I guess in some cases it is still true the squeaky wheel does get the grease.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  This morning was absolutely beautiful.  Overcast, yes.  A few rain drops, so true.  The temperature, though, the temperature was more Florida like and it was great getting up and even the floor was warm.  Love it.

We decided upon rising that we needed to finish up our game of dominoes from the night before.  However, it was not to be.  Duty called.  We had a couple of appointments to keep.

First one was for our passports.  I thought getting our tags for the two vehicles was difficult.  This process pales in comparison.  This was our second trip and we thought

we had everything in order.  At least according to the instructions we were given the first time we figured this trip would be a piece of cake – as they say.  Oh how silly of us!  The pictures we had taken, nope, nada, zip, no good.  Would have to be taken again.  Then the real killer, my birth certificate.  Mind you this was good enough for Uncle Sam when I enlisted, and over the years it has been good enough for any number of other agencies.  Not this time.

Around the corner, we went to make an appointment to get new shoes for Graybeard.

They’re going to be installed this Friday.  The last major item on our list.  Check.

After all this we caught a bite to eat and then headed home.  We needed to get the process started for our passport cards.  On the way home we received two calls from the VA Hospital in Tampa.

The first call was for an appointment for my sleep apnea machine check.  The wanted to make an

appointment for April which I explained was not possible since we were leaving in a week.  They said they would work something out and call me back in an hour.  Well, I figured that was the end of that, given the way things had been going with the VA.  Wonder of wonders, in less than an hour they called and I have an appointment for tomorrow.

Now about that squeaky wheel.  That brings me to the second call.  I must have touched a nerve somewhere in the orthopedic department at the VA Hospital in Tampa.  Today, I received a call from Ryan who profusely apologized for the crass way in which I have been treated to date.  Furthermore, since the whole process is going to have to be restarted in August/September he also gave me his personal cell phone number and assured me if there any more issues in the future or if I just have questions I am to call him at any time.  Whoa!  Totally unexpected but fantastic.

Home again, Barbara began to work her magic for the passport cards.  We are going to have to jump through hoops to get my real, okie dokie, birth certificate and we can only hope that we get it in time for our passport cards so we can enter and leave Canada the end of June.  It’s going to be tight but Barbara is already working her magic.  So I believe.

Well, it is now time to have leftovers for supper.  Barb worked so long in making arrangements for my new birth certificate, she lost track of time and never started supper.  Well, leftovers are just as good.  After supper she went to the wishy washy.  She said it is nice to do it when nobody else is in the laundromat because she can use all of the machines.

Once again we are at the end of our day.  Movie night for us tonight.  Let’s see, what will it be?  Can we say it was a great day?  Yes, even though it was frustrating in some respects still we were together and that counts for a lot.  We’ll take the days as they come, meet the challenges together, and enjoy the time we’re given by our good Lord.  Hope you day was great as well.  If not, there is always tomorrow and a fresh new start.  Tomorrow when you wake resolve to let the light of Christ shine through you and touch those around you in a positive and loving way.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

On Monday, He gave me the gift of love,
On Tuesday, peace came from above.
On Wednesday, told me to have more faith,
On Thursday, gave me a little more grace.
On Friday, told me to watch and pray,
On Saturday, told me what to say.
On Sunday, gave the power divine
Just to let my little light shine.

Sunday, yes, He gives the power divine to let my little light shine.  So, it was off to church for that power we went this morning.  We were not disappointed by any means.  Our time spent in God’s house is always positive and meaningful.  Today was no different.  How about you?  If you often find your week just dragging perhaps you need to get a Sunday charge before you begin the week as well.  Just saying.

Home after church for a delightful brunch that Barbara was able to whip together.  My sweetheart can always put together a wonderful meal.  Honestly, in the many years we’ve been married I don’t believe that there has been more than a time or two when I can say I was disappointed.

Then it was on to chores for the day.  First up was doing the nasty, translated, emptying

the black and gray tanks.  Really, I don’t know why so many people have an issue with this task.  If you keep your waste valves in good order, have a decent back flush system in place, and a flow meter handy it isn’t that big of a task.  Over and done within 30 minutes.

Moving on, it was time to do some maintenance on the chassis battery (below, the one to the right).  This is the one battery that has no date of purchase on it nor any records of what’s been done when.  So I decided it was time to do some rewiring and a basic health

check of the battery.  The rewiring was really easy I just had to remove the no longer needed winter disconnect switch.  I borrowed a battery hydrometer (next thing to buy) and tested each cell and all came back in the green.  I now feel a whole lot better knowing that the battery is healthy before we roll out of here.

Next on the list was finishing the drying rack I started a week ago.  I purchased some

clothes line and strung it through the various holes I had drilled previously.  Finished!

It was then up to the roof for another check of all the seams, etc.  All was in good order so another item on the list that can be checked off.  Getting there, item by item.

Time now for a break, namely an ice cream break.  It was 4 pm and time for the Sunday

afternoon ice cream social at the activity hall.  Today, they were also going to announce the winner of the photo contest from the many pictures entered.  Once there we met up with Dennis and Pam.  Pam had entered a picture and, of course, like us neither of them can pass up ice cream.  Of course, they now live 45 minutes north of the park, but they came.  Good thing that they did, for out of the 20 plus pictures entered Pam’s won first place.  It is a picture of one of the donkeys at the farm next door that likes to come over to the fence for treats like carrots and apples.

Back at Graybeard I did another check of the weather and it is still showing some heavy storms moving through our area possibly tomorrow, but definitely on Tuesday.

The weather report is for heavy rain and strong winds from the south-west.  Absolutely from the wrong direction in terms of our outside awning.  So call me over-cautious, if you want, but I decided tonight to bring the awning in and lock it down in the stored position.   It would be better to have it out with the rain, but if the wind were to get a hold of it that could send it over the top of Graybeard.  So it’s in.

While I was puttering around so was Barbara.  Like mine her day was spent just catching up on house hold chores.  As she would tell you, not necessarily very exciting but it was a relaxing day that was free of stress.

So that was our day.  Daylight has now gone and night has appeared.  No, we didn’t go exploring today.  No, we didn’t some would say, have a really exciting day.  Okay, but we did have a delightful day of chores done at a relaxed pace – the only way to do them if you ask me.  We hope you had a great day as well.  We hope that you were able to enjoy the day that God had given you.  In closing, here’s a thought for all of us to ponder:

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money cannot buy

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

 

 

All jammed up, that we were today.  More about that in a minute.  First things first, oh yes we made it to the end of another week.  How sweet it is.  Not to mention we have a few warm days ahead.  Forget all that stuff about rain coming  in a few days and a cold front the end of the new week.  Let’s celebrate what we have right now.  Oh yea, give thanks right now for what we’ve enjoyed this week.  Give thanks for the blessings that we’ve been given.  Will you join me in doing so?

All things considered this was a rather tame day for us.  We knew what was coming in the afternoon so we stayed close to home.  One brief run to the Dollar Store for some necessities and that was that.  By the time we got home it was time.

As for being all jammed up, it was time for the afternoon jam session in the park.   Unfortunately, the Saturday afternoon jam session is no longer – shall we say – sanctioned by the park.  Politics is everywhere it seems.  But that never stopped Nancy from getting everyone together for a Saturday afternoon jam session at her site.  Nancy’s site is always easy to find.  Forget the site number, even what rig is hers, just look for the pickle playing a guitar!

This is the groups fearless leader, Nancy herself leading a particular number this afternoon.  Someone said that it was just about six months ago that she taught herself the guitar!

And here are some of the members of her cast of characters that usually accompany her

The group is as diverse in age and background as is the music they play.  There was as expected a mix of gospel, folk, 60’s and 70’s and a little bit of everything else thrown in.  Listening to them is a great way to spend the afternoon.  Sadly this will be the last jam session since everyone is moving out in all different directions this coming week.  God speed one and all.

But wait!  Nancy wasn’t finished just yet.  Oh no, today she also planned a pot luck Saint Patty’s Day Supper.  What a spread, what a feast for one and all.  What a great time with old and new friends.  Here is everyone pitching in to set the tables and put out the food.

The food tables were loaded with all kinds of goodies.  There was a table of all kinds of salads

Pots full of corned beef and cabbage as well as beef stew

 

And lets not forget the dessert table

Here’s a few of the hungry souls who were in front of us, another 12 plus were behind us and to each side of us.  It was a great time for all who came.

But there was still another surprise in store for me when I got home.  New toy time!  Well, not really a toy, but a tool that will help to make life on the road easier.  A new Garmin GPS that let’s you input the length, the height, and the width of your RV and then plots your route accordingly.  It doesn’t completely replace a paper map nor common sense but it is a tremendous help in terms of route navigation.

 

That in total was our day.  It was a delightful one spent listening to some great music, getting together with old friends, and meeting and talking to some “newbie” RVer’s.  Goodness, it wasn’t that long ago that we ourselves weren’t even dry behind the ears in terms of full time RV’ing.  Some will argue we still are “newbie’s” and they are probably right in that we only have months and not years under our belts but as they say baby we’ve come a long way in these last few months.

Day is now long gone and night has crept up upon us and enfolded us in its darkness.  We hope you also had a great day.  That you were able to do something enjoyable.  Something that put a smile on someone else’s face and made their day that much brighter.  Before we say goodbye for the day let me ask you a question

Do you see the glass as half full or half empty

Think about this.  Do you see every little misstep in life an obstacle?  As if someone is out to get you?  Instead of taking decisive action you complain and point your finger and blame others?  Or . . . .

Do you see obstacles as only problems to be solved.  My dad always used to say to me There are no problems in life only possibilities waiting to be seized.  

Which is it, is the glass half full or half empty?  My friends let’s work to keep it half full.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

 

It’s official, the lady of the house is 46 today!  Yes, today was her honest to goodness birthday.  Unfortunately, she was not able to sleep in on her birthday, inasmuch as we had an early morning appointment.  OK, a 9 am appointment to have Marti groomed.  9 am though is early, I mean real early for us to start our day.  But we braved the cold, the early morning hour and off we went.  Only to discover we really didn’t have to be there until 10 am!  Ah, that extra hour of sleep would have been so nice.  At least I did get to bring her that first cup of coffee in bed.  I try.

Our next stop was at Walmart to pick up our passport photos.  Oh, let me tell you we are really photogenic – not!  Our mug shots will probably get us into Canada but I don’t know if they will let us come back home.  Time will tell.  Photos in hand we visited the Bushnell court house to obtain our passports.  However, all we were able to get were the applications which are a bit more detailed than we thought and are going to take a bit of time to complete.  Oh well, they will get done in due time.

Continuing on we went to get Marti, who the groomer told us actually decided to behave himself.  Translated, he neither tried to nip her nor did he try to jump off the table.  Amazing.  Compared to what he looked like, he actually looks really spiffy now.  Look,

and see for yourself.  Of course, he is on my lap in our favorite chair.  Hey, he would be the first to tell you, I had a rough morning.  One more thing done before we leave.

While we were out we received a phone call from the camp office informing us that Barbara had a package waiting there for her.  Wonder what it could be?  This is what

we discovered when we returned.  The card read “Grandma, Love, Petrie, Fred, Sasha, Mae and Inky”.  Yes, Amanda struck again with a wonderful note of originality (she has five rescue dogs).  Our other kids never seem to remember their mom’s birthday but count on Amanda never to forget and to always do something special.  Love you Amanda.

Wait, the day was not finished.  Afternoon appointment at the VA in Tampa for an echo cardiogram.  But not for the really needed appointment with orthopedics.  I started that process back in January stressing that I would be leaving the end of March.  Want to know when they finally contacted me regarding a follow up on my knee replacement?  Monday of this week.  Their good news was we have an appointment for you in April.  What a nightmare VA care is down here in Florida.  Especially the orthopedics department.  Nothing like the care in NJ.  Here, they brush you off, will not return your phone calls, and do as little as possible to assist you.  Bottom line it is a mess down here.  So I will have to start the process all over again when we return here next winter.  Perhaps they’ll have the mess straightened out?  I’m not holding my breath that is for sure.

So that was how the day went.  Places to go and things to do.  Daylight is now far gone and night is upon us.  The day was an interesting one.  Though we didn’t go on any trips of discovery it was a good one.  At times a bit frustrating.  Yet, we made the most of the day God had given us.  We did it together.  We hope your day was a great one as well.  If not then remember that tomorrow is coming and when you wake decide to make the day a great one.  Decide to do something that will make you and your world a better place for all.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before.