Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - A Variety of Activities!

Monday morning we went for a walk before breakfast.  It was in the low 50's, but sunny and very pleasant for walking.  Upon our return, we took Wilbur back to his storage area and then had breakfast at the apartment.  

I left at 11:15 for my ladies card club group that meet 1X per month from September to April.  I have probably been a part of this group for 25 years and always have a good time playing double handed Pinochle.  Unfortunately I only get to play about 3 or 4 times each year because of our traveling!  I really enjoy this group of ladies!

I only returned around 4 and Ken had kept busy around the apartment while I was gone.  He had also loaded some of his clothes in Wilbur for our upcoming trip. He left at 6:15 for Celebrate Recovery and I worked on the blog and got a few things ready for our trip too.  Bed by 9:30.

Tuesday morning we went for another long walk and the weather was perfect - in the upper 50's and off and on sunny.  Ken left at 9:45 to have coffee with Wendy, a great gal who used to work on our real estate team.  Ken just wanted to "catch up" with what is going on in her life and thank her for all the work she had done for us.  I continued the packing process, did laundry, and talked to Noela and Jamie.

After a quick lunch, we met Cindy and John at the pickleball courts and played about 2 hours.  We had so many great volleys and very close matches.  I am so thankful that Cindy started to play because the 4 of us can all be so competitive and rather equally matched which makes this time together so much fun! 

I showered when we got back and then spent 3 hours in Lancaster at the craft stores - AC Moore, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels, my favorite places to shop.  By the time I returned my back was hurting and I was tired.  

Ken had grilled chicken and salmon and after dinner we loaded some things in Wilbur and then watched America's Got Talent.  What a tough competition and so many talented acts!  We also enjoyed the show that the stars hosted to raise money for all the hurricane victims.  It was so well done and financial help is needed in so many areas!  Bed by 11.

Today, Wednesday, we ate breakfast and by 8:30 we were on our way to the huge RV Show at Hershey.  It was Senior Day and it took us quite awhile to get past security and then get our tickets.  It was raining off and on while waiting in line.  We spent most of our time in the arena at the trade show where we renewed our membership to Family Motorcoach, continued our Good Sam's membership, and bought a few necessary things for Wilbur - sewer hose (yeah!), 30/50 Amp connector, handle bar for the screen door, and a refrigerator thermometer!  Thrilling, huh????

We did tour the new Winnebago Sightseer 33C and they have made some nice changes, but we still like all the features ours offers!  We also looked at some park models that were so pleasing to the eye, but you quickly realize that there is no BR closet space, no washer/dryer, and some only have a sit up bar and no dining table.  Lots of "bling", but probably not overly practical, at least not in the few they had at the show.

We got to see Cindy and John and said our good-byes for we won't see them again until the beginning of November.  They are heading south about the time we return from the beach and will spend the month of October on Jekyll Island in Georgia.  

Ken and I left the show around 1:30 and enjoyed lunch at a nearby Subway. We also stopped at Wal-Mart to get a few needed items for our trip.  Home by 3:30 and the serious loading began.  By 6:30 we stopped to watch the World News and eat dinner.  I did the dishes and cleaned the refrigerator while Ken loaded our bikes.  Everything is now loaded and we plan to be on the road to Avalon NJ between 7:30 and 8.   We will met Fred and Doloris there and spend 10 days together.  Looking forward to a fun and relaxing time.

We watched the results of America's Got Talent and were in bed by 9:45.  

Sunday - Another Day of Activity!

Ken had a restless night and by 2 AM he went to the basement at Jamie's to watch the Weather Channel and then fell back to sleep around 3:30 till 7.  I was up at 6:15, packed our things for returning home later this morning, and got ready for church!

The girls were up at 7 and watched 1 show on Disney before getting ready to go to church.  We all ate breakfast (pancakes for the girls again) and by 8:45 we were at LCBC.  On our way back to their house I got a text from Jamie that they were home.  So we went directly there, chatted with Dane and her, and were back to our apartment by 11:30.  

We unloaded everything, put it in its proper place, and then enjoyed a light lunch while watching more updates on Hurricane Irma.  We left at 12:45 to go to Masonic Homes where we met John and Cindy to play cards and celebrate Mom and Dad's 69th Wedding Anniversary which is tomorrow.  What a milestone! The 6 of us had a great time.

Celebrating my parents 69th wedding anniversary!

We were back home by 6, watched more regarding Hurricane Irma trying to comprehend what was happening - beyond belief!  We got to spend the evening actually relaxing, reading, and watching TV.  What an unusual phenomenon for us.  

Friday and Saturday - What a Fun, Busy Time Again!

Friday morning I was on my way to breakfast with the Curvettes by 6:20.  What a fun time!  From there I went to Ephrata East End Market (a paint store) to get some help on how to get paint to adhere to some frames I bought for my sea glass pictures that are silver and I want to paint white.  I needed their expertise on what paint I needed to use.  They were very helpful.

I was back to Lititz by 9:15 and Ken had vacuumed and washed the kitchen and bathroom floors - what a guy!  We packed items that we would be needing when staying for the weekend at Jamie and Dane's home.  Ken left to have lunch with Kevin so I did some additional clean-up, crafting, and by 2:45 Ken and I were on our way to Jamie's.  She and Dane had left to spend the weekend at Penn State to attend the Pitt vs. Penn State football game.  (They are the minority there - Pitt fans!).  We unloaded our clothes, etc. and then walked to the bus stop to meet Bria and Cali.  

We all walked back to their house, and they relaxed a little before the 4 of us played Skip-Bo.  Then at 5 we left to drive to Lititz, parked at our apartment, and then walked to have pizza at Roma.  After eating, we walked to the park that had at least 12 food trucks for 2nd Friday in downtown Lititz.  There were so many people enjoying this festive evening.  We played at the park, fed the ducks, and then enjoyed some homemade ice cream from Greco's.  We walked back to the apartment and then drove to their house to get ready for bed.  All of us "retired" by 9:30.

Lots of ducks for Cali to feed in Lititz Park!

Many people were enjoying the fun in the park and the
food trucks!

Saturday morning we were all up by 7 and while we showered, etc. the girls watched some shows on Disney and then I made pancakes for the girls.  After breakfast we spent a lot of the morning playing Uno.   We had a fun time!  We looked out the front window and we had gotten "flocked".  The Ephrata band is putting flamingos in front yards and asking for a contribution to have the "birds" removed.  Then you can give them the name of someone you would like them to "flock" next!

Flamingos "landed" in their front yard!

All of us, including Samson the dog, walked to downtown Ephrata to Scratch for muffins and coffee.  It was a nice morning to get some exercise.  Upon our return it was time for some more card playing.  After lunch, I took the girls to a ceramic shop to choose some items to paint.  It was our birthday gift to them and really our 1st time that it worked for all of us to go there.  We had a great time painting and I even got in "on the act"!

Bria did the long board with the Steelers colors for Dane and
the ice cream "box", Cali the mermaid and switchplate, and I
did the flower dish.  Everything but the long board were done
with glaze paint and need to be fired so they can get a shiny
finish.  We can pick them up on Thursday!

PawPaw went to his last Step Class.  I am so proud of him.  He has completed the 6 month program and it has been such a good thing for him.  The 6 gentlemen that completed the study are a great support group for each other!

Time for some additional card playing before enjoying dinner at The Deck in Ephrata.  They have delicious food but it was a bit chilly eating outdoors.

When we got back to Jamie's, spent sometime watching The Weather Channel to get current info on Hurricane Irma.  That whole storm is so hard to imagine! The Floridians have to be so concerned and had to practice a great deal of patience while trying to evacuate the state.  Our friends, Rick and Joyce, who just became residents of Florida in July, drove to Nashville TN to try to get out of the path of Irma!  We are praying that their new home will survive all the wind, rain, and storm surge.  We are offering the same prayers for our friends, Lloyd and Deb, who have a home in Venice where they spend about 3 or 4 months throughout the year.  We also have many camping friends who snowbird in Florida and have permanent park models or RV's in several of the CG's where we stay.  Hopefully they will have places to return to!

We played more cards, again, and watched the movie, Descendants 2, and by 10 we were all in bed.  It was a fun-filled, busy day! 

Cali certainly loves her friend, Samson!

Wednesday and Thursday, Busy but Funa

It haven't posted for a few days, but I am not going to bore you with lots of details!

Wednesday was a rainy, cool day so no walking or spending much time outdoors.  I took Ken to MCC for his volunteer morning work and then I went to Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart.  Back to the apartment by 10 and then by 11 I was a Jamie's for a haircut.  We had a nice visit and I looked better when I left (haircut was needed!) to pick up Ken.

I did some additional cleaning after lunch and then I was able to do more crafting.  It stopped raining long enough for Ken to grill for dinner while I made salads and fresh green beans.  We watched the eliminations on America's Got Talent (not totally pleased with all the results!) and were in bed by 9:15.

Thursday morning Ken left early to have breakfast with his friend Gary.  I made myself breakfast and enjoyed reading the paper.  We went for a walk around town when Ken returned, showered, ate lunch, and were on our way to Masonic Village by 12:15 to play Pinochle with Mom and Dad.

It was a fun afternoon but the men won 3 of the 5 games!  Mom treated us to fresh peach pie and ice cream before we left.  Back home by 6:15 and we watched the news, played more Hand and Foot and by 9 we were in bed.  These old folks need their rest!!!

Tuesday - Back to a "Normal" Day!

Ken got up at 5:30 to read and I woke at 6:30 and did some reading in bed.  At 7 we watched the news and then I put on my SAS ad we went for a long walk around town.  It was a very nice, sunny morning with temperatures in the upper 60's.  I felt some much better walking this morning than last evening!

After breakfast and showering, Ken worked at his desk and I cleaned up the kitchen.  From 10:30 to 11:30 we delivered for Meals on Wheels, such a special thing to do.  The folks that you deliver the meals to are so grateful!  Ken dropped me off at the apartment and he went to Ephrata to have lunch with Kevin.

I ate lunch and then started cleaning the apartment.  I got most of it done until Ken returned.  I finally decided to take the time to sit at my desk and do some "crafting", which I haven't had a chance to do for quite awhile!  I had such a good time.

Around 4:30 it got extremely windy and very dark and the rain began. Fortunately it was not a very strong storm in Lititz, but that wasn't the case in certain parts of the county.  There was lots of large hail, extreme wind, fallen trees, loss of power, and a small tornado. We felt very fortunate!

After dinner, we played three rounds of Hand and Foot (4 rounds are a game) and Ken was ahead.  We stopped so I could watch the amazing acts on America's Got Talent.  Ken saw some of it, but spent time working at his desk!
We were in bed by 10:15.

Labor Day!

Ken had gotten up early to do some reading and devotions.  The girls woke at 7 after a good night's sleep.  They played on our I-Pads while we got ready and made another pancake breakfast.  It was a gorgeous, sunny morning, very different than the cooler one yesterday!

After breakfast we played Uno and I did some coloring with the girls.  Then I convinced them that we should watch the movie "Bambi".  I hadn't seen it since I was a little girl (well maybe I saw it with Lanie and Jamie, but I don't remember) and I was amazed at all the lines I still remembered!  Samantha and Katelyn really enjoyed it!

We ate lunch, loaded the car, and by 1:15 we were at Jamie's house for our family picnic.  Bob and Lanie were already there and the girls were so happy to see them.  Jamie's family had only gotten home from the beach at 11 and it was amazing how prepared she was for the picnic.  She is quite the hostess!

All of us spent the afternoon outside most of the time playing Kubb.  Yesterday Bob and Lanie had been invited to a Scandinavian Festival to demonstrate playing Kubb and having folks join in the game.  They had a fun day and the representative from one of the companies that make Kubb sets sold 10 of them  throughout the day.  We had given Lanie and Bob money to purchase a set for us.  Today was the initiation of our new set and it has the dents to prove that we had a good time! 

Bria is at that age where she likes to be with the adults!

Bob has his own "stance" for throwing the sticks and really
concentrates!

Resting between games!

Looks like a father daughter moment!

This is a photo of the Kubb court and Dane and Jamie's
fabulous backyard.  

Quite a setting for being in town!

Bob was in good form!

Even Katelyn likes to play Kubb and she does well!

The ladies did well too!

Time out for a handstand!

Katelyn needed a drink.  Earlier she
had fallen and it took her a long time
to "bounce back".  Thus the bandaid!

At 5 we had soft and hard tacos or you could choose to have a taco/rice bowl. All of the food was delicious.  Lanie brought a fruit tray and I provided dessert. We were so grateful that Jamie and Dane hosted this fun picnic.

Jamie had a very nice taco bar.  Hard to imagine she had
prepared all of this from 11 to 1.

The girls wanted to eat on the driveway. 

The adults enjoyed sitting at the table under the umbrella!

One way to eat your strawberries!

When Lanie and Bob left to go home, they knew that Bria and Cali were hiding in the back of their car, but they decided to play along.  They started to leave for home and almost immediately, Samantha yelled, "stop, because Bria and Cali are in our car"!  The little ones couldn't stop laughing!

Ken and I were back home by 7:30 and by 9 we were in bed reading.  It certainly has been a busy several days, but oh, what memories!!!

A Busy Holiday Weekend !

It has been a little while since I posted.  Not a whole lot has happened, but since this will kind of become my diary in my older age, I am going to post anyway!  Hopefully I remember the people mentioned in my blog and the places we have been!  Who knows!!!!

Saturday Ken and I took a walk around the downtown area after eating breakfast.  We also did some organization around the apartment.  We had a nice, long conversation with our friend, Ernie, from Canada.  It was so good to talk to him.  All is well with Ernie and Noela.   We also made CG reservations for the Poconos in October to enjoy the leaf color!

At 2, I followed Ken in the CRV and he drove Wilbur to the storage area in Ephrata.  We will leave him there until our next camping adventure with Fred and Doloris starting next Thursday.  We will be heading to Avalon Beach and Sea Pines CG.

I dropped Ken off at his Step Class at 3, stopped at Goodwill with some donations, and then to Wal-Mart to get some needed groceries.  I went back to get Ken at 4:30 and we drove to Lanie's to pick-up Samantha and Katelyn. They will be staying with us until Monday when the family goes to Jamie's for a picnic.  Lanie had invited us for some delicious white chicken chili.  By 7 the 4 of us were back in Lititz where we played Uno and enjoyed watching Americas Got Talent.  All of us were in bed by 9:15.

Samantha and Katelyn were up around 7 and we allowed them to play on our I-Pads while we got ready and made Grandma's pancake breakfast.  PawPaw had gotten fresh fruit ready for all of us.  We all went to LCBC and the girls really enjoyed their classes.  We were inspired by the message.

After church, the girls said they would like to go to a pet store, so we drove to Lancaster to That Pet Place/That Fish Place and we spent at least an hour there just checking out all the animals.  The girls wanted a hamster, but we explained that Grandparents are not allowed to buy animals for their grandchildren without their parents permission!  (That would have been a surprise for Lanie and Bob!  Maybe we should have bought numerous animals - dog, cat, etc - NOT!)

No, girls, we can't take the bear
home!  Mommy and Daddy
wouldn't like it!

From there we went to Costco where we ate lunch, shopped, and ended our time there with some ice cream - what a good time!!!!

Back to the apartment and we decided to take a walk to the Lititz Springs Park so they could have fun on the playground and feed the ducks.  They always have such a good time there.  When we returned it was time for more Uno.

Ken grilled hamburgs and we had corn on the cob.  More games and time on our I-Pads.  The girls and I spent time coloring numerous pictures!  Then from 8 to 9 we watched America's Got Talent and the beginning of American Ninja Warrior.  We will all in bed by 9:30.