Stamp & Camp with Mary Update July 29, 2019

July 22, 2019 KOA Albert Lea/ KOA Madison

On the road again.  At least it is cooler and not so stormy today.  Got on the road and then hit WI and the traffic.  Did get in about 1 PM and got my FB Live event done.

Headed to Kayla’s and went out to Dinner are the Dumpling Place.  Also help her put up her Pole for dancing. Headed back to the campsite for the night.

  

July 23, 2019 KOA Madison Monday

Well this was a quiet day did not do much.  Don did a load of was and I caught up on a few things.  Kayla was going to come over for dinner but she had to go to the dentist after work so she decided to not come out.  With her mouth frozen I am sure she thought what good would it be not to talk.

WE did make it to the grocery store and that was about it.  Found Packers 100 Year Wine.  That was kind of cool.  Got ready to leave the area tomorrow.

July 24, 2019 KOA Laselle IL. 

Well the trip down I 39 was not so bad and really didn’t take to long.  The campground was small but it nice of course there was a railroad tracks next to it.  But I don’t think we notice it much any more.  We only had electric and water.

Today we have been on the road for 9 months I really didn’t think we would make it that long but here we are all set to go some more. 

Walked around the campsite for a bit and found what they call their wilderness camping.  I love it a perfect tent area far from the campers flat grass spots.  This is  a pretty good campground. Internet not bad and the pool looked great, bathrooms were well kept up.  We played some rummy and then ready for a long trip tomorrow.

July 25, 2019 KOA Laselle IL/ Steamboat Campground Jenison/Grand Rapids MI

Coming into from Chicago not much problem only a few slow downs and made it fine.  A few places where I thought I might lose the tires of the Patty but I guess we came through OK.

Well after taking the back roads to get to the campground  Went through a few residential areas we finally made it to the campsite.  There were a few times I told Don that I almost pulled off as I thought the map was wrong.  It is by a private airport and right next to the Grand River.  It has only been open 3 years and is well kept up and beautiful.  We got a shady spot across the street from the river. 

My cousin Mary is coming over tomorrow night for dinner so went to the nearest Meijer’s for groceries,  Kind of disappointed they had a lot of things but in larger quantities than just for couples or singles.  Looking for just 1 stalk of broccoli and all they had is wrapped broccoli and the least was 2 big stalks.  Looking for chicken thighs the least they had was 8 in a pack, we don’t even have enough room in our freezer for that much.  Guess there are a lot of families in the area and not so many couples or single.

Got back to the campground and went for a walk to the golf course and airport.  Stopped and talked to the office about the paddle boat and signed up for a ride Thursday Afternoon.  Only $15 a person which I did not think was to bad.  The owner built the boat and his son runs the campground.  I just can not believe how beautiful the campground is.  Only bad think is they say there is internet but none and cell phone is not very good at all.  Only 1 bar and it is constantly searching so runs through a charge very fast.  Bathroom show house is so cute and has colorful doors and big showers  way to go.

 

July 26, 2019 Steamboat Campground  Grand Rapids MI Thursday.

Got up a little late today and took a walk to the main road  maybe a half mile or a little more.  Was hot and humid.  Don tried the the showers and said they were nice.   Then we headed down to the Paddle Boat, it was a diesel powered boat and beautiful.  There were 2 groups of nursing home guest on board and a few of us other type folks.  You could buy drinks and I had a root beer float and   Don had a few beers.  We went down the river a few miles to Grand Valley College and then back up was a nice 2 hour trip.  So relaxing and well worth the $15 a person.  I thought it would be built up but Ottowa County had a very far thinking man who ran their parks department until last year and for 30 years they bought all they could on the river and it is beautiful  a few houses but not many and some you really had to look for.

 

            We got back to our campsite and got ready for our company.

            Mary got there and we talked and caught up on everyone and everything.  Love to find out what family is doing.  Had hamburgers and talked some more.  As we were sitting around talking a strange sight went buy a guy in his 30s or 40s was pushing and enclosed stroller and it looked like it contained 2 cats.  Now I know we have seen everything.  Maybe it also contained a young baby but we saw a cat at least, all enclosed and he was pushing it.  So I just had to record that I saw this I have seen folks take dogs in strollers mainly open ones not enclosed but why walk a cat in a stroller?

Well we talked for a while longer and then Mary had to go  I was sad to see her go.  Don and I got ready to move in the morning, we don’t have to go very far maybe 2 hours at the most over to Sleepy Hollow again so we are leaving around 11 AM.

July 26, 2019 Friday  Sleepy Hollow State Park MI.

Well we are back to what we call our State Park.  Got checked in and set up though we did have to run for another 30 Amp Extension cord as our 50 ft and 30 ft extension cords were not long enough to make it to the electric box.  That is one of the bad things about this park, also no internet and cell service is not great.  I think the last couple of campgrounds that is a common theme. 

WE went in to pick up Meigan and drop off her suitcase.  Went walking around East Lansing to see the area and get dinner.  Went into the new Target and found a few things it is smaller than any other Target but perfect for a school.   It was hot and humid and I got a little weak so we stopped and Don got me some water then we went and ate. No Thai not as good as our Princess Thai but OK. 

Went back to Meigan’s dorm and sat and talked for a few hours.  She is super excited to be heading to Australia and has everything lined up.  She wants to take scuba lessons and dive at the barrier reef.  She is going to do so much I am sure she will have a great time. 

Headed back to the campground  We have to move tomorrow to a hotel as they don’t have a place for Saturday night.  Kayla is suppose to be here early morning late night  she is coming from Madison and driving after work.  She is already on the road.  I do worry about her. 

July 27, 2019  Saturday Quality Inn and Suites Lansing MI

OK  I have to say that it is nice to be in a hotel.  I can turn around in my shower.  Only here 1 night.  Went and picked up Meigan and Kayla after we moved and ate lunch and did some shopping for Meigan to travel.  Was a nice afternoon.  Then we went back to the hotel.  I took a nap while everyone else watched Say Yes to the Dress.

The girls went back to Meigan’s room and we made plans for them to come back out to Sleepy Hollow on Sunday.

Just a laid back day.

July 28, 2019 Sunday Sleepy Hollow State Park MI

Well I am glad we are back in the park with Patty.  I did not sleep well all night and kept waking up when the AC would go Boom when it shut off.  WE got a few things at Menards to make a screen for our back window.  I do have to say it is hot and humid.

The girls came out and wee had Brats and played games.  Then they headed back into Meigan’s to make sure the cat got fed and they got some sleep.  Meigan has a few meetings and work and Kayla is heading back to Madison tomorrow. 

Was a great time playing games with the girls and just being together.  I do miss your family time. 

Well tomorrow starts the fun we will be super busy and it will be stressful.  Moving Meigan, closing on the Condo etc.

Stamp & Camp with Mary - July 24, 2019 - #simplestamping A Good Man Relax Your Way

Today is a great man card.  I love the Stamp set A good Man.  Great one for coloring and for all you man cards.

I do have a hard time making a card for a guy, I don't want to use flowers or cute animals or those vintage scenes but this set is great for a card for guys and yes even for ladies.

Here is the card.

This card you could color if you would like, maybe some colored pencils or Stampin' Write Markers.
 great one to use the Stamparatus with.

Let's look at making this it is really simple and if you want to make a few for future use.

tams# 34653

Product List

A Good Man Cling Stamp Set [149270]

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad [147110]

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes [131527]

Supplies: Stamp Set - A Good Man [149270]; Ink – Night of Navy  147110]; Card Stock - Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes [131527].

Instructions:

1. With Night of Navy stamp the man in the chair
2. With Night of Navy Stamp the Sayings.

NOTE: you can brighten this up by coloring with pencils or markers.

Now is a great time to stock up on things you need during Bonus days.  For every $50 you spend you will get a $5 coupon to use for your August order.  Don't miss Bonus Days now.  Click here to order.

Stamp & Camp with Mary Update July 20, 2019

I forgot to provide an update last week so I will do it now for 2 weeks.  A lot has been happening so don't miss it.

July 7, 2019 Sunday Rushmore Shadows

Went to Mass at the Blessed Sacrament in Rapid City a nice church 70s 80s church in the round.  Fairly big.  Everyone seemed friendly though a lady in front of me brought her service dog which was strange, though the dog was good no barking but licked the fingers of the lady next to me, scared her a good one, I would have screamed.

Then Don and I went to breakfast at Perkins.  Got in a little after 10 and even though we got seated right away it was nearly 1145 before we left  took forever to get our meal and all I got was a muffin and potatoes it had to be Don’s eggs that took so long. 

We then went to the South Dakota Air & Space Museum that was really cool  I loved it.

I was little late getting back for my FB live event but only 30 minutes and it went great I had far more people than normal and don’t know if it was because of the time change or if I sent out a chat inviting everyone.

No Rain today, strange.

July 8, 2019 Rushmore Shadows Monday.

Today had to be the best day so far at Rushmore Shadows.  We booked a ride on the Steam Locomotive on the 1880 train ride.  Was so beautiful and cool.  It went from Hill City to  Keystone, round trip well spent $29 per person.  Took about 2.5 hours and went through some great country.  Was funny on our way back we noticed a lady at almost every road crossing standing outside her car and waving.  I think she went the entire route.  Was neat to see.

It was a super train trip.   I loved it. Don was equally impressed.  So much history and the train was beautiful.

After the train trip we went and picked up our new sign.

July 9, 2019 Travel to A B Campground Cheyenne WY

Today was a move day.  Started out at Rushmore Shadows and then away we went back to Cheyenne We are headed back for Drs visits etc. Don took the truck and I poked along.  He wanted to drop everything off at the storage shed so we could clean the truck so we could trade it in.  Don likes to keep it really nice and it looked really grungy.  We met back at AB Camping and had a great camp site one of the few with shade.  Don wanted to go clean the truck but I suggested we at least stop at the Jeep dealer first.   WE went and they had a bunch of Wranglers one of the used ones were 31K and a new one 30K and more.  So they were out of my price range.  We then went and drove around a few other car dealers.  NO we did not get the truck washed before and Don really was antsy about it.  Anyway we saw about 4 or five as we drove by.  One place Halliday Motors had 2 sitting out front in their used car lot.  We turned around and decided to stop and look.  When we got out we saw they actually had 4 Wranglers and one was a really cute blue 2 door.  I had to look at that one first the other 3 were black and silver gray.  The Blue one was right in our price range 21K and only 50K miles.  The others were $28 and $27 with more miles.  So we took little Boy Blue on a test drive.  Yes we traded our dirty truck in for a 2011 2 door jeep.

While we were coming in to Cheyenne we got a message from out realtor she had visited the Condo and sent us photos and videos so we decided to low ball an offer.  They were asking 218k and said that we would go for 207,900.  We thought it was to low but we really didn’t think they would take it.  She sent in the offer at 655 PM. I told God I would leave it in his hands. 

Went out to eat at Bella Fucco our pizza place which we really like, in our new to us Jeep.

Busy day bought a jeep traded in our truck which we loved and made an offer on a condo in East Lansing, 

July 10, 2019 Wednesday AB Camping Cheyenne WY.

Dr day.  Since we didn’t have to look for a vehicle in Fort Collins it was a laid back day.  I have been having some problems with my left forearm and have been messaging my Dr so we are trying different things.  I thought it might be the start of Shingle or even Lyme Disease we will see.  Don had a great check up and we ate lunch at Jason’s Deli. 

But the big news started before Don and I got up.  I had a text from our Real Estate person and they accepted the offer.  We had a few things we wanted like what is in the reserve account and did they do a Reserve Study.  We will wait and see.  Don and I sat there with our mouth open and could not believe it.  Offer went in at 655 PM and it was accepted by 550 AM the next morning.  So today we are just moving in shock.

Came back from Fort Collins and really didn’t have much to do.  We bought a bike rack so we could take our bikes with us and I am happy for that. 

Had dinner at Barry and Nancy’s which was fun.  Great to catch up with them. 

Not much else to do since we have our new vehicle so sat around for awhile and took a walk before the Thunder Storm.

July 11, 2019 Thursday AB Camping Cheyenne WY

This morning we met the Gym gang and had a great time catching up.

Went to Mass and talked with Father Carl for a while.  Was nice seeing all the great people this trip. I sure do miss St. Joseph’s Church and all the love I feel there when ever I go back.  Feels like home.

Went shopping, picked up mail and got our bike rack installed.  I am sure we did other things but I realy can’t remember we are still dealing with the shock of the Condo.

Tomorrow we go up to Winter Park with Betsy and Warren, I can’t wait.

July 12, 2019 Friday AB Camping and Winter Park

Had a nice lazy morning  didn’t do much.  Brought the Motor Home, we now call her Patty, to our friends house to stay the weekend..  We then did a few errands and went out for lunch.  Lunch was at one of our favorite restaurants but sure was bad.

Picked up Betsy our friend and headed up to their house in Winter Park.  Got up there around 7:30 PM  Warren had pizza and wine and we sat around most of the evening talking and laughing. 

The drive up was beautiful we went through Walden and saw some great area.  Great day and evening with frineds.

July 13, 2019 Saturday Winter Park

Such a beautiful day.  Went hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park to Adams Falls.  Nice falls but so many people, you couldn’t hardly walk the trail.  It was well worth it to spend some time with friends.

Spent the afternoon walking around Grand Lake CO  which again was fun with friends.  I had a great time.

Went back to the house walked around the neighborhood and looked at some great places.  Then had great ribs and talked all night long.

July 14, 2019 Sunday Winter Park/AB Camping Cheyenne.

Got back to Cheyenne.  Was a great drive back.

Picked up Patty and Don decided to do Laundry before we could go back into the park.  I went and visited my great friend Amber and we caught up for about an hour.

Got the same spot we had in the campground and it was great being in the shade.

Went for a walk and picked up my Stampin’ Up! order from Kathy one of my friends and down lines.

July 15, 2019 Monday Ab Camping

Don and I had coffee with a good friend and have some baby time with her grandson.  Such a great time catching up and playing with a 4 month old.

Went to the storage unit and got our bikes and Meigan’s suitcase for her trip to Australia.

Well today was my Drs.  With my arm not getting better my Dr ordered some test for Lyme Disease  and then after that I had to get another Mammogram for both breast.  Besides the Mammogram I also had to have an Ultrasound which turned out that I had a cyst ( which I knew) and my other two areas had not changed since last time.

After that I met another good friend at Starbucks.and we caught up on everything happening. 

This trip was a really friends catch up.  I love my friends and will miss them all, but with the internet we will always be in touch. Heading back to Rushmore Shadows tomorrow for a few days.

July 16, Tuesday Rushmore Shadows.

Took off early and headed up to Rushmore Shadows in Rapid City.  I drove Patty and Don had Blue Boy.  WE are not ding much this time here as we want to save some money.  So we had a quiet day walking around and I did some work.

July 17, Wednesday Rushmore Shadow.

Went to Camping World and bought a few things to clean Patty.  I bought a stick on map which will be fun to track our moves.  Went to the grocery store and then just back to the campground.  Where I worked designing all day.

 

This is really a calm week here.

July 18th Thursday Rushmore Shadows

Don washed Patty and had to run and get items from Walmart and Camping World while I stayed and did some work.  Heading out tomorrow to head back to Michigan.

July 19 Friday  KOA Mithcell SD

Left Rushmore Shadows. Traveled across South Dakota on I 90 and ended up in the Mitchell SD KOA.  Nice here but hot 95 when we got here.  They had a nice pool and we spent time there until the masses got here. Was a full house so just spent some time in the camper with the AC going.

July 20, 2019 KOA Mitchell SD/ KOA Albert Lea MN

Woke up about 6:30 AM to a huge wind storm, stronger than Wyoming.  I mean it blew, glad that they told us where the Tornado Shelter was.  We didn’t need it but I bet some of the tenters made it to it.  The 3 tents were down and the pop up next to us was half up and half down. Then the rain came and came and came.  It was really scary and we were broad side and the wind was hitting us on the side.  Tree branches were coming down all around, I don’t think anyone got hurt or any of the trailers damaged  but it was a wild ride.

After watching the weather radar we took off after it seemed that the worse of the storms have past. We took off to the East on I90.  We waited about 30 minutes but after driving for less than 30 minutes we ran into the back end of the storm again.  Stopped for awhile and then took off again.  Stopped about 20 miles further and stayed for about an hour.  Took a nap and just waited.  Was not a great time to drive with all the wind both Patty and Boy Blue had a time staying on the road.

Finally got to the KOA in Albert Lea MN.  Looked like the storm hit just before we got her.  They also had branches down puddles of water.  At least the temps are a little cooler.  This is a nice campground.  They had Sundays for a dollar and a movie.  We took a walk around the campground and found out that there is a railroad track not far away.  We are right at home. 

Heading to Madison again in the morning.