Good evening folks.
We landed here in a Sam's Club, with about half a dozen other RV's, in Council Bluffs, Iowa about 9:00 pm. It's just a few miles from Omaha, which we will go to tomorrow, if the wind doesn't blow us there overnight. We had a good trip from Branson after stopping for new coach batteries at a Sam's Club outside Kansas City, MO. Now we can go the whole night on battery power again. Those dang Walmart batteries, which had a one year free replacement warranty, lasted one year and about six weeks before they went belly up. It's like they had a timer in them to self destruct right after the warranty ran out. The new Sam's Club batteries have a one year free replacement and two yesr prorated warranty and they cost the same as the Walmart batteries. Ok, if that's the worst thing that happens on this trip, I'll be thrilled.
Tomorrow we plan on going to the Omaha Zoo and Aquarium and spend the day there. After that, we'll head towards the Strategic Air Museum between Omaha and Lincoln and tour that. Then, it's up in the air where we'll be going from there. Probably make our way toward Michigan and the Tulip Festival in Holland. BTW, we've gone two whole days without rain....hard to believe!
I know I've been lax in getting quiz questions out, so here we go.
Quiz Alert: (Grandkids only)
A: What year was Branson founded?
B: What is the name of the huge lake near Branson?
C: What year did Elvis die? (or did he????)
D: How many brothers are in the singing group 'SIX'?
(A small prize will be given for each question answered correctly and a HUGE prize will be given to the FIRST one to answer all questions correctly.)
Good Luck!
Love, Pap & Gram
Friday, April 29, 2011
Heading for Nebraska
Good Morning.
It's 7:30 am here and 43 degrees, but sunny as we prepare to leave for Nebraska, our 50th state. We missed our final show yesterday because of confusion as to showtime. We did see Legends, a show featuring Buddy Holly, George Strait, Toby Keith, Aretha Franklin, and of, course, Elvis. The impersonators were absolutely fabulous as were the band and dancers. A first rate show!
Before we leave later this morning, we will take one last tour of the town for last minute souveniers. We've had an absolutely fantastic time here and will bring back many memories. Branson would be a fine place to raise a family because of its faith and patriotism. Everyone we met was kind and gracious and a pleasure to talk with. We will miss this place.
I apologize for not posting pictures, but will get them up eventually, probably after we get home. We have just been too busy to do that chore, since it does take quite a bit of time.
Anyway, be safe and kind and talk to you soon.
Love, Barb & Ron
It's 7:30 am here and 43 degrees, but sunny as we prepare to leave for Nebraska, our 50th state. We missed our final show yesterday because of confusion as to showtime. We did see Legends, a show featuring Buddy Holly, George Strait, Toby Keith, Aretha Franklin, and of, course, Elvis. The impersonators were absolutely fabulous as were the band and dancers. A first rate show!
Before we leave later this morning, we will take one last tour of the town for last minute souveniers. We've had an absolutely fantastic time here and will bring back many memories. Branson would be a fine place to raise a family because of its faith and patriotism. Everyone we met was kind and gracious and a pleasure to talk with. We will miss this place.
I apologize for not posting pictures, but will get them up eventually, probably after we get home. We have just been too busy to do that chore, since it does take quite a bit of time.
Anyway, be safe and kind and talk to you soon.
Love, Barb & Ron
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Branson, Storms, and Shows
Good morning all, and a good morning it is here in Branson! Blue skies and sunshine.......FINALLY!
We pray for all those who have been affected by all the terrible storms that have devastated so much of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and as I write this, other places still getting these storms. Carl and Mary in Jacksonville have some damage and loss of power for 10 days. Thank God they are all ok. Though they did not get a direct hit from a tornado, they did get very high winds that brought down trees and power lines. Just got a call from Carl telling me the tornado passed through about a mile from their place and the destruction is unbelievable. Again, we thank the Lord they are all ok.
Now for some good news. We are having a fantastic time here in Branson. We will be going to two more shows today before leaving tomorrow for Nebraska. Branson is a 'God and Country' type of town, so very family oriented. We love it here. Be sure to put it on your bucket list!
Since the last blog, we have been to several shows. We're doing two a day. Tuesday, we went to the Neil Diamond tribute show done by Keith Allynn, who does a tremendous imitation of Neil. This show was very intimate, since there were no more than 20 people there, and we sat only a few feet from the stage. Keith is very personable and took the time to talk to each of us. In the evening we went to the Eagles tribute show, and the group does a fantistic imitation of the originals. Again, there were very few people there, about two dozen or so, but they still put on a first rate show for us.
Wednesday was the opening of NOAH at the Sight & Sound theater, and has to be the most memorable of shows. Unbelievable stage sets with many live animals and special effects. Words cannot describe it, you must experience it. Sadly, Noah will end its run in October not to be done again. If you get a chance to see it before it closes, make an effort to get here. It will be well worth the cost and effort.
Last night we went to the Clay Cooper show. It was a variety show with much dancing and comedy, as well as many country favorites done by Clay himself. Though not my cup of tea, it was a really good show. Barb loved it.
So that brings us to the here and now. As I said, it is a gorgeous day here in Branson with blue skies and sunshine and a temperature of 62 degrees. Later we will be going to The Rat Pack show, which features imitators of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra. After that, we are not sure which show we will be attending before packing up and heading for Nebraska tomorrow.
So, till then, be safe, be kind, and keep all those folks who are suffering today from those storms in your thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ron & Barb
We pray for all those who have been affected by all the terrible storms that have devastated so much of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and as I write this, other places still getting these storms. Carl and Mary in Jacksonville have some damage and loss of power for 10 days. Thank God they are all ok. Though they did not get a direct hit from a tornado, they did get very high winds that brought down trees and power lines. Just got a call from Carl telling me the tornado passed through about a mile from their place and the destruction is unbelievable. Again, we thank the Lord they are all ok.
Now for some good news. We are having a fantastic time here in Branson. We will be going to two more shows today before leaving tomorrow for Nebraska. Branson is a 'God and Country' type of town, so very family oriented. We love it here. Be sure to put it on your bucket list!
Since the last blog, we have been to several shows. We're doing two a day. Tuesday, we went to the Neil Diamond tribute show done by Keith Allynn, who does a tremendous imitation of Neil. This show was very intimate, since there were no more than 20 people there, and we sat only a few feet from the stage. Keith is very personable and took the time to talk to each of us. In the evening we went to the Eagles tribute show, and the group does a fantistic imitation of the originals. Again, there were very few people there, about two dozen or so, but they still put on a first rate show for us.
Wednesday was the opening of NOAH at the Sight & Sound theater, and has to be the most memorable of shows. Unbelievable stage sets with many live animals and special effects. Words cannot describe it, you must experience it. Sadly, Noah will end its run in October not to be done again. If you get a chance to see it before it closes, make an effort to get here. It will be well worth the cost and effort.
Last night we went to the Clay Cooper show. It was a variety show with much dancing and comedy, as well as many country favorites done by Clay himself. Though not my cup of tea, it was a really good show. Barb loved it.
So that brings us to the here and now. As I said, it is a gorgeous day here in Branson with blue skies and sunshine and a temperature of 62 degrees. Later we will be going to The Rat Pack show, which features imitators of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Frank Sinatra. After that, we are not sure which show we will be attending before packing up and heading for Nebraska tomorrow.
So, till then, be safe, be kind, and keep all those folks who are suffering today from those storms in your thoughts and prayers.
Love, Ron & Barb
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter and Branson, MO
Good Morning from Branson Missouri!
Since we left Sikeston Missouri Easter morning, we had quite an adventure getting to Branson. As I said earlier, there was much flooding along the way. Farmland was converted to many large lakes and rain was still falling. We had been traveling on route US60 through parts of Kentucky, where we had a short detour due to the road being flooded, a little bit into Illinois and finally into Missouri. At some point in Missouri, I got on US160, as it was a shorter route to Branson. US60 was mostly 4 lane and US160 mostly 2 lane, but generally good road.
I'll say it now, 'Sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest way home'. Let me explain. US160 got a bit twisty through small towns and hills, but still good road, though going a little slower than I had anticipated. As we came to the top of one of those hills, there was a detour sign with no reason as for the detour. I stopped and decided to take the detour. This road was narrower and more twisty, but we eventually came out to a better road that would lead us back to US160 just a few miles away. Just a mile or so on that road, as we rounded a curve, there were big signs saying 'Road Closed due to Flooding'. Sure enough there was about 2 feet of water rushing over the road and still rising, and we could see more of the road under water ahead. No choice but to turn around and go back.
I unhooked the Tracker and fortunately there was a cattle gate nearby, which gave me just enough room to turn the motorhome around, hook the Tracker up, and retrace our route. This time, I mapped out the quickest route back to US60 and the 4-lane. This whole thing cost us about 2 hours and many miles till we got back to the main highway. We continued through the on and off rain till we finally got to Springfield, MO where we pulled into a Walmart about halfway to Branson.
Again we spent a restless night due to heavy rain, much lightning and strong winds toward morning. As we got ready to leave in the morning, Barb was ready to head North and West to Nebraska to get away from all the rain we've had now for several days. We were only about 20 miles from Branson, and I was NOT going to leave when we were soooo close and all the trouble I went through to get us there. She is now thankful we came here to Branson.
We found a campground, Musicland Kampground, within walking distance of the main drag and got setup between the storms. Then the rain started again.....lots of it for most of the rest of the day. Barb had gotten lots of literature from the campground office and spent much time poring over it to see what shows we might be interested in. We also took the Tracker out to look around. Branson is a really neat town with most of the theaters located along the main drag. It has a hometown kind of feeling to it, and the people are wonderful.
We had a fine dinner at Montana Mikes steak house and decided to to see a show at Hughes Theater. The group performing there is 'SIX', a group of six brothers singing a capella. What a fantastic show! They did imitations of various groups, including the Beach Boys, Kansas, and others without instruments. One of the group was the 'drummer' and another 'played' bass. You'd swear there were real instruments playing. All sounds came from their voices, thanks to the miracle of special effects sound equipment. They finished with patriotic and gospel music after intermission, and, of course, got a standing O. We HIGHLY recommend this show!!!!!
When we came out of the theater, it had stopped raining....YEA! As I write this, Tuesday morning, the sun has peeked through, and it looks like we might be in the clear for a while.
We will be here till Thursday cause Barb doesn't want to leave. We will be seeing four more shows today and tomorrow, including the opening of NOAH at the Sight and Sound Theater tomorrow evening, before we pack up and head for our 50th state. So far it's been a wild and crazy ride, but stay tuned cause it ain't over yet.
Love, Pap & Gram
Since we left Sikeston Missouri Easter morning, we had quite an adventure getting to Branson. As I said earlier, there was much flooding along the way. Farmland was converted to many large lakes and rain was still falling. We had been traveling on route US60 through parts of Kentucky, where we had a short detour due to the road being flooded, a little bit into Illinois and finally into Missouri. At some point in Missouri, I got on US160, as it was a shorter route to Branson. US60 was mostly 4 lane and US160 mostly 2 lane, but generally good road.
I'll say it now, 'Sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest way home'. Let me explain. US160 got a bit twisty through small towns and hills, but still good road, though going a little slower than I had anticipated. As we came to the top of one of those hills, there was a detour sign with no reason as for the detour. I stopped and decided to take the detour. This road was narrower and more twisty, but we eventually came out to a better road that would lead us back to US160 just a few miles away. Just a mile or so on that road, as we rounded a curve, there were big signs saying 'Road Closed due to Flooding'. Sure enough there was about 2 feet of water rushing over the road and still rising, and we could see more of the road under water ahead. No choice but to turn around and go back.
I unhooked the Tracker and fortunately there was a cattle gate nearby, which gave me just enough room to turn the motorhome around, hook the Tracker up, and retrace our route. This time, I mapped out the quickest route back to US60 and the 4-lane. This whole thing cost us about 2 hours and many miles till we got back to the main highway. We continued through the on and off rain till we finally got to Springfield, MO where we pulled into a Walmart about halfway to Branson.
Again we spent a restless night due to heavy rain, much lightning and strong winds toward morning. As we got ready to leave in the morning, Barb was ready to head North and West to Nebraska to get away from all the rain we've had now for several days. We were only about 20 miles from Branson, and I was NOT going to leave when we were soooo close and all the trouble I went through to get us there. She is now thankful we came here to Branson.
We found a campground, Musicland Kampground, within walking distance of the main drag and got setup between the storms. Then the rain started again.....lots of it for most of the rest of the day. Barb had gotten lots of literature from the campground office and spent much time poring over it to see what shows we might be interested in. We also took the Tracker out to look around. Branson is a really neat town with most of the theaters located along the main drag. It has a hometown kind of feeling to it, and the people are wonderful.
We had a fine dinner at Montana Mikes steak house and decided to to see a show at Hughes Theater. The group performing there is 'SIX', a group of six brothers singing a capella. What a fantastic show! They did imitations of various groups, including the Beach Boys, Kansas, and others without instruments. One of the group was the 'drummer' and another 'played' bass. You'd swear there were real instruments playing. All sounds came from their voices, thanks to the miracle of special effects sound equipment. They finished with patriotic and gospel music after intermission, and, of course, got a standing O. We HIGHLY recommend this show!!!!!
When we came out of the theater, it had stopped raining....YEA! As I write this, Tuesday morning, the sun has peeked through, and it looks like we might be in the clear for a while.
We will be here till Thursday cause Barb doesn't want to leave. We will be seeing four more shows today and tomorrow, including the opening of NOAH at the Sight and Sound Theater tomorrow evening, before we pack up and head for our 50th state. So far it's been a wild and crazy ride, but stay tuned cause it ain't over yet.
Love, Pap & Gram
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Nashville and Beyond
First, HAPPY EASTER to all!
I'm writing this from a McDonalds parking lot in Sikeston, Missouri because they have free wifi.
To recap the last few days, we left Birmingham early Friday afternoon after having lunch with Fred and Pat and headed up I65 to Nashville. We found a Walmart about 10 miles from the city, and after getting set up, we took the Tracker into Nashville to look around. There are several interstates that converge on and around Nashville, and they drive like maniacs here. Most of the time, the speed limit is 55, but if you're not doing at least 70, you'll get run over. STRESSFUL, especially if you don't know where you're going. We eventually found our way to the Gen Jackson Showboat cruise to get the schedule for the next day. Fortunately, I had put the location of the Walmart in the Garmin before we left, or we'd still be driving around Nashville at 70 mph. I LOVE that lady telling me where to go!
We decided to take the noonday cruise and left about 10:15 Saturday morning to get there. We boarded the riverboat at 11:15 and were entertained by a two man band till noon. They were very, very good and Barb bought two of their albums. We then adjourned to the dining room for lunch. Actually it was a full course meal served country style at our table, and the food was first rate! During the entertainment before lunch, we met a nice couple from Toronto. We wrangled to get to sit at the same table for lunch, even though we were assigned tables. The dining hall was very elegant and ornate. We had a very pleasant time with Bill and Carol and exchanged phone numbers and the cruise, lunch and show were FANTASTIC!
After lunch, we were entertained by 'Shotgun Red' and his band. They were all extremely talented musicians and the comedy kept us in stitches. It was well worth the price of admission and would highly recommend it.
We said our goodby's to Bill and Carol and went back to the moho to get ready to leave. We made our way to Paducah, Kentucky and tried to find the Rest Area marked on I24 so we could find one of our favorite 'campgrounds'. The signs for the Rest Area were very confusing, so we pulled into an empty parking lot around 9:oo pm. As I got out to look around, I realized we were in the parking lot of a funeral home. I was NOT looking for a Rest Area that PERMANENT, but we took enough time to find a Walmart and get the ok to stay there overnight. We got out of there quickly. ;)
After parking at the Walmart, we went into the store with lightning in the distance. When we came out of the store, the storm was close by. It rained very hard on and off and lightning was all around us till 6:00 am, when it finally stopped. We got on the road before 8:00 am and headed for Branson, Misery......wish us luck, Annie! There is much flooding along the way and one road was closed due to flooding. A short detour got us back on track. That brings us to here in Sikeston, MO.
We had breakfast (and free wifi) here at McDonalds and will be getting on the road again shortly.
Quiz Alert: (Grandkids Only)
Why is EASTER such a special day?
First one to answer by any means (blog, email, text, phone call) wins!
HAPPY EASTER and bye for now.
Love Pap and Gram
I'm writing this from a McDonalds parking lot in Sikeston, Missouri because they have free wifi.
To recap the last few days, we left Birmingham early Friday afternoon after having lunch with Fred and Pat and headed up I65 to Nashville. We found a Walmart about 10 miles from the city, and after getting set up, we took the Tracker into Nashville to look around. There are several interstates that converge on and around Nashville, and they drive like maniacs here. Most of the time, the speed limit is 55, but if you're not doing at least 70, you'll get run over. STRESSFUL, especially if you don't know where you're going. We eventually found our way to the Gen Jackson Showboat cruise to get the schedule for the next day. Fortunately, I had put the location of the Walmart in the Garmin before we left, or we'd still be driving around Nashville at 70 mph. I LOVE that lady telling me where to go!
We decided to take the noonday cruise and left about 10:15 Saturday morning to get there. We boarded the riverboat at 11:15 and were entertained by a two man band till noon. They were very, very good and Barb bought two of their albums. We then adjourned to the dining room for lunch. Actually it was a full course meal served country style at our table, and the food was first rate! During the entertainment before lunch, we met a nice couple from Toronto. We wrangled to get to sit at the same table for lunch, even though we were assigned tables. The dining hall was very elegant and ornate. We had a very pleasant time with Bill and Carol and exchanged phone numbers and the cruise, lunch and show were FANTASTIC!
After lunch, we were entertained by 'Shotgun Red' and his band. They were all extremely talented musicians and the comedy kept us in stitches. It was well worth the price of admission and would highly recommend it.
We said our goodby's to Bill and Carol and went back to the moho to get ready to leave. We made our way to Paducah, Kentucky and tried to find the Rest Area marked on I24 so we could find one of our favorite 'campgrounds'. The signs for the Rest Area were very confusing, so we pulled into an empty parking lot around 9:oo pm. As I got out to look around, I realized we were in the parking lot of a funeral home. I was NOT looking for a Rest Area that PERMANENT, but we took enough time to find a Walmart and get the ok to stay there overnight. We got out of there quickly. ;)
After parking at the Walmart, we went into the store with lightning in the distance. When we came out of the store, the storm was close by. It rained very hard on and off and lightning was all around us till 6:00 am, when it finally stopped. We got on the road before 8:00 am and headed for Branson, Misery......wish us luck, Annie! There is much flooding along the way and one road was closed due to flooding. A short detour got us back on track. That brings us to here in Sikeston, MO.
We had breakfast (and free wifi) here at McDonalds and will be getting on the road again shortly.
Quiz Alert: (Grandkids Only)
Why is EASTER such a special day?
First one to answer by any means (blog, email, text, phone call) wins!
HAPPY EASTER and bye for now.
Love Pap and Gram
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Birmingham, Alabama
Good Morning. Well, we said our goodbyes to Joyce and her sister Barb and left Crestview, FL about 3:00 yesterday afternoon and made it to Birmingham South campground by about 7:45. I hooked up electric and cable tv first so Barb could watch Idol. PRIORITIES! We went to bed before 10:00 CST and that's when it started. We had a strong thunderstorm shortly thereafter and it got quite severe with heavy rain and much lightning. I must admit, I was getting a bit concerned and Barb was downright scared. More thunderstorms are predicted for today. Give us a break!
We'll be hooking up with Fred and Pat later today and look forward to seeing them again.
We had lunch with Fred and Pat and then went back to their house to visit awhile. We will meet them for lunch tomorrow before we get back on the road heading for Nashville. Looks like we will not be getting any severe weather tonight. That will make Barb very happy.
That's about it for today.
We'll be hooking up with Fred and Pat later today and look forward to seeing them again.
We had lunch with Fred and Pat and then went back to their house to visit awhile. We will meet them for lunch tomorrow before we get back on the road heading for Nashville. Looks like we will not be getting any severe weather tonight. That will make Barb very happy.
That's about it for today.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Crestview, Florida
We had a nice relaxing trip from Jacksonville to Crestview yesterday. For a change we took the 'red' routes instead of the interstates. Took a little over 6 hours.
Joyce and her sister Barb were happy to see us. Joyce is not doing well, she is very frail, but her sister is taking very good care of her. What a wonderful person she is to give up her life to take care of her sister.
The weather here is nice....about 80 degrees and sunny. Getting a bit too warm to suit my taste, but that's why they call it the sunny South. We shall endeavor to persevere.
Our plan is to head on up to Birmingham Thursday to visit with Fred and Pat for a couple days. Looking forward to seeing them again.
That's about it for now.
P.S. Good luck, Mandy, on your driving. Wish I was there to show you how. ;) ;)
Quiz Alert. Grandkids Only: How did the town of FLORALA get it's name?
P.P.S. The first one to answer using the blog, text, email or phone call wins!
Joyce and her sister Barb were happy to see us. Joyce is not doing well, she is very frail, but her sister is taking very good care of her. What a wonderful person she is to give up her life to take care of her sister.
The weather here is nice....about 80 degrees and sunny. Getting a bit too warm to suit my taste, but that's why they call it the sunny South. We shall endeavor to persevere.
Our plan is to head on up to Birmingham Thursday to visit with Fred and Pat for a couple days. Looking forward to seeing them again.
That's about it for now.
P.S. Good luck, Mandy, on your driving. Wish I was there to show you how. ;) ;)
Quiz Alert. Grandkids Only: How did the town of FLORALA get it's name?
P.P.S. The first one to answer using the blog, text, email or phone call wins!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Jacksonville, Al
We awoke to a cool and sunny, beautiful day here in Jacksonville. We've spent a few relaxing days here with Carl & Mary and today we will be getting ready to head to Florida tomorrow. We will be celebrating the second birthday of their great grandson, Logan, this afternoon.
In case you haven't seen the news, Friday a huge line of thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the South and Southeast. Fortunately for us, the tornadoes stayed West of us, but we did get some strong thunderstorms with high winds and heavy, heavy rain. The folks in Tuscaloosa Southwest of us were not so lucky. There has been much damage and loss of life. Also, yesterday (Saturday) North Carolina got hit by this storm system and Janie and her son Clay came very close to being victims of those tornadoes. Clayton's brother's house, not far from Janie, got hit and there was widespread power outages. Also the Lowes in Sanford that got destroyed is not far from Clay's house. We are thankful none of them was hurt, and pray for those who were directly affected by these storms.
Sadly, tomorrow we must move on. Carl & Mary have been wonderful and gracious hosts and their kindness and generosity are much appreciated. We will miss them, but we will carry with us all the great memories of our time together.
Quiz Alert: Grandkids Only!
What is the mascot of Jacksonville State University?
In case you haven't seen the news, Friday a huge line of thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the South and Southeast. Fortunately for us, the tornadoes stayed West of us, but we did get some strong thunderstorms with high winds and heavy, heavy rain. The folks in Tuscaloosa Southwest of us were not so lucky. There has been much damage and loss of life. Also, yesterday (Saturday) North Carolina got hit by this storm system and Janie and her son Clay came very close to being victims of those tornadoes. Clayton's brother's house, not far from Janie, got hit and there was widespread power outages. Also the Lowes in Sanford that got destroyed is not far from Clay's house. We are thankful none of them was hurt, and pray for those who were directly affected by these storms.
Sadly, tomorrow we must move on. Carl & Mary have been wonderful and gracious hosts and their kindness and generosity are much appreciated. We will miss them, but we will carry with us all the great memories of our time together.
Quiz Alert: Grandkids Only!
What is the mascot of Jacksonville State University?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Continuing Saga About Brakes
Yesterday morning we took the motorhome for a test drive to check out the new brakes we put on the front. We hadn't got to the main highway when we knew they weren't fixed....still had the grinding noise. Well, Carl got out of the motorhome to hear which side of the REAR brakes were making the noise. He had no trouble determining it was the right rear. Luckily I had bought two sets of pads from the Ford dealer. These were going to be a bit more difficult than the fronts since we had two wheels per side to pull off. MAN, those things are heavy!
We pulled the right side and immediately saw the damage that had been done to the inside of the rotor. The pad was down to bare metal. There was no way we were going to take the rotor off to have it turned. So we came up with a scheme to 'turn' it ourselves. I took a right angle grinder to the rotor while Carl turned the hub. After about an hour of grinding and turning, we had it pretty smooth except for one shallow groove in the middle. We decided it was good enough. After hitting it with a sander to polish it a bit. we were satisfied it was good.
So Carl could turn the rotor, I had to put the gearshift in Neutral. To shift, you must first depress the brake pedal. Not thinking that the caliper was off, when I depressed the brake, one of the pistons popped out a bit too far. DANG! We struggled with that for about an hour to get the boot back on the piston properly. Finally all was ready to assemble in the reverse order. That side took a little over three hours to do and we were both getting tired. But, we decided to do the other side. We both wanted to git 'er done and not have to get dirty again the next day. We finished the left side in an hour and a half and took it out for a test drive. Everything was GREAT! THANK YOU AGAIN, CARL.....WHAT A FRIEND!
We all slept very well last night.
We pulled the right side and immediately saw the damage that had been done to the inside of the rotor. The pad was down to bare metal. There was no way we were going to take the rotor off to have it turned. So we came up with a scheme to 'turn' it ourselves. I took a right angle grinder to the rotor while Carl turned the hub. After about an hour of grinding and turning, we had it pretty smooth except for one shallow groove in the middle. We decided it was good enough. After hitting it with a sander to polish it a bit. we were satisfied it was good.
So Carl could turn the rotor, I had to put the gearshift in Neutral. To shift, you must first depress the brake pedal. Not thinking that the caliper was off, when I depressed the brake, one of the pistons popped out a bit too far. DANG! We struggled with that for about an hour to get the boot back on the piston properly. Finally all was ready to assemble in the reverse order. That side took a little over three hours to do and we were both getting tired. But, we decided to do the other side. We both wanted to git 'er done and not have to get dirty again the next day. We finished the left side in an hour and a half and took it out for a test drive. Everything was GREAT! THANK YOU AGAIN, CARL.....WHAT A FRIEND!
We all slept very well last night.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Carl & Mary's House.
Monday April 11
We spent a warm day with Carl and Mary and their family at the house and again reminisced till late in the evening. Such fine friends we have here!
Let me backtrack a few days. Friday evening as we got off the interstate at Bristol, VA we heard a grinding noise in the front of the motorhome as I applied the brakes. Of course, I knew what it probably was but continued on to Jacksonville. It would occasionally grind, but not all the time when braking. I decided to check it out once we got to Carl and Mary's house. After talking it over with Carl on Monday, he found a Ford truck dealer in Gadsden and called and ordered brake pads for the next day.
Tuesday April 12
The brake pads came in around 10:00 in the morning, so Carl and I headed over to Gadsden to pick them up. We got back around noon and got to work. We pulled the left front wheel and removed the pads. Though worn after 60,000 miles, they did not seem to have been causing the grinding noise. After replacing those pads, we moved on to the right fron wheel. Again, they were worn a bit more, but hadn't done any damage. However, we did find a deep groove on the inside pad cause by rust that apparently was causing the grinding noise. We cleaned up the rust, replaced the pads, cleaned ourselves up and we'll test the brakes tomorrow. Took about three hours and was a fairly easy job except for the weight of the tires. THANK YOU CARL!!!
We spent a warm day with Carl and Mary and their family at the house and again reminisced till late in the evening. Such fine friends we have here!
Let me backtrack a few days. Friday evening as we got off the interstate at Bristol, VA we heard a grinding noise in the front of the motorhome as I applied the brakes. Of course, I knew what it probably was but continued on to Jacksonville. It would occasionally grind, but not all the time when braking. I decided to check it out once we got to Carl and Mary's house. After talking it over with Carl on Monday, he found a Ford truck dealer in Gadsden and called and ordered brake pads for the next day.
Tuesday April 12
The brake pads came in around 10:00 in the morning, so Carl and I headed over to Gadsden to pick them up. We got back around noon and got to work. We pulled the left front wheel and removed the pads. Though worn after 60,000 miles, they did not seem to have been causing the grinding noise. After replacing those pads, we moved on to the right fron wheel. Again, they were worn a bit more, but hadn't done any damage. However, we did find a deep groove on the inside pad cause by rust that apparently was causing the grinding noise. We cleaned up the rust, replaced the pads, cleaned ourselves up and we'll test the brakes tomorrow. Took about three hours and was a fairly easy job except for the weight of the tires. THANK YOU CARL!!!
Jacksonville, AL
Friday, April 8
We left home under cloudy skies about 8:30 and headed West on I78. We eventually ran into rain before Harrisburg and stopped at the Flying J in Carlisle for brunch. The weather was nasty with rain and fog. It finally let up a bit as we got on I81 and crossed into Maryland. However, it began to rain again on and off well into Virgina, at times quite heavy. As we got closer to Bristol, it finally quit raining and a bit of sunshine peeked through. When we pulled into the Walmart around 7:00 pm it was sunny and in the mid 70's.....very nice. We had dinner at the Golden Corral and went back to the motorhome for the evening. We have stopped at this Walmart/Sam's Club several times over the years and usually park in the Sam's Club parking lot. It's always been good there, until tonight.
We went to bed at 10:00 and around 10:30 we began hearing a LOUD pickup truck driving around the parking lot near us as well as loud yelling. Well, this continued till about midnight. I had not gotten any sleep and was seriously considering calling the cops. There were two vehicles parked about 30 feet in front of us with at least four kids in them drinking beer and racing around the parking lot. Finally around 12:30 they left, leaving an empty beer case in the middle of the lot. Finally got to sleep about 1:30 and got in about 4-5 hours sleep before leaving for Alabama at 8:00.
Saturday April 9
The drive to Jacksonville was pleasant with decent weather, but getting warmer as we headed South. By the time we got to Jacksonville, it was in the upper 80's and humid....talk about culture shock! We pulled into the Jacksonville Walmart at 3:00 pm and after getting situated, we headed into the store for a little shopping. This is where it gets really weird!
As Barb and I stood at the front of the store deciding which way to go, (she had her stuff to get and I had mine in a different section) I said 'let's go down the main isle and we can split off from there'. As we approached the back of the store, we saw two familiar faces coming toward us. It was Janie and her sister Glenda! Now, what are the odds of driving 850 miles over two days, pulling into a Walmart and meeting up with someone you know. Just incredible! But that's not how it ends.
Later in the afternoon, we went to visit Janie and Jim at their motel just a few blocks from the Walmart. When we got there, Janie was all excited. Carl and Mary's daughter had called Janie and informed her that she saw our Pennsylvania friends motorhome in the Walmart parking lot. Up until now noone except Janie and Jim knew we were coming down. Now we're up to four people. We expected soon all of Jacksonville would know and ruin the surprise. We also found out that Carl and Mary were in the area to find a place to eat and that they might drop in on Janie at any time at the motel. As it turned out, they didn't and as far as we knew they still didn't know we were there.
Sunday April 10
We spent the night at Walmart without any problems and got up Sunday morning. Again, we went into the store for some flowers and odds and ends. As we were leaving in the car (the motorhome was parked far away) we saw Janie, Glenda and Mary's brother, Terry, getting out of his car just about the same time he saw us. He was surprised, but somewhat expected us. Oh great! Now everyone would know for sure. ;) ;)
Well, it finally came time to head on over to the church for the celebration and, hopefully, the surprise. We parked behind the rec hall so Carl and Mary wouldn't see our car, and as we came around the corner of the hall, they had just pulled up and were getting out of their car. Well, they WERE surprised and it was a great and joyful reunion. The rec hall was decorated beautufully, thanks to their daughter Karla and others, I'm sure. Terry 'roasted' them a bit and gave a great 'sermon' on what is required for a marriage to last 50 years and hopefully far into the future. We had some great food prepared mostly by the pastor of the church and reunited with some old friends there as well as meeting new folks. We had a great time!
Later we took the motorhome over to Carl and Mary's house and parked it in our favorite site at their 'campground'. We continued to remenisce till late in the evening and then said our goodnights. We all slept well that night.
We left home under cloudy skies about 8:30 and headed West on I78. We eventually ran into rain before Harrisburg and stopped at the Flying J in Carlisle for brunch. The weather was nasty with rain and fog. It finally let up a bit as we got on I81 and crossed into Maryland. However, it began to rain again on and off well into Virgina, at times quite heavy. As we got closer to Bristol, it finally quit raining and a bit of sunshine peeked through. When we pulled into the Walmart around 7:00 pm it was sunny and in the mid 70's.....very nice. We had dinner at the Golden Corral and went back to the motorhome for the evening. We have stopped at this Walmart/Sam's Club several times over the years and usually park in the Sam's Club parking lot. It's always been good there, until tonight.
We went to bed at 10:00 and around 10:30 we began hearing a LOUD pickup truck driving around the parking lot near us as well as loud yelling. Well, this continued till about midnight. I had not gotten any sleep and was seriously considering calling the cops. There were two vehicles parked about 30 feet in front of us with at least four kids in them drinking beer and racing around the parking lot. Finally around 12:30 they left, leaving an empty beer case in the middle of the lot. Finally got to sleep about 1:30 and got in about 4-5 hours sleep before leaving for Alabama at 8:00.
Saturday April 9
The drive to Jacksonville was pleasant with decent weather, but getting warmer as we headed South. By the time we got to Jacksonville, it was in the upper 80's and humid....talk about culture shock! We pulled into the Jacksonville Walmart at 3:00 pm and after getting situated, we headed into the store for a little shopping. This is where it gets really weird!
As Barb and I stood at the front of the store deciding which way to go, (she had her stuff to get and I had mine in a different section) I said 'let's go down the main isle and we can split off from there'. As we approached the back of the store, we saw two familiar faces coming toward us. It was Janie and her sister Glenda! Now, what are the odds of driving 850 miles over two days, pulling into a Walmart and meeting up with someone you know. Just incredible! But that's not how it ends.
Later in the afternoon, we went to visit Janie and Jim at their motel just a few blocks from the Walmart. When we got there, Janie was all excited. Carl and Mary's daughter had called Janie and informed her that she saw our Pennsylvania friends motorhome in the Walmart parking lot. Up until now noone except Janie and Jim knew we were coming down. Now we're up to four people. We expected soon all of Jacksonville would know and ruin the surprise. We also found out that Carl and Mary were in the area to find a place to eat and that they might drop in on Janie at any time at the motel. As it turned out, they didn't and as far as we knew they still didn't know we were there.
Sunday April 10
We spent the night at Walmart without any problems and got up Sunday morning. Again, we went into the store for some flowers and odds and ends. As we were leaving in the car (the motorhome was parked far away) we saw Janie, Glenda and Mary's brother, Terry, getting out of his car just about the same time he saw us. He was surprised, but somewhat expected us. Oh great! Now everyone would know for sure. ;) ;)
Well, it finally came time to head on over to the church for the celebration and, hopefully, the surprise. We parked behind the rec hall so Carl and Mary wouldn't see our car, and as we came around the corner of the hall, they had just pulled up and were getting out of their car. Well, they WERE surprised and it was a great and joyful reunion. The rec hall was decorated beautufully, thanks to their daughter Karla and others, I'm sure. Terry 'roasted' them a bit and gave a great 'sermon' on what is required for a marriage to last 50 years and hopefully far into the future. We had some great food prepared mostly by the pastor of the church and reunited with some old friends there as well as meeting new folks. We had a great time!
Later we took the motorhome over to Carl and Mary's house and parked it in our favorite site at their 'campground'. We continued to remenisce till late in the evening and then said our goodnights. We all slept well that night.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
2011 Trip South & Nebraska
Hello all. Well, we're about to get on the road again. To explain the title of this post, we have been to 49 of the 50 states. Nebraska is the only one we have not visited. It is fitting that we visit the 50th state on the year of our 50th anniversary. So, why head South? Well, good friends Carl & Mary in Alabama will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this month. So we will be making a SURPRISE visit (shhhh....don't tell anyone) to celebrate this momentous occasion with them. We will also head to Crestview, FL to spend some time with old Air Force friends, Joyce and Hugh. After that visit, we will visit with Fred & Pat in Hoover and then finally make our way to Nebraska and other points that may strike our fancy.
(The picture in the new slide show is of our family taken at our 50th Anniversary celebration.)
We leave tomorrow and I'll try to keep you updated on our travels.
Ron & Barb
(The picture in the new slide show is of our family taken at our 50th Anniversary celebration.)
We leave tomorrow and I'll try to keep you updated on our travels.
Ron & Barb
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