More Organic Vegetables

We liked the vegetables we bought at the Family Circle Centennial Organic Vegetable Farm last week we decided to go back for more.  After stocking up on vegetables and running a few errands we went back home for some lunch before heading out again.

Here are the vegetables we bought today.  Swiss chard, two types of squash, cucumbers, lettuce and wax beans.  Hopefully the tomatoes will be ready next week when we go back.
Tonight John grilled some chicken while Leslie and I prepared the rest of the meal. 

Grilled chicken, steamed squash, Swiss chard and potatoes.  It was so good.
Of course the night would not be complete without a rematch of 10 Penny.  Mike won the first round and John won the last. 
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe. 

P. J.’s Family Campground

Update on Mom Hatch:  She will be having surgery to remove a mass in her colon on Thursday.  The doctor plans to do laparoscopic surgery.

This morning we moved to P. J.’s Campground for our extended stay.  A whole three miles and we have 50AMP.  Yeah!!  This campground is an old campground and is for sale.  The sites are nice and most are shady. 

Mike and Leslie’s site.

Our site.

Mike is doing well and appreciates all the well wishes.  Tonight we had another rematch of 10 Penny.  Leslie won with a score of 160.  I know we will have another rematch. LOL

Mike and Leslie.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Mike out of hospital.

Mike was released from the hospital today.  Yeah!!!  When Leslie, John, and I arrived at the hospital he was dressed and ready to go.  After receiving instructions and prescriptions from the nurse he was free to go.  They even let him walk out on his own.  Back home when you are released from the hospital you have to ride in a wheel chair but not here.  On the way back to Stockbridge we stopped at Walgreens for  prescriptions.  

Tonight we played a round of 10 Penny and Leslie won with a score of 75.  I came in dead last. LOL

Tomorrow we all will be moving to another campground in the area for an extended stay. 

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Mike still in hospital.

Leslie, John and I went to the hospital this morning hoping that Mike would be released.  The cardiologist was ready to discharge him then discovered an infected cyst on his back.  Another doctor was called in to consult and treat that.  Mike should be able to go home tomorrow. 

Mike is doing well and is back to his old self. 
 
This is the information board in Mike’s room.  Since Mike’s name is William M. Kennedy and he goes by Mike the doctors and nurses put a note on the board to call him Mike.  John just had to add the “JUST” to the note.  You know John always being funny.

John taking a nap in Mike’s bed during our visit. 
Monday we plan to move to another campground for our extended stay.  They have 50 AMP. Yeah!!!
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Scary day.

THURSDAY, July 26th.

Mike, Leslie, John and I started our day of adventure with a tour of the Jiffy plant.  It wasn’t a very long tour but we did receive a bag of goodies at the end. After the tour we rode through the town of Chelsea to see what we could get into next.  We didn’t find much but we did get a lot of brochures from the Chamber of Commerce for up coming events in the area.  By the time we got through running around we were ready for some lunch so we went back to the campground to eat. 

Mike standing in the Clock Tower Courtyard in Chelsea, MI.

The grounds around the Clock Tower.

Since we had no particular plans for the afternoon we decided to watch a couple of movies at Mike and Leslie’s.  After the first movie Mike said he wasn’t feeling too well. He was having some pains in his upper chest and upper arms and thought he needed to get checked out.  We all loaded up and went to Jackson, MI to Allegiance Health Medical Center.  Upon arrival they took Mike back for an EKG and further testing.  They allowed all of us to sit with him through out his ER stay.  After blood work, EKGs, chest X-ray and a CT-Scan he was admitted into the hospital.  The nursing staff at this hospital was phenomenal.

Mike and John waiting for test results.

John and Mike sharing a laugh after Mike’s bathroom visit.  You just have to have a good sense of humor all the time. LOL  

Finally, after midnight they transferred Mike from the ER to a room.  They did not allow overnight guests so Leslie went back to the campground with us.

FRIDAY, July 27th

Leslie received a call from Mike early this morning to let her know the cardiologist was there and that he would be having a stint put in for a blockage.  After the procedure the doctor came out to explain what was done and how Mike was doing.  The doctor found two blockages and put in two stints.  Mike is now in a room and doing well.  We plan to go back to visit with him this afternoon after he as rested. 

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Fresh Vegetables

After lunch Mike, Leslie, John and I stopped in at the park office to inquire about local attractions and such so we could plan our day.  The office worker told us about the Jiffy plant which was just short drive to Chelsea.  That sounded like a fun idea so off to Chelsea we went.  We found the Jiffy plant with no problem and went inside to inquire about taking the tour.  Unfortunately, we missed the tours for today.  The receptionist checked the computer for tomorrow’s tours to see if they were full.  We were a little surprised that there were so many large groups of  people touring the Jiffy plant in this small town.  The next available tour was 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.  We all looked at each other and told her, “No.  That is too early.”  The look she gave us was funny.  I bet she thought we were nuts but we just don’t get in a hurry in the morning unless we have too.   She checked the schedule for the 1:00 p.m. tour and found it was not full so we signed up for that.   She also told us about the Chelsea Fest that begins tomorrow.  It will be centered around the town’s clock tower located across the road from the plant so we will already have a great parking spot.  Sounds like something interesting to do. 

The clock tower across the road from the Jiffy plant.

The Jiffy plant.
After leaving the Jiffy plant we rode around town just to see what else was there.  We saw a Montana RV dealership and pulled in.   It is always interesting to see what they put in the new units.  When we got too hot we left and stopped at the McDonalds for some cold drinks.  By this time it was late afternoon so we headed back toward Stockbridge.  As we drove along the back roads admiring the scenery we noticed a sign for an organic vegetable farm.  We stopped in to see what produce they had.  The owner had a walk in cooler with vegetables she had harvested that morning.  Leslie purchased some summer squash, Swiss chard and Yukon potatoes.  

The Family Circle Centennial Farm is in the first year of business.  It is owned by the daughter of a farmer who has owned the land and farmed for more than 40 years.  She purchased a small portion of his farmland for this organic vegetable farm.  Her father still grows soybeans and corn. 

This is the owner of the farm harvesting a few more potatoes for us.   It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Tonight we played a round of 10 Penny and I can’t believe I won with a score of 70.  That only happens every once in a while.   After our game we had dinner at Mike and Leslie’s.  She prepared a wonderful meal from the fresh vegetables that were purchased today.  It was so good.  I forgot to take a picture of the food, again! Thanks to Mike and Leslie for a delicious dinner. 
I remembered to get a picture of our site and Mike and Leslie’s site.




Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Mom Hatch to have surgery.

Got word today that the spot the doctor found in Mom Hatch’s colon is cancer.  She will be having surgery to have it removed next week.  We do not have the exact date of the surgery or any of the specifics of her condition yet. 

Another early day.  We were up at 5:15 a.m. and out of the RV by 6:00 for our final day of repairs at the plant.  The remaining items consisted of problems with a toilet seal, replacing a few windows that were fogging up and fixing the bathroom floor.  By mid morning the service manager came by to talk with us and let us know the tech would probably be finished by 11:30.  That was good news.   A little while later he came by with the news the they would have to order a couple more windows which would mean we would have to change or travel plans a little bit to come back to the plant.  Lucky for us, the manager was able to locate the windows today and had them installed in no time.   Mike Chaney is the new service manager for DRV and we were very impressed with the way he handled all the items on our list.  Instead of fixing the toilet seal they installed a new toilet.  The bathroom floor looks good as new and we got replacement windows.

We pulled out of Howe, IN at 2:15 p.m. and headed to Stockbridge, MI to meet up with our friends Mike and Leslie.  The trip was uneventful and we made it there before 6:00.  Mike and Leslie arrived before us and were getting setup.  We were lucky to get a site right across from them.  By the time we got things situated it was time to find something for dinner.  All of us were hungry so off we went in search of food.  We ate a place in Stockbridge called Back Street Steakhouse and Seafood.  The food and the service were both good. After our meal it was off to Wal-Mart for a few groceries. 

I forgot to take any pictures today but will post some tomorrow.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Day 1 at the DRV Plant.

Up at 5:00 a.m. and out of the RV by 6:00 so the work can begin.  That is just way to early for my blood.  Fred wasn’t liking it either. Our list of items is a small one this time.  After meeting with the tech (the worker assigned to resolve items on our list) we were told it would probably be Tuesday before everything was completed.

Our sink was detaching again so it was on the list.  We were pleasantly surprised to see a brand new sink installed today.

The faucet in the shower was holding water so they replaced that and …..

The mirror over the dresser that was cracked was also replaced. 
There were a few other small items that were also replaced.  All in all it was a productive day.  Hopefully, the remaining items will be completed tomorrow and we can be on our way to meet up with our friends.
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

DRV Plant

Left Wapakoneta, OH around 9:00 this morning.   The trip was uneventful, which was very nice.  We arrived in Howe, IN and were set up in the DRV Plant parking lot before 1:00 p.m.

Here we are all set up. 
About an hour after we got set up another couple arrived at the plant.  They also pull their RV with a Freightliner.  We visited with them for a little while sharing RV stories.  They have been full-timers for a little over a week.

Here is  our neighbor’s RV and truck.
The tech usually arrives in the morning to pull the RVs in at 6:00 a.m.  sharp.  You have to have all your slides in and waiting outside for them.  Wow, that is just too freaking early. LOL  Hopefully they will fix all our items in one day as they are minor warranty issues.
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Dinner with Philip and Edly.

This afternoon I had scalloped potatoes in the convection oven for tonight’s dinner when we lost power.  John went outside to check it out and found that the 35 amp fuse on one of the 50 amp legs was blown.  He went up to the park office and they sent someone right over.  The maintenance guy had to make a trip to Lowe’s for the part.  In the meantime John lit the gas oven to finish cooking the potatoes.  Just as Philip and Edly arrived the maintenance guy fixed the problem.  Yeah!!    Once the power problem was resolved we were able to use both air conditioners again.  We were so glad it wasn’t a real hot day.
For dinner we had grilled chicken, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls and for dessert banana cream brownie trifle.  I forgot to take a picture of the food.

Philip and Edly.
We enjoyed our visit with Philip and Edly and hope to see them again when we are in this area.
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Visiting Philip at Findlay, OH Fire Department

No rain today but cooler temperatures.  It might have reached 75 degrees.  After lunch we drove over to Findlay, OH to visit Philip at Fire Station 3.  Philip used to work at Ridgeland Fire Department on A-Shift.  John was on C-Shift so when John was getting off Philip was coming on.  They also both worked at the Renaissance Mall together.  We toured the fire station and visited for a while.  Findlay, "Flag City U.S.A." story.

Water Rescue boat






John and Philip.


We invited Philip and his wife to have dinner with us tomorrow.  The weather should be nice for a cookout.  We look forward to seeing them.
Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Rainy day.

Woke up to the sound of rain falling this morning.  It rained on and off all day long.  The good thing is it lowered the temperatures.

John ventured out today and got one of the propane tanks filled; other than that we stayed at home.

Since Fred is not fond of the rain or thunder I had to coax him out in between the rain. 

On one of my outings with Fred I saw this unusual looking dragon fly.  I have never seen one that looks quite like this.

For dinner tonight we had lemon chicken penne and green beans.

Tomorrow we are driving to Findlay, OH to visit with Philip who used to work at Ridgeland Fire Department with John but moved back to his home town and works at the Fire Department there.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Touring the Airstream plant.

This afternoon we drove to Jackson Center, OH to take a tour of the Airstream Plant.  When we pulled into the parking lot we noticed lots water standing from a recent storm. The tour started at the service center and was narrated by a retired employee.  The tour guide began his narration in a very monotone voice that caused my mind to drift and not pay full attention to what he was saying.  I know that wasn’t nice but I just couldn’t help it.  I looked over at John and he was almost asleep so I knew it wasn’t just me.   Now keep in mind the rain had stopped before the tour guide started talking.   The tour started with an information segment then a walk across two parking lots to the plant itself.  The tour guide droned on and on until….you guessed it…..heavy rain moved in again.  As the guide noticed the rain he informed us that he was sure the rain would blow over and that we would just have to wait until it passed or slacked up.   Ok, that sounded like a good idea until he said, “While we wait I can tell you more about the history of Airstream.  I could just go on and on.”   I looked at John and he was still in his almost asleep mode then I looked at the man sitting next to him and he just shook his head.  I had to laugh.  It was just too funny.   I am sorry to give such a negative spin on this.  I do remember the guide explaining why there was a motorcycle on display in the lounge area. He explained that when actress Sandra Bullock had a trailer built her “then” husband Jesse James built a motorcycle for Airstream.  I don’t really know if the motorcycle was a trade for the Airstream trailer or just for publicity.  This was the only thing we were allowed to take a picture of in the building.  They do not allow cameras in the plant.

The rain finally slacked off about twenty minutes later and our small group ventured out into the rain to finish our tour at the plant.  Needless to say, we got wet.   Once inside the plant, it was time to put on safety goggles and put in ear plugs.  The guide walked us through each stage of construction and explained it.  I am sure it was very informative but with the ear plugs I couldn’t tell you what he said.  It probably would have been better if it was an audio guided tour.   At the end of the tour heavy rain had moved in again so we waited in the plant for a little while.   We finally made it back to the service center and visited with another couple we met on the tour.  Believe it or not that lady was shorter than I am.  Wow, that is pretty short because I am only 4’9”.  I felt tall around her. LOL

These are a group of antique Airstream trailers parked out front of the service center.  They will let you photograph them but you can’t go inside.

After we got back home John changed out the anode rod and flushed the water heater.   Other than that not much else is going on around here.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.

Happy Birthday Tricia.

Happy Birthday to cousin Tricia.  We hope you had a wonderful day.

Tricia

We stayed home most of the day and got some household chores taken care of.   After lunch we rode over to Kohl’s to look around.  They were having a 60 to 80% sale.  We didn’t see anything we couldn’t live without so we spent $0.00.  Yeah!!  On the way back to the park we stopped in at Kroger for a few groceries.  John bought a large rib-eye steak for us to share for dinner.  We had sautéed onions and mushrooms, rib-eye steak, steamed carrots and creamed potatoes and gravy.

Here is John’s picture as he started cooking  sautéed onions and mushrooms and rib-eye steak.

Looks ready to eat to me. Yeah!!

John’s plate.

My plate.

After our yummy dinner we went for a walk around the park.  It has been very hot here today so after dinner was the best time for a walk.

John making noises at the geese.

Tomorrow we plan on touring the Airstream plant.   That should be interesting.

Laugh everyday.  Happy trails.  Stay safe.