ON OUR WAY TO POLAND TO SEE OUR NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY.

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

Today is our last day on the road.  Tonight we will be at our winter home.  We had a good summer but it will be nice to be settled.  As we left Deming, New Mexico and headed North we passed lots of cotton fields.

Sorry this last post was so long in writing but have been busy with lots of stuff. 

Keep checking on updates.  Thanks for following up...

A Mesa in the distance

Saw these little guys in front of us.  Think they are from one of the reservations.  They kept popping up there heads.  One little 2 little three little Indians.  Not sure of that is politically correct but they sure were cute.

Queen Creek Canyon Tunnel..  Getting closer to home.

Queen Creek Canyon Bridge.  30 miles from HOME..

Almost home.  See the saguaro!!!

Today we are spending our last night on the road in Deming, New Mexico.  I am looking forward to seeing my little home and all our winter friends.  Most of the people don't arrive until next month.

Today we traveled through Hatch, New Mexico.  David likes to stop there for lunch but today went we went through town we couldn't find a place to park the truck and 5th wheel.

Hatch is a village in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,648 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is experiencing moderate growth, along with its outliers of Salem, Arrey, Derry, and Rincon. Hatch is widely known for its famous Hatch Green Chile.

Lots and lots of chilis.

This area also has lots and lots of pecan trees.

Today we made a lot of headway.  We left Kansas and went through Oklahoma and Texas.  While in Texas we saw Feed lots and it reminded me of the movie An Officer and a Gentlemen.  "Boy there are only two things that comes out of Texas.  Steers and  xoxoxox and you don't look like a steer.  Don't know why I was thinking about that I guess I have been in the car too long.  So we finally arrived in Vaugn, New Mexico for the night.  We do have internet but can you believe my Verizon phone has no service.  We did gain a hour today so what should I do with the extra time?????

September 19, 2012

We left Iowa and headed to Kansas.  We spent the night in Lyndon, Kansas.  These trees were at our campground.  David said they were Hedge Apples or Monkey Balls!! 

Maclura pomifera, commonly called Osage-orange, hedge-apple,^[1] Horse-apple, Bois d'arc, Bodark, or Bodock^[2] is a small deciduous tree or large shrub, typically growing to 8–15 metres (26–49 ft) tall. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on different plants. The fruit, a multiple fruit, is roughly spherical, but bumpy, and 7–15 cm in diameter. It is filled with a sticky white latex sap. In fall, its color turns a bright yellow-green. It is not closely related to the orange: Maclura belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae, while oranges belong to the family Rutaceae.^[3]
Maclura is closely related to the genus Cudrania, and hybrids between the two genera have been produced. In fact, some botanists recognize a more broadly defined Maclura that includes species previously included in Cudrania and other genera of Moraceae.
Osajin and Pomiferin are flavonoid pigments present in the wood and fruit, comprising about 10% of the fruit's dry weight. The plant also contains the flavonol morin.
It was once thought that placing an Osage orange under the bed would repel spiders and insects. This practice has declined with the rise of synthetic insecticides. However, scientific studies have found that extracts of Osage orange do repel several insect species, in some studies just as well as the widely-used synthetic insecticide DEET.^[4]

HEDGE APPLES

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Not a big ball of Yarn but it is something BIG


The Big Well, in Greensburg, Kansas, USA, is a water well that was designed to provide water for the Santa Fe and Rock Island railroads.^[2] It was built in 1887 at a cost of $45,000, and served as the municipal water supply until 1932.^[2]
It is billed as the world's largest hand-dug well, at 109 feet (33 m) deep and 32 feet (9.8 m) in diameter.^[3]
The Well of Joseph in the Cairo Citadel at 280 feet (85 m) deep and the Pozzo di S. Patrizio (St. Patrick's Well) built in 1527 in Orvieto, Italy, at 61 metres (200 ft) deep by 13 metres (43 ft) wide^[4] are both actually larger.
It was designated a National Museum in 1972;^[5] in 1973 it was awarded an American Water Landmark by the American Water Works Association.^[6] Under the name of "Greensburg Well," it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.^[7]
Visitors entered the well for a small fee, descending an illuminated stairway to the bottom of the well.^[2]

The well is located inside this building.

So it was 41 degrees this morning and we have the heat running. Time for us to pack up and head to Arizona for the winter. We spent most of the summer with Keira and now she is settling into 1st grade at a new school in West Des Moines and making new friends. Marcy, Chad and Keira will move into their new house September 27th. I think they will be very happy in their new place. Drive time was always a chore for both of them. Marcy drove 45 minutes each way and Chad drove about an hour one way. New jobs are only 10 minute drive. Not enough time to warm up the car!!!

Mandy and Steve's trip to Poland was wonderful and they got to meet their little girl. Time was short with her and they got back to Arizona on Labor Day September 3rd. More paper work and more waiting til they all go back to Poland to bring her home. On September 8th Mandy went to Mayo Clinic with severe stomach pain. After many tests it was decided by all her Doctors that she needed to finally have her gallbladder removed. She had surgery Sunday morning and is home recovering. Thank God she did not get sick in Poland. She has been having gallbladder problems for several months but because of her medical history they were hesitate about her having surgery. Having had my gallbladder out after an attack I know how sick one can be so we are all happy that the decision to remove hers was made. Now we all look forward to bringing their little girl home.

As for us we will be leaving our summer home and head to Arizona tomorrow. We hope to be there on Sunday the 23rd. Looking forward to seeing all our Snowbird friends.

Travel map will show our route unless the Mr. decides we need to see the biggest ball of twine!!!

Tomorrow morning Steve and Mandy are on their way to Poland to meet their little girl. They will be there for a week and then return home to file papers and then wait for their adoption court date in 2 to 3 months. On their next trip Nolan will go with them. They will be in Poland for about 6 weeks. Safe travels to them and many many kisses to our new granddaughter.

Last night we went with her and Marcy to meet the teacher. Her teacher is Mrs. Limback.

This morning we took Little Miss Keira
to her first day of school. She held my hand a little but seemed very excited
to meet some new friends.

As I was leaving the building I was feeling a little sad and I felt a
little tear starting but I know she will have a fun time with her new
friends.

Last week we moved our summer residency to the Des Moines, Iowa. We bought into a camping resort called Cutty's and will spend the remainder of the summer here before heading to Arizona. I never thought we would be property owners again in Polk County. Marcy, Chad and Keira are moving to West Des Moines which is where we lived for 28 years before we retired. Marcy and Chad had been thinking of moving and Marcy got a call from a company in Des Moines. She decided to interview with them and liked the people and really liked the idea of not driving 45 miles each way to work especially in the winter. She accepted the job with Loffredo's Produce as Quality Control Manager of fresh produce. Less driving and more money. They put their house on the market and sold in 3 weeks. Now they are house hunting in West Des Moines and have narrowed their search two 2 properties. Chad has two interviews in Des Moines so fingers are crossed for him. So he is still in Mason City working and Marcy and Keira are staying with us in the 5th wheel. Keira starts school tomorrow and I think she is excited.

AUGUST 2, 2012


Today we got a phone call from Mandy. "IT'S A GIRL". I was a little confused as to what she meant until she said it again. Oh I am going to be an NANA again... They had just gotten pictures and an email regarding a little 11 month old girl who was looking for the perfect family to join. I think she found the right place.

They started the Adoption process in March of 2011 and had to go through a lot of paperwork, home study and background checks. Mandy's health was not a problem since her oncologist gave her a good report.

They will now wait for travel plans to Poland to visit for the first time. First trip is 7 to 10 days. This is a time to see how they bond with her and she with them. They will then come home without her and wait for final papers to travel back to Poland for 4 to 5 weeks to finalize the adoption. We are hoping this can all be done by Christmas but sometimes you just have to wait. I will update when I know more or you can check Mandy and Steve's blog @ www.halashton.com

‎4 years ago today a wonderful young man named Jonathan gave Mandy his stem cells to save her life. Thank You so much Jonathan and HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY MANDY. WE LOVE YOU...Mom AND DAD

Keira's VBS (Vacation Bible School) was in the evening and started on Sunday to Thursday last week. We arrived early Tuesday and I was invited to help at VBS with serving dinner. Marcy had already helped on Sunday and Monday so I decided to help, too. It was fun, the kids were fun and the people were very appreciative. I also got dinner. I learned a new meal. A walking Taco.. Take a 1 3/4 oz. bag of doritos and cut longwise about an inch down. Oh crush the doritos first. Add taco meat, lettuce, tomato, onions and any other condiments you like top with sour cream and eat with plastic fork. Hence the name WALKING TACO!!!

On Thursday night they had a program and this is Keira performing.

Fun time.

Arrived in Mason City. Settled in for the next two weeks. Will post a picture of Keira in the future. Since we have seen her she has lost a tooth and grown at least a foot!! Cute as a Bug.

P.S. The two new tires cost $868.00..

June 23, 2012

We left Green River and our next destination was Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Heading East we noticed a hugh fire to the southwest.

Antelope, Antelope everywhere in Wyoming

The one reason to stop in Cheyenne was for David to see The Big Boy. In 1984 we took an RV trip with our good friends the Kurtzs. First RV trip for both our families. Frank and David were both fans of trains. This picture is dedicated to our Friend Frank.

Read the story about the big Boy

Looking for the Cowboy to fill this boot!!!

David in front of the Capital

June 24, 2012

Leaving Wyoming behind and heading into Nebraska. Most of the scenery will be bluffs and crop lands.

CABELA'S WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Sydney, Nebraska

Only time I had a Runza was in Nebraska

A runza is a yeast dough bread pocket with a filling consisting of beef, pork, cabbage or sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings. In Nebraska, the runza is usually baked in a rectangular shape.

On David's bucket list is to visit every Walmart in the US. Cross off Sidney, Nebraska.

Driving along we saw lots of winter wheat. This field had 3 big pieces of equipment doing the cutting. David thought these were Gleaners. Gleaners travel from the southern wheat belt to the north.

Coyote sculptor on the hill

So you know how you can be driving along and relaxing and then BAM a blow out. It sucks but we got off I-80 and it was on the passenger side so David was able to change it on the shoulder.

David putting the jack under the truck.

Fixed and ready to continue to Elm Creek Nebraska. Yes we made it and are settling in for the night. Tomorrow we hope to be in Avoca, Iowa and Tuesday to Mason City for a long rest and see our sweet Keira.

This will be my last post for awhile.

Please keep checking...

HAPPY TRAILS.

June 22, 2012

We left Springville, Utah and headed toward Green River, Wyoming on highway 189. Beautiful scenery. First thing we saw was Bridal Veil Falls. This area is where the Sundance Film Festival is held.

This area is called the Provo Canyon.

Deer Creek Reservoir

Coming up from the canyon we came upon this accident. It had just happened and you could hear the kids crying. I wanted to stop but David thought it would cause more traffic backup and several people had already stopped and a police car was just arriving. We weren't sure what happened since this was the only vehicle involved. I pray that everyone was OK. This is an RV's nightmare.

More scenery

David spotted this cool cloud.

Entering the Green River area we stopped Castle Rock.

Another formation in Green River.

Stopped for the night. You won't believe it but David was visiting with another camper traveling in a RV rental and they were from HOLLAND. They are only in the States for a month. Tomorrow Cheyenne. Maybe we will meet more people from Holland!!!

June 21, 2012

Yesterday we arrived in Baker, Nevada. Our campground was called Border Inn. The campground was also a casino, restaurant, gas station, motel. The casino was in Nevada and the restaurant was in Utah. Nevada was Pacific time and Utah was Mountain time so as usual I was confused!!

As you can see by the sign behind David the next services were 83 miles. Yes we are still on Highway 50 (the loneliest highway)..

PLEASE CLICK OLDER POSTS SINCE I HAVE ADDED SEVERAL DAYS

When we arrived at our campground last night we noticed this truck camper and the strange license plate. After dinner I went to the casino (didn't loss) and David was outside and started to visit with the people. It was strange yet interesting to meet people from Holland especially in Baker, Nevada. They had shipped their camper from Hamburg, Germany to Buenos Aires, Argentia. They flew to Argentia got the camper and drove south to the end of South America. Their adventure started October 2011. They then went north on the Pan American highway which took them across South America and crossed the Panama Canal and then entered the US from Nogales, Mexico. They went to Tombstone, Grand Canyon and Lake Powell. In May they put the camper in storage in Los Angeles and flew back to Holland for a month to visit family. Upon getting back to the US and getting their camper they went to Arches and Canyonlands National Park in Utah. When we met up with them they were going to Lake Tahoe up the California and Oregon coast with stops in several national parks. They are going into Canada and then to Alaska then back to Montana to see Glacier, Yellowstone and the Tetons. They will travel east to Halifax and put the camper on a boat back to Europe and they will fly home. Their adventure will end Ocotber 2012. David suggested that they stop in South Dakota to see the black hills. The lady said isn't that were Mount Rushmore is located. WOW. They are amazing. They spoke English perfectly and knew enough Spanish to get by. In the future they want to come back and see the South East and especially Florida. I am always impressed by the amount of people that we meet from another country that so appreciate our country. Happy Trails to them.

This truck with the load and pusher truck were parked in the parking lot at our campground. The gal at registration told David it was going to Hawaii. David didn't understand WHY they were taking it over highway 50.

Yes another dry salt lake picture. This one Sevier Lake.

This and the next 2 pictures are King Canyon on Highway 50 (remember the loneliest highway)

Beautiful scenery.

Arrived in Springville, Utah which is a suburb of Provo.