Christie Leaves for Home...

My main computer that I like to write on has been down for sometime. Now that it is back up and running and I'm able to get to the pictures I want, I'm ready to finish my sojourn back home from Washington DC  that Christie and I took in the Spring of 2015. Lots of water has passed under the bridge and I have so much to write about.

Wednesday morning, April 8th, had come too soon. Christie got all packed to leave to go back home.  We had a wonderful thirteen days together that went by way too fast. It was grand having her with me as I don't know I would have had the gumption to do the trip alone, but now I had to put on my big girl panties and finish the trip by myself. That meant handling the RV and car all by myself along with the three dogs as well. 

Dulles International Airport

As it was time to leave, she said good bye to her dogs and we loaded her stuff into the car and off we went to Dulles Airport.  We had arrived in plenty of time to get her checked in and wait for her plane.  I gave her a big hug, we took the customary picture

The Customary picture...always!

and I started to leave. I stopped, as I was trying to figure out my Garmin (Hetty) and get my location programmed in, I was starting to pull away when I noticed Christie and waved at her, lo and behold she was coming out of the airport and flagged me down. I stopped and she said we had gone to the wrong airport and she was suppose to fly out of Reagan to which I said, "No, you didn't look at your ticket, you assumed you were flying out of Dulles." Good thing I had not left yet! So we reprogrammed Hetty to go to Reagan National Airport, she hopped behind the wheel and off we went. 

Reagan National Airport

We managed to arrive with time to spare, once again we went through the motions of saying good-bye. This time she made her plane and was off.  I programmed Hetty to get me back to the campground and lo and behold I made it just fine even through rush hour traffic and a traffic accident (not mine)! 

That night I went back to Chevy's Fresh Mex and made sure I got my favorite waitress and had a wonderful meal. 

I spent the next couple of days just chilling around the RV and not straying far from the campground. 

I did not go back into DC, but readied Izzy for the adventure ahead.  Friday I was leaving for Reading Pennsylvania to see my cousin Jill.  It  had been sixty years since I had last seen Jill and I was looking forward to seeing her again.

Just think...A New Adventure...

A Fun Week and Weekend Behind Me...

I'm sitting in my recliner resting after a fun week and weekend with about 80 people and 40 coaches in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Winnebago State Rally. 

The week started on Tuesday with a tour of the National Weather Center in Norman Oklahoma. The

National Weather Center

facility is impressive and the latest in technology in weather forcasting. It is also an amazing place to visit and see the inner workings about what takes place behind the scenes of forcasting the weather and what it takes to keep us safe. People from all over the world come there to learn all about meteorology. The tour was free and our tour guide was very interesting. We had lunch in the Flying Cow Café, named after the scene in the movie "Twister".  I stood too long and was not able to drive the coach over to Shawnee. I had to go home and "rest" and drive over the next day. 

The drive over to Shawnee on Wednesday was an easy drive. It was a bit on the windy side so I just took it easy and didn't rush it.  I was there and set up by 11:00 am and took my time getting set up inside. The weather was not exactly cooperating and was very chilly and windy.  We were supposed to have a cookout in the parking lot, instead we had it inside.  Everyone brought a side dish and if we wanted something other than hot dogs we brought our own meat to cook. I was not sure if the hot dogs were gluten-free so I brought chicken tenders that had been marinating in my special pickle brine. They were very good. I then got help unloading my car and some of the guys and gals helped me get my products to my booth for me to get set up.

I had to drive back to Norman in my car to pick up some parcels that were due to be delivered by UPS and FEDEX, things I needed for my Tastefully Simple seminar that I was giving on Thursday. 

Thursday was a busy day for me as I was getting ready for my seminar that I was giving at 3:00p.m., something I had never done before. The day did not start off well and the rest of the day sort of went down hill from there. The Highway Patrol came to weigh our coaches and I couldn't get my slides in! Oh Bother! In a panic I went and found C.W. Harris, he and Kenny Zwiegel came and helped me get the slides in. It had something to do with my emergency brake switch. Success! Slides came in. Coach was weighed and I didn't have to make any adjustments! Wow! Boy was I lucky! Well I shouldn't celebrate just yet as when I went to reset my jacks and slides I couln't get my jacks to come down or get my slides out. Now what! HELP!!! And help came in the form of a text from some dear friends, John and Maggie Thompson who are fulltime RVers. John said for me to turn on my generator and try to get the jacks down and put the slides out. Yippie!!! It worked! John said I needed to check my house batteries, they may be low on water, I did, they were. They work fine now. Thanks John and Maggie, you are a blessing to me!

I had lots to do before 3:00 pm as I was going to fix Magic Chicken, make a cheese ball then turn it into a sauce for the chicken. I had to go to the store to pick up the chicken and other items that were needed and distilled water for the coach batteries. My biggest challenge was how was I going to get all of the stuff that I was going to need for the demonstration up to the seminar room. Ah...a rolling laundry basket with a handle.  It holds a lot and worked great! What would I do without Walmart.  I had fun and the chicken and sauce turned out wonderful. I think everyone there had a good time as well and enjoyed the food.  I took the broth back to the motorhome and made cooked rice in my pressure cooker, it was so flavorful. I learned to keep it simple and do a little pre-prep for next year. 

I had to drive back to Norman again as I had another parcel being delivered by UPS. Good thing too as it held product from the demonstration earlier in the day and I knew I would have sales Friday and Saturday from people wanting the dip, pickle kit and spices to make Magic Chicken. After getting back from my quick trip to Norman, I had to make refrigerator pickles for my booth and make Gluten-free Brownies for the Hospitality table for the opening of the Rally on Friday morning.  I was up till 1:30am baking brownies. Boy were they good! You would never know they were Gluten-free. They are a part of some of the products I sell.  I sold several packages of the brownie mix over the weekend. 

Friday morning I was up early slicing up my brownies and getting ready for the day. I don't think I could have gotten through the day without my Plexus. I got my plate of brownies to the Hospitality table then got situated at my booth. We stood for the presentation of the colors said the Pledge of Allegiance, Henry led us in prayer.  We had guest speakers welcoming us to Shawnee and telling us a little bit about the city and places to go and see plus were to eat and a welcome from the Mayor. 

Then we were dismissed to the FOOD!  Everything was so good.  We had guests from Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and the rest of us from Oklahoma. 

One of the things I had done for Izzy on Friday is to have her washed. The gentleman from REC-WASH is from Texas and did an outstanding job on her.  She looks so nice. I need to get a good coat of wax on her and she will look real spiffy. He washed most of the coaches at the rally.  

The games started at 12:30 and everyone had a great time playing one of the many games, socializing or attending a seminar during the day. The ladies had a lovely tea at 2:00 in the afternoon. I was able to have some nuts. Others were able to have lovely little sandwiches and treats. We dressed up in dresses and hats. I haven't had a formal hat on in years. It was a lot of fun. We had a catered dinner and a fun time with the WITless Players. Afterwards I retired to the coach a little early and crashed as I was tired.

Saturday Morning was a catered breakfast provided by SkyMed, with sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, hash-browns, jelly, juice and coffee. I had everything but the biscuits and gravy. Everything tasted so good, guess I was hungry.  I have used my SkyMed and am glad I made the purchase and know that I am covered if I need it.  There were more games to be played, wisdom to soak up from the older members, purchases to be made, sales to be made and making new friends. We also got to take a tour through a new 2017 Winnebago, what a beautiful rig. Oh dream on Susie...

Dinner for the evening again was catered and

delicious. We had the missing soldier table set, Andy Anderson read the history of the table and the symbolism of how it is set. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. Then we had great entertainment by Dale Cummings - The "C" after dinner.   He sings songs from the 50's 60's and 70's, we all sang along and danced and those who couldn't

dance moved in their chairs.  It was so fun to watch and sing along because we all knew the words. Gee are we all that old? We ended the evening doing the Chicken Dance. Most everyone got up and did the dance. A motion was made the next day that we end the evening with the

Chicken Dance as everyone had such a great time. 

Sunday morning started early as I was hearing thumping and bumping as the early risers were pulling in their hoses, dumping their tanks and getting their rigs ready for travel. There was a continental breakfast waiting for them if they wanted otherwise they headed out to their next destination. At 8:00am was a Sunday Service lead by Henry. It was very inspirational. The rally was brought to a close and the colors retired. There was the individual club yearly meetings afterwards that I stayed for as it is always interesting. The main topic was the National Rally in July and what was going to be served during the walk and greet. 

I got back to my coach, started breaking down and packing things up. I always take my time as it wears me out. I was the next to the last to leave. The drive home was uneventful and I got home around 4:00pm. unhitched Libby and parked Izzy. Put Libby (Honda) in the garage, grabbed my pillow came into the house and vegged out the rest of the evening in my recliner. 

This past Monday found me at the Chiropractor getting a much needed adjustment. I feel so much better. 

I had a great time at the state rally and look forward to the next one. May have to rethink how I want to do my products. It's hard on my body to haul all of the stuff I have. 

If you would like to have a copy of the recipe for the Magic Chicken you can email me at: miafoodies@yahoo.com, I will be more than happy to send it to you.  You can also cruse my website if you wish. I know, shameless plug, but if you fix the Magic Chicken you might want to get the seasonings to fix it. There are so many things you can fix with the chicken. Put in the subject line "Magic Chicken". 

#atozchallenge20...Z-Zed

Ah, the last letter of the Alphabet the end. In the USA we say Zee, in Canada they say Zed. 

When I first met Dave, my husband, I was a little miffed at the Zed, but grew use to it over time as he never changed it over the years.  The girls grew up learning both Zee and Zed. 

So now that we are at the end of our #atozchallenge for the month of April I will leave you with some of my favorite pictures that I have taken. A fitting end. 

#atozchallenge20...Y-Yikes...

The Arch

When I was driving back from Washington DC and came to St. Louis I knew I was in for a dicey drive. The interchange right after you cross the Mississippi River is a nightmare of lane changes, twists and turns. 

Hetty my Garmin

Relying on Hetty my Garmin up to this point had been good, however I need instruction a little further ahead than five seconds to make a lane change with a 35 ft. vehicle with a toad. Hetty says to stay left then exit right? Oh Yikes! No way to do it with cars in the way and going 50mph...and there goes my turn onto I-44. Oh well take the next exit and do a work around. 

After getting off the highway and following Hetty's instructions I was able to get back on to I-44 and head Southwest towards Oklahoma and home. 

Oklahoma Sunset

#atozchallenge...X-X = Love...O = Hugs

I love how we end personal notes or letters with X's and O's signifying love and hugs. I hold dear the last birthday card I got from my husband several weeks before his death, as he signed his name and put several X's and O's signifying his love. 

I love seeing those X's and O's from my grandchildren. Sweet little scribbles on parchment that one day will become bold. Oh those X's and O's that tell me they love me so. 

#atozchallenge...W-Wildflowers

Last week when I was driving home from Texas the wildflower festival was beginning. Along the roads I traveled and not the major highways, but the back roads the wildflowers were in vibrant bloom. Oh how glorious!

Mile after mile along the shoulders of the roads Indian Paint Brush, Texas Bluebonnets, Black Eyed Susan's, Antelope Horn, Evening Primrose and I could go on and on. So much to see. 

The further I drove north to Oklahoma the less the wildflowers, how sad.  As I entered Oklahoma I saw one little patch of Bluebonnets blooming after that almost nothing. 

This has inspired me to turn my yard at home in to a wildflower haven. 

#atozchallenge20...V-Victory in Sight

This has been quite a challenge to put out a blog each day. With having to travel and then several doctor's appointment this past week and getting ready to go back out on the road next week, it has been daunting, but I am up to the challenge.

Victory is in Sight!

SAS  Short and Sweet! It's what my mom would always say!  Yes Mom!

#atozchallenge20...U-Unbelievable

Fitz William Darcy

Fitz, my daughter's big dog has a penchant for getting into trouble. Yesterday was no exception. The dog loves to ferret out food, no matter how small the morsel. 

I had just finished a gluten-free pot pie when my daughter called wanting me to meet up for drinks at a popular watering hole here in Norman.  I put my tin foil pan in the sink along with my fork and left for The Mont.

We had a great time as it is festival weekend and we went on downtown to the Norman Music Festival for a while and listened to a few of the bands that were playing.

We got back home and I went into the kitchen and stuff was all over the floor that had been on the counter and there on the floor smashed was one of my favorite coffee mugs that had been given to me by my sister-in-law. I love bees and this was a darling mug with a two bees facing each other at the top of the handle where you could put your thumb. It was one of the easiest cups to hold for arthritic hands. UNBELIEVABLE! 

One of Fitz's previous messes 

Fitz had gotten up into the sink and hauled out the tin foil pie plate and when he did he pulled off the coffee cup that had been rinsed and was drying on the drying mat. 

I know one should not become attached to objects, however when it is a gift and fits your arthritic hand so you can pick it up to drink your coffee...well there are just so many things you would like to do to the dog, but won't because you love the darn mutt so much.  So he got put in time out. 

Fitz in time out 

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#atozchallenge20...T-Taking it All In...

Spring is such a beautiful time as new life springs forth. Last year I discovered a beautiful little spot in Gladewater, Texas called Mrs. Lee's Daffodil Garden.
If you happen to pass through Gladewater in February or March and it isn't wet please stop by this beautiful bit of paradise that is well hidden, but is a diamond in the rough. Make sure you make a donation to go through the 4 mile drive. It operates on donations.

Some pictures of the daffodils and a little cutie pie! 

#atozchallenge20...S-Surprise...NOT

After my fun trip to Shawnee, OK and the RVing Women's National Rally I decided to head to Oklahoma City to Chad's Car Care to have the oil on my RV changed as the engine light came on saying time to change the oil.  On the trip there I turned on the air-conditioner and noticed a funky noise so I turned it off not thinking anything of it.  

Chad's crew had just finished changing the oil and I was getting ready to check out, had the motorhome running and I turned on the air-conditioner and the funny noise started. Chad ran out and told me to cut the engine off.  They checked things out and low and behold the dash air-conditioner had quit working and was in jeopardy of destroying my whole system. Interesting how one thing can domino and take out everything. Wow! 

Thank goodness I had just purchased a warranty the month before as the cost to fix the dash air-conditioner was going to cost $6,000.00 SURPRISE! After all was said and done, after I had some other work done that was necessary which was not covered by the warranty, I was out $2,000.00. 

I know there are some people out there that don't believe in warranties, however because of the age of my motorhome, my lack of knowledge of mechanics and for my peace of mind I believe in them.

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#atozchallenge20...R-RV Rallies

I have joined several RV organizations and have attended two rallies now and I must say I have really had a lot of fun! I am getting ready to attend my third rally and am excited to meet up again with friends I have not seen in awhile. 

The first RV Rally I attended was RVing Women.  The whole rally was for women only.  It was  a great confidence booster to know I could get out on the open road, that there were other women out there and if you had a problem there was help and encouragement. These women were

 

Our WWII Veteran

great!  I greatly admired them.  The oldest person there was 91 and going strong.  She had her own rig and was still driving. She was a retired Army nurse and a Veteran from WWII. We gave her special recognition during the dinner at the rally. 

We played games, attended lots of seminars, shopped lots of vendors and made lots of new friends.
We all had a great time and was sad when we had to say our good-byes.

The Winnebago or WIT Club,The Okiebagos, that I belong to is a lot of fun. We have monthly outings and a yearly State Rally. Last year was my first rally.  Since I sell seasonings,

mixes and marinades I used that time to work the rally and didn't attend any of the seminars.  This year I will be presenting a seminar called "Take that Cheese ball to Dinner", but will be attending more of the seminar programs and attend a Ladies Formal Tea.  This group is a great group and I don't have a problem with theft from my table. I find most RVers are honest people who look out for each other. 

This year will start out with a tour at the National Weather Center in Norman.

Since I live within a stones throw of the center I think I will attend and then drive my RV to Shawnee, OK. for the rally. 

The Highway Patrol will be coming to weigh our vehicles and I am curious to see how balanced my load is. I have a feeling mine is way off and needs to be re-balanced in a most serious way. 

I'm looking forward to seeing my friends in the club and making new friends. These people are so encouraging, supportive and helpful. I just love them.

I'm thinking about attending the big National WIT Rally in Indiana this summer. It will be my first, just to check the scene out. Time to make more friends!