Procrastination

Procrastination was the name of the game on this minor project. When we purchased our motorhome a few months back, the original batteries were pretty weak. Of course it was getting late in the day when we discovered this, so, the dealer said he'd throw in a couple of new batteries if we didn't  mind installing them or we could come back the next day for them to do it. Well with the 109 degree heat that day, we were ready to get out of there and to the RV park for some much needed cooling off. I took the batteries, stuck them in a storage bay and of course promptly forgot about them till this week.
Since we are preparing to head out on the road again, figured I had better get them installed. Of course once I got them out, they looked a bit different than the ones to be replaced. Upon closer examination, the old batteries are 6 volts and he new ones are 12, glad I was paying attention as that cold have been a bad thing had I just put them in as the others were hooked up. Ok, so off to the store for a couple new battery cables, a little bit of elbow grease, cuts and scrapes and the new batteries are installed. Whew, a simple project that of course was made more difficult than it had to be, as it seems most all my projects turn out to be, but at least it's done.

The last couple of weeks have been filled with visiting the kids, doctor appointments and just life in general. Two things of note though, first I had my yearly (ok, bi yearly, procrastinating again) and all is well, well except for my cholesterol seems to be going up, not out of control, just higher than it was. Time to modify the diet a bit more and pry my but off the couch a bit more also. Next was new Neurosurgeon for Sheryl, he turned out to be a real jerk, but he di order a Diskogram for her. He may not have much of a bedside manner  but at least he's did something to move forward with her treatment than anyone else has. The Diskogram was done the other day, they told he she would be very sore for the next week or so, and she sure is, poor girl. Good thing is once we get the results, maybe that will lead to a more permanent solution, but we'll have to see. Good thing is once we get the results, we look for a more pleasant doctor to deal with.

Thats all for now. It's just a week and a half before we head out to Kansas for Thanksgiving at the family homestead. So, take care and we'll see you back here again before long.

Setting up for the Road

 Last post I left you wondering about what we were doing next to get us on our way. Well the above photo should give you a bit of a hint. After Camping World's outrageous quote for installing a tow bar set up, I just knew there had to be a better and less expensive way. I checked out Roadmasters web site and found a few local retailers/installers of their equipment. After a couple of call's, American Hitch, just down the street, was our answer. They ordered a base plate and installed it for just over $600.00, a bargain in comparison.

 Heres the base plate all installed, the arms that stick out can be removed for a cleaner look shouls we decide to stay somewhere for a bit.

 The next issue was to find a tow bar. After looking at new, the prices seem just crazy, so off to Craigslist to see what was out there. Low and behold there is quite a selection, seems lots of folks are selling tow bars these days. After searching for a while, one came up, that was within our price range and suited our needs. A deal was struck with the owner and $300.00 later we were the proud owners of a gently used Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar. Nice part about buying used is, the owners usually have all the extras they don't need and include them in the deal. For us that ment the adapter plates, safety cables and light cable. One nice part about the Stowmaster, even though it it can fold up and stay on the car, it can also pop right off with the removal of a couple a pins.

Another purchase we had to make was new shoes for Dimples (our car) the tires that were on her were on there last leg. Again after a little research, it was off to Discount Tire. We were originally only going to replace 2 tires at a time, however the salesman thru in the extended roadhazard warranty for free if I went ahead and just got all 4 done at once, so all 4 it was. More cash layout, but more savings also. We are finding out, switching from a 5th Wheel to a motorhome and toad can put quite a strain on your budget, especially when both need a little TLC to get them set up and make them safe.
So that has been our fun and excitment for the past couple of weeks, we have also been spending much quality time with the kids

Scrappy Doo's 1st Birthday

 Scrappy Doo celebrated his first birthday Oct 1st. and as his gift to us, the little ragamuffin got his hair cut! He was beginning to look a little rough, so boy did he need it. We had planned a little party for him (party hats and all) with Kaileigh's dogs but work and school got in the way. Maybe next year. So our little boy is looking dashing once again.

As a birthday gift to us, we had been wanting to give these raviolis a try and we finally found them at the commissary. We have to say, it's our new favorite store bought pasta. The flavors are great along with large chunks of both the shrimp and lobster. So if you are a ravioli fan and haven't tried these yet, they are really yummy so give'm a try. (This was not a paid endorsement....lol)
We are also getting things ready for our travels in Nov, so stay tunes for what were getting accomplished. Se ya next time!!!

Back to School Savings

Sheryl and I were at CVS picking up some meds, when we came across this. We had been talking about the upcoming winter and the possibility of a Sweater for Scrappy to help keep him warm. I of course was against it, then I thought, well maybe, but only if has something cool on it. We were looking at these, I like the "I Love Tail" doggy shirt (they have it in blue for Scrappy) as it's so fits Scrappy's personality. Then Sheryl looked up at the sign above and just started cracking up, I saw it also and it just struck both of us funny. Back to School and I love Tail shirts, what a combo, not to mention doggy shirts as part of a Back to School savings.......lol
That was it, just had to share. Take Care and see ya next time.

Back to Biking

 Here at Tinker AFB in OKC, they have a really nice walking/jogging/biking trail, which loops through various parts of the base for 3.3 miles. With the heat of summer, plus one of our bikes being out of broke, our biking has been alittle hampered. I finally got the bike up and running and along with the cooler temps, it's perfect biking weather. We have been trying to get out each day and do the trail.

 There are several benches placed along the way for your sitting pleasure and the entire path is paved.

 The path crosses several small seasonal streams and is mostly shaded by the wooded area it goes through.

 Of course being on a military base, there is your occasional detour, something about bullets wizzing over your head can put a damper on your fun.....lol

The base also boast a wildlife sanctuary, with several ponds and paths, located along the trail. No biking here though, strictly for walking and enjoying.
The added benefit, is the exercise we have been getting or attempting to get in a little better shape.  So if you ever find yourself at the Tinker FamCamp, take a spin or walk along the trail, it runs right by the campground and is well worth the trip.

Fun at the State Fair

 This weekend the Oklahoma State Fair came to town. Now we have never been big fair type folks, however, Saturday we took it all in. Actually, Sheryl's Ex Mother in Law purchased tickets to Disney on Ice, which happened to be at the arena inside the fair rounds. So Kay, Sheryl, Kaileigh and Clara hit the show, while myself and Josh, met them at the fair afterwards. The weather couldn't have been better, overcast day with temps in the 70s, ahhhh fall also came to town!!!

 The day was mostly about Clara and watching her have fun at her first fair experience. The girls all enjoyed Disney on Ice and of course Clara had a ball just taking it all in.

Being opening weekend at the State Fair, the crowds were just crazy, to the point of us becoming miserable. So needless to say, we ended up leaving much sooner than planned. However, Tuesday is Military Day, so free admission for us and the kids (since Josh is Active AF). Were hoping the crowds won't be as bad and we can enjoy all the fair has to offer.

Of course as soon as I say posting would be few and far between, something come up to post about.....lol. Ok, see you fine folks back here again sooner than later!!!

Birthdays X2

 My how time can get away from you. Haven't posted in a bit, I guess were just enjoying our days of doing a whole lot of nothing. However, a couple of weekends were filled with Birthday Girls!!!  First was Sheryl's daughter Kaileigh, and a weekend of activities. Friday began with a movie night out, and our selection for the night was the Expendables 2. However this was not just any ordinary theater experience, this one came with special seating in a balcony area. So whats so special about that you say???  First, there's the oversized seating (large enough for Sheryl to put her legs up in the seat and cuddle with yours truly. Then there is a full food and bar menu, dinner and drinks served to to your seat. Wow what a way to watch a movie, beer and snacks, just like at home, only on the big screen.

Saturday brought a BBQ of Sausage Kabobs and all the fixin's plus a TV showing of the first Expendables, to catch us up.

The weekend also brought a surprise, Josh and Kaileigh were babysitting their neighbors pregnant doggy, when she decided it was time. Well Josh being our resident RN in training, took the lead and played mid wife  to the new mommy. All toll, 3 cute little puppies.

Next was Kaileigh's daughter Clara's birthday, with a special cake made by Grandma Sheryl. Who knew Sheryl was so multi talented, she surprises me every day.

Of course there was a party with friends and presents galore!!! All the kids had a great time, the pool was filled, the slip and Slide set up, and of course another BBQ and drinks for the adults rounded out the day.

Looks like posts maybe few and a bit between while were here. Not much other than day to day life and saving for the things needed to get back on the road with the motorhome. New tires, a tow bar set up and a little cushion in the back account, will put us on the road in November. It will be off to the family farm in Kansas for Thanksgiving and parts unknown from there, looking forward to traveling again.

As they say, we'll see you back here again, so until then, keep Lovin Your Life as we do ours!!!