Christmas in Rainbow Park, Livingston, Texas

Well, it could have snowed.  But it didn’t.  Nice (?) some of you had a white Christmas.  We just got our Christmas present to us yesterday, but more of that later.  It is the biggest ever, and the last.  Meanwhile, the day here was pleasant.  Our only box of presents from Lani got miss-sent, and didn’t arrive on time.  But no never mind.  We had dinner with about 100 others in the park, and had a very nice dinner.  One lady brought her best Christmas china, goblets and gold table wear to boot.  We had ham and turkey provided, and the rest was well planned pot luck.   We were divided by groups and sat at tables of 10-12.  Then we got to graze every one else's’ tables after we were done ours.  Met some new people, and participated in the remembering of the founder of Escapees – Joe Peterson – who made his transition the day before.  He was well and vibrant, creative and living here in the park, but knew his days were numbered by an aneurism in his renal aorta, which was slowly leaking his life away.  His wife, daughter and grandson and spouses survive him, and the creativity and life style of his creative life succeeds him.  His celebration of his life will be Jan 8 and we have decided to stay here in order to pay tribute to him and support his wife of 60 years or so.  I had pictures of the day, but they got lost in the transfer from the camera.  They will probably show up in an unexpected cyber spot at an unexpected time.  As will your Christmas Card.  Maybe about Valentines day.  Know that I think of all of you often, and I am grateful for the cards I received via Caroline’s due diligence in forwarding our mail. 

Our lives have been busy and almost hectic.  Our rental property (a restaurant building) has changed leasers in the last month.  Our renter wanted out, and was loosing money (which go hand in hand)  but the good news is a new leaser who came knocking at his door, wanting to buy the building and take over ASAP on a lease basis.  We were delighted with the news, as we saw the demise coming.  She took over the building on Dec 13 or so, remodeled, cleaned, painted and opened Jan 1 with a 35 min wait part of the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Whooppppee.  She sounds like a great business woman, has a very large family behind her, and lives only a few blocks away from us in Arvada.  So that has consumed a lot of time, but profitable and rewarding.  She hopes to buy the building by next year.  Then we will really be retired – in real life. 

What then????????????????

Well, we took care of that with the Christmas present to us, as previously mentioned.  Okay, we just bought a new coach (new to us at least) in March, but you have heard nothing but our watching the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ pour into the thing, and still it was not right.  We got to hating the thing, and feeling stuck in a bad outcome of the impulsive decision to buy it in the first place.  So on our way to here we made an appointment to have the heating/water heating system fixed (again!!!!!!!!!!!) and had had cold showers for several weeks at that point.  Well they found a problem and fixed it, but it wasn’t the only problem obviously, as two days later it was trouble again.  We really liked this dealership and service department who did the work – it was in Nacogdoches.   Good old (not so old, actually young squirts) Aggie boys, Texans to the core.  So we started looking at the options of this money pit we were driving.  Just so happens, they had a 2004 Foretravel – 38’ on the lot, and of course we made a special trip up there after being here for a few days, to look.  Just look.  Well you know the rest.  Somehow the deal came together, our Country Coach is there on consignment, and we are housed in the MOST luxurious coach I ever thought was possible.  They have thought of everything in this rig.  Best of all, they are still in business manufacturing them (in Nacogdoches) so parts will always be available.  Country Coach had gone belly up 2 years ago (or more), and parts were hard to come by, which was the main concern, and the main reason for the loss of value.  Huge loss of value.  Yeh, we took a beating.  But the decision was: do we have a bon fire party some night (not really, but to sell it outright we would practically have to give it away), and quit the life style??????, or bite the bullet, take the immediate loss, and get something which we will enjoy and be comfortable in.  I think the years passing will prove that we will have lost the same amount, but the pain would have just taken longer.  We will have to tighten the belt a little, but you should see this baby.  Last night was our first all nighter, and when we lay down and looked up, there was control buttons for all lights, generator switch, panic button the whole schmeer right over our heads, and if we didn’t want to look at the lit panel, a switch to turn it off.  It has all the bells and whistles of the last one, and a lot more besides.  And a heater which actually puts out hot water like it should.  The mechanics told us (finally) they did not like the previous brand of heater at all, though it was job security for them.  Foretravel is a step up in the motor coach world, and well worth the reputation.  Needless to say we are happy with the decision, and busy putting in the necessary towel racks and clothes hooks, drawer dividers, and such, but hopefully we will have ease for the rest of our travels.

After the Joe Peterson service, we will head further south to Rockport Tex for two weeks on the coast, then start north and west.  We will make a stop in San Antonio and see the Alamo, a few days at Fredericksburg for something, I forget what, but on the advice of lots of fellow travellers.  Then through eastern NM, to Raton to look for that one sunny day to head over the pass and home.  Colorado in the spring time.  Well okay, we will be a bit early, and maybe with the comfort of living and travelling in this new rig, we will stay a bit longer.  A little snow will look good to us, as long as we don’t have to drive in it.  But if we do, what comfort we will have while we wait it out.  Life is good. 

I would love to send along some pictures, but alas, my patience wears thin on the project.  I will venture to take some, and the first taker that I find to teach me (once again) how to perform that task, you will see pictures.  I have not the patience nor inclination to sit here for the hours it would take to go in circles and accomplish little.  I have gotten on Skype however.  My Skype name is Lois.Kropp (don’t forget the dot).  So if you have that or gmail video, call me (email me and let me know when) and we can look face to face.  You don’t even have to comb your hair, as I won’t. 

Enough already.  Till next time. 

Another adventure

except this time the scenery is not so spectacular.  We are parked in a dealership/service parking lot in Nacogdoches (there will be a spelling test for that one later) Texas.  They have diagnosed the lack of heat and hot water problem in our diesel unit, and have received the part, but they are swamped with service business.  So we patiently await our turn.  Now what is there to do in Nacogdoches you might ask.  I might ask the same question.  So we stay warm with the heat pump on the dealers electricity – very nice of him – and catch up on stuff.  I will have my expected grandchild's baby blanket nearer done, have a few more scrabble games on my Kindle played, and maybe finish reading Mark Twain’s Autobiography.  It was just published on the occasion of the 100 years since his death as per his instructions.  It is very interesting. 

We had dreams of being out of here tonight, but it doesn’t appear to be happening.  From here we go to Livingston Tex, where we had planned on arriving about Dec 5.  That plan was altered when the rack and pinion went out on the Jeep – our tow car – in Hot Springs Arkansas.  That slowed us down for about a week, but a very satisfactory job done there by a mechanic recommended by the State park ranger.  We stayed in Lake Ouachita State park and it was a beautiful place to be stuck. 

We do have a premium parking spot in the dealers lot though, room for our car and a view of the woods on the other side of a barb wire fence.  Boy it will be nice to be able to take a hot shower again. 

Yes there are hot springs in Hot Springs Ar. However they have all been captured and commercialized in old buildings similar to Atlantic City genre.  It is an old town (at least the historical area), well kept but wanting for visitors.   They are pricey, and cost more if you want the whirlpool circulator turned on.  So we passed.   The whole area has been hard hit in the recession, lots of businesses closed.  I learned, too late, that a classmate – Ed Manor – lives in Jasper Ark, which is in the middle of hillbilly country for sure, but a beautiful area, and we drove right through it.  Wish I had known in time. 

So we are about 50 miles from our goal for this whole trip.  We will make it there by Christmas surely, and then who know.  David is getting homesick, but I think a hot shower will help. 

Till next time.   Okay – spell the town in Texas which is home to the dealership of the now defunct Country Coach RV,  I understand they may make a come back.  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .  Very good.  you didn’t cheat did you????????

HEE HAW ARKANSAS

 

From Hannibal, we headed south to Branson.  We stayed 3 weeks in the Escapee Park in Hollister, just over the bridge from Branson.  Branson is the Bible Belt’s answer to Las Vegas.  Probably well over 100 shows in town, all family oriented, with a little Gospel and always a tribute to the Veterans.  There may be a few bars in town, but you would have to look real hard to find them.  Eateries offer beer or maybe wine, but they don’t remind you of it.  The first offering is sweet tea.  Bus loads of old folks come there, to attend shows and eat.  Every where you look someone has a deal for you, cheap show tickets, but there is always small print.  Listen to our presentation, look at our condos or lots, or special travel deals.  We checked around and found the least offensive and least time consuming “deal” and agreed to a sales pitch at a real estate development south of Hollister.  1 hour max!!!!!  And for that we got tickets to 4 shows for $59 instead of $180, plus a few extra things added in. 

So we went.  The real estate development was beautiful, and the area growing with lots of money in evidence.  The salesman was from Colorado, the company history checked out, and the long and short of it: we bit.  It appears as if our business building in Golden will sell in the next few months, so a reinvestment makes sense.  Branson and the Ozarks are beautiful, and perfect for retired rich people who want a new first or second home.  We shall see how it plays out.

Who’s law is it that says if it can go wrong, it will????  I actually prefer to think of it as lessons to be learned will be learned.  Soon as we signed on the dotted line for the property, the Jeep started rebelling.  We towed it behind the coach on a winding beautiful drive on Sunday.  Upon unhitching, there was no power in the power steering.  The ranger gave us a good reference, and the Jeep made it there, but no further.  No of course nothing simple as the power steering fluid, the whole rack and pinion shot.  Not sure what that is, but I sure see the results.  So we rented a car from the nearby airport, and came home to the coach, parked in the Ouachita State park and a beautiful sunset, gorgeous lake front setting, and no hot water.  So David has worked the last 2 days figuring it out, to conclude the fuel pump on the furnace/hot water heater was faulty.  We learned how efficient and effective the heat pumps are.  What a relief,!!!!!!!!!!! as it is cold here, at night especially.  We were able to buy a new fuel pump today at an auto parts store (3 tries) and he will install it tomorrow.  So we are still learning, spending and supporting the economy.  Hot Springs looks to be a nice place, one of everything you could want, but the state park is spectacular.  We will be here till Fri, if all goes well, then head out to Texarkana Texas, or just beyond, to a “pickin park”, listed as a music park, pickers welcome.  Looking forward to seeing just what that means, and what it looks like.  We are gradually getting to warmer clime, and are fortunately warm and cozy here.  We  are about a week behind our plan, but who needs a plan.

The Arkansas park we are in is just south of Booger Holler, and Coon Nob Hill.  We are definitely in the state of Arkansas, folks are friendly, kind, and helpful.  The names of places and businesses often make us smile – Billie Bobs BBQ,  LuAnns coffee shop etc.  Lots of hills, trees, lakes, narrow roads, and folks seem happy and mostly poor, at least along the back roads.  Somebody's making money around here from the number of pricey looking hotels and condo establishments, but lots of closed businesses too, so they have been through hard times here.  Maybe they don’t notice.  Life seems a little slower here, centered around being good and doing good, even making the local news with the projects. 

Till next time. 

Resting at a restful place

 

Since joining the Unity Church in Arvada, I have been curious as to the history and administration of the domination.  I knew of Unity Village in Lees Summit, south of Kansas City, because David and I had driven passed it several times on our way to and from Canton, Ohio.  So it became one of our destinations on this trip. 

After we left Litchfield, Ill, we drove here via Hannibal, Mo.  We were there with the Ramblin Recs, our RV club from Denver.  We had 10 units there, so 20 people, and stayed in a campground about 15 miles from Hannibal, at Landing, Mo.  It was close to the shores of Mark Twain Lake, and during the summer must be a lively place.  There was a water park there, and lots and lots of RV parks where many were permanent rigs, installed for summer use, as if they were a vacation cabin.  About half our campground were permanents, but the property was well maintained and very nice.  It was out in the country, and not very busy anywhere, so we had good access to restaurants, etc.  We spent one whole day in Hannibal at the Mark Twain festival, taking a river sightseeing cruise, and visiting all the street vendors on Main Street.  We didn’t go to Sam Clemens home, or any of the museums, out of laziness mainly.  I walked all day, used my cane just in case, but was no worse for the wear.  The venders for the most part were pretty unique, local artists and craftsmen, local churches and non profits out to make a few bucks.  It was hot that day, and tiring.  The river trip was a nice respite.  We had dinner at an old restaurants together, and were glad to be home.  Sunday we went on a dinner cruise on the same river boat, and had a delicious dinner, a 3/4 moon rise, a cool night, and a peaceful cruise looking at the lights and bridges.  It was their last dinner cruise of the season, so not very well attended.    Our group was half the customers, so we enjoyed being able to talk in the quiet atmosphere. 

We stayed over Monday to rest then drove on Tue. to Unity Village.  Our camping spot here is out in the woods east of the main part of the village.  Unity Village is an incorporated town with a zip code, but no post office.  After we found the place, I discovered to enter “Unity Village” into the GPS and up it came.  The address was useless, as we had to enter by the hotel in order to check in.  They have hotel and motel space for probably 800 or more, and could feed up to 1000 once a day.  The buffet restaurants here is beautiful and serves very good food.  Most of the compound is on a 4 day work week, and we met some volunteers here performing various jobs.  The publishing house is out-sourced, but the Silent Unity Prayer service is 7/24 accessible by phone or email.  They receive bunches of mail, and we were told go a long way to supporting the operation by donations they receive.  The school of ministry is here also, but they also train ministers by independent study and email.  It would be a great place for a conference such as AGNT or Mile Hi retreats.  In fact, Lyn Twist of IONS was supposed to be here this week, but cancelled for some reason.  Probably lack of registration sufficient to make it work.  I was sorry to miss her.

The fountains here have recently been restored, and the rose gardens surrounding them are MAGNIFICENT.  moved me to tears.  Some of the components of the place need attention, but for the most part upkeep and maintenance is pretty good.  It is a peaceful place peopled by gentle souls .