Good bye to Southern Comfort Hello San Diego Bay!

Spent last nite on June 1st in Yuma Arizona, where it was 110 degrees in the shade.  I swear I will kiss the ground of my home when I arrive where it is 66 and cloudy!  Which is only about 100 more miles.
Wonderful trip, Great Memories.
Things I will not miss:
Putting Doggies on leashes and picking up dog poop
Heat last few days
Mosquitos they love me and got big bites
Casinos that took wads of money
Things I will miss
The desert sunsets
The amazing history of both Civil Rights and Civil War.  Especially Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks sites.....And some WWII.
The alligators up close
Water Aerobics
Cracker Barrel Restaurants and their salads. 
And all the different States we had never seen before, all interesting.
Most of all I will miss the fun Jim and I had as two folks who had to go thru a lot to make this happen...It was not easy everyday. But it was amazing, fun and would not have missed it for anything!
See you at the Bay this summer!

Cameron's Reliable RV Service in Tucson Arizona

If you are ever in Tucson Arizona and need RV Repairs of any sort, I recommend Ken Cameron.  We have had an ongoing full wall slide (Fleetwood) problem since the first day we bought it seven years ago.   It has been looked at by numerous RV Repair Facilities, including the Fleetwood Headquarters in Indiana and the Riverside Office.  No one could adjust or troubleshoot our slide where it would close flush with the side of the Motorhome. 
Upon our Arrival in Tucson it broke down, and Ken was able to troubleshoot, order, repair and upgrade the Power Gear Components without hesitation.  It is not a simple task to replace these parts, and discovery of original installation defects, i.e screws into wood which had to be custom repaired were accomplished with an expertise lacking in all other "Experts" we have  had look at this problem.
It was especially interesting to watch the team effort  which includes Rachael, his wife, as they adjusted all the slide motors and computers to finalize and complete this task.  We also had them replace our full wall slide awning cover which was ripped and never really as tight fitting as it should have been.  We are very happy with that as well.  We are totally amazed at the expertise of this family owned company.  What you get is personal service, professional printed billing estimates and a smile at all times.  Plus you get reasonable pricing, no gouging at all. When you are "stranded" and have to rely on someone, we could not have asked for a more patient and kind team. They answered and adjusted our questions and needs while assuring us and explaining the technical items many times over.  All with a sense of humor In fact, Ken is a comedian of sorts and had us laughing at his "dirty" jokes. Plus we got to meet their adorable 8 year old daughter, Jasmine, she has the same sweet smile and personality of both her folks .  We are indeed happy campers! Thanks so Much Ken and Rachael

Homeward Bound 5/31/13

Well we are still in Tucson, but the parts arrived and the work on "Black Beauty" is in progress.  We hope to leave tomorrow for Yuma and then on to the "Ranch".  Have really been enjoyed water aerobics class.  Great work out!
Jim has been using the Gym as well so we both are able to lose a few inches at the very least. 

 

 

Saying So Long to all the neat ladies, the one in the white cap is 94 years old!

Jim and Mar's Mobil Animal Rescue

A little while back we found a new born baby kitty just lying in the busy parking lot of the PX.  At first we did not know what is was just this tiny thing moving around.  Upon closer inspection you can imagine my surprise to find a little kitty not even one week old.  The eyes were still closed and his mouth was opening and closing has he struggled to gain footing without success.

Of course we took him with us, the first stop was the RV camp office, were we were provided with a box and big teddy bear.  After calling all the Animal Rescue places in town it became apparent no one was able to adopt him, without putting him down.  The one "no kill" facility takes three days to process.  Well, hum we thought its ours now and named him "Tucson", so we set off to the nearest Petco to get a bottle and formula. 

You cannot feed new kitties milk it has to be formula and they must be fed every two hours..OMG, now I remember that part and I certainly did not feel so "motherly" anymore. 

 

Lucky Us! Turns out one of the employee's at the Petco had just rescued new born kitties and was willing to take on a third.  After "feeding" the little thing with the bottle for awhile I was happy to give up the whole set up, plus a little cash to this wonderful young lady. 

It will of course remain a mystery to us where he came from.  It could have been a feral cat that was transferring him somewhere, however the busy parking lot kind of makes that a little hard to believe.  Of course it is possible someone dumped him, but given the fact that he could not move really they would have had to have left him directly in the path of traffic? 

Just grateful I am not a new mom.....and "Tucson" has found a home.   

San Xavier Del Bac Mission Near Tucson, Arizona

"The White Dove of the Desert" founded 1692 - built 1783.  One of the best preserved old Spanish Missions in the Southwest"
Well here's some pictures folks, very interesting.  I will refrain from making any comments about organized religion, because there is no denying the beauty of this church and the strong faith of those who "brought" their beliefs to this Country and the ways in which it shaped our history. 

Museum of The Horse Soldier

Wow, this was awesome, you can see a utube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARt6GDQpPpQ
I have posted a few pics none really do justice to this place.
**The uniforms date back to I don't remember which war my history is lacking, but if you notice the "plumage" on the helmets the long ones where for the Indian scouts to cover their long hair and the emblems on them were two arrows.  The uniforms go all the way to WWII.
**Also, I guess I never really thought about the little drummer boys who gave their lives, that was touching.
They actually had horse and dog gas masks for WWI. 

**The Mule:  See this for much history: http://www.squidoo.com/army-mules

When scouting parties went out, they had to remain very quiet. The same was true of advancing forces who wanted the element of surprise in their attacks. Unfortunately, no one ever quite knew when those obstinate (aka stubborn) mules would begin to bray. The sound could be heard for miles!

In 1918, Popular Science published an article called Taking the Bray Out of the Mule. It seems there were two methods to keep mules from braying. Reportedly, the Army mules would not bray if they could not lift their tails in preparation for using that blood-curdling voice.

One method of preventing the tail lifting (and, thus, the braying) was to sever the two muscles above the tail that are used in lifting the tail. The operation was simple, required very little time, and the mule recovered very quickly. It is said that preparation for the operation took much more time than the actual procedure because the mule's hind legs had to be secured sufficiently to keep him from kicking the surgeon. Had this not been done, the surgeon would undoubtedly have had a much more severe injury than the mule. One field reporter told an incredible story of a man who was kicked into the air by a mule and landed 107 feet away!

Howdy Partner's How do You like my new outfit? This is not part of the Museum, just a ghost town next door

Young Hero's! Hope you can zoom in to read

Uniforms from two angles

Sally and Lady Doggies

They have a super dog run here, plus a beautiful enclosed area complete with Agility runs and stuff.  I try to let them off their leashes at least once a day in the open dog area, while no one is looking so they can sprint around, Sally runs circles around Lady.  Poor Lady is getting older, I am heartbroken to see that one little tooth in front is loose and going to come out.  I put off getting the cleaning for her, hoping that I could control the tarter, but looks like I made a mistake.  Will call the Vet in San Diego and see what I should do for now.  Never in my life time have I seen a dog loose a tooth.
Sally, about one year now, is still continuing to chew anything she can get her paws on.  So far this trip she has destroyed   two pair of reading glasses   one cell phone charger and I barely rescued my prescription sunglasses which now have teeth marks on them.  The biggest "sin" she has committed so far is to get up on dining room table to grab my pork rib to eat oh no cannot handle that of course! Of course we could not live without them and the joy and smiles they bring everyday outweighs any " parental responsibilities" Again pics soon of all...Will take Jim,  to chiropractor today as he is still "limping" around barely mobile, poor guy.   

Happy Mother's Day From Tucson Arizona 5/7 Until?

Greetings All.  Looks like we will have an extended stay here.  Our full wall slide has a screw loose (a lot like us) and it turns out the slide rail is damaged.  We have competent Mobil Service and the part is on order, it may take up to 10 working days or longer.  Right now the left side of the motorhome room extension is sitting on a jack so we are not going anywhere. 

Meanwhile, we are happy campers, and there is a lot to see here.  Yesterday we saw the "Soldiers on Horseback" Museum which was totally awesome.  Calvary and more. The day before we found a miniature store so uh oh had to buy a few items for the doll house, and found a piano for August and Sonia's collection. 

Unfortunately, Jim's back has "gone out" and he is in very much pain.  We are kinda waiting it out as this is nothing new to him, so have given him some of my 3 year old Percocet and put him to bed.  If nothing improves will of course go to a clinic soon.

So today I am doing the cooking, which I enjoy, am oven roasting a fresh turkey breast to have with fresh chard.  Browning lean hamburger for taco salads. We are doing alright on the no fast food thing, but it does take a bit of effort. 
We are super lucky to be in a beautiful desert military campground, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, which has everything we need at "dirt cheap" price of $19.00 per nite.  Was lucky enough they have a full service salon where I treated my self to manicure, pedicure, hair cut and European facial, wonderful services, and much needed treat. The Commissary is top notch with full deli all the fresh vegies and of course the quality of meat is unsurpassed in the public market.  The Exchange offers all the shopping we need for do dads and some pretty cute clothes for me.  Soon as Jim is up and around will be out and have much more to see will post soon.  Miss you all
sent with love on Mother's Day.  P.s  Be sure to tune back in for the amazing story of the Marlene and Jim's Mobil Animal Rescue regarding "Tucson" the new born baby kitty we found in the parking lot.

Pictures of White Sands Missiles Stuff

This last picture is of various early Drones.

Las Cruces New Mexico 5/4 and 5/6 2013

White Sands Missile Range.  Trinity Site (Code Name) is where the first atomic bomb was tested on July 16^th, 1945.  The 19-kiloton explosion not only led to a quick end to the war in the Pacific but also ushered the world into the atomic age.

“The effects could well be called unprecedented, magnificent, beautiful, stupendous and terrifying.  No man-made phenomenon of such tremendous power had ever occurred before.  The lightning effect beggared description.  The whole country was lighted by a searing light with the intensity many times that of the midday sun”  Brig Gen. Thomas Farrell Here is the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Sands_Missile_Range

It was touching that this exhibit includes a tribute to the Men who endured the Bataan Death March. 

Meals On Wheels Hot Links on a Stick

New creation today, cannot find place to pull over so here’s my new recipe for
Hot Links on a Stick

 

Ingredients:

6 Hot Links

Clean Orange Wooden Sticks

Catsup and Mustard (mixed in paper cup)

 

Using Propane Stove Burner, place Hot Links in non stick skillet and “fry” them until hot and golden brown.

Insert wooden Stick about three quarters of the way inside the link.

Serve to the driver after dipping in cup of mustard and catsup

 Partially and be ready to assist with repeat “dunkings”

Serve with carrot and celery sticks.  There! You have a complete meal without every leaving the highway. 

Home of George and Laura Bush?

Sunday May 5th, headed back West.  Stayed night in Midland Texas RV Park, nothing to write home about.  Actually the Country here reminds me a lot of George W. dull, plain, and not too bright and its totally full of hot air.   

The General Locomotive and the Great Train Chase

http://www.southernmuseum.org/exhibits/the-general

On April 12th 1862 James J. Andrews and a band of Civil War spies stole the General Locomotive and the Great Train Chase had begun,
I loved this place, one exhibit I found especially interesting is the "miniature alcohol fueled train that was a toy, turns out it started fires so had to do away with it, 

 

These Union Soldiers were considered Spies and when captured some were hung! You would need to look at the link above to get a true picture of all this place is, fascinating display of how trains were made from wooden molds, assembly line and so on.  The completely restored General is beautiful

 

 

Perry and Allatona Lake Georgia

Drove right by Atlanta, looked too traffic complicated for us.  We are camped at Lake Allatona, which is a Navy Recreation Area, about 20 miles from Atlanta No sewer hook-up but we are experienced with limiting our holding tanks, got out the collapsible dish pan and just toss water outside.  Leaves more room in grey tank for hot showers. 
Next Picture is of Fair Harbor RV park by the lake, we stayed three days. 

Jim is starting his plants to put in when we get home.  So far have squash,

tomato and bell pepper growing in the back bathroom. 

 

....wow campsites are awesome, you can hardly see lake and beach for the pine trees and a steal at $14.00 per nite. 

 

 

 

Andersonville Confederate Military Prison

The Camp Sumter military prison at Andersonville was one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died here. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation's history.

This was sad, All these men were treated worse than animals.  I am sure the Union Army  was not much better.  We were able to see examples of  the pathetic “shelters” they tried to put up to get out of the cold and heat and the long tunnels they tried to dig to get out.  Evidently the only water source was a stream that ran from the Fed Guards and was used as a latrine prior to running thru the prisoner’s camp. One of the Officers in charge was found guilty of war crimes and was hung in D.C.  

 

Many years later all of these crosses where installed with the Names of the Brave Men who died here.

Sally and Lady

Sally and Lady, guess they are happy "mom" won a few bucks at the Casino?

Sweet Home Alabama and "I have a Dream"

Montgomery......
Arrived at Maxwell AFB on 4/20, beautiful RV Camp on a lake.  We saw the Rosa Park's museum which was fascinating and although Dr. King's Church and Home were closed for tours on Sunday and Monday we were able to see them and imagine the how brave and determined everyone was

to be  really the start of the Civil Rights Movement here, with the bus boycott.  

Biloxi Missisippi Kessler Air Force Base

Happy Campers here, does not get much better than this, always nice to "military" camp.  $20.00 full hookups, pristine wooded setting.  Heavy rain and lightening last nite and parts of today so will just shop and then get ready to head for Florida tomorrow. 
Food:  Oven baked chicken, and made  (in advance) for on the road Low Carb Tuna Casserole.
WIFI:  Excellent on Sprint Card daytime, not at night.  RV camp does not provide.
RV Tip for Today:  Always insure you have water in your holding tank when you are not hooked up to city water.  Apparently we ran out of water and the water pump was still on, it will burn out after awhile.  We were lucky it started up again.
Problem Resolution: The new electric cord did the trick now Silver is starting by herself.  Bottom line is do not drag that connection when it looses its elasticity it is most likely time to change it. 
Safety Issues: In my opinion holding tank water is not fit for consumption, no matter how much you sterilize the tank.   I just bring bottled water for when we are not hooked into supply.  Yesterday we dragged the "bottom of the barrel" pulling out the water with the water pump and it was dirty, so that tells me you really cannot clean them. 
Ok that's it for now folks, you can post a comment if you like so I can see what ya all are up to in San Diego and elsewhere?

Cajun Swamp Boat Tour LA

This boat tour was simply amazing, saw many crocs up close and protected habitat for wonderful ducks and birds. 

 

it was an amazing day

Chicken Shit and Red Neck Camper

Roadside Assistance, Again?

Jim drove 300 miles today and Silver would not start, again, so had Honda Road Side Service send jumper dude and then drove it to Honda Dealer where the battery checked out fine.  If you remember I said the electric cord that attaches to Silver got frayed, so at this point we assume that is what is draining our battery. After much searching found rv parts store, got the new connecter for $77.00, so will try that. 

Lodging:  Wal-mart Baytown, Texas, pretty hot and muggy but did a little shopping.  Good thing to have battery operated vans for sleeping. 

Food:  Smoked Pork Chops, Rice a Roni, Fresh Cauliflower with cheese sauce.

Pictures:  One is the truck full of chickens we saw on the road here.  Not sure if headed for slaughter but was really shocked to see how they are packed into crates without any room to move

One is our fellow “camper” here, He has taken an old long van and removed the front tires and he has attached and tows it with his flat bed truck.  He slept in there last nite, would be curious to see what amenities he has N

 

 

ow why did’nt I think of that????

Will cross into LA today, not sure how far we will go 

Y'all will be saying,
"Laisse les bons ton rouler!"
(That's Cajun for "Let the good times roll!")