On November 14th, It was time for the Nacho party! Everyone got a huge plate of Nachos and fixings.

Everyone filled up on nachos and listened to the fun DJ. It was yummy and fun and you didn’t need dinner that night.

The weather was great that Saturday morning so we walked Cooper around the neighborhood community sale. It was a great way to see people we knew from last year and meet some new people.

On Saturday November 16th, Alicia, Dave, Cathy and myself went out to Dinner and the Theatre. We went to Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant for dinner which was delicious! I couldn’t decide what Italian dish I wanted so I got the Mama’s Combo platter and I’m so glad I did! It had lasagna, tortellini and eggplant parmesan plus we got bread sticks with our dinners.

Then off to Gaslight Theatre to ” See Race to the North Pole.”

Our dear friend Cathy treated us to see “Race to the North Pole,” anytime you go to the Gas Light Theatre you know your going to have a great time. Thank You Cathy!

Can it be true? Did the mean and treacherous Wilhelm really steal Santa Claus’ list? Does this mean that children everywhere will wake up to find no presents under their Christmas Tree? We just had to find out and see what was going to happen! Especially with the crazy cast of characters as they began their journey to retrieve Santa’s Christmas list before it’s too late! It was a rib tickling and hand slappin fun!

In case your worried they got Santa’s List back! It was a fun time and after the show they even came out and sang Christmas songs.

On Sunday the 16th, My friend Darlyn and I headed out to the Pima County Fairgrounds for the Coyote Classic Dog Show.

The show is a yearly event and this year they had 3,841 entries over the four day period beginning on Thursday Nov. 13 and finishing on the 17th. It was at the Pima County Fairgrounds representing 142 different breeds. Competitors and Exhibitors include some of the top professional dogs and handlers in the country, including some of the top winners from the Westminster Dog Show.

The Coyote Class Dog Show is open to spectators, like myself and Darlyn. The show had food booths, and vendors selling dog-related products. We saw the different breeds and learned about dog shows.

It was fun seeing the dog Handler’s showing off their dogs.

Another very nice dog, I think it might be a Giant Black Schnauzer but I’m not sure. I sure wouldn’t want to clean up after all the shedding.

Darlyn was a huskie dog handler in the Iditarod dog race in Alaska and another famous race there. It was a neat experience going to the show with her and hearing her stories.

They didn’t have any Short Haired Collies like our dog Lee, but there was rough haired collies there. Collies, who doesn’t love Collies, Remember Lassie?

When I was little I wanted an Old English Sheep Dog for a pet. We never did get one, I can think of a couple reasons why.

We both thought this dog was so adorable!! It stayed perfectly still for awhile and then just moved slightly. It was definitely posing for the camera.

It was fun watching the Dock Diving Dogs do their thing . . .

These Toy Russian Terriers are definitely all ears about the show.

This Pomeranian dog looked like a bronze puff ball with a tiny face and legs.

This Dalmatian is thinking, aren’t I handsome?! This poor dog is thinking. . . Where am I ?…I can’t see!

I think dogs laugh at poodles behind their backs they way their cut and groomed. Seriously, doesn’t the poodle in the second picture look adorable without a silly poodle cut?

This is Dash, he’s a sweet heart. We thought he was a sure winner . . . unfortunately not this show but wait till the next show.

I only saw one Greyhound like our dog Taylor and not any whippets, we weren’t there on the day they were.

It was a neat experience going to the dog show and seeing how they prepare their dogs for the show. We were behind the scenes into the grooming are training areas. I watch the Thanksgiving Day Dog Show and sometimes catch The Westminster Dog Show and now I have an idea of all the work and preparation that goes into a show, especially behind the scenes.

Our beautiful table setting Denise put together.

It was a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner – complete with great friends, side dishes and desserts.

It was nice to greet other people we knew and didn’t know and say “Happy Thanksgiving” to them as well. We figure there was about 240 people in the ballroom. There was approximately 142 people at the very first Thanksgiving.

On November 30th, I went with my friend Marcia to the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon to Bird Watch. I’ve been there a few times with her and her followers. It’s always a fun time to learn about birds and be outside.

Santa Rita Lodge It is located in the Coronado National Forest and is a world-renowned bird watching location at an elevation of 5,000 feet. This morning we had to wear layers of clothing to keep warm until the sun came over the mountains. Over 250 species of birds have been identified in Madera Canyon.

A neat fact I learned about Hummingbirds is that they consume about 3-7 calories per day. If you scale them up to the size of a human, it is 155,000 calories PER DAY! We would need wings that go as fast as theirs do to be as skinny and little like they are.

Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be the National Bird, instead they decided on the eagle. I think it’s a better choice it looks more patriotic.

The weather has been great since we’ve been here, high in the 80’s which is warmer then usual for this time of year so we, especially Dave doing his laps daily, have been enjoying the pool and the hot tub.

It’s also been nice walking around Voyager and seeing flowering bushes.

I’ve been going to stretch and strengthen exercise classes . . . .

And doing

We got here about two weeks ago and have been laying low and just really not doing anything outside of the park, but one place we went was Cane’s cause we like their chicken, especially Dave. It was yummy!

Some of the carts in the parade.

On our drive to Lordsburg we went thru Hatch NM. As we passed through I took these two pictures. The Hatch man and Sparky’s.

Hatch has world wide fame because of their Annual Chili Festival held on Labor Day weekend. The event draws an estimated 30,000 visitors from all over the world.

The Hatch New Mexico Chili Festival has a variety of activities, including fresh chile roasts, a parade, live music, food vendors, and competitions like a chili eating contest.  They say the festival celebrates the unique flavors and cultural heritage of Hatch chiles. It began in 1971 to promote the region’s chile harvest. 

The Lordsburg KOA. We’ve stayed here before on our travels.

We arrived at our destination 2 days ahead of schedule. We drove a total of 149 miles from Lordsburg to Tucson with a grand total 2,170 miles for the whole trip. Good driving Dave.

The Raw Band played good dancing tunes.

“The world turned upside down – in a good way – for one black velvet night.”
– Karen Fortunati” I’m just here to dance, eat candy, and be scary.” -unknown-

 “We danced the Mamushka while Nero fiddled, we danced the Mamushka at Waterloo. We danced the Mamushka for Jack the Ripper, and now, Fester Addams, this Mamushka is for you.” — Gomez, The Addams Family

I was to busy dancing to take pictures of the other ghosts, goblins, zombies, etc. It was good time had by all.

We’ve been here before and I never saw anything that really resembled an elephant?

Butt . . . .

Well maybe . . . But I think it’s a little stretched? 🤔

Whatever it’s called it’s a beautiful state park in NM.

Todays is October 28th and our third day here. Walks we’ve been taking around the park.

You can boondock here so people choose to stay in trees and be cozy or park on a cliff and see the lake below.

A lot of people choose to be up close and personal right by the lake. Dave & I figured we better not try being by the lake cause we’d get stuck in the sand for sure.

We always have a good time at Elephant Butte ….. Tomorrow morning the 29th we’ll be headed to Lordsburg, NM.

We left Oklahoma City to travel to the Good Ole state of Texas.

I think of a few songs about Texas, one is “Deep in the Heart of Texas, ”The Yellow Rose of Texas is another and how about “All My Exes Live in Texas”.

We are once again on Route 66 and I know one of the songs for Route 66 is:

Gets your Kicks from Route 66
🎶If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, take the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66

It winds from Chicago to L.A
More than two thousand miles all the way🎵
Get your kicks on Route 66[Bridge]
Now you go through St. Louis
Joplin, Missouri
And Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty🎤
You’ll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don’t forget Winona
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino

♪♪♪ Won’t you get hip to this timely tip?
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route 66

Nat King Cole recorded it in 1946.

A nice place to rest and relax, we stayed for two nights October 21, & 22. We had great scenery and great neighbors.

On October 22nd, We went into the town of Shamrock on Route 66. We stayed here we believe about 2 years ago on our way back to New York and just drove thru the town but this time we stopped in a few places.

Paleo-Indians dwelled here over 10,000 years ago, later Spanish Conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado crossed the plains seeking the gold of mythical Eldorado. By the 1800s buffalo hunting Comanche and Kiowa Indians lived in the region but were displaced to reservations after the Red River War. An Irish immigrant and sheep rancher, George Nickel used the name Shamrock when he applied to open a post office in 1890 some 6 miles from the current town’s location. It was accepted by the postal officials but never opened. However the name lived on. In 1902 the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway reached Shamrock and a post office and school opened in 1911.

Shamrock was a busy place until the freeway came to be and everyone passed right by. Everything started to close up. But they have been reviving Route 66 and next year in 2026 it’s the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 and we heard that places all along the route are getting all booked up! The Route is gonna be Rockin!

When we were here before The “Route 66 Station” in Shamrock, Texas, was closed, I’m glad it was open today it was a real treat to see the impressive building and eat lunch at the U-Drop in Cafe. This Art Deco building included the Tower Conoco Station, so named for the metal tulip-topped tower attached to the building. At one time, the U-Drop Inn was called “the swankiest of swank eating places” and “the most up-to-date edifice of its kind on U.S. Highway 66 between Oklahoma City and Amarillo.” The café was the only the one around in a 100 miles. The building which was a really different looking style building for being built 1936. It has traditionally held two separate business: “Tower Station,” a gas station on the western side, and one time the middle section was the Grey Hound Bus Terminal, and the “U-Drop Inn,” a café on the eastern side. Though it has passed hands several times in its history, the building has consistently housed the same types of businesses it was originally constructed for. The building fell into disrepair with the decommissioning of Route 66. It closed for business in the late 1990s. After it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 1997, the building was purchased by the First National Bank of Shamrock, which then gave it to the city.

How it looked when it was first opened in 1936.

We had a fun time in the building and our lunch was delicious. And who else but Elvis ate at the U-drop Inn. The ladies who worked at the museum told us that the building keeps gaining popularity as it was a model for the kids movies Cars & Cars II and people from all over the world come to check it out. When we were eating lunch a family from France was there too.

Cars Movies

We drove 201 miles from Shamrock TX to Tucumcari NM to stay at the Blaze -In- Saddle RV Park, In Tucumcari NM we were on site #41.

Here is Tucumcari on Route 66 in the early 1900’s and 1950’s.

The very first settlers is this area were Native Americans. This area got populated In 1901 when the railroad company Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad set up their work camp here. The camp was first called Ragtown. Later, it became known as “Six Shooter Siding” the new community had a wild reputation of being a gathering place for outlaws and with frequent gunfire, there were many gunfights. Its first official name was Douglas, but that name didn’t last long. As the camp grew into a real town, it was renamed Tucumcari in 1908. The town got its name from Tucumcari Mountain close by.

Until the mid-1900s, Tucumcari was an important stop for trains traveling across the country. The Rock Island Railroad and the  Southern Pacific railroad lines met here. Nearby Passengers could switch trains at the station for different parts of their journey. In 1926, a new depot building was constructed in Tucumcari and the depot became the symbol of the railroad as the economic driver of the community. This building was a source of great civic pride, and every resident could connect their life in some way to the railroad. Train watching was a popular pastime and many residents today recall with fondness the hours spent watching the activity in the rail yard. Some say Tucumcari came to be because of the railroad but ranching, farming, and tourism contributed to its growth.

For many years, billboards saying “TUCUMCARI TONITE!” invited drivers to stay in one of the town’s many motel rooms. This slogan was changed for a while to “Gateway to the West.” However, in 2008, the city decided to bring back the classic “TUCUMCARI TONITE!” slogan.

Walking around ….If Dave word hats I would say he should get a cowboy hat.

A few of the awesome murals in Tucumcari.

Dave and zi were checking out the old buildings and signs, the Nostalgia of Route 66.

Almost everything on Route 66 looks different but The Tee Pee Curios isn’t one of them. It hasn’t changed much at all.

Somethings like Del’s has been here since 1956 and still going strong cooking that great food.

It is definitely a good time seeing the murals and the places that are still open on Route 66, but it is sad to see the old cafe’s, motel’s and gas stations that have been long forgotten on Route 66. Now who remembers Green Stamps, raise your hands! 🖐️

Tucumcari Mountain and driving to Edgewood you can see for miles and miles . . . . .

Today is Saturday the 25th and we drove 160 miles to be at Route 66 RV Park in Edgewood New Mexico.

Today is Sunday the 26th and we arrived at Elephant Butte.

We are staying at site 40. We have been here at least 4 times, as you can tell we like it here.

It is Monday the 13th of October and We are heading out once again.….Because, “Life is a Highway” a song by Tom Cochrane.

🎶Life is a highway
Well, I wanna ride it all night long (whoo!)
If you’re goin’ my way
I wanna drive it all night long (all night long)🎵

Our first destination was Maple Lakes Campground in Seville, Ohio, We drove 262 miles to get there.

Our site was # 51.

They have an old baseball diamond so I decided to pitch to Dave and he hit the ball back. Who needs a ball and a bat?

We drove 246 miles from Ohio to our second stop the KOA in Richmond Indiana. This was the second time we stayed here.

Our site #131.

Like all big campgrounds that cater to kids, KOA’s that are open, have Halloween activities going on during the weekends of October. We found that out on our very first outing 8 years ago. It’s this KOA’s 3rd weekend of Halloween Fun.

Our number 3 stop is at Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park in Vandalia, Illinois. We have been here twice before. Our site is #2. We were surprised when we arrived because there was only 2 spots left ours and #1, which was shortly filled. The other times we were here the was only a few spots taken. We drove 245 miles to get here.

We took route 70 west going through Ohio and Indiana the highway wasn’t good, all kinds of bumps, bangs and crashes going on, we got “All shook Up” I think that’s a song? They were working on section of it in Indiana but that small section isn’t going to matter much when most of it is in bad shape. We won’t be taking this route any time soon.

We had to make the Dragon shoot out fire once again, especially since the tokens are free when you stay at the campground.

Mac’s Liquor Store is right across the street and for people who need a drink bad. . . and they have a drive-thru. They heck with drug store and prescriptions, the people there go to Mac’s when needed.

We are now West of the Mississip

Our 4th stop we drove 298 miles to in Springfield Missouri to stay at The Springfield KOA.

This is our second time here and we are on site #47, it was a really nice day the temperature was 82 dgress.

I was really surprised this KOA didn’t participate in any Halloween activities for kids. I guess they don’t need to as they were all booked up.

We drove 298 miles through lots and lots of heavy downpours to get to our fifth destination, Rockwell RV Park in Oklahoma City.

Our site # is 35.

Coming thru this way before we always stayed at Mustang Run, but it was booked so Dave found this place, I’m glad he did.

Pictures of the Buffalo when they were here.

The park has new owners who just purchased it in June. The park used to have about 10 or 12 Buffalos on the property, yes Buffalos! I’m sure it was a big draw but upon talking to the new owners they sold them to an Indian tribe and they are all on the open plans in Wyoming where they belong!

Dave in the pool they have in the park along with a hot tub and hot sauna.

We’ll be leaving here on Tuesday the 21st, to go to Shamrock New Mexico. Have a good Monday everyone!

 We got here on Monday May 20th and got all set up. Did some additional setting up on Tuesday and on Tuesday night it started raining consistently for 4 days straight

Below is a few of the things we did this summer when I remembered to take pictures!

Where ….. “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring… but I’m wide awake trying to dodge puddles.”  

But . . . . “Thanks to the long days of rain, the blades of grass glowed with a deep-green luster, and they gave off the smell of wildness unique to things that sink their roots into the earth.” –Haruki Murakami

Established in 1824, Newfane is a small Western New York town located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara County. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Buffalo New York, and about 25 minutes to Niagara Falls NY. 

How Newfane looked in 1887.

A few of our doings this summer :

We walked along the new Erie Canal bike and walking trail. They were just starting to connect Pendleton into the trail after we moved out of Pendleton NY in 2018 and started full-time rving.

For Memorial Day we had some of Dave’s family over for a picnic on Sunday May 23, it was great seeing everyone since we left September of last year.

Staying right by the woods at Steve’s we have seen some forest animals. Here are a few that I remembered to take a picture of.

Dave was thrilled to have Bison’s Chip Dip back here in NY, actually I was too. We don’t get chip dip to often and we don’t in Arizona because Bison’s isn’t in AZ. They have a brand there that just isn’t as good. You just gotta learn to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life like Bison Chip Dip . So if you like chip dip and you have Bison Chip Dip in your area go get it! And don’t forget the chips too!!

“It’s the little things in life that – all summed together – become bigger and more important than the big things and events.”- Unknown

On June 15th we, Jennifer, Doug, Dave and myself went to Olcott to check out the Band “Three Parts Whiskey,” at the Olcott Gazebo.

Before the concert started, Dave was checking out a Magic Show.

It was a really hot day on June 15th, We’ve definitely had a hot summer so far, cause I’m adding to our blog today August 14th, and it’s hot too.

The reason we went to Olcott is because it’s normally 10 degrees cooler on Lake Ontario from places a little bit South like Pendleton and North Tonawanda, and there is always a cool breeze. On June 15th there wasn’t! We were surprised as we even brought lunch to eat by the cool lake breeze that wasn’t.

It was definitely a hot day but we were so glad we came to see the band Three Parts Whiskey, we all enjoyed them very much. They all were sweating terribly but they put on a great show!

On Friday July 4th we celebrated at my sister’s.

My mother made this Wheat Doll for the Wheatfield Garden Club several years back. Jennifer had her in storage and thought she needed a decent farewell. We set her on fire for a final ending.

On Sunday July 6th we had another great celebration with a great lunch and water!

What a great way to cool down on a hot humid day! Let’s have a balloon toss !! 😄

Then we used mega squirt guns and then decided just to dumping buckets on each other! Fun, Fun, Fun.

Let us be thankful for the courage of those before us and pray for wisdom for those leading us now.

On July 11th we visited the Forsyth House.

The Forsyth Tavern is a museum housed on the historic Forsyth-Warren Farm. The Tavern is one of the earliest examples of western settlement in Western New York and recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum operates the site as a working living history farm along the Niagara Wine Trail, in the rural hamlet of Warren’s Corners in the Town of Cambria. We’ve been driving by it forever and never new it was there. When we found out that you could stop in to the tavern just like you would back in the 1820s, we had to give it a try.

We were met at the door by individuals dressed in period clothes who offered us beer, wine or ice tea with a pinch of mint in it. We sat down and there were peanuts on the tables.

They told us really interesting things about the Tavern. . . .The Forsyth Tavern is a historic landmark in Cambria, NY, with  roots dating back to the early 1800s. Established by John Forsyth and Widow Forsyth,
   Mary Rose Ganson-Forsyth-Warren, It is historically significant for its early settlers who founded the hamlet of Warren’s Corners. The property is a tavern, farm, and stagecoach stop, playing a significant role in the early settlement of Western New York. The tavern is also notable for its association with the War of 1812 and its role as a living history farm museum. 

Hanging in the Tavern.

Hanging out in the tavern. They had pizza and pea soup too!

Up stairs in the Tavern where the family slept.

They had a post office outside on the Tavern’s porch where you put your mail thru the square hole. Mail was expensive back then by horseback.

We learned a lot and had fun talking with everyone there. One of the things we learned was that Mary Rose Forsyth husband John, when he was only 31got bitten by a snake and died. Later she married Ezra Warren who apparently had a vision and saw God and decided to become a pastor. He actually founded the church I belong to Warren’s Corners Methodist Church 200 years ago. Some say he became a Christian because he actually killed a man and that is why he “suddenly saw the light.”

The tavern was the center for early settlers in Cambria, and played a role in the War of 1812 as a supply point and military station. 

Outside on the Tavern’s grounds. It was a really interesting place, we’ll have to check it out again.

It was the year of the Mushroom. Believe it or Not Duree and Company predicted that 2023 would be the year of the mushroom, from clothing and jewelry to food and beverages…. So, I’m a few years behind.

Dave helped with the stems, cutting the wood, putting the screw in the cement mushroom before it dries, and then drilling the screw into the wood so the wooden stem fits good and tight.

Some of the places the mushrooms are.

On July 16th Jennifer and myself went to listen and dance to The Boys of Summer Band, We like them because they play everything the oldies and newer songs and they sound good.

On July 20th we headed out to Swormville for St. Mary’s 176th Annual picnic.

We went to have chowder with Don and then met up with other friends at the Beer Tent.

It’s always a good time when we get together with the “Dodge Road Gang” most of them have been friends of Dave’s since he was a kid living on Dodge Road. Only a bit ago. 😄😂

On July 21, We took off and went to our

On July 21, We took off and met our friends Mary & Don who drove from Ohio to meet us at Gettysburg. We arrived around 5:00 pm stayed at the Days Inn and ate at the Perkin’s next door.

On Tuesday July 22, We went to the Utz outlet.

Our first trip on Tuesday morning wasn’t to the Battlefield, it was to the Utz factory outlet there. This was our 3rd trip there and as you can see . . . Dave is thrilled! Actually we all had a good time there getting all the great Utz products at low prices!

Built by David Stoner in 1852, the historic Sachs Covered Bridge was used by both Union and Confederate Troops during the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. The bridge is said to be haunted.

We went to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum, It was named USA Today’s Best New Museum and it focuses on the stories of Gettysburg civilians before, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg. The museum features immersive exhibits like “Caught in the Crossfire,” which recreates a Gettysburg home during the battle. 

The room where you sat in as you experienced Crossfire the immersive experience that uses cutting-edge technology to place visitors inside a meticulously reconstructed farmhouse during the Battle of Gettysburg. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jeff Shaara, the script vividly brings to life what it was like for one Gettysburg family to be overrun by invading forces and trapped behind enemy lines during this harrowing event. It definitely made you think about how awful it was to be there and what all the people had to live through when they went outside to see what happened.

On July 23, it was off to see the Elephants.

Mr. Ed’s elephant collection.

Mister Ed’s is a different attraction to visit when your in Gettysburg. Dave and I were there before and we wanted Mary and Don to see it too. It has a whimsical elephant theme inside and out, with a room dedicated to a collection of anything elephant related, over 12,000 elephant items. But the main draw is the candy they sell. They have everything from bulk candy bins to old-time candies that you might remember from your youth and lots of other different candies to buy, including all kinds of fudge and gift items as well. A fun place to stop and beware you’ll probably buy some candy!

Check out all the candy.

After we left Mr. Ed’s the guys dropped me and Mary off so we could spend sometime together, while the guys checked out the battlefield. Mary and I chatted walking thru Gettysburg about things best friends talk about. Mary has been going through a lot with her health in 2024 and she is looking fantastic. It was wonderful to see my best friend!

Later in the day we took a ranger-led tour to explore a few of the monuments on the battlefield. The ranger highlighted that the monuments here offer more than meets the eye. She told how they deliver layers of history, symbolism and and that human stories that are behind all of them. Plus the specific events they commemorate and the different people erected them.

After that we took a guided tour of the Gettysburg National Cemetery where we met at the Taneytown Gate. The guide told us interesting things about Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, as well as the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where over 3,500 Union soldiers were killed in the battle and laid to rest.

Later that evening we checked out the “100 Nights of Taps Gettysburg 2025.” With 100 Nights of Taps they honor the fallen laid to rest at the Gettysburg National Cemetery at the Pennsylvania Memorial. It Began on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day, each evening a bugler will sound taps at the cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. at 7 pm. The volunteer buglers include active-duty military musicians, military veterans, Civil War living historians and musicians and community band. It was a neat thing to see.

On Thursday July 24, I got to meet up with someone I haven’t seen in years here in Gettysburg, Sue Walter. She drove to Gettysburg from Maryland. When I knew her she was Sue Sherwood. Mary worked with Sue and myself and two other friends played volleyball with Sue. After volleyball and other occasions we went out and had lots fun. It was great seeing Sue again!

The five of us went to lunch at Gettysburg Eddies

After that we checked out the Gettysburg National Park Visitor Center for a bit. Sue left to head back to Maryland so we went to our usual eating place right by the hotel, Perkins. We only had I believe only 3 meals else where.

Hey, the food was always good plus we were eating around 7:30 each night, so what the heck…why not. Plus if you showed Nate the manager, who was always there, your hotel key you got 20% off your meal. Not bad. The four of us left for home on July 25th.

It was a great trip catching up with Mary & Don in Gettysburg. Lots of laughs and memories The time flew as it always does when your having a good time. 🥰

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi

A good thing we’ve been doing is going to the YMCA in Lockport. We started going in June and have been going 3 or more days a week. We walk on the track, use the machines and then do laps in the pool.

In August Jennifer, Doug, myself and Dave took a ride to Arcade to see our friend Cindy’s awesome flower gardens.

Cindy’s gardens were spectacular as always! She puts a lot of work and love into her gardens, as you who have flower gardens know. She even added a few new gardens in memory of her husband Denny.

We sat outside and enjoyed looking at the flowers and butterflies and listening to the bords all around us. It was so calm and peaceful being there nobody wanted to leave.

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” ― Luther Burbank

“The best tool in the garden is the knowledge of the gardener.” — Unknown

We did explore life at Fox Run . . . .

We were in Arcade and the Boys of Summer were giving a free concert at Fox Run in Orchard Park so we decided to stop in and see the show. Glad we did! ! 🎵We had fun, fun, fun, fun🎶

We saw another garden, Dave’s sister Karen and Kevin also have a beautiful garden. We stopped by to visit them and see their beautiful flowers and to take a dip in the pool. It was another hot August day.

My Friends Barb and Barb did a lot for this great celebration.

 The church’s first house of worship was raised in 1833, on land donated by Warren (today, 5293 Stone Road, less than a quarter-mile from his farm). That building was sold in 1858 and the present sanctuary was raised in 1859. Warren had also donated the land for Warrens Corners’ School nearby.

The church got its first steeple in 1897, a new steeple in 1912, and another new one in 1981. Other first-time acquisitions include electric service in 1924, an organ in 1952, a fellowship hall in 1957 and a baby grand piano in 2024. Renovations and upgrades have been undertaken periodically since at least the 1930s; the latest is new front doors this year.

We had a pie tasting contest. There were 3 judges who tasted 15 delicious pies. Julie and myself brought the pies to the judges.

There were 3 finalists and the winning pie was a Vinegar pie. I didn’t get a chance to taste it but everyone said it was delicious!

My church, Warrens Corners Methodist Church in Cambria NY, had it’s 200th anniversary celebration. We celebrated its 200th anniversary with a community-wide bicentennial festival. The event was a large community party held on the church grounds at 5293 Stone Road and included a vendor market, a petting zoo, and live music.  A good time was had by all!

On a hot day in August myself and my dear friends, Marcia, Gladys, Nancy and Cindy went to lunch at the Dockside Restaurant in North Tonawanda. Great place to sit outside and see the sights and sounds.

Being a hot day, who could resist going to Platter’s for some ice cream? Not us!

t’s always a great occasion spending time with these four awesome friends.

In August Our Fifth Wheel got some needed repairs. Mike and Don helped with the lights and the fifth wheel got new siding or actually new trim. Thanks guys!!

This isn’t how it looked when they were done, but somebody’s does.

On Sunday August 24th we met with our awesome friend Paula at the New York Beer Project in Lockport.

Great Food and Company! 🌮💖

I can’t believe that it’s Labor Day Weekend ?! What the Heck . . . . .”Summer should get a speeding ticket”.

My sister had a campfire on Friday night with us and her neighbors before Labor Day, it was a perfect night for one as most of the summer was hot and humid.

On Saturday August 30th we went to the Olcott Beach Car Show.

We both really like old Vets, the cars that is, If I were to get one I don’t know what I would choose a vet from the 1950s or 1960s?

Both our families had station wagons like the one above when we were little kids. My family had a red woody station wagon.

I like looking at cars from the 1960s and 1970s because some of them were huge. They were so long they seem to be as long as our 4 door truck with an 8ft. bed. No wonder they called them “Boats or Land Cruisers.”

We both liked this 1954 Champion Studebaker. It was Classy.

This is a 1957 Nash Metropolitan it was designed by Nash Motor Company executives as an economical choice when every car around it was getting bigger and more flamboyant. It wasn’t meant to replace the main family car, but rather to be used for small errands around town. It was made famous by Lois Lane who drove one in The Adventures of Superman TV series. I describe it as Cute, even Sherry Baby’s owner described the car has being cute too.

Winston Churchill must have driven a car like this. But I hear he was dangerous on the road and known as “Blood, Sweat and Gears.”

They even had a AMC Pacer, remember those fish bowl looking things? And a Ford Pinto. Are those classics? They should have had an AMC Gremlin there then I could have said I owned one of those!

There was a nice 1959 Apache Truck, a Ford 1962 Econoline Van that was really nice, an old Ford automobile and two neat old cars one purple one with flames.

How about a 1967 GT-40 Chevy to cruise around in?

I would like to have this 1964 Sprite Austin Healey for my about town vehicle, it’s a beaut.

This 1936 Plymouth was a competitor in the History Channel Great Race in 1998. The race went from Tacoma, WA To Haverhill, MA.

The Great Race is a classic car rally for street-legal vintage automobiles at least 45 years old. Vehicles must use original factory parts, and modern navigational aids like GPS are prohibited.

The race is a precision pace race not a high-speed race. Points are awarded on the accuracy of a driver and navigator to match a time and average speed over a predetermined course. Points are also awarded on a handicap system that awards bonus points to older vehicles. Prizes are awarded in several categories, including the “X-Cup” for high school teams. Their already planning The Great Race for 2026 if your interested.

I can’t believe that 1970 was 55 years ago. What were you doing in 1970?

Another fun day. They say there was about 700 vehicles there this year.

Once again it’s time again for Donna and Jeff’s annual Labor Day Picnic.

Where the most important events of the day are seeing everyone, eating and playing kickball.

Dave is the pitcher for both teams.

Thanks Donna & Jeff for a Happy Labor Day! It was lot’s of fun!!

On Friday September 5th Me & Dave, Jennifer and Doug took Randy & Lee to the Forsyeth Tavern for the experience of visiting a working tavern. It was nice just like the first time we were there with friendly folk telling stories of old and eating peanuts. All enjoyed their visit.

A pot of Chowder is the soul of a cozy meal,” A labor of love, spoon by spoon.

On Sunday the 6th Our friend Mike made chowder with his sister’s Tosha, Gail and Maria.

Do oyster crackers and chowder go together perfect or what? Thanks for the invite and all your hard work! ! !

On Monday September 20th Dave and I once again visited the Forsyth’s Tavern for their “Commander Forsyth’s A Militia Muster.

An owner of the tavern and a guy tending the fire and keeping the coffee warm.

The gentlemen in the first picture, Scott represented the Militia Group that was stayed overnight at the tavern in tents, Just like soldiers did back in the day. He explained to us how the soldiers dressed and also how they ladies dressed with their many layers and when dressed up A corset is a woman’s undergarment for the torso and usually includes a bra, with laces to tighten it to support their body and to give a woman that shapely hour-glass shape with the desired 17″ waist. ( See Scarlet O’hara in Gone With The Wind. Whalebone was the material used to give the corset rigidity to squeeze the woman into, later Whalebone was replaced with metal. How wonderful! Not. . .

the first picture is woolen fleece that was sheared off a sheep, hung and ready to be cleaned before it can be spun. One of the ladies who volunteers at the tavern is going to learn how the wool is spun and continue to make something out of it.

Scott and a few other reenactor’s stayed over night in their tents like they would have in the Revolutionary War. The items in the first picture are what he carried in his bed roll, knapsack or backpack.

He showed us how to load a musket and fire.

Then showed us how you attach your bayonet to your musket.

Another great learning experience at the Tavern.

Ladies often traveled with a unit that was fighting in the war, especially if her husband or boyfriend was in that unit. She did all the things expected of ladies back then which was a great deal. Plus attending to the sick which was how most of the men died, not from the battles they were in.

We went to Forsyth’s Tavern a about three or four times and enjoyed it very much, and it’s just down the street. They are having really neat goings on now and all thru the year check it out if you live in Lockport, NY or the surrounding areas.

on September 21, My friend Gladys and myself went to Artpark to see Alison Krauss with Willie Watson as her opening act.

The opening act for Alison Krauss & Union Station was Willie Watson and his side kick Sami Braman they played their instruments and sang their songs, they were very good and enjoyed by everyone. Audience reviews Alison Krauss engaged with the audience with her signature humble and warm humor. Her charming banter and commentary between songs, which served as a delightful complement to the exceptional musicianship on display.  A “spectacular” musical show: As described by reviewers , the performance showcased the band’s renowned talent and Alison Krauss’s “angelic” vocals.

Willie Watson and Alison Krauss

I’ll definitely agree it was a fun time with lots of great tunes and we even stopped at Hibbard’s Custard in Lewiston before the show!

Jennifer had a

On Saturday September 26th I headed to my sister’s to chop vegetables for the Chowder Party she was having tomorrow. Also chopping carrots, onions, celery, and cabbage was Randy, Lee, Kathy, Jennifer and Doug.

The 27th, Dumping all the vegetables we chopped yesterday into the chowder cooker.

Also 6 chickens were put in the hot chowder to cook and then were taken out to cool down a bit. Then A bit later the chicken meat was taken off the chickens and added back in.

”Family, Friends, good food, and fresh air – the perfect chowder party combination.

Dishing out the chowder, everyone had extra to take home. “The best chowder starts with care, finishes with love”.  Good time had by all!

Dave always keeping his brother’s property neat and clean. 🤣😄

While we were hanging out on Steve’s property, I painted these lawn ornaments for him.

On Monday October 6th my friends, Nancy, Cindy, Marcia and Glayd’s stopped over for a visit at the RV and then we went off to Uncle G’s for ice cream.

Since Uncle G’s is right next to the Erie Canal Bike Trail so we took a walk along the canal.

Look an alligator in the canal! 🤣

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery – air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy, walking with good friends” -Sylvia Plath~

Dave, groovin, playing the drums to Elvis Presley tunes. The radio station that came in the best surrounded by all the trees is WEBR and every Sunday evening the play old Elvis tunes. It was fun listening to themand watching Dave. “Thank you, Thank you very much.“

Dave was always keeping Steve’s property neat and tiddy. 👍

On Wednesday October 8th, My sister and her husband had us over for a farewell dinner. It was delicious as always! I forgot to take a picture and the picture above I think is great! It’s their picture from last Halloween, you gotta Love it.

On Thursday the 9th Dave’s sister and husband had us over for a good-by dinner. Lots of good food and I didn’t forget to take some pictures!

On Saturday the 11th, we met our friends Judy and Phil at the Big Ditch Brewing Company in Lockport. There is a Big Ditch Brewing Company in Buffalo, they must be doing good so they opened a second one here in Lockport in the Old Post Office building.

The One East Avenue Historic Post Office was opened in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The old post office looks really nice, they did a good job with all the renovations.

The Ditch is right across from the Palace Theatre which opened on July 18, 1925, which is a very charming old theatre building, which also had some renovation done to it.

If you happen to be in Lockport NY check out the Ditch Brewery. The four of us enjoyed our dinners muchly!

We arrived in Newfane on May 20th and are leaving tomorrow on Monday October 13th. Thank you everyone for lettings us share our time with you, It was a lot of fun and we had a wonderful summer!

Lucky Soul

I am such a lucky soul To have family and friends as good as you ‘Cause when worries find their way to me And I’m unsure what to do… I just think of you and remember Something you said or a story you told. It makes me laugh and gives me joy That you should be so bold. You’ve taught me many things That I did not know before, Brought clarity, enlightenment, That I must thank you for. Your kindness is revered, And this I have no doubt, That we’ll be friends eternally And that I cannot live without… I admire you and that is why For now it’s hard to part, But it won’t be long that I’ll be gone, And you’ll be in my heart.

~Brittany~

On the winding hilly roads of West Virginia.

The day’s song isn’t by Jimmy Hendrix . . . . it’s . . .

🎵Drivin’ My Life Away 🎤

🎶 Well, the midnight headlight blind you on a rainy night
Steep grade up ahead, slow me down, makin’ no time
But I gotta keep rollin’
Those windshield wipers slappin’ out a tempo
Keepin’ perfect rhythm with the song on the radio
But I gotta keep rollin’

[Chorus]
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a better way for me
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a sunny day

Well, the truck stop cutie comin on to me Tried to talk me into a ride, said I wouldn’t be sorry, But she was just a baby
Hey, waitress, pour me another cup of coffee
Pop it down, jack me up, shoot me out, flyin’ down the highway
Lookin’ for the mornin’

[Chorus]
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a better way for me
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a sunny day
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a better way for me
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a sunny day, yeah
Ooh, I’m drivin’ my life away
Lookin’ for a better way for me 🎵

Do you remember the song? You got it !!! It’s by Eddie Rabbit 🐰🥕

It’s Tuesday May 12th and we’re at Kingsport, TN at Warrior’s Path State Campground.

Our site is #161 in the Moody Bluff area. Our friends Beth & Fran moved to this area in Tennessee last June. We got together at the campground to chat and walk around the park. Andy the park host was telling us about his vintage 1960’s rv.

On Wednesday May 14th we visited the Tipton Museum.

We are visiting this historic site because Dave’s 6th Great Grandfather lived here along with his Tipton ancestors. It’s exciting to be here with the McCarraher’s, and learn where it all began when . . . . .

His 6th great grandfather and 5th great uncle, Col. John Tipton came to eastern Tn, from Maryland. Then it was pure wilderness, they built a cabin, and as time went on his 5th great uncle was very influencial in founding the state of Tn, which then people were trying to call it the state of Franklin. In fact a 3 day skirmish happened right at the Tipton cabin.

The Tipton-Haynes home had three major transformations between the late 1700s to the mid 1800s. Colonel John Tipton bought the property in 1784 and built a simple story and a half cabin with a basement kitchen.  After his father’s death, John Tipton Jr. sold his home in nearby Blountville, TN and moved his family here.  Sometime in the 1820s, he expanded on his father’s cabin.  The western cabin wall was removed and a two-story extension with a brick chimney turned the cabin into a Federal-style farmhouse. A shed roof was added to to the front and rear of the house and the half story second floor ceiling was raised.  Symmetrical windows were added to the first and second floors. 

The original house had an underground kitchen. The job of the cook, well was to cook, he even slept here as you can see by the 2nd picture there is the cot behind Dave.

After the law office was no more, it was used as a place to sell eggs.

Dave standing by Anna our knowledgeable tour guide with a definite southern twang.

It was really a fun and educational visit to the Tipton historical site. It’s a very picturesque property with everything you could have wanted back at that time. It even had a still, springhouse and a cave to explore. So glad we got to see it on our second time through Kingsport TN. I would like to go back there and take part in all the activities the association puts on. Dave also gave them his family history leading up his great grandfather Tipton so he can know be on “The Tipton Family Tree”

After we left there, we went to see how our friends new house is coming along.

It’s lookin good! With magnolia color bricks and linen siding, up yonder there in them Tennessee Hills.

Thursday May 15th, Another great day so we got together at our site for chatting and dinner by Chef Dave. It was wonderful spending time with are great friends, till we pass this way again or they come out west to see us.

“Though miles may lie between us, we are never far apart, for friendship doesn’t count miles, it’s measured by the heart.” – Anonymous

We left Kingsport on Friday morning and drove 237 miles to Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse. It started raining when we were part way there. We got there about 2:30, set up camp in the rain and thankfully it cleared up by 4:30.

Our site #30. We stayed here Friday night and Saturday night and left Sunday morning. Dave picked a good campground to stay at.

The park has all kinds of house styles to choose from. . . Huge cabins with lofts, regular size cabins and how about tiny cabins. Or how about trying out a retro rv? Or maybe even a tiny home?

One of the huge cabins

A tiny Cabin

 Shirley the1964 Joy camper

Wilma the 1969 Holiday Rambler

Betty the 1963 Shasta, I thought these were great, especially for going retro for the night.

They even have tiny houses. This one is a double and the red single is next to it.

A really nice roomy campground. If your ever in West Virginia checking out The New River Gorge National Park, check this place out too.

Our Rolling on the highway song for this drive is . .

It’s a newer song about driving down a Highway.

🎶Pearls and swine bereft of me
Long and weary my road has been
I was lost in the cities
Alone in the hills
No sorrow or pity for leaving, I feel, yeah

I am not your rolling wheels
I am the highway
I am not your carpet ride
I am the sky

Friends and liars don’t wait for me
‘Cause I’ll get on all by myself
I put millions of miles
Under my heels
And still too close to you, I feel, yeah🎵

On Sunday May 18th, we left and headed out to Mercer PA, a 248 mile jounry for a one night stay at this KOA.

When we got here it was damp and cold, something we haven’t experienced in awhile. I didn’t take pictures of our site and we stayed inside and waited till Monday morning to leave. 😄

The Hit the Highway Song for the Day ?? . . .

Driving all the way across country from Tucson AZ to Newfane NY, our last bit of driving the song that stuck in my head was Love Shack. I was thinking of all the awesome people we have met on our travels thru the years and the great people we left at our 2nd home at Voyager in AZ. Now driving to our first home in NY to see all our awesome family and friends. So Love Shack? What the Hey..

We’re Headed down the Highway with The B-52s! Who doesn’t love to sing and dance to this song?

🎶If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says
“15 miles to the love shack”
Love shack, yeah, yeah
I’m headin’ down the Atlanta highway
Lookin’ for the love getaway
Heading for the love getaway

I got me a car, it’s as big as a whale
And we’re headin’ on down to the love shack
I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20
So hurry up and bring your jukebox money

The love shack is a little old place where
We can get together

Love shack, baby (a love shack, baby)
Love shack, baby, love shack
Love shack, baby, love shack
Love shack, baby, love shack (love, baby, that’s where it’s at)
Love shack, baby, love shack (love, baby, that’s where it’s at)

Sign says (woo) “Stay away fools”
‘Cause love rules at the love shack
Well, it’s set way back in the middle of a field
Just a funky old shack and I gotta get back

Glitter on the mattress
Glitter on the highway
Glitter on the front porch
Glitter on the highway 🎵

After driving 195 miles, this is Our spot for the Summer of 2025. We have a lot going on and we know you do too! So have a Fun, Happy, Awesome and Safe Summer!

We’re driving down highway 40 once again, headed to Crossville Tennessee. This song y’all know keeps going thru my head.

🎵Wish that I was on ol’ Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
Ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain’t no telephone bills

Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that

Rocky Top, you’ll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol’ Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee🎵

I couldn’t tell y’all who was the first to sing it but a lot of people have.

I got you singing it now, don’t I ? 🎵🎶🎵

We drove 217 miles to Our site #7.

The park is just 3 years old so it’s still nice and new. They are making it for a family to be able to stay for awhile if they want. They do have a lot of permanent RVs here. Very nice place.

Anyway, Hit the Hay” or “Cash out for the Night” Have a good one!

♪ In My Pink Cadillac ♪

It’s gotta be nice going down the freeway, highway, street or road in a Pink Cadillac

Pink isn’t my color but I wouldn’t care.

♪♪ Knew you’d be a vision in white
How’d you get your pants so tight?
Don’t know what you’re doin’
But you must be livin’ right
Yeah

We’re goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love
Wind’s against our backs
We’re goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love
In my pink Cadillac
We’re goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love
Wind’s against our backs
Ain’t we ridin’ on the freeway of love
In my pink Cadillac ♪♪

I Always liked “Freeway of Love” by Aretha. But Bruce’s Pink Cadillac song isn’t bad,

We got to Cross Parkers Crossroads RV Park yesterday May 9th and we’re leaving tomorrow May 11th. Dave drove 163 miles to get here.

We were at this campground in August 2022 and liked it so we came to spend two nights.

Our site is #15

We took a few walks around the campground and pond. Gotta get out and exercise.

Saturday we went to the battlefield for a nice walk.