DAY 218 : THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020: CLEANING, EMPTYING, UNPACKING

THIS WILL PROBABLY BE MY LAST ENTRY FOR A WHILE. NOW LIFE IS BACK TO SEMI NORMAL ( NOT EVEN CLOSE) BUT WE ARE HOME. 

Early work out with my sisters. 🏋️‍♂️. Those bands are killer bands, as Sylvia used to say at Outdoor Resorts.

But, the bands work by isolating muscle groups. 

9:00 was mass with Fathers Grant and Hawkins. Again , their voices bring a peace , the peace we need.

9:30, class with Sherry -Pilates- Great workout . I asked Sherry about hip flexors. If we continue working on hip flexors , perhaps we will not have issues with hips or need a hip replacements.  

THE DEDICATED CLASS

10:15 Zumba Toning with Melissa followed. I love this class with toning sticks. 

OUR INSTRUCTOR 

Then, breakfast. Followed by cleaning out the RV, of course. My day was brightened when this arrived from Stella, Leo, Em and Todd. 

We chatted with Michael, Joan, and mom. All are doing well.

We texted with friends from The Tides. Nothing new there. all is still closed. 

Rick sent us another Joke. His jokes make us 🤭 laugh. Always appreciate connecting with everyone. 

We read to Leo and Stella before bed OH , THE PLACES YOU' LL GO by Dr. Suess. 

They are so darn cute.

It has been a very long day. We got a lot done. Tom completely washed the outside of the RV. We emptied most of the inside. Saturday the entire inside will be sparkling, ready for the next trip, someday, when this pandemic is over, someday.

It has been a great winter meeting many people, spending time with Joan, Gordon, Geri, Bill and our other Marathon friends. We enjoyed Outdoor Resorts. We enjoyed The Tides. 

We had only a few unwanted adventures. Most of our time was fabulous. Until our future trips....

Hopefully, one to Buffalo.

DAY 217: WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020: FIRST DAY AT HOME

At 5:30, I worked out with my sisters. That felt really good. I needed to get enough energy to clean up and out the RV so I can get started on cleaning closets. Oh, so much fun to look forward to.

But, first things first. At 9, Father Grant said mass. Many people logged on to participate. 

At 9:30, it was time for pilates with Sherry. 

Time for breakfast: banana, waffle, eggs, and pepper bacon.

Now, it is time to work. To start, I set out the flowering plants from my family. I planted the mason jar pot herbs from the Ostiguys. We used the adorable coasters from Muriel. Now, I am ready.

I unlocked the Rv, looked around, and ahhh, So much work to do. I started with the refrigerator and freezer.  I moved everything  into the house refrigerator/ freezer. That task took nearly 2 hours. I was shocked. This included cleaning the inside of the frig/ freezer snd polishing the stainless steel unit. So many finger prints!

Tom spent the day cleaning the jeep washing layer  after layer of dust from its coating. 

He also cleaned the stern of the RV and the Blue Ox and hitch. They too were caked with dry mud. We were quite busy.

Trying to fit everything in the house frig/freezer was like making a huge crossword puzzle. Placing, rearranging, and trying to decide where the objects fit was not easy. Eventually, everything had a place, and it was time for job 2. 

Job 2 : All the linens, towels, clothes in the clothes basket, and bedding. This took the rest of the day, until 4:30. 

Job 3: Polish all 4 sinks. How does stainless steel get stained? Even though the sinks were cleaned daily, the polishing made them look new.Collinite  is amazing stuff. Oh, I forgot a photo. I was getting  tired and hungry. 

Job 4: Return all the washed and dried articles back to the RV to be put them away. 

Michael called to check in. The 426 girls spent some time texting. Glad to see everyone is well.

Job 5: Clean out the coffee pot with vinegar and water and replace the filter

That is all for today. 

Dinner was chicken pot pie and roasted cauliflower. All so good. 

Todd checked in to ask about A Boat Renaming Ceremony which appeases Neptune and the Sea  Gods when a boat's name is changed. Todd's J 109 was ANACONDA and will become LION STAR (Leo, Stella).

His questions brought back all the memories of Maddy, Morgan, and Muriel when they helped us to change the name on ourvMonk 36 to TOMFOOLERY.  During part of the ceremony, one must face N S E and W and pour champagne in the sea. We used white grape juice for the gitls to drink.  Such fun as Maddy and Morgan read the narrative Muriel poured and drank (juice). The spent the night on TOMFOOLERY. As a final Christening, they used long bubble wands to blow bubbles all over the boat N S E and W. 

WE NAME THE: TOMFOOLERY

SEA BLUE CELEBRATION:SLUSHIES




Such fond memories.  Now on to sleep. More work tomorrow!

DAY 216: TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020: HOMEWARD BOUND FROM JONESTOWN/ HERSHEY , PA

It was 5 when the alarm went off. We hit the snooze twice. Breakfast was quick. Tom did the final dumping. I heard the tire guage alarm go off. Sure enough  the back starboard outside tire said 100 psi, 20 psi low. The worst was the back starboard inside tire was 15psi, right, 15psi. ah! 105psi off, LOW,

NEARLY 0 air.  We headed to LOVES. 

Do I really need adventure? Being with Tom is an adventure. Tom calls it "just another adventure" . I call it another PIA. I used to say on the boat:  "Hours of pleasure interrupted by moments of shear panic." 

On the boat it was different, though. We didn't have as many places to stop.  Well, the tech filled the tires supposedly. Now we are on our way hoping to arrive home safely. As we were driving I asked Tom about the tires because now I cant get the guage to read. I think he told the tech the wrong tire. Ugh.

To be sure, he is now stopping at FLYING J. Maybe we will make it home today.

Jann and Bill spoke so highly about Home Stay. We are happy we took their advice. Last night I wrote them a review, but I cant find it now

LIAM, GRACE, AND ELLIE, HOPE TO WORK WITH THEM AGAIN THIS SUMMER

I am so happy they got to the beach.

MA  T, MY SECOND MOM. NOW THAT SHE IS IN NH WITH SUSAN, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE YO SEE HER.

Our multi year visits involved sharing Portuguese Sweet bread. She still looks great for 90+. 

Tire update: IT IS FLAT! We need to just our gauges, if they are in good working order. I knew something had to be wrong. All the other tires including the jeep tires, registered on the tire Gauge. 

Part of my review of Home Stay Rv Park and Recreation Area:

Somewhere I wrote a whole review of this amazing gem of a campground, tranquil, peaceful, and 

serene. The pond to feed the fish and turtles, the groves to run and walk through, the vineyard to sit

in, relax, and take in nature all make this campground idyllic. The hosts are incredibly hospitable and 

friendly. Their future plans make this place a farm camper's paradise to enjoy. 

We can't wait to return .

Peggie and Tom

" TOMFOOLERY"

Flying J didnt have anyone to help. We went to a second Loves. The young man said the tire had no pressure. 

I vented to my "sisters". No exercise, tire travel issues, ugh. 

Adventures....

         TIRES OFF READY TO ASSESS THE PROBLEM

The rest of the trip varied between light and heavy traffic. We took the Tappan Zee rather than the GW Bridge in Ny. We stopped in Norwalk, Ct forba sandwich and bathroom bresk wothout getting outbof the RV. 

My high school friend John called to check on our progress. Always glad when he checks in so we know he is well. 

Long conversations with Todd, Michael, and Joan helped .  Mom called about Dad still not getting Talking Books. I called and left messges and did receive a call back. The woman said she would do her best to get some out from Idaho. 

Manny is posting photos of past 4th of July celebrations. Hector and Shirley, class act  Chief Marshalls:

CROSSING THE TAPPAN  ZEE BRIDGE

FEEL LIKE DOROTHY WANTING TO GET HOME

JOKES KEEP US GOING: NEED A SENSE OF HUMOUR

PASSING THE EXIT FOR GUY AND KATHY

ME AND TOM IN 1999

GERI AND TOM 1999

GERI AND BILL SENT MEMORY PHOTO



LINDA LOOKING GREAT

4:07 pm entered Rhode Island .!

We arrived home at 5:30. So much to put away.. tired ... will finish tomorrow.

The odometer on the Rv turnedvto 10,000. Yikes. 10,000 miles of adventure. 

  10,000 miles of adventure interrupted by moments of challenges .lol


CAME HOME TO BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING PLANTS FROM, MOM, DAD, JUDY, MICHAEL  JANE, JOEY MARISSA AND MATT GRADY AND JAMESON.-SWEET

A START TO MY GARDEN ....

THE OSTIGUYS SENT AN AMAZING MASON JAR HER GARDEN: BASIL, MY FAVORITE, ROSEMARY AND SAGE. CAN NOT WAIT TO PLANT THEM. THANK YOU OSTIGUYS



MY LITTLE ARTIST, MURIEL, CREATED THESE ADORABLE COASTERS. SO CREATIVE. LOVE THEM. ALL THREE GIRLS DECORATED THE UNIQUE CARD. THANK YOU, SULLIVANS

DAY 215: MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020: DEPARTING MAYBERRY RV PARK

Our alarm went off at 5 am, yes 5 am. We wanted an early start since we had 435 or so miles to travel today to Hershey, PA. 

By 6:30 we were on our way. No exercising, no running....ouch. It is going to be that kind of day.

The weather was sunny and warmer than yesterday. The big issue was the wind. No one in a high profile vehicle like ours wants to see signs, many signs on the highways that say: CAUTION SEVERE WIND WATCH. HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES MAY BLOW OVER. Really, and we are on these roads, on these highways in the mountains of North Carolina. We stopped for fuel along with many many 18 wheelers. It was WINDY.  More of those signs "decorated " the highways. Ugh!

By the time we reached Virginia, the wind had subsided. We were in the Shenandoah Valley. 

MORNING VIEW BEFORE DEPARTING




MISSED OUT ON SEEING ALL THE ANDY GRIFFIN SHOW MEMORIES 

We were able to catch up with Linda and David, my brother, Joan, and Michael. I had nothing but time. I called Muriel to see if she wanted to read us a book. 

Todd sent us photo of MOCCASIN, AKA LION STAR,  J 109 sailboat. We suggested he try a particular hull clear to bring back the luster of a hull that had oxidized! Incredible results...

OUTSTANDING RESULTS!

The remaining part of our trip was good. Most people were driving well at the speedlimit. It took us a while to get through VA but then the other states to Pa went quickly.

We stopped at 2 Loves for fuel during the day and arrived at Jonestown/ Hershey KOA Campground at 3:00. We FT with Muriel and she read us THE SUBSTITUTE CREACHER , a really cute book. We enjoyed it a lot. I particularly enjoy her intonation and emphasis when she reads. It is quite extraordinary for an 8 year old! 

GREAT JOB, MURIEL

We were freezing when we arrived. The wind was howling, and still is. For the first time in 7 months, we have put on the heater. Noe, it is almost toomhot. Lol.

Dinner was baked chicken with bisquits and a salad. 

At 7:00, game one. Time for FT with the Teacher Girls. 

We received a message from Claudia and Burt from Boca. They want to do a virtual drink ( well real drink) virtually shared. We had such a great time with them at Palm Coast. 

We had a great time catching up. 

DAY 214: SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2020: HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY

Up at 6:30, out the brrrrrrrr door before 7:00. 41 degrees. Yes, 41 degrees. I ran and broke a sweat, lol.  I didnt run yesterday so no matter what, except for rain, I was running today. I ran through their wooded paths and fields lined with pine, not palm , trees. The horses in the field were a beautiful taupe color. I think they thought I had food. I dont particularly like running on dirt roads, but, oh, well. It was better than mud.

After the  run and bacon and egg Mc muffins, we prepared to leave. Hope set up the pumpout for us. Then we talked for nearly 2 hours before getting underway. What an amazing couple! She said she would like us to return with Jann and Bill to get a cookout started.  True Souhern hospitality, warm and inviting! She described tonus her vision of this place. She has foresite and thinks out of the box. Quite personable. 

TOM'S PARENTS 

DAD AND MOM

So, the adventures continue. Tom decided to pull off the highway because he saw we could get discount diesel from Bowan. We have a club card, thanks to Jann and Bill , for this purpose. The card has worked elsewhere but not at Bowan. We were in an area that told us to make a u turn. Tgink about that? Make a u turn  with an rv and pulling a jeep. Mmmmm, no way. We had to drive through a shopping center like a Publix parking lot. Got that mastered. Watch out for low branches. It was after this we were unable to get the fuel. He called it another adventure. 

Down the road, he saw Gander Rv and Outdoors. We have stopped twice in two days to other Rv stores looking for a cover to our side marker lights. He was going for a third try since we were in the area.  I am not a negative person, but knew this was a waste of time. They had every size except ours. The sales person told Tom to go to an auto parts store. 

THE BEGINNING OF HOPE'S VINEYARD

We arrived at Mayberry RV at 3:10 pm. 

MAYBERRY CAMPGROUND AT DUST

It being Mother's Day, calls and texts all day... making and receiving them. It was a good day. Mom and dad sounded great. 

Leslie sent these great pictures of us on a trip home from the ICW on TOMFOOLERY AND AEOLUS: MEMORIES 




MISS STELLA LEARNING TO USE BARRETTES 

Happy Mothers Day, All

SWEET PHOTO OF MICHELLE AND HUDSON



MURIEL DOING CUP STACKING

DAY 213: SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020: LEAVING ST MARYS , GA TO ORANGEBURG, SC

I dressed to run, then thought we should be on our way earlier than later. so, I made English muffin sandwiches and off we went. By 8:05 we were on the road. We stopped twice to try to purchase a light cover that blew off on our way  to Dt Marys. We stopped at Campers World. They did not have one. We stopped at Boat and RV in, When I called, they said the had one but it was the wrong size. 2 strikes, no cover, on our way we went. Tom can order one on line. 

We heard from Linda and all us well. Michelle and Chan wished us safe travels...yeah! 

I ordered Joseph's birthday 💝. All this time to do things, but things seem to take forever. So much time, yet, no. I don't know how time goes by. 

Jann and Bill checked in. We arrived at HomeStay, in Orangeburg and met Hope and Jeff. They remembered J and B. This park is an open field with electric snd water hookups. Easy, Quick, and comfortable. We are by the pond.

TO. WORKING ON TOMORROW'S JOURNEY

A VERY DUSTY JEEP AFTER A RIDE ON THE DIRT ROAD

I went for a long walk and called Linda L, Mom and Joan. All as best as can be expected. 

OUR SPOT BY THE POND AT HOME STAY RV


MORE HUMOUR FROM RICK AND CAROLYN, CUTE

Jeff and Hope stopped by. They gave us the run down of what they want to do to this park. They stayed with us and chatted for a long time. Jeff left and returned with a bottle of moonshine for Tom. Jann and Bill were right. What a great couple!  We have a plan to stop 🛑 here again in the fall. They suggested we come on a weekend, give him a heads up so he can get the grill ready for a big Bbq. We plan to return in the fall on our way back to Florida. We hope to keep in touch with them to see their progress to build 20camp sites here. Jeff said they have had mostly college kids here in tents. He let them camp near the pool and in the gameroom out of the rain and inclement weather. What kind people. She is a nurse on furlough. He is a powerline  worker going where needed during emergencies. We spoke for over an hour. 

After dinner, Tom and I took a walk on their many paths through the woods and found her vineyard where Hope is arranging vines to grow these strange grapes used to make wine. 

Kath and Norm texted to check on our progress. Hope to see them this summer.

All the 426 girls have been texting to see where we are. As Jane was texting, I was doing her Yoga class from You Tube. Funny. 

Joan and Gordon are home. Can't wait to see them in RI. 

Lots of Happy Mothers Day wishes being sent around these. 

Ready to sleep by 9. A long day!

TOOK OUT THE FISH FOOD FROM A BIN NEAR THE  POND AND MANY OF THESE LITTLE CRITTERS CAME UP TO FEED. SEE THE PELLETS

AN UNUSUAL GRAPE IN HOPE'S VINEYARD. ONE DAY SHE HOPES, NO PUN INTENDED, TO MAKE WINE.

PS TOM HAS NOT TRIED THE MOONSHINE  YET. WAITING FOR BILL OR MICHAEL. YIKES!