DAY 1: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020 : ON THE ROAD AGAIN HEADING TO HERSHEY PA TODAY 6:

It is a brisk 48 degrees as we begin our journey from Bristol . Check Check Check.... House, car, then Rv. All is as ready as they will ever be so let us get going.  As I was typing "on the road again", Tom began singing it! Ha! Really? He does have a good singing voice

Hard to believe we have been home since June. Besides the crazy Pandemic, we have had an incredible time with family and friends following social  distancing and wearing masks. We were determined not to let the virus cause us to "not live" our lives. . We celebrated many milestone birthdays such elebrating Dad's 93rd birthday, Morgan's 15th, Maddy's 18th and Mom and Dad's 70th Wedding Anniversary Wednesday family dinners at Judy's with Mom and Dad helped me improve my culinary skills. Judy already had those skills. Thank you Ava Garner. We all looked forwarded to being together fo hours of talking and eating. )

MOM' S BIRTHDAY


THEIR 70 th ANNIVERSARY

DAD'S 93rd BIRTHDAY

 I can't figure out what happened to that last sentence. The Ipad demon has taken over and won't let me fix it. So, " we all looked forward to being together for hours of chatting and eating. (Some debating).lol

MADDY'S BIRTHDAY

A fun memory popped up on my phone. We loved having the girls on TOMFOOLERY. There was never a dull moment!

BIRTHDAY DINNER

Contact with the Sullivans and Muriel overnight was always fun. Spending time at the beach, painting, playing games, planting, hunting for crabs at Byc, and creating things from nothing with enthusiatic Muriel is always a treat. We read books together as she read Bedtime Stories via Facetime with Leo and Stella, such happy adorable faces! 

MURIEL, LEO, AND STELLA PREPARE FOR HALLOWEEN NEXT WEEKEND


THE CUTEST PIRATE EVER AARAUGH 

THE MOST HANDSOME SCUBA DIVER AND MOST ADORABLE UNICORN

Weekly Mah Jahn with the Shirley and Carol followed by dinners with the boys has helped all of us keep sane and connected. The  game was the catalyst - thanks to Cathie for teaching us. The memories are forever. We all enjoyed cooking or supporting restaurants with Take Out. We even branched out and began playing the game with quarters as it was intended to be played: lots of laughs, a bit of luck, and much strategic planning. With so many rules, some of which we don't like, we had to use our minds! lol- sometimes , though, our conversation and laughing distracted us! Perfect!

 Dinners with Sharon, Stephanie and the boys sharing travel stories by land and sea,   on BIG BLUE, GLEAM, and TOMFOOLERY , kept travel on our minds inspite of the fact that Covid 19 erased or altered the plans of many. We are so fortunate to be able to share experiences with each other. As of moments ago, we texted each other for updates and are planning to visit each other in Florida. BIG BLUE  is hoping to visit us in November in Fl. We look forward to seeing everyone. After January we hope to see GLEAM. 

Friday morning walks and  Monday night walks with my "3 sisters" followed by dinners with the boys always presented a variety of topics of interest. Our Town Walkabout usually found us bringing home  treasures from local shops. Great walks and supporting local small businesses was fun. We met many interesting people. A walk didn't go by without someone bringing attention to the fact that " you must ALL be sisters". Our daily 5 AM Quad workouts together with a walk before or after helped us stay fit inspite of all those great dinners. I truly miss that time together when we are away.

THE SOUL SISTERS DAILY MORNING WORKOUT

Because we never seem to get enough exercise (lol) , Judy and I pulled out our bikes on Saturday and Sunday mornings after going to the gym, of course,  to explore different areas of Bristol and Warren. And, again, of course,  a meal was involved either at Chez Clancy or Chez Perrotto where the boys would be waiting to see what we would create for breakfast. Many Friday nights  we would explore on foot, with the pitter patter on Jameson's little feet leading the way, different areas of Bristol traveling the neighborhoods noting things and places we had never seen. Need I say it, dinner followed . 

WE HAVE BIKED ALL OVER BRISTOL AND TOUISSET

MANY OF THOSE PLACES WERE ON MY BUCKET LIST

Zoom calls, texts, and phone calls with Geri, Joan, and Debra helped us stay connected to those we could not see because of Covid 19.  We do hope to see each other in Florida since we are all 20 minutes apart but that depends on the state of this awful virus.

Our trips to Buffalo and our 10 camping trip with Leo and Stella were amazing. The kids are growing so quickly. They love everything so we shared many experiences: swimming, painting, race car driving, biking, roller blading, and making an incredible variety of shaped  pancakes and flavored  Jellos.

We sailed aboard  MANDATE one day and hoped to do more but summer ended.  Although it surely was a different summer, we had fun and made the best of an unusual situation (to say the least)   

I had not expected to recap the passed few months, but there you have it! I know I left out so many things. Forgive me, lol! It is only 8:30 am.  

Our disappointment was not being to get to Texas to see all there. We havent seen tgem in so long! We are watching them grow through photos for now. Damn virus!

THE OSTIGUYS WE MISSED SEEING

Our plan now is to head to Texas in the spring. We pray the virus doesn' t impede our journey once again. We should  have been celebrating Thanksgiving with them.  So disappointing. Everyone is growing so quickly. 

MIKE AND POLINA ARE NOW ENGAGED

Mike shared the good news. Great to hear this  for sure!

We arrived at Jonestown Hershey KOA at 2:08 pm. The weather was exa tly the way it was here on our last visit this spring: Cold, damp, rainy= Too freaking cold! The heat and fireplace are both on. I do not want a repeat of the last visit, though. We spent a lot of time running, well, driving around to find a tire repair service. Do not need that again. Believing/ trusting our instruments is important.

OUR SPOT AT THE KOA

Today we left Bristol at 6:17 am and arrived in Hershey KOA at 2:06 pm after traveling 352.2 statute miles ( no more nautical miles, lol).

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.