Who believes in Santa?

These are beauties, but not Barker's beauty.
So do you believe in Santa? This was recently at our annual family Christmas. Approximately 70 relatives present out of 131 possible. A great time was had by all. Missed those who could not attend.
Now it is time to get ready for our children and families. Sara and Chuck will be coming home on Wednesday night and the rest will be here on Christmas Eve. Looking forward to having them all home.
We are not making plans to head South this winter...but who knows if the mood hits.

PHS Homecoming

A traditional small town event.
Paige, Eric and on the other end is Ethan and Caleb sitting on the curb watching the parade.
Yes once again I am reminded of the years gone by. Especially when you see a grandson a senior and another a junior... Wow what a hot day for a football game. I went to the parade and opted out of the game only to volunteer my babysitting services for three little guys. Actually I think I got the better deal.

It's been a while....

Sara and Chuck's new place (actually it was built in the late 1800's) They have the bottom two floors. Neat place! We just returned home after helping move them to "downtown". Let see they have been there 3 years... only 2 more until they move closer to the Midwest. They have been quite busy this month, vacationing in London, moving, Sara changing jobs, purchasing a new car....wow what a life!

This pic is of two very proud fisherman.
Even though it was taken about a month ago it is still very vivid with them. The mighty ole Mississippi provided some great catches and needless to say the eating was great too. We have been asked "aren't you afraid to eat them ?" my answer is "do you eat hot dogs, lunch meat, and food from restaurants not knowing what is in it and how it is prepared?" My point well made....

back once again..

This is the pond in Crosstown behind Corse's home. This, which is an old landmark to this community, is the lowest I have ever seen it The new construction in the upper right is their new home.

Dwayne returned to work on Friday once again. Seems like his medication was part of his problem.

We took Paige, Caleb, and Ethan, to Sam Baker park for a few days last week. They enjoyed swimming, playing cards, and being together. Not many campers braved the hot temps. I think there were six campers total in the park. Now we are looking forward to fall camping.

Home

Dwayne came home last night. They ran tests and still not sure what is going on.

Arlin is back to himself once again. He is staying out of the heat and resting. And as for me I'm ready for a vacation again!

Prayers please.....

His flight was delayed in Dallas for about 3 hours and making it home about 12:30pm. Deb and I surprised him at the airport. More info about the trip later. This pic is of the group.

Yesterday Dwayne was airlifted to SLU hospital with chest pains again. He is in ICU and is doing better. not sure what is going on with his heart yet but appears to be no blockage or heart attack. sure gave us a scare once again.

Coming Home today

Just checked his flight and it appears to be a few minutes ahead of schedule. So they should be arriving at Lambert at 7pm. Have not heard from him since Friday, but one of the other wives told me they made it to their 1st destination this morning, and now to Mexico City, Dallas, and St. Louis.

Better

Just received a call from him telling me he is feeling so much better. Supposedly he stayed in his room for the most part of today. The weather is a hot like here and mostly poverty in that area. They will be going on a sightseeing bus Saturday to see a canyon. He said he took a lot of pictures so far.

Update....

Took this pic of the progress of the church today.

I was concerned about Arlin because I had not heard from him and today someone told me he was very sick. Always nice to hear it second hand. A mother said she would call her daughter and check on them. While she was on the phone I asked how he was. So she put him on the phone and he said he was feeling somewhat better. 9 out of the 12 have been ill.

Mexico

He left Friday for Mexico. Hope everything goes well as I will not hear from him until next Sunday. This is he in his official Mexico mission trip shirt. I really don't like the ideal of being separated and not knowing how things are going!
As for me I'm sure I will be busy. For starters Deb and I went to Branson for a few days and saw some shows and did the outlet shopping thing.

Award

Today I received a package from The Pathway, a magazine for Missouri Baptists, and in it was a framed certificate for the pic that I took of the church after the tornado. (Okay let me crow while I can. ) They called me a free-lance photographer. Wow! The top pic is the one the award is for.
Things are going slow on the building of the church. So few of the members are helping. Gene, my cousin, and Arlin are the die-hards. I realize the congregation is small but a couple of men can not do it all. And by the way these 2 are the oldest and do more and are there every day.

Congrats Sara!

Sara climbed to the summit of Mt Rainier... this mountain is so majestic. She succeeded with another of her goals---not sure what will be next.

back in MO

We arrived home last Sunday evening. Our "bestest" friends left us after spending a week together. (They returned home early because of an emergency.) Then we met up with Marv and Judy in Cody, WY, spending time in Yellowstone with them. Had a great trip!

Now he is helping with the building of the Baptist church in Crosstown. Our church has volunteered for the next 2 weeks. Lots of help is needed and not sure where it will come from. Prayers are needed as they rebuild. (I took this pic of the building while standing in the "old" parking lot directly across the road.)
Then he will be leaving for a mission trip to Mexico.

More....

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Here are a few pics from the last few days. This is our setup in Medicine Bow NF. The little tent is not a "dog house" for the guys it is actually the outside shower. The next one is our campsite in Casper, Sam's parking lot. There were no campsite available that night we counted 21 units when we left that morning. And of course he had to split wood on this trip.

Cody, WY

At this time we are sitting at a campground in Cody waiting for Marv and Judy. They left MO yesterday afternoon and are meeting us here tomorrow then on into Yellowstone.

West...

H

We have been in Colorado and Wyoming leaving home on the 22nd. Traveling with our friends Henry and Janey in the National Forrests without the comforts of electricity.
This pic Henry got stuck in a snow drift.
Two prospectors returning to the campsite in Medicine Bow National Forrest in Wyoming.

Update...

Dwayne was taken out of ICU last night and was discharged from the hospital this afternoon. He starts "heart" rehab on Monday and has an appointment with Dr. on Thursday. He was tired but seems to be doing better.

What a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we awoke this morning, thinking it was going to be a "near" normal day, changed around 9 o'clock. For those of you who have not heard, Dwayne went to SLU hospital to have some "heart" related tests ran. Before the tests he started having severe chest pain. They found he had a major blockage and had to put a stint in to clear the artery.
Life is full of surprises! Thank God he was at the right place at the right time....

Another fish story!

This is a 48# catfish they caught Saturday. Yes, they were back on the "ole" Mighty Mississippi once again. Uncle and Nephew truly enjoying themselves!

Redneck Women......

Couldn't resist posting this pic of our girls weighing in the catch. Forgive me girls.

Fish story!

This morning we took "the Easterners" to the airport, making their way to reality once again. Sara and Chuck spent the last 5 days in Missouri. Making the most of every waking moment fishing, shooting skeets, trip to Cabelas, fish fry, preschool graduation for nephew, and visiting family. And naturally eating at the famous Ewald's, Park-Et, and Hoeckle's. I am sure there were a few pounds put on by all. Of course there are some great "fish" stories, too. As you see in this pic it was a very successful fishing experience. They caught this 34lb catfish in the mighty Mississippi along with about 157 lbs more. Notice the big smile on grandpa's face. Believe me this was a very busy week for all! I loved it!

We were at the RFD TV Show place in Branson today and saw this "pink" IH. Of course the guys were drooling over this John Deere!
Shopped at the Outlet malls today and then came back to rest and start putting things away. Back to reality once again!

Montauk, Silver Dollar City

This is a pic of Montauk. We were there from last Sunday until Thursday with Judy, Marv, Carole, Don, Donald & Sammye. We left on Thursday for Silver Dollar City spending Saturday and Sunday there. Planning on going to the Outlet Stores on Monday and then heading home Tuesday. Sara and Chuck are coming in on Wednesday so we better get "up" the road. Think we will just leave it hooked up and be ready to head out when the opportunity comes up. Life is still good!

Lake Enid

The view from our campsite was fabulous!
We just returned from Enid, MS, on a supposedly fishing trip. Needless to say we didn't bring a lot of fish home. (none to be exact, ate what we few they caught)I drove Dwayne's truck and pulled our friend's boat (can't believe I did that). After the first day of fishing the motor would not run properly.........so we just enjoyed good friends, good food, and wonderful scenery. We were at Persimmon Hill Corp of Engineer park which was one of the nicest parks we have stayed. On Tuesday we headed home reluctantly because he was to have jury duty.... but it was canceled. Our friends stayed and reported to us they are having a wonderful time. While we were there my cousin called and wanted us to go to Montauk this week. So we came home plugged in the camper took very little out and are ready to go again.
Live life to the fullest!

Snowy day

Monday we built a porch swing, which I have had the plans for about 10 years. We finally got around to putting them to use. I think it looks great!

It's a cold and snowy day today. So thankful to have a fire to keep warm by and stay inside. Not much going on here....Caleb and Ethan were down and we played some games and had lunch together. Don't get to see them as often with school, soccer, swim lessons, and etc. Tonight we are going to their house to play Sequence. Last night Deb and Eric were here and I made Paige curtains for her room. She wanted John Deere as a theme. That made Grandpa happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DWAYNE!

We wish you a Happy Birthday and hope you have a great one. Nice mustang! Mmmmmm, looks like you may have been a little thinner in this pic.

Family Bowl

Yesterday was the annual Family Bowl. Three games were bowled, the first two were serious and the last was a crazy bowl. As you see in the pics Doc is the throwing the ball thru Paige's legs. Lot's of laughs! The meal and fellowship could not be held in the church basement so Sandy graciously opened her home to the clan. The evening was spent playing cards, board games, eating, and just visiting. So sorry Eldor and Aileen could not make it, we missed them.

Grandkids...

The grandkids off from school for two days and we are enjoying spending time with them. Tanner came today and helped grandpa and tonight we have Paige. Tomorrow Caleb and Paige will both be here. As I am typing this, Paige and grandpa are playing sequence. She has been anxiously waiting to learn this game.
I heard from Judy and they were moving on down to Okeechobee today. they are planning on coming home the last of the month. Perhaps by then it will be warmer here.

Back again...

I know it has been a while since i have posted but not much going on except for cold weather. We have been busy catching up on all the necessary things that have to be done to run a home.
On Tuesday he braved the cold weather long enough to pull the fifth wheel out to wash it. Both the truck and camper were covered with salt and scum from the road.
Tonight Doc and Ruth came down to play Sequence and they told us they are heading to Massachusetts with a load on Sunday. Can't say I miss it but I know he does. I just don't know if I will ever be ready for that again. One scare is enough for me.
What a pleasant surprise today, Doris, Clara, and Jim stop by for a visit. Enjoyed reminiscing, discussing "rving" and the enjoyment of retirement. They told me they read my blog and also a couple more cousins. ( Hi Jack and Ray! Stop by some time.)

Home, home at last!

Leaving Florida at 7:00am Saturday arriving home about 11:45am today, Sunday. We stayed somewhere just inside of the Tennesee line last night. Rising early this morning and leaving around 5:00AM to head for Missouri. Shortly after getting on the highway, he said, I think that's snow flurries, I agreed. But shortly after that it was the real thing, snow, coming down and the temp was 13. So thru Tennesee the roads were pretty well covered slowing us down. As soon as we hit Kentucky the roads were well maintained and not nearly as much snow.
Doc made it home Friday morning around 7:30, leaving Florida around 2:00pm Thursday. Needless to say he drove straight thru. They had planned on leaving that morning but had trouble with their brake lights. As you can see Arlin is under the truck fixing them and Doc is standing.
All that I can say is BRRRRRRRRR! But it is good to be home. We had a great trip! Hope you enjoy the pics.

Stormy night

We experienced storms in Florida last night. Approximately 50 miles east of us a tornado hit near Lady Lake with several fatalies. There was not a lot of sleep going in the park for sure, but we had no damage. Doc and Ruth are getting ready to pull out this morning. Sure hope they have a pleasant and safe trip home.

Sunny days are back again.

It was a beautiful day here Florida once again. We are enjoying having Marv and Judy, Doc and Ruth for neighbors. Last evening we played dominoes with Doc and Ruth and after that they drove to Walmart to look for a electric heater. They were gone for quite some time and Arlin made the remark that maybe we should go look for them (jokingly). This morning they came over and said they did get lost and believe it or not, Doc has a GPS. So they just left to go get something to eat and we told them they should leave a trail.

Relaxing...

The top pic is Marv's, Doc's, and our camper at Turtle Creek Resort in Homosassa.
The next one is us doing what we do best. The view is from the back window of the camper.
The temp was down in the 30's this morning but it has warmed up nicely in the 50's. Doc and Ruth have decided to leave on Friday after hearing the weather report for Missouri.

Webster

We just came back from Doc and Ruth's playing Sequence and of course the ladies won. We play dominoes at our place and sequence at their's. Arlin is sitting in the recliner watching Deal or No Deal while I am on the internet. Today five of us (except Doc who stayed in bed) went to Webster to the largest flea market i have seen. It was a least 25 acres or more. Didn't buy much but walked alot and of course ate breakfast and lunch out. The day was sunny and only in the 50's with a chance of freezing tonight. Starting to miss those grandkids and kids. The pics have not been downloading the past few days so I will try to put a couple on now. This was taken at the park in Okeechobee.

Back in Homosassa...

We drove about 200 miles today to Homosassa once again. Planning on staying here a week and then home. We are finally parked together, Marv & Judy, Doc & Ruth, and us. It is a little chilly and windy today but not as cold as Missouri. The time seems to be going so fast. Doc and Ruth are heading toward home on Thursday. I do have internet at our site....YIPPEE!

Blustery day!

Today is a rainy and cool day in the 50's. Not a lot going on with us today probably make a stop at Wally World after using the internet at Mcd's parking lot. McD's does have wireless for 2.95 for 2 hours and that to me is a ripoff so I am using the motel's next door. Library also has wireless.
We are moving back up north Sunday to Homasassa. It is about 200 miles northwest of us. Planning on spending a week there and then heading home..maybe if the weather permit.

Okeechobee still...

We decided to stay another week here in Okeechobee. We attended church yesterday and spend the afternoon enjoying the weather. Doc and Ruth also went to the Lutheran church and met some people from Perryville that are staying about 8 miles from us. Small world we live in!
The temps are still in the 80's. This morning he washed the camperl. I'm sure it won't be clean when we make the trip back home.

Beach

Yesterday we were at a beach in Fort Pierce. Another gorgeous day. We started this morning with a trip to a flea market, which was a dud, and now we are at McD's. One more day in this park and then we are not sure where we will be. I hope the next one has internet available on site! I miss that...

Okeechobee

We arrive in Okeechobee on Sunday afternoon. we are in the Villa Margaret Park and again no internet so i am sitting in the parking lot of a motel called Flamingo Inn. yesterday we went to the everglades National park. Saw lots of aligators and birds. so today we are resting and maybe tomorrow we will go to the coast. temps are in the 80's (sorry missourians) and mostly sunny. just can't imagine what you are dealing with there. we plan on spending a week here and then who knows.

TURTLE CREEK

we are in turtle creek rv resort in homossassa, florida. needless to say i am not too please with the place. for one thing and the number one necessity is not available and that is wireless internet. and i have to come to the office to use dial up. we are planning on heading south on sunday. we did go to the see the manatees today. other than that we have just been taking it easy. so this is just a brief update because i can only be online for 15 minutes.

Florida

We are in Perry, Florida, at a KOA. Met up with Marv and Judy this afternoon on the other side of tallahassee. not much sunshine until we got into Florida. Louisana, and Mississippi were cloudy and foggy most of the way. last night, Saturday, we stayed in Fontainebleau State park on lake ponchartrain. couldn't see the lake for the fog. tomorrow we are heading for Homosassa to the turtle creek rv park. will probably spend a few days there to rest up and then on to wherever. Doc and Ruth are with us also. looking forward a few days of R&R.

Christmas is over and now it is time for the new year. no resolutions! maybe some thought on what I should do in the coming year though. we brought the new year in with attending church and then going to dwayne's for a while. of course, we didn't actually see the new year in.....sleeping right thru it. starting off the year with sara's birthday on the 2nd and my childhood friend celebrating her big one on the 3rd. by the way joyce (i knew you would catch up with me. HA!HA!) and then caleb's on the 18th.
this will be a busy week for us . we sign on the selling of the rental friday and plan on leaving on saturday for (probably) florida. looking forward to this adventure...