Ready to Roll

Ready to Roll

Our History

My photo
Ohio, United States
Having recently retired we are fulfilling our long time dream. We began our camping life with a tent in 1969 adjusting as each of our three sons arrived over the years and gradually progressed to a 32' Class A in 2007. Even after our sons became too busy with their own interests, we continued dreaming over the years. The Louisville, KY 2003 Great North American RV Rally and the book "Movin' On" convinced us that a motorhome after retirement was really for us! In 2007 we sold our home and disposed of most of our belongings and awaited the wife's retirement on February 1, 2008. We were out in our first motorhome ten times in our first summer in 2007, with our grandson joining us eight of those ten times. Since he must stay behind with his mom and dad to continue school, we told him he can join us on vacations (by car or plane) anywhere we are as we travel the US. Imagine the history lessons he could acquire! However, Mom and Dad don't look at it that way, especially the flying. Fortunately we don't miss work one bit!! We just miss the friends there. We have many hobbies to keep us busy when we decide to sit still for a day. Hope to see you on the road.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

HELLO AGAIN FROM OHIO

Everything is pretty much back to normal for Gary and I.  But some of the time since my last posting to Blogger, has been rough.  Gary stayed in Ohio with the motorhome while I flew to Florida on June 20th to stay with my younger brother who has been ill since mid 2011, to find that he had entered the hospital early that morning.  Unfortunately for us all, he passed away on Jully 31st. 
At this time I would like to thank eveyone who has kept Claude and the rest of our family in their prayers.  The power of prayer is comforting in time of need, and we sure felt that comfort.  Thank you!!

Now I will try to catch you up to date on the past couple of months.  Of course, Gary was not sitting still.  He had the responsibility of working the full load of five days a week here at West Branch State Park per our agreement with them for the summer.  In addition to that he took out much of the carpet in our living area of the motorhome and replaced some damaged sub floor and installed new wood flooring.  And it looks awesome!!  I will show you pictures from these events and more with explanations of each.

Not a pretty site.  We are not sure where the water came from that did the damage. It appears to have been there for quite some time, but is all dry now.




All clear and ready for reconstruct!!

New beginning.




Looking awesome!!  Just one piece of trim to replace.
I will try to get pictures before the next Blog of the full effect!!


Gary got to go to Summer Scout Camp to visit our grandson and take our daughter-in-law for parents night.


Gary and our grandson also had to help with the bicycle parade for the kids in West Branch State Park.


Of course, a summer would not be complete without a car show - at A&W in Ravenna!
He has many more pictures, but will spare you all.  Haha



Then a morning out for breakfast with a friend, Dick, who is proud to show his custom VW.
Gary, Dick and Dave go often to breakfast.


A banana tree in my brother's neighbor's back yard!  He says that it takes six months for these little fellows to mature and ripen!!





He also has several varieties of oranges and lemons as well.


The figs were ripe while I was there, and they were free for the taking as he does not like them.
Actually, they were sweet and very good!!





Early in my stay, Claude was glad to see me take a break and take a drive out to Ft. Pickens south  of Pensacola.  I had applications to deliver there for future workamping jobs at their RV park.  While driving out there I was in awe of the clouds and the sand dunes!!  Little did I know that I would get hit on my way back with a heavy rain that came out from the mainland from the northeast.  It was tedious driving in it across the three mile bridge!!
I also encountered an air show in the area and got a couple pictures of the Blue Angels.




Another of Claude's neighbors got back after a three month visit to her homeland, Japan.  After her return she insisted on my sister and I having dinner with her and her friend.  He did a wonderful job on the grill.  It was all delicious!!








Had to show you the beautiful garden and plants behind the Hospice House.  It was a very restful setting and nice for talking with those back home.  But the weather often left us with steamed glasses when we went back inside.  I heard that our temps there were not as bad as those in Ohio, probably ten degrees difference some of the time!!

And now for some pictures of family and friends that we spent time with after returning to Ohio.  So glad to have this time together!!


Younger brother and nieces and nephews.


Nieces and nephews


Cousins from our father's side of the family.
I just realized that I missed a picture of a cousin from our mother's side.  Opps!!


Wonderful friends!!  Thanks to you all for a wonderful luncheon!!

Sister, Pearl, and her son and granddaughters.


Check back with us in a couple weeks and maybe we will have some more activities to show you.  Hope that you are having a wonderful summer!!