Wet Weather and Dodge Shopping

I am sitting in the car just north of Mayfield, KY (which is just south of Paducah for you quilters) writing this blog while Bruce tries to contact the Dodge guy for Town Wagon parts. It is about 9AM CDT and the weather is less than optimum for parts gathering. It is raining and we are parked in front of what could pass as a home I guess with what can only be termed a junk yard (not the type you pay to go in, but the type that has junk in the yard) surrounding it. Apparently this guy Pete started collecting vehicles when he was about 17 and never stopped. His mother finally had enough of it and one day told everyone that either the junk was leaving or she was - so she (and father I guess) moved out and Pete now has the family home and surrounding junk yard. Much of this place is overgrown and the cars are hidden by the plants and who knows what else. Bruce said Pete had cleaned up quite a bit since the last time he was here in February. (Note to self – If this is cleaned up - I am definitely going to have to intervene more at home to make sure this is not the direction we head!!) So we are here, in the rain, to get door parts, emblems, etc. – for “my” town wagon (it is always something for me- isn’t Bruce just so sweet?) because the pieces are still available, are in pretty good shape and are inexpensive compared to things we have seen on the Internet. Oh- here comes Pete now- good luck Bruce- I am staying in the car!

So while I wait (I am not getting out in the rain or even just to walk around, who knows what will get me), I will ruminate on one of my favorite topics – exercise. I don’t want to see any eyebrows raised or hear exhaling under your breath either by those readers who actually know me. Exercise is one of the hardest things to fit into my day and I am sure that is because I am not inclined to like it even a little bit. I can always find something better to do, even if it is sleeping. Joe and Tony , I am sorry to tell you that I have yet to really start up a program on the road. You both spent hours (and my dollars) trying to guide me, giving me suggestions for the road, and trying to help me enjoy exercise to some extent. I want you to both know that your guidance and perseverance had worked enough before we left Jacksonville that I actually felt better AFTER I came home- but not enough that I felt guilty about NOT GOING in the first place (or making excuses when I really didn’t want to get out of bed). Either way, now that we have left Jacksonville, the most I do is walk the dog. And walking Hazel is not all that it is cracked up to be. Hazel is a real warm weather wimp (OK, so am I at this weight and inactivity level), so in many cases walking her is not the activity it could be – she will just lie own when she is hot or has had enough, so of course we (I) have to find a place to rest too. See how easy it is for me to find an alternative to actually moving around – not good.

So, since I have now ignored my exercise for all practical purposes for the last 2 (ops, probably more like 3) weeks- I have begun to feel somewhat guilty and more sluggish. What? – is that a result of no exercise – I can’t believe it!) As a result I have decided to begin to hold myself accountable, both for calories in and calories out. (Notice I say begin to hold myself accountable – I can’t jump into anything with both feet, what if something important comes up and I have to backslide a bit?) I am going to try to do this accountability thing publicly - so you all can chide me, encourage me and help me walk this road to better health . And let’s not forget about Bruce either. Just because I am blogging doesn’t mean he is not participating – what is good for the goose is even better for the gander. Bruce & I can easily become motorhome couch potatoes- riding all day (motorhome or touring in the auto), sitting all night (except of course to walk Hazel) and eating in between. I can’t let that happen- in fact- I won’t let that happen. So – beginning tomorrow (not today- I have already backslid at Cracker Barrel) I will summarize the activities and eating on this path to better health. Additionally, Joe, I will commit to writing everything down that enters my mouth, just not on this blog. Just imagine - 2 eggs, toast with no butter, black coffee, etc., etc. …. How boring would that be ? Same goes for the actual exercise- unless of course it is something spectacular (I hiked the Appalachian Trail, the whole thing ! ) or something just as exciting. Of course- if I do have a big back step I will tell you all about it so you can help me refocus. I also promise not to make the focal point of this blog about exercise and food either (just today’s writings). I will only add summary statements within the writing to enable those interested to follow my progress. May even need to buy a set of scales to keep in the motorhome- what a drag, daily weigh-ins, but necessary I am afraid.

Back to the present- Bruce is busy bringing all sorts of small items to the car. Guess the day is turning out to be successful for him. Uh oh – he just got the drill out of the car (again) and picked up a piece of wet cardboard (to lie on I am sure) – wonder what he is getting now? Based on past experience, cardboard does not usually come into play for small items. Good, he is back and it is not too bad, trim pieces for the sides. At least we are not hauling more fenders.

Speaking of hauling- we hauled all of this wood with us for camp fires and have only had one in the 10 days this trip has covered. We had to haul the wood, in the back of my car of course, because you apparently can never depend that there will be down and dead wood in the forests, especially when the areas in question have had ice storms and killed so much of the timber. OR, the reason might be that you may have forgotten your chain saw (gas) or the chain saw (electric) would require much more than the 100 foot extension cord you have packed in the motorhome and an ax is too much work!! Good thing we travel with fire starter logs too. Either way, besides giving this wood a 1000 mile trip so far, one of the things we have discovered is that many of the campgrounds (state and federal) are now forbidding campers from bringing wood with them to burn, especially if that wood has come from other areas or states. This campground is not letting you bring wood in from some of the more northern states, but I have seen info on many of the online sites I have visited that say any wood from any other state is forbidden. Apparently the wood has been spreading different bugs and diseases, even when dead (there better not be any bugs or diseases in my car right now), and those things are ravaging the indigenous timber. Same thing goes for many other things we are transporting without knowing it- the zebra mussel on boats for example. Many of the areas tell boaters to let their equipment dry so long, etc. after taking it out of the water before putting it into another body of water to prevent the spread of these mussels. The things that we, the US, have transported or imported either intentionally or unintentionally, from area to area, thinking the item is pretty or would help control some other plant , animal, fish or insect in nature is too numerous to list. We need to just leave things alone instead of always trying to “help” nature along. Ok – I am off my soap box for today. Seems Bruce is finally ready to pay the man although first he has to wade through the yard to wash his hands in a bucket of water- I am sure that is healthy.

Since it is still early, and we are without the dog for once, I think I will suggest a stop at the Kentucky Dam Visitors Center on our way back to the campsite, but after lunch of course. I have to get in this “eating out” stuff while I can.

Addendum: - We did eat on the way home- but because Bruce was dirty from the ground operations with the truck stuff, it was drive- through at Wendy’s. Tried their grilled chicken sandwich for the first time and it is OK- not as good as the spicy fried breast sandwich, but in a pinch it will do. We drove on to the campground, walked Hazel (my turn down to the boat dock and back) and then went to visit both Kentucky & Barkley Dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers respectively. They are on both sides of what is now Land Between The Lakes national Recreation area. Kentucky Dam is one of the TVA dams on the Tennessee River where electricity is generated and was built in 1938-1944. Barkley, on the other hand, is a late comer and was not built until 1964. We will have a lesson on electricity on a subsequent post- since I am now full of all sorts of tidbits about these dams and the waterways they manage. Right now the road across the Tennessee River on 62 crosses the actual dam (very unusual in today’s climate), taking you right next to the generating station and over the 600’ lock, but they are busy building a new bridge up river along with a nice new road to the Visitors’ Center and a new 1200’lock. Since 9/11 – many of the US dams have limited their interaction with the public because of security concerns, so it is nice to find two so close and this large where you can still stop and visit. If you are ever in the area, stop for awhile and learn about our waterways.

Hurrah for Corp Parks and getting settled!!

It has been awhile since I updated the blog- but we have been without an internet connection. I am testing my Verizon phone service where we go and may have to get a wireless phone connection to stay in touch. I miss my computer when we are without service and yes, I am probably addicted to this thing- but there could be worse things I guess. Anyway- Sunday we drove to Kentucky. The trip was uneventful- taking about 5 hours on the Interstate. Our biggest upset was me telling Bruce the wrong interstate road merges and separations through Nashville. Thank goodness for road signs and that we didn’t really have to rely on my memory (I just didn’t want to get that map out again). Spring is definitely in the air, very noticeable with that new leaf green color on the trees and the wild dogwoods in bloom everywhere you look. In addition, the lilacs or wisteria (don’t know which it is and can’t do the research right now) are also out.

We are staying at Eureka Campground in Kentucky on Barkley Lake. It is situated near Land Between the Lakes- in sight of Barkley Dam, between Kattawa and Grand Rivers, KY. Eureka is a normal Corp of Engineers Park with most sites directly on the water, each fairly isolated, private and with a wonderful view (which is such a relief after “resort” camping at Sevierville for the Rally – read close, wall to wall campers and definitely group activity oriented) We have electricity and water and although there are no sewer hook-ups (again a normal occurrence at Corp parks), there is a dump station and the bathhouse is clean, close and the showers are very useable. No laundry facilities are available, so will be doing some hand wash this week (boo), but when we get to Eufaula I can finish laundry (not a chore I relish in any situation, but specially not with one washer & dryer). I know that you are remembering that in my initial blog I said I always over pack so you are probably wondering why I need to even consider doing laundry. I am sure some of you gentle readers understand; I just never seem to have the clothes I want to wear when I want to wear them.

Sunday night we ate at a local restaurant right off the Interstate – one Maggi and I had visited several years ago, called Southwest Oasis. I ordered a full slab(yes, I know that is way too much) of what turned out to be wonderful fall off the bone baby back ribs while Bruce had the filet. Both were excellent so we ended up splitting the filet, sampling the ribs and bringing home at least half a slab. Bruce had them for lunch today (I am writing this offline and will post as soon as possible) and pronounced them as good as last night. We rode around this morning on the back roads to Paducah, KY looking for a replacement part for the motorhome- nice drive, pretty scenery and surprise, surprise; I was not even tempted to stop at Hancock’s of Paducah for a material fix. I guess I have so much right now and am looking forward to Sisters and shopping on that trip out that I am not even inclined to shop at this point.

Hazel much prefers this park as we can let her off the leash to smell, explore, etc. when we walk and even when we are at the campsite. We can only do that because she comes when called and stays close to Bruce when out. Wolfy thought he should be allowed out too, so in the spirit of equality, we took him out for his campsite “drag” yesterday evening (we put him on his halter and tried to get him to walk outside). I think he now has decided that staying in might be in his best interest. Samantha just looks outside and gets back under the couch. She comes out a night to eat and use the cat box, and maybe shows up for a brushing now and then, but other than those occasions, spends her time out of sight. Hazel spends most of the night either on the couch or in her crate, but does jump up in the cool early morning for a snuggle. Wolfy is still trying to decide what he should be dong at night. Last week he would stand on me all night, waking me up with his need for attention. That behavior seems to have mellowed since we slept with the windows last night and I had made them a bed in front of one . He seemed to much prefer the bed last night to standing on me although he was still active. There is nothing like waking to energetic scratching sounds and wondering if the cat is in his box or has found some unknown place to leave you a present. I was pleased to see he was just fighting with the mirror cat. Bruce has decided to try to keep him up today and maybe he will sleep tonight but I doubt that will work as he had fresh cat crack early today when I recharged the catnip in the scratcher and toys. He was exceedingly active for awhile but before we left for our ride, he had passed out under the couch and was still there when we returned several hours later: so much for keeping him up during the day. We are all still getting used to living in a box on wheels, but all in all, as traveling companions, they are not too bad.

Dinner tonight was grilling excellence- we used some recipes that our son Jeremy has used successfully for quite awhile. We cooked Chili Pork Tenderloin with a great honey/chili marinade and our side was Sweet Potato Hash- but don’t think of this as your normal hash. Sweet potatoes, fresh corn and chilies are grilled, and then mixed with shredded cheddar cheese, lime juice and chives for an exceptional side dish. The recipe calls for a both poblano chili but we also add a jalapeño for spice. Mix all of the items once grilled with the cheese, etc. and you have a wonderful “hash”. If anyone wants this recipe and does not take Cuisine at Home or get their cookbooks (both are in the Grilling cookbook)- let me know and I will put it online.

Well – enough for today- hope to upload tomorrow and will try to follow with additional info. Although it may rain tomorrow- we have plans to see the “Dodge guy” to get some parts for our old Town Wagons. Will let you know how all of that turns out later.

Park Experience and More…

Thursday we spent the day at the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We tried to get to Clingman's Dome- but it was closed for some type of special proclamation ceremony with the Tennessee Governor. May have had something to do with the 75 year anniversary for the park, but never saw anything in the limited news we have seen. Instead of getting to climb to the dome, we had a very, very pleasant picnic lunch at the Chimneys by the rushing water. Even Hazel had a great time- she was out of the motorhome, with us and able to be off the leash at least some of the time.

Weather was perfect- clouds were gone by early morning and temperatures were still bearable so all in all, it was a great day, although there is always a film of smog over the park caused by pollution. Now days the viewing has been reduced by 40% in the winter months and 80% in the summer because of pollution- this park may not make it based on all the development, etc. in the surrounding areas. What a shame.

Well- need to go now and will post more later.

Mid-Rally Thoughts

It is late Tuesday evening and the rally is in full force. We have listened to talks, eaten well and even shopped some of the vendors. The weather has been rainy and cold but the people are warm and sociable. Wait, I am ahead of myself, First, let me get us here.

Sunday was a long, long haul. I erroneously told Bruce it was a mere 8 hour drive to Sevierville from home. Boy, was I wrong. I didn't think about the fact that we don't drive the speed limit in The Beast (although I have been reminded several times since), so using the speed limit to estimate the time was apparently a very big oversight. Also we had to stop to walk the dog, to fuel The Beast (for you readers never pumping 50 gallons of fuel at a time, that is not a 10 minute operation), to walk ourselves and last, but certainly not the least, have both breakfast and lunch on the road. On top of all of this extra time, our GPS (read me) got us lost at the end. So- it took us 11 hours to get to the RV park and set up. It was in between showers when we finally pulled in so set up was quick and fairly painless, although we listed a bit the first night. Since I was in the dog house that night I did not press the issue, but it was remedied on Monday, because even Bruce could tell something was a little out of kilter.

Monday we had the day to ourselves (the rally officially began that evening) so in addition to re-leveling The Beast - we drove over to Newport to make sure there were no uninvited residents on our piece of turf in that area. The road access to this very valuable piece of property is over a roller coaster of red clay. Bruce, thinking he was driving a 4 wheel drive jeep plowed down one side, throwing mud everywhere and got us most of the way up the other side- before we slid back to the bottom, with all brakes locked up. The reality was that we were not in a 4 wheel drive jeep- we were in my little HHR- you know, 6 inches of ground clearance. So, once again at the bottom of the coaster dip, with that reality still muddy in his mind, he applied much more acceleration and we rocketed over all the ruts, bounced over the mid puddles and reached the top with me in shock. The poor car was covered in wet Tennessee clay, very, very wet red clay. Finding nothing amiss on the land, we immediately negotiated that roller coaster in reverse (adding even more mud) and went to find a car wash. Once we were somewhat clean, we calmly set off for a relaxing return drive. On the way back, we passed a turn off that led to one of the TVA projects, Douglas Dam and taking it, discovered a wonderful new park that we hope to come back to in the next year. I ramble- to sum up Monday, we were welcomed, fed a very nice BBQ dinner and we both passed out early. Speaking of passed out- do you realize that we are in a dry county- so everything is BYOB?.

Today (Tuesday) began early with the Bush Brothers (Bush Beans) tour. It was nice to see a private company still family owned and apparently with family and community values. The bus trip over was an experience though, either the bus had problems or we had a new driver since it seemed the first few gears were always problems for him. We came back to shop the vendors (probably will spend some money here) toured two new 2008 Discovery RVs (will definitely not be spending money on them) and then were fed another big dinner with evening entertainment. Thanks goodness they don't feed us again until Friday, I don't know if I can survive this much attention. The entertainment was good and we spent the evening laughing and enjoying the company of others. We have met several other new participants who are here evaluating the rally environment too, so obviously we are not the only ones who are looking for different things in their lives. We have not decided if this is for us yet. Maybe we will have to consider the local chapter- the Rolling Gators, before we can really make a decision if participating in large group activities will work for us. Either way, it was a good time but now it is good night.

Getting Ready

We are loading up the motorhome (what my husband Bruce fondly calls "The Beast") with everything not nailed down, including the 2 cats and the dog. We always over pack, even though this first sojourn will only be for 3 weeks. Why do we do this? Why do I think that I need everything in the freezer, refrigerator and the pantry, several cases of wine, at least two 1.75s of Jim Beam, more treats than I would ever have in the house normally, and who knows what else packed in Bruce's area of the motorhome (you know- the secret bins underneath) for 3 weeks? Why must I take 10 pairs of shorts, 4 sweatshirts, 20 pullover shirts, multiple pairs of shoes, etc. - when I know there are laundry facilities at each of our 3 destinations? It happens every time - I can only think it is that we never want to be caught short. Maybe after this 3 weeks we will be more comfortable- because there is no way I can pack enough for the next leg- our 5 months beginning May 17th.

This first trip has us leave early tomorrow morning (Sunday, April 19th, 2009) for Sevierville, TN to attend our first ever motorhome rally. who can resist the Smokies, Dollywood, and cooler weather? Then we move on to meet old friends at the beautiful Corp of Engineers' White Oak Campground in Eufaula, AL. Lastly, we hit a new park outside of Tupelo, MS for some R&R (you can imagine how exhausting the prior 2 weeks will have been for me) and a short day trip to Paducah, KY to secure some vintage Dodge Town Wagon parts. Oh boy - I can hardly wait!

New place, new people, new discoveries- come with us and see what it is like.