Hey Everyone! Hope this finds you well as we are doing fine and have a bit of catching up to do. So sit back and relax and I’ll catch you up on our doings here in the Pacific Northwest.
We have spent the last three weeks in Bow Washington at the 1000 Trails campground. All the comforts one could want, less septic service. Not a big issue as we simply had to drive to the dump station a couple of times, but we timed that perfectly with getting the RV worked on. That has been a challenge as we have had to make two trips to Fife to get the awning replaced. There are rarely times I recommend businesses, but the next couple are going to get my A+ rating. The first is Wescraft RV repair of Fife. Although there was a minor hiccup which cost us about $100 in fuel, they did a superior job replacing our awning which was ripped off the rig nearly 2 years ago. Now that we have the awning, the rig is cooler, our mood has brightened, and choirs of angels sing melodically around our rig periodically. You truly don’t realize what you’ve lost til it’s gone.
We’ve been able to spend time with the Grandchildren and have watched Emmett and Oliver play football. Even got to see Emmett catch a pass and run for a point after touchdown. Oliver is in the middle of the big uglies as the center and is moving people around like a D-3 Cat! Also got to see Emmett play a baseball game and he is such a pleasure to watch in person. The boy has some serious aspirations about baseball. I say more power to him!! Oliver is digging 7th grade and is also taking on Dance classes. Just so proud of both of them and the challenges they take on every day.
The weather here has been fantastic and typical of the Pacific Northwest for September. Our timing has been impeccable on this entire trip as we crossed Stevens Pass two days before they had to close it for forest fires, and it remains closed as of this writing. We missed the flooding in Dallas by a day and windstorms in Kansas. So, we are happy to be settled here for a while. We’ve had to extend our stay until mid to late October due to repairs on the rig. We will get into the shop for A/C repair, ice maker replacement, and then repair of our largest slide. The rear AC went Kaput on the second day of our trip, so the rig was a bit warm through the Midwest. Not much of an issue now, but when we return to Texas it needs to be right. Waiting on parts, (What a surprise) and hopefully get all things done in one day so we won’t have to get a hotel.
Did get a chance to go to an RV show in Monroe Washington. Mostly trailers and 5th wheels. The Class A rigs we did see did not float our boats, so we didn’t buy. Was not impressed with the 2022 models. Looks like we are just going to keep this rig for a few years, and we are quite happy with it. Now that we’ve made our modifications, it definitely fits our lifestyle.
Vicki has been very sick this past week. Not Covid. (We tested her) She had Brochities and had trouble catching her breath. Almost had to go to the ER, but thankfully we had an albuterol inhaler which opened her up. She is almost fully recovered and feels much better. I didn’t catch her bug and have been bragging at her that a teacher’s immune system is so much stronger than a nurse’s immune system. LOL. Took Annie to the Vet for her cytopoint shot and she’s doing fine. Roxie is pluggin’ along and has taken to being a lap dog as we settle in for the night on our couch. Not so bad although having a 40 lb dog in you lap can be a challenge as she roots, pushes and demands attention.
We have moved to La Connor 1000 Trails and will be here until the 10th of October when we will return to Bow before we head back to Texas. The weather is going to determine our direction of travel, East or South. Are having sticker shock as the prices in Washington after the low cost of living in Texas. $5 for bread seems a bit excessive.
I’ve also placed my first sports bet since arrival. Strange thing, not doing very good at it at all!! Quickly lost $20 in week 1 by betting on Green Bay to beat Minnesota, lost there. Then who would have thought the Sea Chickens would beat Denver with Russell Wilson. Took week 2 off but week three was no better. Took Georgia to win over Kent State but gave 33 points, lost that one. KC got beat by Indianapolis, are you freakin’ kidding me?!? Buffalo lost to Miami, really!?!? And the only bright spot was Green Bay pulled out the win so the loss for the day was just over $20. Guess I’ll just stick with Blackjack.
The fam got together on the 17th to celebrate Frank’s 90th birthday. Sadly, Vicki was in the worst of her Bronchitis so was unable to attend. It was nice to see the family together and enjoyed some assorted custom cupcakes from Stanwood Cupcakes. It was so good to see everyone together and we chatted endlessly about all subjects under the sun. Dad had a good time and even won $100+ from scratch tickets. He definitely has the golden touch.
One thing I’ve noticed here is the negative political ads as we approach the mid-term elections. Why must it always be this way? Not going to go off on a rant, it does no good and simply raises my blood pressure. Just will be glad to get back to Texas, vote, and be done with the silliness until the presidential election, which should be a doozy!!
Not too much else to report, will post again soon. And did I mention, we’re still loving retirement.
