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Why I Camp...or the Saga of Agatha

4/20/2024

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It's that time of the year again. Several weeks ago I took Agatha through the dewinterizing process, guided by very detailed instructions. I knew the propane was low so in preparation for this weekend's opening Glampers' camp out with possible frost forecast, I planned to take it in Thursday to get the propane filled. When I opened the camper that morning, I found the dash (which is very large) covered with water puddles. Evidently I have a leak along the top of the large windshield.

I mopped it up and headed to Iowa City to the propane dealer. Refilling the tank was a quick process, but when I went back inside, there was a strong smell of gas. The service guy and the boss both could smell it. The boss said they didn't deal with internal workings of RVs and I should take it to the nearest RV dealer, about six miles away, in case there was a leak. By the time I arrived, I felt nauseous from the strong smell, in spite of having windows open on that rainy day. I went in, explained the problem, and waited about 20 minutes for a technician to look at it. We stepped inside the camper to fresh air and no gas smell at all. The technician said it was probably fumes that got in through the slide seams and should be fine now.

On the way home, I reevaluated my plans for the weekend. The propane was filled and the gas smell gone, but I still had a leaking window. However the forecast was no rain and I decided to chance it. On Friday, I finished loading and headed north to Palisades-Kepler State Park between Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon. Despite the best efforts of Mother Nature to blow me off the road, I made it in one piece.

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I filled the fresh water tank and proceeded to my campsite. With the bitter northwest wind, I got set up and pulled a couple of lawn chairs out of the storage compartments, but that was it. Once inside, I turned on the water pump and checked the faucets--all working. I turned on the furnace--also working. I plopped in my recliner with a blanket and book and recuperated for an hour or so. I still needed to  reconfigure the water heater valves and turn the water heater on. This process requires unscrewing a grill down near the floor and fishing through heating ducts to close the bypass and open the intake and outflow valves. I think when they design RVs, it's a little like packing for a long trip when you pack the major items and end up stuffing small items or forgotten necessities in every corner you can find.

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So as I did this, the water pump came on to fill the 6 gallon water heater but seemed to be running an inordinately long time. When I finally went out side, I noticed water under my camper and the gauge for the fresh water tank showed EMPTY! I rechecked all of other valves (which are under one of the beds) and everything that was supposed to be closed was. Time to call on my tribe. After consultation with several Glampers, Carla's husband Jason came up to take a look. He agreed that I had every valve positioned correctly...until he checked the outside water heater compartment. The pressure release valve was still open. In my defense, it wasn't on my list of instructions.

So that problem was solved, but now I had an empty water tank. I could unhook everything, pull the slide in, and drive over to the dump station to refill the fresh water. Or, there is a water hydrant across the road and a few sites down, so we decided on a team effort here. I have two hoses, Betty and Ann have two, and Carla and Jackie each contributed one. We were still short. Another camper across the road came out with another and said he needed to refill his tank also because he had been here several days. Soon we both were up and running. Ironically, one of the other women in our group had exactly the same experience a couple of years ago in the same campsite. She had just had her camper dewinterized before she camped here and someone had forgotten to close the pressure release valve. Lost all of her fresh water. We have decided it was the campsite's fault.


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So the day ended well with a beautiful sunset and I was reminded once again of the wonderful supportiveness of campers. All of these women (and one manper, as we call them) did what they could to get me up and running. Even a complete stranger pitched in. It enabled me to enjoy the rest of the evening and weekend, even thought the weather was not ideal. Still a wonderful getaway!

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New Life for Old Stuff

3/16/2024

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In 1975, we built a large addition onto the kitchen in the Calhoun Street house. I ordered an unfinished pine trestle table from Penney’s catalog. I think it was about $100. I stained it dark to match the woodwork in the kitchen. That table hosted thousands of family meals, hundreds of homework assignments and craft projects, papers to grade, birthday cakes, coffee with Butch and neighbors, and planning discussions.

The photo shows a makeup party Katy had for her birthday when she was about in third grade. Many of the discussions at our family meals dissolved into what the boys named and numbered Pointless Arguments. For example, one that stands out, and was maybe designated Pointless Argument #37: Would you rather freeze to death or boil to death?


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In 1997, we built a new house in the country with an eating bar as part of the kitchen so we relegated the trestle table to the screen porch. I painted the base green and refinished the top natural.  The porch had lovely views of the pond, creek, and woods beyond and was a delightful place for morning coffee and evening meals.

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Then twenty years ago, we moved to this house and the enclosed front porch was a natural place for that table. We enjoyed eating supper out there so Butch could keep tabs on the occasional traffic on Highway 6. It became the Kid's Table for holiday gatherings--it easily holds all eight of the grandchildren.

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Last year about this time, I sold the dining room set we had bought for the house in the country, because it was so large with heavy chairs. I brought the old trestle table in to the dining room. It needed refinishing but I procrastinated until now. This last week, I stripped and sanded the top and painted the base and chairs a rusty red. We will christen it this evening when my sister Gretchen and her husband arrive from Georgia. Andy will join us and there could very well be some pointless arguments.

I was finally motivated to rehab the table because of plans for new life for some other old stuff--namely me. I plan to put the house on the market this spring and move to an apartment in the Quad Cities. There are several reasons; I should have done this a couple of years ago. The care and maintenance of this house is more than I want to deal with at 81. And I certainly don't need the room. It will be closer to Andy; he actually works in the Quad Cities and lives forty minutes away. It will be close enough to easily come back here for visits. I'm also eager to more actively participate in the Midwest Writing Center in Rock island. I have been a member for several years but not taken advantage of their many programs, including regular critique groups. It will be a new life.


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The Week that Shouldn't Have Been

2/7/2024

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Not according to my plans anyway. However, I don't have much control over Mother Nature or other natural phenomenon. We did manage to meet my cousin and his wife for lunch on Sunday and had a great visit. But by the time we headed back to Joanie's place, the rain had started again. In the half-hour drive back, we didn't encounter any completely covered roads, but the ditches and gutters were full and it was starting to cover the outside lanes. We hunkered in for the rest of the day.

However, that night, after a nice supper with Jen and Jeff, Joanie's daughter and son-in-law, I ate a caramel. Bad decision. The caramel removed a filling from a left molar. By morning, my jaw and gum were sore, and by noon I had a sore throat and earache. I made an appointment with my dentist at home for next week, but meanwhile was getting concerned about infection. We headed for the nearest Urgent Care Clinic. Three hours and $150 later, we emerged with a RX for an antibiotic. Since then, I have eaten applesauce, cream soups, and eggs. Waaa. We met Jen for lunch on Tuesday at a place called the Royal Bakery. Cases full of wonderful looking desserts that I couldn't eat.


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But other than the sore throat, ear ache, and swallowing difficulties, I feel pretty good, so yesterday we took advantage of some midday sunshine and went down to the Ventura Pier. This 1600 foot structure, built in 1872, sustained considerable damage in the the high seas and storms shortly after Christmas and I'm sure the recent rains haven't helped the ongoing repairs. So we weren't able to walk out on it but we did take a stroll along the promenade. Except for a stiff wind it was a lovely day. It was sad to see all of the debris on the beach from the storms,  However we enjoyed the scenery and looking at the memorial painted rocks people have put in several of the planters.

Shortly after we returned home, it started raining again. Today and tomorrow are supposed to be sunny and high 50s, but I don't think I'll bet my house on it.
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Forecast Frustrations

2/4/2024

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We are awaiting a predicted deluge today, although the radar indicates most of it is going to go north. Apparently, all it takes to cause street flooding is a couple of inches of rain so they give the same STOCK UP! STAY HOME! warnings we get in Iowa for blizzards. Friday morning, we met some of Joanie's friends for breakfast and ran a few errands. It was sunny but with a chilly wind. That evening we had a great supper at Joanie's daughter and son-in-law's home. Yesterday, we journeyed downtown for the local farmer's market and vendor's fair. It was a beautiful day to amble down the street and enjoy the offered wares.

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I especially enjoy the variety of architecture here. The Spanish colonial buildings, Craftsman bungalows, and quirky individual styles make for interesting neighborhoods--built before HOAs decided to impose their taste on all residents everywhere. We had lunch at an Irish pub with very good food, although my turkey burger and sweet potato fries probably aren't very Irish.

In the plans today is lunch with my cousin Dave and his wife, but it will depend on which way the storm tracks. Monday and Tuesday are supposed to be rainy and then perhaps a respite to get back out and do some exploring!
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It Never Rains in Southern California...

2/2/2024

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But, girl, don't they warn ya? It pours, man, it pours. That was certainly our experience this week. My friend Joanie and I flew out here to Ventura Wednesday where she has a mobile home near her daughter Jennifer. Jennifer picked us up in Santa Barbara and delivered us to Joanie's second home. After a long flight from Iowa with a layover in Denver and the two hour time change, we were beat and hit the hay early.

About 1:00 am, I woke up to the sound of rain. It was pouring and continued to do so until about 9:00 am. They said it was about three inches and the national news covered the storm last night--the Pineapple Express. The forecast was for more rain during the day but that never materialized. Today is supposed to be dry, but the predictions for the next week until my departure on Saturday include rain every day except one. Especially heavy rain is forecast for this weekend.


So we will make plans day by day. We were able to get out yesterday for much needed groceries and take a walk around the mobile home park. We waited until the rain quit for the grocery run, since Joanie's 'California car' is not designed for any deep water driving. Meanwhile, the weather is low 50s and sunny in Iowa. Go figure.
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Christmas in Pieces

12/31/2023

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For many years, we entertained at least one side of the family and some years both sides. There were 15-30 people involved, games, food, puzzles, music, more food, and a myriad of desserts. I decorated the house from top to bottom. We almost always had a few extras; girlfriends, boyfriends, exchange students, and friends of siblings who couldn't get home for the holidays. I finally made a 'Miscellaneous' stocking for those individuals.
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But now everyone is more spread out and competing in laws have entered the picture. The grandchildren all have jobs and limited time off. (Of course the jobs are a good thing!) So this year, I celebrated with each of my kids individually. For Thanksgiving, I was in Dallas at Pat's and since all of his kids were home, on the Friday after we did our Christmas. Two of my great-granddaughters, Olivia and Jordan, added extra spice and fun to the gathering and gifts.

Three days before Christmas, I flew to Kate's in West Virginia. Unfortunately, only one of her three boys was able to be there, but I got to meet Ty and Aimee's new daughter, Claire. It was a quiet Christmas but, besides a wonderful supper at a Korean BBQ place the first night, Ron fixed a couple of great soups and we did enjoy a few cookies and snacks. And Kate and I managed to do a puzzle of Asian noodle dishes.
A week later, I am at Andy's because his son Elliot has a short leave from the Air Force and we did Christmas here on New Year's Eve Day. It turned out to be a "hat Christmas.' Sophie enjoys her sock monkey hat from me and both kids modeled the Patrick Mahome hats from their dad. Elliot also got a cap from Hawaii from his girlfriend Bethany and a Chief's sunhat, also from his dad. We had a a nice meal and visit before the kids headed out for New Years Eve.
So, I think that's it for 2023. No particular resolutions for 2024 except to downsize drastically and finish the book I've been working on too long, Grilling the Suspect. I also have ideas for another Frannie book, a fourth time travel book, and a stand-alone historical fiction.
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A Fancy Dress Finale

10/17/2023

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I mentioned in my last post that Harry and Jackie invited the Glampers to a fish fry on Saturday night--sort of a wrap up to our 2023 camping season. In the pre-camping posts, Jackie suggested Halloween decorations and costumes. I forgot, but I don't think I could compete with these entries. Jackie said she found her outfit at Goodwill and Shelly, a diehard gardener and plant person chose a sunflower in a pot--very fitting. Betty settled for just a purple wig. And of course, there's Harry's 'pumpkin pi' outfit.

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Don and Harry had spent several hours fishing that day, but it was a good thing Harry had brought plenty to feed the group. The fish was excellent, with plenty of sides and followed by warm apple crisp. Since we were still battling winds, we opted for a propane fire in a partially enclosed tent.
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We had used the tent also in the afternoon for a painting session. Several Glamper artists used their talents to adapt thrift shop paintings to the Halloween season.

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Sunday morning, the rest of the group headed home--I guess some of them still have jobs. The weather was improving, so Don and I went out on the river but with no better luck than the men had on Friday. The scenery was beautiful but the wind was still determined so we surrendered about noon and decided on a road trip in the afternoon to a nearby apple orchard. We snagged a couple of bags of apples, some jam and syrup, plus a few apple cider donuts. We finished off the day with some excellent steaks and sweet corn.

Because of some pressing appointments, we headed home on Monday morning on a beautiful drive. The wind had died down and the bluffs were beginning to show color. It would have been a good day to stay but all in all, a fine, fun weekend.
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Into Each Life. . .

10/14/2023

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A little rain must fall. At least that's what we hoped all summer long without much luck. So as we looked forward to our last Midwest Glampers' camp out of the year, we expected blue skies and a riot of fall color at Wisconsin's Black Hawk Park along the Mississippi. Don hooked up his boat behind his camper and I alerted Harry, one of the groups diehard 'manpers' and an avid fisherman, to be ready.

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So of course it rained. Yesterday, the downpour lasted almost all day. When it wasn't raining, gusts of wind threatened every campsite and black clouds roamed all around. We made field trips to Cabelas, orchards and cheese outlets. Some went to Lansing for supper, but I had beef stew in the crockpot so we returned to camp. Afterwards, we took advantage of a brief dry spell to celebrate Ann's birthday with a fire and cupcakes. It was a little chilly. Lydia was the last to arrive and brought a bucket of mums, some thing you are likely to only see at a Glampers' fireside.

Today, the black clouds still threaten and the wind gusts are persistent, but there have only been a few sprinkles. Don and Harry are out pursuing the wiley walleye. Later, Harry is going to do a fish fry for the group, not dependent on today's catch. I think he brought a freezer full. Meanwhile, I'm doing some writing and some of the Glampers are modifying thrist store paintings for their own use.
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From Summer to Fall in Three Days

10/6/2023

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You may not be able to tell there is thirty degrees difference in the two above photos. We arrived at Lake Darling State Park Tuesday evening to high eighties and bright sun for our annual Sew and Blow outing. We normally rent two cabins but were late off the mark this year and only able to reserve one. Therefore I got a campsite and drove Agatha down to provide extra lodging. It was a beautiful drive, although Mother Nature saw fit to whomp me alongside the head with buffeting winds most of the trip. As soon as I set up, I cranked up the AC. We enjoyed a wiener roast for supper but didn't gather too closely around the fire.

By Thursday night, temps had dropped to the high fifties and this morning I tore down my campsite and packed up in cold wet winds and 45 degrees
. And on the way home the winds were worse.
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But we had a great time. As I wrote in my blog last year, we have been friends for fifty years and never run out of things to talk about. We solved most of the world's problems and are expecting calls any time from most of the world leaders, asking our advice. We always do a jigsaw puzzle but had to admit defeat on this years Agatha Christie puzzle. We enjoyed a variety of yummy foods and snacks.

We always love the trails at Lake Darling. The trees are just beginning to turn and the geese and vultures were active. It is a little concerning to walk out of the cabin and see twenty or thirty vultures circling high above our campfire.
Lake Darling has always been a Verizon Black Hole. This is usually just an annoyance, but this year I hadn't looked at the calendar closely enough when I scheduled the release of my latest book, Siblings and Sneakiness. That date was Wednesday. I can't order the paperback cover until until I have the book completely formatted and an exact number of pages. I did receive the cover Wednesday afternoon and downloaded it but was unable to upload it and the manuscript to Amazon until we drove into Brighton Thursday morning and found a signal in the Dollar General parking lot. Thank you, Ginge!

I am happy to report that Agatha experienced no problems--everything worked. But now she is facing being winterized and probably isn't happy about that. Next week, Don and I will journey north with his camper to Black Hawk Campground in Wisconsin on the Mississippi for the Final Fall Fling with the Midwest Glampers. We will fancy the fall foliage, feast at a fish fry, and frolic in other fanciful feats that the Glampers are so great at dreaming up.

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Leave the Leaves!

9/24/2023

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Saturday began with a beautiful sunrise and pretty good weather. Ken and Harriet left to take care of the judging duties while we made a stop at a hardware stor. When we arrived at the Cattle Congress grounds, the rain had made a mess of the parking area, which consisted of a grassy field with a mud road. Don had no problem with his four-wheel drive truck, but a little red sedan that followed us in got stuck big time. Don managed to push them out but not without covering his clothes, hair, shoes and face with mud spatters.

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While Ken and Harriet did their judging, we checked out the exhibits and enjoyed some fair food. The Hall of Breeds was especially interesting with a variety of rabbits, goats, chickens, cattle and horses, but I lso like many of the commercial exhibits. I have no idea the significance of the the floppy-eared dog driving the car was but he sure was cute.

Late Saturday afternoon, we were getting together a light supper (after corn dogs, tenderloins, fries, etc for lunch) when I heard laughter outside. The beautiful maple behind our site had dropped a lot of its leaves due to rain Friday night and winds on Saturday. Fortunately the park staff hadn't had time to clean them up because five or six kids were having a whee of a time raking them up into a pile with their hands! One guy brought a leaf blower over and helped them out but they did most of it.
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