Warmer temps are coming

One of these guys peeped through my window and like to have scared me to death!

They came up on the patio and nose around for some food.

Like I said we had snow 

And then we had more snow

We have the best spot in the park

Sherri is not a cold weather person. I am not a hot weather person so we love it here in Colorado. We normally come the first of June but this year we wanted to come early so Kris could see the mountain snow. Also the wildlife stay in the lower elevations while the weather on the mountains is colder. Well we got our wish and both the snow and the wildlife stuck around for us to see.
We did not have to drive any distance to see either...they came to us. The mountains around us have snow on them and the deer are coming up in here...and I mean coming up in here. They were on my patio last night.
Speaking of my patio I need to get out and get everything in order so we can start using it as soon as the weather warms up some. We have the perfect spot this year...as far as I am concerned we have the best spot in the park.
I am sharing some pictures with you all. I will have many more as we start our adventure here in the Rocky Mountains...

Somewhere in Time 

The inn was booked

We left early to beat the wind and we did for the first 130 miles. But all good things come to an end. We had just left our first fuel stop when I noticed the rig was lagging back somewhat. Then I noticed the trees along the highway bowing to me as I passed. Well I took that for what it was...the wind was hitting me head on and my diesel meter started to tell the tell.
I went from a favorable 11.5 mpg to 8.8 mpg. Gee we just did not leave early enough. It was that way until we turned north and then I started to get some better mileage. Not sure what this little trip cost me in the way of fuel but that will be something I can write about later. 
We had planned on staying at our mid-stop a couple of days so as to miss the snow in Colorado. Well as things would have it they were booked for the next week of so. That left us with only one option. We could either find another place to stay or head on in to Colorado. We opted for the later and pushed on north. We found a place to top off the rigs and that got us enough to make it all the way without any other stops.
Arriving at our destination we ran head long into a real nice snow storm. At times we only had about 100 yards visibility. The snow was real dry and was not sticking at all. The surrounding mountains at higher elevations, however were starting to accumulate additional snow. I say additional because they were already covered before this round on snow hit.
Kris was loving it but I on the other hand was a little disturbed with the fact that I had to set up in the storm. I hate having to unload and set up when it is raining or snowing. Nothing is clean when you get through and you have to redo half of it when a dry day comes around.
We did get set up. Loaded the fresh water tank so we would have water when the temps dropped below freezing. Yes they were predicting below freezing temps for the night and for tomorrow night as well. Well I did want to see some snow on the mountains this year and I got may wish. Did not really want snow on my patio but I got that as a bonus.
The RV park had a get together and Sherri made some brownies. There were all kinds of dishes there and coffee to boot. I think it will  be a good year here in Colorado. I will be fishing too...

Somewhere in Time 

Not the best travel time we have had

We were in escape mode come Tuesday morning. The weather forecast showed some unfavorable weather patterns forming between where we were and where we were heading. 
This put us in a position to make a decision on whether or not to take off. I sat there for a long time studding the live radar screen and trying to see if we could eek between some of the cells that were forming to the southwest. 
They seemed to be moving in a northeast direction which meant that we would have to thread the needle as they passed our route. Thank the good Lord for the internet! Sherri manned the computer and I manned the helm. With some good timing and good luck we managed to get through all the storms without any problem. There was one spot where we had stopped to use the bathroom that we almost got a piece of the big one following us. 
Sherri had called our traveling friends behind us to see if they needed to stop and relieve themselves at an upcoming rest stop. They agreed we all needed to stop so we did. Sherri and I elected to use our own facilities and Becky and Rick went to the restrooms at the rest stop. Well they had a mix-up and Rick was waiting for Becky to come out but she was already on the way back to the truck. We realized that Rick was not coming so she had to go back and get him. Well to make a long story short the storm caught up with us and we got a little hail and a trace of rain before we all pulled back out on the highway.
The rest of the trip was us trying to keep ahead of the looming storm and not get blown off the road! All went well and we were safely on our way.
After leaving the rest area Rick forgot to engage his Tow Haul and he was driving in 6th gear. This had a big effect on his gas mileage. He crippled into the Flying J truck stop on a hope and a prayer. I missed the turn so I headed on to our destination...with plenty of fuel to spare.
The wind has been relentless since we arrived. We decided to stay one more day here and wait for the wind to lighten up. The forecast says that in the morning we should have calm winds until 10:00 or so and then they will pick up again. 
We are getting everything ready tonight so in the morning we can pick up the jacks and head out...

Somewhere in Time  

First leg of the trip

We made it to Oklahoma. Sherri is in the Casino with here friend Becky Feller. They did not make enough to pay for the trip but they said they had a lot of fun.
Kris and I just stayed here at the RV and ate some lunch. I had to take a nap as soon as I got that behind me. 
Made good time and had no problems. We plan to leave on the second leg tomorrow. It is snowing in South Fork so I will have to make me a snow man before it all melts.
They have had a record snow fall in the mountains surrounding the park. We should have some good fishing. 
It is so hot here and I can't wait for the cooler weather...

Somewhere in Time

Time is growing near

We are working feverishly to get all our make ready done before our departure date. So many things have to be tended to so we don't have to come home to a ton of work this fall. 
We have not decided yet where we will be headed this fall. One place we know that will be on our list of stops is Galveston. We will be going there to visit with my Sister and BIL. We missed going down there this last March. Normally we take Kris down there on his Birthday and take him to NASA so he cans see all the new stuff they have. 
We love the beach and getting to visit with Jim and June is always fun. March is a good time to be on the beach. It is still cool at that time but there are a few warm days that you can enjoy the beach.
As far as before or after that...well all plans are in jello. That is what makes full timing so much fun. I hope we can continue to do this for many years to come...

Somewhere in Time 

Today I start the second phase of the fence project

Yes, today I start the next phase of the fence project. I only have three post to dig and then string some hog wire on it. This is on the side of the property between the shop and the Tiny House...or cabin  as we refer to it now. We have had so much rain in the past few weeks it should not be too hard to dig these three holes. 
Sherri has been working to get all the things we don't need out of the trailer and all that we do in it. I too have been clearing out some items that we don't need. There is so much we unloaded when we took the RV in for warranty work. Stuff that we needed in the cabin and things that there was no need in keeping in the RV if we were not going to be living in it. 
Yesterday we had no rain but we had a wind that was relentless. I could not work on the fence but I could work on cleaning out the bays. I vacuumed all of them out and rearranged all the stuff in them. Now I have room for everything and I can find things as well.
We will be leaving soon and hope to stop off and see the kids before we leave for Colorado. It will be some time before we return so a good visit with them will be nice.
By the way our daughter and SIL gave us some real nice (used) leather recliners. I have enjoyed lounging in mine. Thanks guys for the gift. We put them in the cabin. I hope that we get our new movie seating before we leave out...

Somewhere in   

Phase one of the fence project is complete

 This is the street side fence. We used our old fence to build this one and new for the back fence

 This is the back fence that hides our neighbors hideous RV/Storage facility. 

 I connected the fence to our new storage barn. Notice my new ramp I built. Project 568 LOL

For the last two days I have been trying to complete the first phase of our fence project. Today I finished and was I glad to be done! We have been dodging rain and wind trying to get the last of the fence up and the weather for the past two days has cooperated with me so I could work.
The second phase is a short fence on the side of the property that will be the last fence I ever build. I think I have said that many times but this time it is for sure. I don't think I can muster the strength to dig anymore post holes after the three I have left to do tomorrow. I am starting to feel my age when it comes to hard labor. Now for fishing I can do that without any problem at all. 
By the way it wont be that many days until I am up in the mountains setting by a beautiful lake chunking bait at Rainbow Trout. Now I can really get into that. Cold morning mist filtering down out of the mountains filling the lake meadow with a chill. 
OK I am making myself wanting to leave NOW! 
I can wait...I have so much to do before we head out. I need the days between now and then to get all my stuff together. This is what makes full timing so much fun. Always looking for that next adventure...

Somewhere in Time

Discovered something

Just going through some of my software I have. Streets and Trips 2013...I have the disc but do not have the code to load it. I must have misplaced it in one of the moves we have made over the years? So I started looking to buy a newer package and found out that some of them cost as much as $500! WOW! I think I will stick with the older version I have that is 2008. 
OK so I can still find my way around the lower 48 without any software and I will continue to depend on Google Maps. 
It has been raining here forever! I need to set my fence post and mow the lawn in the next two weeks. We leave for Colorado here and I want all that done before we do. Looks like the next few days will be rain free and I hope that I can finish the front fence. The side fence is almost done and then I can start the back fence. Time is running out and you can't get time back.
We have enjoyed having the RV back and it is so nice to have a kitchen. I like my recliner too and that I had to give up for some time. Setting in a straight chair is not my idea of comfort.
Time to head out and find something to do. I think I will retire to my studio and see about starting a new painting...

Somewhere in Time 

A word of praise

I don't normally praise any business that I have come to use for service...however in the case of Explore USA in Canton Texas I will take the time to let you know that they are the most professional service center that I have dealt with since Explore USA in Denton Texas. 
Yes both Explore USA and they both were top notch professional people to deal with. 
If you are looking for an RV and want good service after the deal then I suggest Explore USA! 
Thanks guys for taking care of me and my home...

Somewhere in Time 

Back at the lake

Sherri Kris and I headed out to Louisiana for the family reunion. We had a wonderful time at Grande Bayou Resort. We stayed there for four days and came  back Monday. Every year the family gets smaller but this year I noticed there was more children there than usual. Maybe we will have a new generation coming up that will take our places.
We experienced some rain storms on the way back. I always am exhausted after driving in a storm. When we have sunny skies and good weather I can drive forever but when it is windy or rainy I am so tense that I am actually sore when we stop.
We are having to fill out our income tax forms for Ober-care. This affordable insurance they came up with is a pain in the be-hind. Thank God I am a veteran and don't have to put up with all that. 
Not much shaking today but just stick around and we will come up with something...

Somewhere in Time 

Fence is just about done

 

We started this fence Friday and today...Sunday...we just about have it done. Sherri and Kris were hand in hand moving and grooving with the project until they had it well in hand. I could not ask for any better help than this.
Tomorrow we pick up our RV and we are sooo excited we cannot hide it...its about to blow our minds!! Sherri will have a kitchen and I will have an ice maker! I  think I have died and gone to heaven.
Well I am just about to fall out of this chair. I have had my hands wrapped around a post hole digger all day long and I really need to climb into the shower. 
Stay tuned for updates...

Somewhere in Time