Last Tuesday we left the Acton KOA and the town of Acton.
headed for the Ventura County Campground Hobson Beach Park. We claimed a beautiful oceanside campsite where we could view the surfers, fishing boats and The Channel Islands National Park island Santa Cruz. With the hills of the San Gabriel mountains behind us and ocean in front of us, what more could you ask for. On the way to the campground we passed through orange and lemon groves. You could smell the oranges for miles! Not far past the orange groves we ran into fields of strawberries, again, you could smell the strawberries. We stopped at a fresh fruit stand, one of many, and picked up some fresh navel oranges, tangelo's, strawberries and pistachio's. If you've ever had fresh picked pistachio's, you'll never want to eat them from a package again. What a treat!
I'll upload pictures when able.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Traveling Back to Acton, CA
On January 9th we left Lindsay & Tom's in our Ford Escape to head back to California. We decided to leave after our family Christmas party because bad weather was approaching. We were only going to drive as far as Des Moines, IA but after talking with our son-in-law Rob, who's a meteorologist, we decided to drive as far as Kearney, MO. We then only had a 15 mile drive to visit our daughter and son-in-law and their family. When we awoke the next morning, we were sure glad we made the extra effort to drive as far as we did because there was blowing & drifting snow on the interstate which made the road icy.
We got to Theresa & Rob's house and the kids were all home from school due to the weather. It was a very relaxing day and evening with the gas fireplace running, good coffee, good food & great conversation. When we got up the next morning the weather was still not very good for traveling and since we don't have to be anywhere at any particular time, we decided to stay with Theresa & Rob for another night. It was nice enough later in the day so that Theresa and I were able to make a run to Walmart. I have to say it was nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air even though it was cold and snowy. That evening we went to dinner at the Subway that our granddaughter; Elizabeth works at. When we got done eating, we headed to the gym to watch our grandson; Brian wrestle. Brian just turned 11 and is somewhat small for his age; but wow can he wrestle!
The next morning we packed up the car and drove on to visit Gunnard & Virginia Youngdahl who live in Hollister, MO. Hollister is located just south of Branson, MO. The farther we drove South the nicer the weather and less snow. We arrived at Gunnard and Virginia's by late afternoon. They live in a RV community in a very cute little place where they not only have a place to keep their motor home but where neighbors look out for each other; in the country with a great view; and close to Branson where they can take in a show or eat at a great restaurant. Speaking of great restaurants, we ate at a diner the first night that had a waiter that sang when he delivered our food to our table. It was good food and great entertainment!
Because it is the off season in Branson; most of the shows are closed. Gunnard & Virginia knew of one show at the Grand Country Music Hall. So we took in the show "Grand Jubilee" with them. It was a great variety show with comedy, an emcee, a very good country singer, a woman singer and a fun quartet. Needless to say, we had a great time at the show.
The next day Gunnard & Virginia took us to Lambert's Restaurant - Home of the Thrown Roll located in Ozark. If you've ever watched the Food Network, this restaurant was featured on one of their shows Diners, Drive-In's, & Dives. The food is absolutely wonderful and the main feature is their home made rolls that are brought out and literally thrown to the customers at their tables or booths. Each main dish comes with sides that brought to your table and spooned onto your plate. You can have as much of the sides that you want. If you make it to the restaurant, I enjoyed the Chicken & Dumplings and had the best fried potatoes that I think I've ever had.
Gunnard & Virginia are the perfect hosts and we could have stayed for many days letting them show us their great area, but we needed to get back on the road the next morning. We said our good-byes and off we went. Our route took us through the corner of Arkansas and onto Interstate 40 through Oklahoma, Northern Texas, into New Mexico and into Arizona. I have to say that I wasn't all that enthused about going on the Interstate, but it was the fastest route. The number of trucks that we saw, since this a main East/West route was more than you could ever count. The scenery wasn't much either!
Once we got into Arizona; however; what a difference! We stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park and saw the Painted Desert and of course, the petrified forest. What beauty! We drove the scenic drive through the park and who would ever believe that such a beautiful place is just off the Interstate.
After we left the Petrified Forest National Park, we went on to Flagstaff. Instead of staying on the Interstate we decided it was time to get off and get onto a more scenic route through Sedona, Jerome; viewing Mingus Mountain and Prescott Valley. What a view!! I think that this route was one of the most beautiful routes I've ever taken. Jerome is the most interesting town; it's built into the side of Mingus Mountain and was built in the mid 1800's as a mining town. The road through the mountain was like an old trail converted into a 2 lane road. We sure were glad that we weren't in the motor home.
After spending the night just outside of Phoenix, we left the next morning for Acton. We made a stop in Quartzsite,AZ which is very close to the border of Arizona and California. For RV'ers it's a destination like no other. About 3 millioin RV'ers converge on this normally tiny desert town and camp for the winter months. There are campgrounds that are full service, but the excitement is in the fact that many dry camp out in the desert. There are groups of RV's that have things in common. There are events such as a huge RV show, Gem & Jewelry shows, Blues Festivals etc. throughout the winter months. We'd heard of Quartzsite through friends and decided to see it for ourselves.
We made it back to the Acton KOA late that afternoon. As always, we had a great trip and until next time we're At Home Wherever We Roam!
We got to Theresa & Rob's house and the kids were all home from school due to the weather. It was a very relaxing day and evening with the gas fireplace running, good coffee, good food & great conversation. When we got up the next morning the weather was still not very good for traveling and since we don't have to be anywhere at any particular time, we decided to stay with Theresa & Rob for another night. It was nice enough later in the day so that Theresa and I were able to make a run to Walmart. I have to say it was nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air even though it was cold and snowy. That evening we went to dinner at the Subway that our granddaughter; Elizabeth works at. When we got done eating, we headed to the gym to watch our grandson; Brian wrestle. Brian just turned 11 and is somewhat small for his age; but wow can he wrestle!
The next morning we packed up the car and drove on to visit Gunnard & Virginia Youngdahl who live in Hollister, MO. Hollister is located just south of Branson, MO. The farther we drove South the nicer the weather and less snow. We arrived at Gunnard and Virginia's by late afternoon. They live in a RV community in a very cute little place where they not only have a place to keep their motor home but where neighbors look out for each other; in the country with a great view; and close to Branson where they can take in a show or eat at a great restaurant. Speaking of great restaurants, we ate at a diner the first night that had a waiter that sang when he delivered our food to our table. It was good food and great entertainment!
Because it is the off season in Branson; most of the shows are closed. Gunnard & Virginia knew of one show at the Grand Country Music Hall. So we took in the show "Grand Jubilee" with them. It was a great variety show with comedy, an emcee, a very good country singer, a woman singer and a fun quartet. Needless to say, we had a great time at the show.
The next day Gunnard & Virginia took us to Lambert's Restaurant - Home of the Thrown Roll located in Ozark. If you've ever watched the Food Network, this restaurant was featured on one of their shows Diners, Drive-In's, & Dives. The food is absolutely wonderful and the main feature is their home made rolls that are brought out and literally thrown to the customers at their tables or booths. Each main dish comes with sides that brought to your table and spooned onto your plate. You can have as much of the sides that you want. If you make it to the restaurant, I enjoyed the Chicken & Dumplings and had the best fried potatoes that I think I've ever had.
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| Server getting ready to throw a roll to a table |
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| Server throwing a roll to a booth across the room |
Once we got into Arizona; however; what a difference! We stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park and saw the Painted Desert and of course, the petrified forest. What beauty! We drove the scenic drive through the park and who would ever believe that such a beautiful place is just off the Interstate.
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| Painted Dessert |
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| Painted Desert Inn |
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| Petrified Log |
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| Petrified Wood |
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| More Petrified Logs |
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| Humphreys Peak - 12,633' - Arizona's highest peak |
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| Mingus Mountain view from Jerome, AZ |
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| Another view from Mingus Mountain |
We made it back to the Acton KOA late that afternoon. As always, we had a great trip and until next time we're At Home Wherever We Roam!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Our Trip Back to the Twin Cities for the Wedding & Finally The Wedding!
Christmas Eve day we finished up at the tree lot and drove to the Acton/Los Angeles North KOA to leave our motor home. We decided to stay over night at the campground and leave for Minneapolis on Christmas Day. We woke up and left the KOA and drove as far as Richfield, UT. My sister Barb's boyfriend was kind enough to get us the "friends & family" discount at the Hampton Inn. The next day we drove through the beautiful Rockies to over an elevation of 11,000 feet. What a beautiful drive and wonderful weather we had. We stopped for the night in Fort Morgan, CO. It was a good thing that we drove as far as we did, because the next morning we woke up and heard that the Jefferson Eisenhower tunnel, which we had just traveled on the previous day, was closed due to an accident and Vail had received 4" of snow. On our 3rd day out we drove as far as Ankenny, IA. Once we got through the Rockies, the traveling was not nearly as beautiful and became quite boring quickly. The last travel day was a snap with only having to drive from just north of Des Moines to East Bethel. I was sure glad to get to Denise & Tony's.
Once we got into the Twin Cities, I was able to look for a dress to wear to the wedding. The dress that I had purchased previously was now way too big. A quick stop at Nordstrom Rack and I was able to find the perfect dress and I was set to go. On the 30th we held the rehearsal at Silver Lake hall and then off to Famous Dave's in Maple Grove for the Grooms Dinner; yummmmy!
Friday was the wedding at the Silver Lake Hall in St. Anthony. The wedding was officiated by the Rev. Norma Burton who is Ben's "Grandma". Norma and Bob Burton "adopted" Ben as their grandson when he was about 7 years old. It was quite an honor for Ben to have Norma be able to marry he and Mariya. Following the wedding was the dinner catered by The Lookout restaurant in Maple Grove. We had a great meal followed by a terrific DJ and a really fun night of dancing.
Once we got into the Twin Cities, I was able to look for a dress to wear to the wedding. The dress that I had purchased previously was now way too big. A quick stop at Nordstrom Rack and I was able to find the perfect dress and I was set to go. On the 30th we held the rehearsal at Silver Lake hall and then off to Famous Dave's in Maple Grove for the Grooms Dinner; yummmmy!
Friday was the wedding at the Silver Lake Hall in St. Anthony. The wedding was officiated by the Rev. Norma Burton who is Ben's "Grandma". Norma and Bob Burton "adopted" Ben as their grandson when he was about 7 years old. It was quite an honor for Ben to have Norma be able to marry he and Mariya. Following the wedding was the dinner catered by The Lookout restaurant in Maple Grove. We had a great meal followed by a terrific DJ and a really fun night of dancing.
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| The Cake |
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| Sue's Sister Barb & Niece Cassie |
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| Cassie & The Groom (Ben) |
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| Niece Cassie & Nephew Gary |
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| The Wedding Hall |
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| The Hall set up for Dinner |
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| Mariya "feeding" Ben Cake |
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| Gary & Ben |
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| Greg Hawkes walking Mariya down the aisle |
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| Ben, Barb, Cassie, Gary & Sue |
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| Mariya & Ben lighting the Unity candle |
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| Ben & Mariya lighting the lanterns |
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| Mariya & Cassie |
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| Mariya, Rev Norma Burton, & Ben |
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| Cake & Memorial to Patrick Brown |
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| Usher, son-in-law Steve Kohn with Sue |
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| Ben & Mariya dancing |
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| One of many kisses |
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| Mariya & Ben |
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| The Wedding Party - Grandson Kennedy looked so handsome in his tux! |
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
On The Road Again
After a long absence from our blog, it's time for an update :) From the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve day, we managed a Christmas Tree lot in Santa Clarita, CA. Santa Clarita is about 60 miles NE of Los Angeles in the high desert area of California. It was quite an experience ranging from selling trees in flip flops and shorts in 80 degree weather to wearing a hoodie and rain gear hoping the aqueduct behind the motor home won't over flow with all of the rain.
We were so fortunate to have a great group of both return and new employees come work for us. Our zone manager, Patrick Delaney, was a gem and we wouldn't have been able to succeed without him. We met quite an assortment of interesting people and worked 13-15 hour days but the experience was wonderful! I can't, at this time, say we would do it again but; now that we've done it we have the hardest part past us. It is quite different selling trees in California vs Minnesota where the trees are frozen.
We sold $115K worth of Christmas Trees in 30 days, not to mention all of the extras like tree preservative, disposal bags, candy cane water fillers, stands etc. Most of our customers were very very nice people, but like anything else there are a few rotten ones in the batch. We had some very funny experiences for example: One gentleman wanted his tree shoved into the back seat of his new Jaguar even though we told him it wouldn't fit. When we proved to him that it wasn't going to fit, he then had us just plunk it on the top of his car - no blanket - scratching the heck out of his car. Then we had the customers who would come at all hours of the night wanting to know if we were open. Or the woman who thought that it was a drive-in tree service - she sat out in the parking lot honking her horn wanting us to tie a tree onto her roof. But then we had the customer who wanted to buy a flocked tree because she came last year with her mother and bought one and now her mother is deceased. Roger gave her a break on the price and it brought the woman to tears!
We met quite a few Producers, Directors, Stars and Workers in the Movie and TV industry, which of course you would never have happen in Minnesota. One of our customers was Linda Grey who played Sue Ellen in the TV series "Dallas". She was extremely nice and very polite! Roger didn't recognize her but I did. Sony Pictures came and purchased 15 trees one day for a "shoot". The Santa Clarita area is used as a location shoot for many TV shows, movies, and commercials. It is a very scenic area and we really enjoyed the area.
We'll be back to visit with our new friends and see some of the sites that we didn't have time to see.
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| Check Out Stand |
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| Fraser Fir |
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| Wreaths & Candy Cane Water Fillers |
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| Flocked Tabletop Tree |
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| Flocked Wreaths & Boughs |
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| More Tabletops |
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| Flocked & Decorated Tabletop |
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| Decorated Tabletop |
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| Flocked Douglas Fir |
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| Zack Yslas fresh cutting a tree |
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| Jason & Andrew Castro setting up Tabletop trees |
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| Roger doing inventory on tree stands |
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| Tree Stand Display |
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| Ryan Miller & Irvin doing the daily tree watering |
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| Noble Firs |
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| Fraser Firs |
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| Zack - what a clown! |
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| Price of a tree with all the "trimmings" |
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| Under the Power Lines |
We sold $115K worth of Christmas Trees in 30 days, not to mention all of the extras like tree preservative, disposal bags, candy cane water fillers, stands etc. Most of our customers were very very nice people, but like anything else there are a few rotten ones in the batch. We had some very funny experiences for example: One gentleman wanted his tree shoved into the back seat of his new Jaguar even though we told him it wouldn't fit. When we proved to him that it wasn't going to fit, he then had us just plunk it on the top of his car - no blanket - scratching the heck out of his car. Then we had the customers who would come at all hours of the night wanting to know if we were open. Or the woman who thought that it was a drive-in tree service - she sat out in the parking lot honking her horn wanting us to tie a tree onto her roof. But then we had the customer who wanted to buy a flocked tree because she came last year with her mother and bought one and now her mother is deceased. Roger gave her a break on the price and it brought the woman to tears!
We'll be back to visit with our new friends and see some of the sites that we didn't have time to see.
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