A Relaxing, Fun Day!

Ken and I must have been extremely tired, for we only woke at 8 and he started to read in bed.  I fell back to sleep and we only got up at 9.  Felt good to be so relaxed!

We did some clean-up and got ready for the day.  Then we joined Melissa and Chuck outside to just chat while drinking our tea and coffee.  So good to be sharing life again with Chuck and Melissa.  We decided to not go to the Little League games today so that we could ride bike and grill dinner here at the CG. Ken and I were happy to have a day that was relaxing and not so scheduled. It was 11:00 before we realized it and Ken and I still needed to eat breakfast.  So, we had a light breakfast and the 4 of us did necessary "catch-up" work in our RV's.  We needed to make some campground reservations for this fall.  I worked on our blog and downloaded photos.  Ken did some other necessary phone calls and work on his computer.

We ate a late lunch together and then decided to get ready to go for a bike ride on the Susquenhanna Rails Trail, about 15 miles from the CG near Williamsport. Not the most scenic trail we have been on, but still and nice one.  We rode about 9 miles round trip and enjoyed the exercise.  Only got back to the CG around 5 and it was time for Happy Hour - Margarita Time!  Then we got into some heavy discussion regarding that no no subject of politics.  It was an enlightening conversation for all of us.  We ended the session holding hands with Ken saying a prayer.  A special time.

The trail was along the Susquenhanna River!

This bronze statue of one of the lumbermen
was so detailed!

Williamsport is where the Grit newspaper is published.  Ken
delivered the Grit as a young boy on a route near his home
in Elstonville, PA!

The lumbering industry was huge in this
area and the story of how they rowed the
timbers down the river was amazing.  Between 1840
and 1850 thousands of men guided these rafts down the
swollen, frigid waters to markets hundreds of miles
downstream.  After their journey, they hiked roughed
trails back home!  Imagine how long they would
have been away from home!

It was a nicely paved, level trail!

Quite a nice view of the Susquehanna River!

Needless to say, we only ate dinner around 8:15 - with grilled salmon and a pork chop for me, fresh waxed beans (Chuck and Melissa had never seen nor tasted yellow beans), and of course, a salad.  Delicious and eating outside was a special treat!  

After clean-up, we began games in their motorhome - Skip-Bo (women won) and then pinochle, which the men won.  It was a fun evening.  Only got to bed around 11:30.  So easy to get used to this life style and celebrating life daily!

Arrived at South Williamsport!

I was up at 5:30 am to get ready to have breakfast with my Planeteer friends (former known as the Curvettes) for breakfast in Ephrata. Ken was up before 6 and we got everything organized for our departure later this morning.

I left at 7:45 and had a fun breakfast with special friends.  So glad they continue to include me when they get together since I travel so much and don't get to be with them very often.  I had parked the CRV at K-Mart and Ken had it hooked to Waldo and was ready to leave when I got there at 8:15.  We were so excited to get there and be with Chuck and Melissa.

The drive went well and we arrived at the KOA at 10:45.  Chuck and Melissa had arrived a few minutes before us.  We got to our site beside them and the happy reunion began.  After getting set-up the 4 of us sat outside catching up on our lives and adventures since we parted ways in the middle of June.  Then we had lunch together outside before leaving at 3 for the Little League stadium about 30 minutes from the campground.

Impressive trimming of the hedge!

Many places to sit throughout the stadium, but only 3,300 tickets are given out for each game, so lots of spectators just sit on the hill.

Everything at this stadium is 1st class, including the scoreboard!

What a wonderful facility and parking and admission is free - that is amazing!  We sat on the hill on chairs that Dale Zimmerman , a former neighbor, left us borrow.  They had shortened the back legs of the chairs so you are level when sitting on the hill.  It is popular thing at the Little League games.  We were there to watch both games and what a fun time.  We saw a great game with Japan and Venezuela with Japan winning in extra innings.

Chuck carried in the chairs with the shortened back legs
that we borrowed from our Akron nieghbor.

Whoa, Chuck!  I thik we need a place on the hill that is a
bit steeper for these chairs to work!

Let's watch these guys to see how these chairs work!

Come on Melissa!  We have to be on this step slope for the
chairs to work!  Quite a view of the field!

Now we are "set-up" and ready for the game!

This was the Venezela vs. Japan game.

The regulation game is 6 innings, so you can see this was
nail bitter!!!!

We decided to have dinner while waiting for the next game to start.  Food at the stadium is very reasonably priced and tasty.  The kettle corn was good too.  Then it was time for the big game - PA vs. Texas.  What an exciting game with Redland PA winning 3-0.  Now they play again on Saturday and you can be assured we will be there.

This is the coach for the Texas team and he has long
dread locks.  He is going to shave his head if Texas wins
the series!

Getting ready for the Texas/PA game

Here we go!  The crowd is going crazy!

Gary Sheffield threw out the 1st pitch!

Quite a sight and the crowd was ready for the excitement!

Redland is doing a great job, but Texas is tough!

The pitcher for Redland did a great job!

What a terrific game and Texas was in it till the very end!

We were back to the CG by 11:15 and Ken and I went right to bed - we were up way toooo early this morning.  It is so nice to be back with Chuck and Melissa and sharing adventures.

Another Rather Crazy Day!

Ken and I did sleep in until about 7:30, trying to catch up on some needed rest!  It has been crazy busy since we got home on Saturday.  Today was no different! We did begin by calling Bria and Cali and singing "Happy 1st Day of School".  It is hard to imagine that their summer vacation is over for them and they are beginning 1st and 3rd grade.  Time surely flies by!

After starting a load of wash, we had breakfast on the balcony and then drove to Root's Market, about 10 minutes away, to buy fruits and veggies for our trip. When we arrived, Ken realized he didn't have his wallet and I had very little crash.  So, we returned to the apartment to retrieve his wallet and went back to the market.  We purchased lots of fresh produce and then drove to Costco for a few additional items - chicken, salmon, lettuce, and walnuts.  Boy, did we look like healthy eaters!

Back to the apartment by 11 and we started loading Waldo for tomorrow's departure.  I finished the wash and Ken worked at his desk paying bills, making some necessary phone calls, etc.  I decided to clean the apartment.  Then it was past lunchtime.  Ken went to do some errands while I finished the cleaning and wash, ad then did some ironing - yes, I still iron!

The freezer in Waldo was at the right temperature, so we loaded all the frozen food.  By then it was 3 and time to go to Jamie's to walk with her to the bus stop.  We wanted to greet Bria and Cali and hear all about their 1st day of school.  All went well.

On to Wal-Mart for some more needed groceries getting home by 5:15. It was time to do more loading - the refrig, dry goods, more clothing, etc.  How can here be so many items needed for a trip????  Nowonder full-timing appeals to so many RVer's!  You can spend so much time loading and unloading!  It can be exhausting!   After dinner and clean-up, Ken finished most of the loading while I put expenses on our budget program, did some e-mails, and then vaccumed.

I did some work on the blog while watching America's Got Talent!  By 10 we were in bed after an extremely busy day!  We are definitely ready for time on the road!  No wonder we always want to stay for at least a week!  

Busy Days at Home, but Fun!

Ken and I were up by 7:15 on Sunday to get ready to go to church.  As soon as he bent over to put on his shoes, the back spasms began and they were painful. Fortunately they were improved by the time we drove to church.  

After church, Ken and I stopped to have breakfast and then went to Costco for a few needed groceries like salad!  Ken has to have a salad at least 1X a day!!!  Home just long enough to unload and then off again to spend the afternoon playing cards with my parents.  The men won 2 out of 3 games of pinochle.  

Back home by 5:45 where we made salads with rotisserie chicken from Costco for dinner and then spent the evening reading the paper and watching American Ninja Warrior.  I did work on our blog but for some reason, my blogs for Friday and Saturday never posted and I had them totally finished including photos.  What a bummer!!!!

This morning was an interesting one.  I decided that since I am now a Senior Citizen I should probably have a physical, something I have not done before!  So, I had fasted starting at 7:30 last evening for the needed blood work I was having done today as well as a cytology urinalysis for my follow up cysto in 2 weeks.  While being registered I was informed that the Vitamin D test and the cholesterol test needed to be coded differently by my Dr. if Medicare would consider paying for them.  So after waiting for about 45 minutes we postponed the blood work till I went upstairs to check with my Dr.  But, before doing that I did go back to have the urinalysis only to be told I had to do the sample 1st thing in the morning.  I have had this test many times and had never had to be there at the beginning of the day.  So after over an hour I had not accomplished anything.  I did get my 1 blood test recoded, but I might have to pay for the cholesterol one - how crazy!  Then I called the urology office and they had me go across the street to their branch office and they would do it there as soon as I arrived.  Bingo, I was done with everything by 11 after arriving at about 8:30.  

From there we went to pick up Waldo and drive to Agway to fill up the propane tank.  We were back home by 11:45 and spent time loading what we could in Waldo for our departure on Wednesday for the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.  We did take a walk around 2:30 and boy, it was hot and humid!

We had salads for dinner, again, and then drove to Akron to visit with our wonderful neighbors who lived across the driveway from us when we lived in Akron.  So good to spend the evening with Dale and Vickie chatting about what we have been doing and playing Haus.  Vickie's fresh peach pie was delicious.  Home by 10:30, tired, and ready for bed.

Returned to our Apartment in Lititz!

We were all out of bed by 6:30 and finished loading all of our cars by 7:20.  We made a final check of the condo and were on our way home by 7:30.  Ken and I had to return the keys and then stopped at WaWa in Rehobeth Beach for some breakfast sandwiches and drinks.  We were out of there and heading home by 8:20.

We had all done so much preparation for departing on Friday that we were able to avoid all the traffic on our way home.  We made 2 other quick stops but were unloading in Lititz by 11:40.  Not bad!!!!  We left about 1/3 of the "stuff" in the CRV so we could just "transfer" it to Waldo when we bring him home on Monday.  Still took sometime to get everything unloaded and put in its proper place.  Ken had some back spasms before we left the beach and took some medication when we got home.  A nap was necessary.  I did some more clean-up and when he awoke we decided to take a 2 mile walk.  Felt good!

When we returned, Doloris had left us a message that they were going to play ladder golf in their backyard after dinner and we were welcome to join them.  So, we made dinner and then left by 5:45 to stop at Jamie's house (she lives right around the corner from Fred and Doloris) to return their cooler and give her a block of cheese we had not eaten when at the beach.  Sue and Dan, and their friends, Jen and Dan were there so we visited until 6:30 and then went to Martins.

After some chatting and "catching up" on our lives and activities, we played ladder golf with the women winning 3 out of 5.  Then we went inside and the women won both Haus and Skip-Bo - go ladies.  What a fun evening.
We were home by 10:30, very tired, and went right to bed.

The Final Day of our 2015 Family Vacation!

All of us were up again by 7 and Lanie, Bob, and Samantha had a tough night. Samantha was awake many times with an earache!  We felt so bad for her! There were still a few showers, but they ended quickly giving way to clouds.  

Dane and Bria had gone to Fractured Prune to get donuts and they were as delicious as last Sunday morning.  All of us ladies did some packing to get ready for tomorrow's departure.  Good time to do it with the weather being questionable and that way we gave it a chance to improve.  By 10 the sun came out and it was beautiful.  Jamie's family had gone to the pool here at the complex and the rest of us spent time outside watching Samantha and Katelyn ride their bikes and scooters.

By 11:30 we all drove into Bethany Beach for lunch.  Everyone went to 5 Guys for their delicious hamburgers, but Ken and I decided we were hungry for Grotto Pizza.  We all got back together after eating and went into numerous stores looking for the souvenirs that the granddaughters wanted to purchase before going home.  Then Jamie's family went to the beach along with PaPa (just to watch) for an hour and I went in and out of the stores in Bethany Beach.  Lanie's family planned to go miniature golfing, but Samantha and Katelyn were too tired, so they went back to the condo.  We were all back to the condo by 2, showered and did some additional packing while the gals played very well together.  All went very well.

The water was cold for Bria and Cali.....

...but it got better!

At 4:00 we went to Bethany Boathouse, a new eatery that is run by Cottage Cafe.  It is an "open air" bar and grill with a nice play area for children and delicious food.  The little ones had their own table and felt like "big shots".  We had a very nice time there.

A nice looking eatery!

They loved having their own "high table"!

Enjoying the delicious food!

A great play area for children!

Looks like a reenactment of the Titanic!

On to Bethany Beach for Samantha and Katelyn to have time to fly their kites. Grandma enjoyed taking the girls to the water's edge to feel the ocean water on our feet for the last time on this 2015 family vacation.  PaPa was able to get photos of each of the families, a total family picture courtesy of a lady on the beach, and that special photo of PaPa and Grandma with Bria, Cali, Samantha, and Katelyn.  It was a perfect evening.

Mommy and Aunt Jamie helped Samantha and Katelyn with
their kite flying!

Your turn, Katelyn!

It's fun to watch, but I wish we would have brought our kites!

Grandma loves all of her girls!!

Bria loved to spend time with her Daddy!

Let time to get our feet wet in the ocean for this vacation!

A special time!

PaPa and Grandma get a picture taken each year on family
vacation with our granddaughters.  Boy, they are growing up!

Jamie and her family!

Lanie and her family!

We are so blessed!

The flowers in Bethany Beach are always exceptional!

Back to the condo by 8:15 after some homemade ice cream.  The little ones were in bed by 9 and the adults had a fun, relaxing evening of playing 2 games of Skip-Bo.  Can't believe it is the last night of our 2015 family vacation.  What great memories we have created.

We are definitely Celebrating Life Daily!

Another Amazing Beach Day!

All family members were up by 6:45 and the day was off and running.  We enjoyed eating our breakfast outside and then discussing our day's activities. We decided it was another beach day at Delaware Seashore State Park.

By 9 AM all of our lunches and beach bags were parked and we were on our way to the beach.  It was in the low to mid 80's with a nice breeze and plenty of sunshine.  Upon arrival and getting all the chairs and gear in place, we walked to the jetty where Jamie, Bob, and the little ones decided to try their skills at hand stands and cartwheels.  It was a silly time.

Standing on the Jetty!

Samantha and Katelyn were so happy to have
their daddy join us!

A silly time for mommy and Bria!

Impressive, Jamie!

Is this sisterly love or a little one
who likes to pose?????

Bria is good at this balancing thing too!
Swim Team helped build those strong
arm muscles!

Bob needs a little more practice!

Now almost everyone is in on the acrobatic scene!

Cali's swim team muscles have helped
her too!!!!!!

Dane helped the girls dig a deep hole in the sand so the water could rush into it after 12 and the beginning of high tide.  It was amazing how much the girls enjoyed the beach and how well they all  played together.  They love running in and out of the surf and building in the sand.

Daddy got help from Cali!

Samantha decided to help Uncle Dane too!

Come on Uncle Dan, dig a little faster!

Katelyn can entertain herself  playing in the sand!

Bob, Lanie, Ken and I played 2 games of Kubb on the beach and Lanie and I "shocked" the boys by winning the 1st game.  We started the 2nd game "on fire", only having 1 Kubb on the back line after the 1st 2 rounds but we "blew" several opportunities to win as the long game progressed.  Eventually, the men won!  I don't think it had anything to do with the heat, but I can't be sure!

After being on the beach for 4 hours, we headed back to the condo for much needed showers and a nap for Katelyn.  In the last 2 weeks she has only napped 2 times including today, and for a four year old that is not enough napping!  The other 3 played Life on the I-Pad and watched a movie.

Lanie, Jamie and I played some Skip-Bo and then Ken joined us to play Haus, something we used to do quite frequently with the girls when they were at home.  Dane and Bob left at 4:00 to have drinks at the Bethany Boathouse and eventually pick up our dinner at Bethany Blues, getting back to the condo around 6:30. 

Playing cards with the girls in the sitting room off the kitchen!

Ken joined in the fun!

 We enjoyed the dinner on our deck, cleaned up, and then Jamie wanted to "recreate" the family photo we had taken in the summer of 2009, our 1st family vacation at this condo (we keep coming back every year since to the same exact place).  So, Ken got his camera lined up on 2 tables and the tripod and we all lined up in the same positions as 2009.  The only change was the additional of Katelyn.  She wasn't even an "idea" at that vacation.  Not everyone was looking at the camera in the 1st take, and as Ken quickly ran to take the 2nd one, he tripped over a root stump in the yard and fell, twisting his back and landing on his very sore left wrist.  He had even commented earlier today how much better both of them were feeling.  No we appear to be back to square 1!   He did insisit on taking a 3rd picture and that one was a "charm" even though he had an ice pack wrapped around his wrist.

This is our family in 2009 when we came to this condo for
our 1st extended family vacation.  Bria was 2 and Samantha
and Cali were 7 and 5 months.  No Katelyn!

Photo #1

Photo #2 and Ken is down!  A scary moment!

Photo #3 was a good one but Ken was smiling despite the pain!

Jamie's family went to the boardwalk at Bethany Beach for ice cream and the rest of us stayed at the Condo.  Lanie's family watched a movie, Ken sat on a heating pad, and I worked on this blog.  Hopefully his back and wrist will feel better in the morning.  How can he keep falling and catching himself on that same wrist?????  Enough already!!!!!!  Actually his back hurt a lot more than his wrist!

The girls said they are sad that tomorrow is our last vacation day and Jamie commented that it has gone so fast and has been our best time ever.  Ken and I agree!  This has been a very special family week!