatment December 19, waited 3 weeks and had another.  This went on for a total of 4 treatments.  We stayed at Lake Sawyer in WA the whole time except for a couple nights at Tall Pines RV park north of Seattle and a couple nights in Elma, WA.  We needed a break from the same old park.

Jenn and three of her friends visited us and we rented a cabin so we could all have our own little wine party and not disturb Chuck.  Wonderful wonderful time had by all of us!  It ended to quickly.

This brings us to about the end of February when I was told I needed radiation as well.  So I went back to Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, where my chemo treatments were, every day, 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks!  Loved the nurses there!  Radiation ended the end of April, 2012. 

 July 3, 2012 via mobile

Forgot I have this special travel page. So will start posting here and that way those that want to follow us or know what we're doing can and I won't be annoying others that couldn't care less on Facebook.

September 9, 2012

We've spent the last 2 months in Minnesota going back and forth from his home town to mine spending so much quality time with friends and family. It certainly is comforting to feel so much warmth and hospitality from so many. We're so glad we spent this time here before heading south.

Our plan is to leave Minnesota about the 17th of this month. The plan so far is to at least spend some time in Branson, Missouri.

If anyone knows of a fun place to visit between MN and Missouri, let me know. I am on the look out for fun things to do.

September 17, 2012

Well, our last family gathering, a fishing tournament, is over. It was super great fun for all who participated and even me, I didn't go fishing. Great way to end our summer vacation in MN.

Today we made plans and reservations for the rest of the month and into October.

We'll leave Windom, MN (we're really going to miss those "can't see um bugs!!) September 18th and head for the Amana Colonies in Amana, Iowa where we'll stay at the Passport American RV park. We'll stay for three nights.

September 21st, we'll be in Owensville, MO and stay at an ROD resort called Lost Lake for one week.

The 28th we'll roll into Banson, MO and stay at an RPI park, Branson View, for 5 days.

All reservations are in place so today we'll spend time getting ready to leave early morning tomorrow.

  
September 18, 2012

 Left Windom, MN 8:00AM, 39 degrees!! Cold!!!
fueled up $207.36

Drinking coffee, singing Rhinstone Cowboy with Glen Campbell and enjoying our trip! Amana Colonies, Iowa here we come!!

September 18, 2012

Arrived at 3pm this afternoon. Weather nice but windy.
Had dinner at the Ronneburg Restaurant; ate authentic German food. So yummy.
More exploring tomorrow.

September 20, 2012

We leave Amana, Iowa in the morning for Owensville, MO. We'll be there for one week.

Yesterday we explored the city of Amana Colonies and had a great time. I got my birthday present already but it was so fun to pick it out. A red pot bellied tea pot and a new big mug for tea. Love it!

The little colony is so precious. I took some pictures but they turned out a bit dark. I'll have to improve on that at the next park. There's quite a bit of history here and it was fun to learn all about this beautiful area.

We leave bright an in the morning which will make for a long day for us but we're on a schedule now and need to keep moving on. The weather has been beautiful; not too hot and not too cold.

More tomorrow or in a day or two.

September 20, 2012

We leave Amana, Iowa in the morning for Owensville, MO. We'll be there for one week.

Yesterday we explored the city of Amana Colonies and had a great time. I got my birthday present already but it was so fun to pick it out. A red pot bellied tea pot and a new big mug for tea. Love it!

The little colony is so precious. I took some pictures but they turned out a bit dark. I'll have to improve on that at the next park. There's quite a bit of history here and it was fun to learn all about this beautiful area.

We leave bright an in the morning which will make for a long day for us but we're on a schedule now and need to keep moving on. The weather has been beautiful; not too hot and not too cold.

More tomorrow or in a day or two.

 Leaving Amana was ok but the trip to Owensville, MO was quite interesting. First, the road to the RV park was windy and bumpy so it was not a good time to try any beading. Which I did anyway because I thought we'd be on an interestate.......NOT!!! 200+ beads went flying all over the floor on the first windy turn. Beads picked up during more windy and bumpy roads. Thought for sure I was going to die with my butt in the air picking up beads!! Not a pretty sight.

Then later, after arriving at the park, we discovered the ironing board had not been layed down on the floor and it went crashing into the litter box! Now Frank has a pretty duct taped up litter box but he doesn't seem to mind.

Then, I opened the frig door only to have a whole jar of jalapeno peppers come crashing to the floor!! Glass, peppers and juice all over. Needless to say, vinegar IS a really good floor cleaner! Now I have bruised on my knees from all the kneeling cleaning up beads and peppers.

Then I took my new birthday tea cup out of the mircrowave and didn't lift it high enough so banged it on the door and spilled milky tea all over the place!!

We settled in nicely after all the clean-up and even got in a ride into town to find the local WalMart to get some milk, "peppers" and bread. That was a nice little trip but we decided it was too far to go Sunday morning for the newspaper.

Here we are, staying home this Sunday morning. I've been working on the family tree and he's watching football.

The weather has been beautiful.......cool to warm and sunny. I had planned on doing some cooking and baking today so I better get to it before the day is over!

Hope everyone is having a super great Sunday. I follow everyone on FB and am missing everyone; family and friends and my Zumba friends! I've missed so many fun events since we left. Know, all my Zumba friends, that you are terribly missed and so envious of all the fun events. Guess I can't be everywhere at once! Pick and choose!

We're having a great time and will get to St. Louis, MO tomorrow.
More later.................

September 25, 2012

Yesterday we went to Wentzville, MO. We took lots of back roads so we could see the country side. We did this partly on purpose and partly because we got lost. Well, not lost because we can trust our GPS!

We had lunch at Olive Garden, the all you can eat soup, bread and salad and over ate, AGAIN!! But it was so yummy.

From there we went across the street to WalMart, yes again, to get some bananas, oranges, a new blanket and new bed pillows. It was cozy sleeping last night with new sheets, blanket and pillows!

I keep saying I'll post some pictures, did I say that? Will work on that now.

September 25, 2012

September 27, 2012

Leaving Owensville, MO tomorrow morning and heading for Branson, Mo. A little over 200 miles so it won't take too long but it will feel good to get back on the road.

The next park is much smaller so I hope it's flat and has good walking areas. This place is very hilly, wooded and spread out.

More and hopefully, photos, in the next few days. We sure hope to get to a show or two in Branson.

September 29, 2012

Barbara Fairchild and me

Andy Williams had just passed away about two days earlier

September 29, 2012

Friday, the whatever, when you're retired you never know what day it is........we started the day a little slowly as I was sick last night; that's ok, it still happens now and then, by getting some groceries at WalMart and then watching a little TV.

We went sightseeing, driving up and down the red highway and the blue highway through Branson. Then found ourselves at the Andy William Moon River Bar and Grill. We figured we needed to salute the fabulous man.

I posted a photo of Thomas our bartender who was way to generous with samples. We takes marshmellow and cotton candy vodka! Our favorite is midnight margaritas.......wow, gotta find that recipe.

We went on to our dinner show at, believe it or not, like Ripley would say, at the Golden Corral. Barbara Fairchild, the country star of the 70s and 80s, I believe. Wonderful wonderful show. Check out her web site: http://www.barbarafairchild.com/site/index.php Beautiful lady and wonderful entertainer.

Home early to keep you up-to-date. Tomorrow at 3pm is the show The Legends! Can't wait!

Welcome - Barbara Fairchild

www.barbarafairchild.com

Barbara Fairchild has been entertaining since she was 5 years old. The phrase 'to see her is to love her,' is really true of Barbara. Her sincere love for people and bubbly personality make everyone around her feel good.

September 29, 2012

Here's Thomas our generous bartender at Andy Williams Moon River Bar and Grill.

October 1, 2012 (how different this October is from the last one)
 

Today we're only going to dinner; no shows. We attended The Legends last night and saw a fabulous show! Very entertaining.
Here's Branson, MO just in case you need to see exactly where we are.

We'll be leaving here early Wednesday morning for Texarkana.

1. October 2, 2012
   

   You see the green line on the map? That's our route.

   
   

   October 2, 2012
     
   Early in the morning we'll be on our way to TexArkana. See map.
   It's farther than we normally like to travel in one day but sometimes you just have to.
2. 
   

   
3. 
   

   1. October 5, 2012

      
      

      Here we are in Ashdown, AZ and loving every minute of this really sleepy community. People are so friendly and fun. We're real close to Texarkana, that's why I circled that on the map but we're outside of town a few miles in Ashdown at a really nice little lake called Milltown. We'll be leaving here on Tuesday of next week.
      
      The weather has been really warm but rain is in the forecast and lower temps over the weekend. Good baking and soup weather.
      
      Had a yummy pizza in the clubhouse tonight for dinner and chatted with some locals. Really nice and friendly people. That's why we love to visit so many different places. We've met so many many nice people.

      
      

      
   2. 
      

October 8, 2012

We're still here in Ashdown/Texarkana, AK for one more night. We decided since New Orleans is more than 400 miles away, so we're stopping tomorrow night in Marksville, LA at a casino to have fun, play a little and have dinner. It's the Paragon Casino in Marksville.

I'll post some pics when we get there. Today we're just getting ready to leave in the morning. I'm making myself pumpkin bread for my BD and a cold tuna pasta salad for supper.

He's been bored and ready to hit the road. I'm never bored.

October 12, 2012

We've been in Abida Springs, LA for a couple days. We spent the whole day yesterday in New Orleans having fun exploring. We're going back today to go to the WWII museum and probably eat more jambalaya. There's also an oyster festival close by we'd like to attend this weekend.

October 12, 2012

We've been in Abida Springs, LA for a couple days. We spent the whole day yesterday in New Orleans having fun exploring. We're going back today to go to the WWII museum and probably eat more jambalaya. There's also an oyster festival close by we'd like to attend this weekend.

October 12, 2012

We've been in Abida Springs, LA for a couple days. We spent the whole day yesterday in New Orleans having fun exploring. We're going back today to go to the WWII museum and probably eat more jambalaya. There's also an oyster festival close by we'd like to attend this weekend.

October 23, 2012

I have been MIA lately! Not because I wanted to be, but because we used up all our wifi!! We pay for 20gb a month and poof, it was gone with a week to go, which we found hard to believe as we've never done that before, so we had to stay OFFline for awhile.

We're in Willis, TX till tomorrow morning. It's unusually hot and humid here today but cooler temps are coming by the weekend. I'm talking about 98% humidity this morning and 88 degrees!! We asked for this? LOL

This RV park is really super nice with free wifi in the clubhouse but it was intermittent so I didn't go up there very often and when I did, I used it to update and download maps for our GPS. Talk about a slow process!

My very own Zumba class will begin soon; maybe in a little more than a week. I've been told there's been lots of interest so we'll see. Any is fine with me. Just gives me someone to dance with!

I'm making doctor appointments for all my follow-up cancer appointments for when we get to Rockport tomorrow and I'm more scared now than before. Just a silly anxious feeling. The unknown is quite scary. Pray that I'm still cancer free. We'll know by mid November or so. Just guessing as the appointments haven't been made yet. It's been a year since I found out...It was October 14th.

OK, will be able to update our travels more often now and will certainly keep you posted on my appointments and my class.

Miss everyone so much; all my family that I was able to spend 2 awesome months with and all my kind and generous friends in MN and all my Zumba friends and family in WA.

October 24, 2012

Ok, blame it on chemo! I still have chemo brain. We don't pay for 20gb of wifi, it's 10gb. It still went poof!

We are finally, after over a year, at our Rockport, actually Estes, TX on the Aransas Bay. Finally!

Will keep you posted on our activities. We found a friendly bar, of course, and a wonderful restaurant for seafood. Oh, and found the WalMart, too!

October 26, 2012

 
We've been here, what?, 2 days? I've been sick the whole time practically so now I begin discovering my new home. Yes, I did get some great seafood the first night, wonderful stuff, but it was downhill from there. Sinus problems and headache.

I'm feeling terrific today after a nice 10 hours of sleep last night. I don't want to sound like a sicky all the time but I still think it has lots to do with the cancer treatment, even after 8 months, and many care to know. I think.

The weather cooled and it's a glorious 74 today with overcast skies and a beautiful breeze off the bay. Can you ask for anything more?

We have lots of plans but since we'll be here for 5 months, we also have lots of time to schedule what we want to do and, more than likely, we'll do everything more than once. We've found the closest Sam's Club, Joann's, Michaels, Olive Garden, Kohls; you know, the important places! LOL

Today is a great day but I do feel like a nap coming on. I've got some rehearsing to do before the 2nd when my class begins so need to rest up now and rehearse tomorrow.

Got a pot of beef barley soup going and need to pay some bills. Yup, we might be retired but we still have bills. Sent for our mail so I can get more bills, and my newest Zumba DVD and CD.

I'll have to get out for pics in the next day or so and post them.

November 11, 2012

Shorty's on Mustang Island

Goose Island Park

Goose Island Park

 November 11, 2012

 It's been two weeks since I posted. We've done some exploring and finding some great places with real friendly people.

The first photo is a favorite bar of ours on Mustang Island. Think it was Shorty's and one of the oldest bars around. We actually got to ride the ferry to the island for FREE! both ways!!

The third photo is the day we, yesterday in fact, were looking for a huge garage sale the Lamar, TX volunteer fire department puts on every year to raise money for equipment. And also on our way to Goose Island park.

The garage sale was awesome! They also served smoked beef brisket that was out of this world and not expensive for the piled high beef sandwich!

The second photo is along the Gulf of Mexico just down the road in Fulton, TX. You can see what the constant wind does to the trees.

This week I have a watercolor painting class, teach Zumba on Tuesday, a pot luck on Wednesday with games afterwards, line dancing that morning if I want to go, and Zumba, a mamogram and pizza in the clubhouse on Friday.

1. November 11, 2012

   
   

   Just a few pix you might like to see

   
   

   

   Bridge on the way to Mustang Island, TX

   
   

   

   On the way to Mustang Island, TX

   
   

   

   The ferry to Mustang Island, TX

   
   

   

   Funny signs in Fulton, TX

   November 20, 2012
   

   Texas has not yet stopped smoking in bars! cough cough! Just awful in some so why do I keep going there!!??
   
   We, he joined the Moose Lodge here. They do so much for the community I hope we can get involved a little bit but that is the bar that's extremely smokey. Spaghetti dinner was pretty darn good there and this week is Thanksgiving dinner.
   
   My Zumba class is growing little by little and I'm so happy.
   
   Happy THanksgiving to everyone!! We have so much to be thankful for!
   
   
   

   February 192013
   

   Not too bad. I posted in November! We're still here. Here in the same park. This is a first for us. Almost 4 months now and that is a record except for the year we spent in WA last year because of my treatments.
   
   We are having a hard time staying busy and are counting the days till we'll be leaving. I've met lots of really nice ladies, have several from the park in my Zumba class and we've even met some from outside the park.
   
   My class is doing great and seems to have stopped growing at about 19 students. There's only about 11 classes left till we leave.
   
   Real interesting, huh? NOT! More later.
   
   March 11, 2013
   
   What a winter, huh? We've been here since October 24, 2012. My Zumba class started November 2nd. We had no idea what to expect. We've visited Rockport about 3 years ago and stayed at an RV park down the road in Fulton, TX. Little did we know that being so directly on the Gulf that it would be so windy.
   
   I don't think there's been a day without wind. If so, it was a very humid day. I'm not complaining but with the wind and rain, lets just say we were a little surprised.
   
   He's done a little fishing but the Gulf, around here on this bay anyway, is very shallow. Maybe 2-3 feet deep and very grassy so you can't just drop a line and watch your bobber. It's actually work to fish the Gulf. They seem to catch Red drum, trout and flounder. We've caught a few Red drum and have been given trout but the trout here doesn't compare to mountain trout. Good, though.
   
   So a little fishing......a lot Zumba. This has been a profitable class. And I am really really going to miss it when we have to leave. It more than pays for our power bill which is what we were hoping. Yea! Zumba class. Not just profitable but I love it and love working out with so many wonderful friends and ladies. I only have 6 classes left and it's going to be sad to say goodbye.
   
   Most of the time here we spent bar hopping, eating out, sightseeing and shopping. What else is there? We met some locals that were really awesome people. Texas residents are super friendly and you never get away without a hug and a kiss whether it's hello or goodbye. We have a few bars across the street that turned out to be great places to hang out and meet the locals. They're big on smoked brisket and wild hog.
   
   A friend we met played in a bar in Fulton, Alice Fays on the Bay, and we loved going to listen to her. It was difficult to do so too many times as my Zumba class was early the next morning. I hate to admit it but I did cancel one class because we were out too late the night before. One class was cancelled because I really was sick. I really was!
   
   When we got here, I was still working through the last effects of chemo and radiation sleeping till 10am most days. One day I was almost late for class! I was told to give it a year and they were so right. It was almost exactly one year from my last treatment that I finally started feeling normal again and could get up earlier needing less sleep.
   
   It has left me with hair on my head that is stuck and won't grow and some hair on my head that won't stop. It's hard to have a decent hair-doo when the top stays short and all around the outside, it grows like a weed! Someday maybe.........
   
   We took in the ferry to Port Aransas twice. One time at the wrong time of day where the line to get on the ferry was so long that it took an hour or more to get across. So long in fact, guess who had to jump out and use a restroom? When I got done, he was gone! The line decided to move and move it did! He had to pull out of line to wait for me. Who knew?
   
   The ocean beaches in Port A are awesome. Much like Ocean Shores, WA but way way more beautiful. The water is unbelievable and and you can actually swim in it! Miles and miles of white sand. Beautiful. We also found the oldest bar in Port A........Shorty's, I think. Again really friendly people.
   
   We attended pot lucks in the clubhouse, eating too much, of course. Thanksgiving potluck, Christmas pot luck, they had a New Years party, but we didn't attend, jewelry making classes, my Zumba class, water color painting classes, ice cream socials, etc. It's been quite a winter.
   
   We found a casino.........shhhhh, they call them game rooms here because gambling is illegal here but they do it anyway. Think I went once and he wouldn't go back with me. He's not a gambler.
   
   We made a few trips to my doctors, oncology, mammography, intestinal and family..........got all that done till we get back home. The trips were to Corpus Christi and I loved going, actually. That's where Michaels, Joanns and Hobby Lobby are plus Joe's Crab Shack, Olive Garden.....you know the best places like at home. Rockport is very small but hey, it does have a Walmart!
   
   We went to the Fulton Oysterfest last weekend. He had at least 1 1/2 doz raw oysters and 3 mugs of beer. You wouldn't believe the crowd. There was at least a one hour wait in line to get a beer. People would buy their mug of beer and get right back in line.........that was at about $12 a mug! The parade in the morning was awesome.
   
   So here we sit for 3 more weeks getting ready to hit the road again. He packed up some things, I know a bit early, but he's anxious, and next week he's taking the RV to Corpus for an oil change, inspection,etc and whatever they do at Freighter to our whatcha call it.......... chassis thing.
   
   So Maybe I got you all caught up and maybe I forgot a few things. I'll never forget Kaye, Kathy, Barbara, Trudy, Marsha, Mary, Bobbie, Gabby, Cindy, Janet and many more......oh, and Jack and really the list goes on!! What wonderful memories we have of Rockport.
   
   Spring is coming sooner here than up north and the temps are getting better all the time. Beautiful walking weather and being outside. Yesterday was close to 80 and today a beautiful 73. Great margarita weather. So I'll close with that. If you've read this far, to this point.........you must be crazy! or a good interested friend or family member! Love ya
   
    March 21, 2013
   
    Today wasn't that great a day. Must be a full moon or something. While we were gone, Monday when we went to Corpus Christi for that famous oil change, seems they decided to cut the grass where our motorhome sat for 5 months. BUT someone decided to do the weed thing with the wacker/eater and damaged one of the black tank hoses we left laying there. Yup, sliced a few slices and then left it! $68 later to replace the special blue line hose, we're back in business but believe me, they heard about it.
   
   Tomorrow should be better. My Zumba class is at 10am with only two more to go after that. It's count down time to when we leave and hit the road for Louisiana for that new residential refrigerator! Think there's about 10 days to go.
   
   The weather has been beautiful actually, the last couple days. A bit breezy yesterday morning but that blew away. Today was very pleasant and we did enjoy the weather.
   
   Man, I'm going to miss my Zumba class and sure hope to find a class or two to sub for or help out. I have to get my Zumba fix. While in MPLS, I'm going to have trouble finding a class. They're either full session classes, you know pay for 6 weeks or whatever, or you have to join the gym. There's one that might work but I have to find out how far it is from my sister's house. No way will I pay $10 for one class and try to go 3 times a week at a gym! Hope I can figure that out when we get there. Spending 6 weeks there with no Zumba? Watch out!