Journey's End

To all of our dear friends and followers......It is with great saddness that I have to tell you that on September 3, 2009 Bob lost his couragous battle with cancer. It has been a long and difficult 6 weeks since chemotherapy was discontinued near the end of July. Each day brought new challenges. Not only did he have extreme shortness of breath but he was unable to swallow almost anything and could only speak in a whisper (I admit, I did take advantage of that situation). In spite of all of the above, we were able to make what would be our last camping trip the first week in August. It was to Gettysburg with my two oldest grandsons (and we all know how how much Bob liked children!!!) but he did love traveling and living in the motorhome. Thanks to everyone for your cards, calls of concern and prayers. So, much sooner than we had expected ,this particular journey, for us, has come to an end. Our time together was brief ,but we did have one heck of a time and I will always have those memories in my heart. So goodby to my "Cowboy Bob".............'till we meet again..................

We left FL on Wed, as planned and headed north. It took us three days to get to PA. The weather was perfect and until the last three hours ,traffic was manageable. Bob was able to drive several hours a day and that made the trip easier. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing spring flowers and green mountains until we headed up 81 in VA. The dogwoods were spectacular and the rolling green hills looked like a painting. Sat morning we got up early and had breakfast with Bob's son,daughter ,son-in-law and granddaughter. I then went to watch my two oldest grandsons play baseball. Zak was actually playing "T" ball . They were definitely having a good time and occasionally even managed to play ball. That evening we went to my youngest Grandson's 2nd birthday party. We were both exhausted by the time we got home that night. Anyway we are still trying to clean the inside and outside of the motorhome, that will be a summer-long project. The yard is totally overgrown also ,so we are going to have to get out of the FL mode and get to work. Bob is scheduled to see the DR here on Thurs and then we can continue with Chemotherapy. We miss everyone and look forward to seeing you again so take care. Let us hear from you ........................take care...................Carole and Bob

What's Up

OK, Let's give this another try..... We are still in FL at Toby's, although we think it should be re-named "Windy Acres". It has been a cool and very windy season in Fl but we did survive. Bob has one treatment to finish on Mon and that will complete 4 cycles (out of 6) and then we will move back to PA to finish the treatments. He has been doing very well with chemotherapy and is still able to do many of the things he wants to do (OK, his favorite thing was always to do as little as possible so it is hard to evaluate sometimes) . Anyway for those who were with us all winter at Toby's , here's an update. The park is really deserted now but those of us who are left are getting to know each other better .We now have two small
alligators in our pond . One of our favorite things to do is watch the wind blow the fire ants off their mounds. Several weeks ago John and Marlyn had a new , large cement pad poured and we sat and watched that dry for an hour or so. We have had tag-a-long dinners a couple of nights and we discovered some new places to eat and have met some new people. We do miss ya'll and look forward to seeing you in the fall. To all of our friends in PA hope to see you soon and take care...............Bob & Carole

Busy,Busy Week

It has been a good but hectic week for us. Last Saturday we had "Casino" night in the park. You could get $500 play money for five dollars and play a number of games of chance. As you can see Bob choose to be a blackjack dealer and by the look on his face I think he enjoyed taking other people's money. We had a lot of fun and at the end of the evening there was an auction so we could spend any money we hadn't lost at the tables. Because everyone had plenty of leftover money it was a very interesting affair. I bought a real neat clothespin bag for $1900. I really wanted the box of chocolates but they went for $1200 and I didn't have that much left. On Monday Bob had his first Chemotherapy and I'm happy to say all went very well. No adverse problems all week so he will be ready for tomorrow's session. Also upon the Doctors recommendation he will get radiation therapy to his right hip so he can get faster relief of the pain he has in that area. The good news was that he can get those treatments right here in Arcadia so we don't have a two hour drive each day.





We had a big pig roast and luau last night . The weather has finally warmed up and with all of the decorations we could have been in Hawaii. As you can see from this picture Bob did have "some" body changes, maybe Chemo won't be so bad after all. Today has been quiet, great weather and I have been taking advantage of Bob's "quiet time" and taking a little nap. It has been good today, and we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Until we meet again................Bob & Carole

The Journey continues.......

I know it has been some time since you have heard from us and I apologize . Bob recovered from his hernia surgery but an incidental finding while he was in the hospital has required us to travel a different road. After numerous tests and a biopsy we have been told he has lung cancer. While reviewing his options and giving us time to tell our families, we went home for Christmas. In spite of the news we thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the holidays with our families. Our last morning home we had breakfast with Bob's family(it was very.early in the morning).

We arrived back in FL (much warmer) in time for the New Year's celebration and joined up with many of our "winter families". So my dear friends ,we are embarking on a new and somewhat frightening "Journey". Bob's wish is to stay where it is warm and he can enjoy the beautiful blue sky, sit in the sun ,play horseshoes, golf and ride his bike. We ask all of you to keep us in your prayers and we will try to keep you informed via the "blog"................until we meet again................Bob & Carole

Sidetracked !

Yes, that is the dashing man we all love and no he didn't choose that dress by choice. Bob had emergency surgery Friday for a ruptured hernia. He is already home and doing well. Contrary to the belief of some , he didn't do it to get out of a day of golf but none the less his activities will be curbed for a few weeks. It is good that this happened in sunny Fl because if he had been in PA , with that white stuff, he would be impossible to live with for weeks of recovery. We will keep you informed and take care.........................

We've Been Moused!!

Finally, a few days to catch everyone up on our activities. Shortly after getting set up in Arcadia , we packed up again and made a journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of the Mouse. My youngest daughter , Katrina, husband Mike , my four grandsons (Jared , Zak ,Tyler , & Nathan), Nanny Kjersten and Emma ,their 130 lb Bernese Mountain dog ,met us at Fort Wilderness . What a great campground and we were lucky enough to camp next to each other, although Bob and I were happy they had their own trailer. I had forgotten how chaotic camping with children could be. There were so many things to do at the campground that is was hard to find time to get away to the many different parks. The Magic Kingdom was just that---MAGIC-- it didn't take me long to start "searching" with the boys for different characters so they could get their autographs (neat marketing gimmick, ie selling autograph books). It seemed like there were thousands of little "princesses" running around, all dressed up in dresses, gowns, tiaras and glitter. I couldn't convince any of my grandsons they would look good in princess garb (no, Katrina this doesn't mean I have to have a granddaughter!). I was thoroughly entranced by the shows and the efficiency with which Disney World runs the place, from moving thousands of people around, minimizing wait time in lines and feeds (good eats) bunches. Bob, who was totally overwhelmed by the number of yelling, cheerful children, chose to sit out most of the days by the quiet creek behind our motorhome. After several days following the boys around the park I , myself was wishing for a few quiet moments watching the ducks swim by. Halfway thru the week my Dad and Mom came from Apollo Beach area to visit with all of the great-grandchildren. It was good to have four generations together. We rented a golf cart to run around in while they were there and I think the two youngest grandsons enjoyed playing on it as much as some of the park attractions. Sadly, all good things must come to an end so Sat the PA bunch headed back to the cold North and Bob and I came back to Arcadia to just " hang out" in the sun. Activities here are just getting started but already it seems like we run out of time. To all of our friends up North, start packing your bags, it's great down here but we can always make room for one more at "happy hour". Take care........

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU.............................UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Welcome to Florida

It took us two days to drive from LA to Florida, and we spent one night (our first!) in a rest stop with all of the truckers. We survived and arrived at our winter home on Tuesday afternoon. The sun was shinning and it was warmer than PA or LA. Bob was a happy man !!!! We were greeted by several of our friends and everyone wants to help you park the motorhome and get set up. (That's because the whole process of setting up is really a relationship-breaker and they want to see if you survive).









As you can see we did get set up and soon my Dad and Mom came down for a few days visit to catch up. We went to some of our favorite eating places and checked out the changes in the community. On Friday we played Bingo for the first time and as usual just contributed financially to the cause.








We will slowly get back into the swing of Florida living. Yes , Keystones Winnies that's our Kathy Plant, she is a snowbird-in-training and doing a fine job. We have already been to the flea market in Ft. Myers and she caught on real fast, acquiring several bags of goodies. Bob and I have ridden our bikes several times and the old bodies have let us know that we are putting them under stress. PA friends , we miss you and hope to see some of you soon as the weather turns colder up there I know we won't have to encourage you to migrate. Take care...



Happy Trails to You....Until WE Meet Again

Rally Time

On Friday morning the La State rally began. There were around 108 motorhomes camped at Rayne's civic center and we were lucky enough to have electric and water hookups. This is where you can meet up with many of your friends and make many new ones. Of course we talk about our trips, family and catch up on the latest RV news. The schedule is pretty much jammed packed with activities and by the end of two days we are pooped!! There were two couples from our PA club (Keystone Winnies) there also and since we seldom see each other in PA we caught up on "home " news. The weather has been perfect but just a little chilly in the early am. Yes ,we must go further south so we won't need the furnace, period. Here are a few photos of us playing as hard as we can... WE SING......... WE EAT.......... WE PLAY.........










Tomorrow (Monday) we head east again, this time for Arcadia, FL. It will take us two days but we are getting anxious to meet up with our winter friends. Ya'll take care...................and..... Happy Trails to You.............Until we meet again

Rayne,LA

We arrived in Rayne, LA on Tuesday. It is the FROG capital of the world and they have alot of frogs everywhere. Frogs and Rayne have a long history that dates back to the 1880's,when a gourmet chef named Donat Pucheu started selling, juicy delectable bullfrogs to New Orleans restaurants. Word of Rayne's frog delicacies spread like wildfire and so it goes...... There is no longer a viable frog export due to growth of population & change in field irrigation. So now you know!!!!

This is St. Joseph's cemetery, listed in Ripley's Believe It or Not! Bucking Christian tradition, the graveyard began with the graves placed in a north-south position rather than the traditional east-west position. You would like this one ,Lorry.

We spent a day touring Crowley- "where life is Rice and Easy". Saw a rice/crawfish plantation and learned that after the rice is harvested thet use the same fields to cultivate crawfish. Great use of the land. Also visited the Opera House, a huge restoration project that will be very nice when finished.

On Wednesday we took a "swamp " tour of the Atchafalaya Basin in Henderson,LA. The weather was a little drizzly and the wind was cold! The cypress trees are one of nature's true art forms and I was surprised to learn that they are endangered (too much water). These trees were about 90 years old.

One interesting thing during the "Swamp" tour was passing under I-10. The bridge is 18 miles long and took six years to build. It was weird to be in a "natural" environment and have thousands of vehicles pass overhead. Ah-h-h progress is a wonderful thing??

We are now ready to start the LA State Winnebago Rally so we will be very busy for a few days sooooooo Happy Trails to you........Until we meet again..

Biloxi, MS Final Days

We had to try our luck at the casinos and after winning then losing several quarters, we ate our way thru the buffet, which was much more satisfying.

In spite of a little drizzle, we took a "shrimp " boat into the gulf. The whole trip was to show us how they harvest those delicious little critters we like to dip in cocktail sauce.

On Saturday we went to our first ever Mullet festival in Gautier (Go-shay), MS. They actually do have a mullet tossing contest. All sorts of crafts, community service presentations, antique cars and of course all sorts of food including fish and "cracklins". Lot's of fun.....................

On Monday we said goodby to Mary Anne, Lucky and Happy and headed West towards LA.

Happy Trails to You..............Until we meet again

Biloxi ,MS

We left PA on Monday and headed south for warmer weather. On Wednesday we arrived in Biloxi, MS to visit with Carole's sister-in -law. She fortunately had a place for us to park ,with electricity, so we will stay for a few days ( I bet she will think twice before she installs utilities anyplace else on her property!). Plenty to do around here.....golf, casinos,boat rides, fishing (her house is right on the river) and just "hanging out". So little time!!

Happy Trails to You...............until we meet again....

A Blog is Born!

Greetings ! Welcome to our world. This will be the place where you can follow the adventures ( or misadventures, as it may be ) of Bob and Carole. We hope that by doing this it will allow us to "cross paths" with many of our friends and family as we travel the USA.

We are just winding up twelve wonderful days in Burlington, VT area. The changing of the leaves has been spectacular. With several of our friends we managed to eat and drink our way across Vermont.

On Saturday ,sightseeing in MT Mansfield (Smuggler's Notch) area we saw snow on the mountaintop. The next morning it was 39 degrees and very "nippy". It was then that we decided it was time to move on.

Saying "so long" to our fellow Vermont travelers, we packed up the old home and hit the road again. We will head to PA to visit with family for a few days before we start a new adventure.

Happy Trails to You.........Until We Meet Again........


Bob & Carole

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