7-31-2013 It's Official

It's official.  We take the motor home to the paint shop tomorrow.  Michelle, the owner of shop, said it may take up to a week; but, she may work on it all week end.  Who knows what day next week she will be finished

Today Glen drove the MH to the refrigerator service center.  We learned that the "new" ice maker that Glen ordered from E-bay was a knock-off, not a true name brand.  The technician showed Glen where the wires were black where a fire nearly started.  Do we feel blessed or what!

The new ice maker is installed and is making ice!  Hurray.  

We found the Super WalMart and had prescriptions refilled.  

Since the MH will be at the paint shop for several days, we have to pack a suitcase.  Do I remember how? 

7-30-2013 Today's Neighbor

There are all sorts of RV rigs in any given campground.  There all sorts of towables behind any given RV.

We have seen lots of dogs, all sizes, with RV-ers.  

But never like this:

I counted 13 puppies...or dogs....I can't tell if they are full-grown or not.

The lower picture is of the RV and the towable.  I assume dog food and accessories are in the trailer.  I watched the couple carry all of the dogs into the RV.  

Glen heard the lady of the RV say something about "dog shows."  Oh, my, what a job.

7-29-2013 Back to Elkhart Campground, Elkhart, IN -or- Where's the List?

We left the Stults' farm this morning, and drove the approximate 45 minutes to Elkhart, IN. 

Once again** we are parked in Elkhart Campground, in Elkhart, IN. This campground is neat, clean, well-designed.  The owners are familiar with rv-ers coming in to have work done at a neighboring business.
**We were here on the way to Mackinaw City, MI.


Glen explained to the owner this morning that we were waiting for the paint shop to give us a definite date for the work to commence.  He told Glen not to worry about paying yet, just wait until we knew the schedule.  He said if it is a week, then it is cheaper to pay for a week rather than per day.  How nice of him to work with us. 

This afternoon we visited a couple of repair/service businesses, talked to a couple of service people.  

Phoenix Paint--the owner is going to come to the rv and start preliminary work here at the site, probably tomorrow.

Charger Enterprise - has ordered the step motor, will call after delivery to set up appointment.

Hobson RV Service - refrigerator/ice maker repair-

Quality Restorations -  come to rv site to check a small tear in leather sofa 

I watched the local news/weather this afternoon.  The afternoon high temp was only one degree higher than the record "low" high temp.  I really enjoy a high of 72 degrees two days from the end of July!

Let the work commence!

7-28-2013 Sunday Activities - Page 2

I copied the photo of the harness race from Nappanee's Harness Racing Facebook page so you could see what we experienced Saturday night.

But I couldn't figure out how to put the description on the same page.

Laurie prepared a delicious breakfast casserole, homemade muffins, and diced fresh melon for brunch this morning.

Dave's son David, wife Jennifer, daughter Jessica and her boyfriend Bryce, granddaughter Kathy, were also here for the brunch.  Kathy's mother Samatha is in Indianapolis where she just gave birth to Isabella.

 Isabella is under the watch and care of specialists for  cardiac valve issues.  Samatha and Geoel (mother and dad) are to be told the "plan of action" for Isabella tomorrow.  Choices are medication, surgery, or nothing at this time.   

This evening we accompanied Dave and Laurie to Laurie's mother's home for the dinner meal.  We appreciate being included in the regular Sunday night family meal.

We shared hugs and said our "see you later's" to Dave and Laurie tonight after Dave and Laurie taught us a new card game, called "Golf".

Glen and I have played a different version of "Golf", but this was great fun.  

Thanks, Laurie and Dave, for the hospitality and great food, and "Golf".  We also thank you for the place to park the motorhome!

7-28-2013 Harness Racking Photo - Page 1

7-27-2013 South on Highway 31 Four Hours (Home of Dave/Laurie Stults, Argos, IN)

As I mentioned it was 56 degrees this morning when we headed south.  There were scattered showers the entire four-hour trip.

We are parked at the home of friends Dave and Laurie Stults, near Argos, IN.  

Dave and Glen were in the Army at the same time in 1969. There was instant friendship, which has lasted since 1969.

They have special plans for us tonight.  I hope the rain doesn't interfere.  I will have pictures for you later this evening.  

BTW, it is cool enough for a sweatshirt, jacket, and long pants since the evening's activities are outdoors.  

I cannot complete the mission of showing pictures of tonight's activities.  Boo hoo.

Glen picked up the camera to take with us.  Little did he know that the camera SD chip was not in the camera.  It was in the computer where I had been downloading pictures.  No pictures of.....

harness racing.  Dave's sister Judy and her husband have three horses that do harness racing.  It was the first time that either Glen or I have seen that particular horse event.  It took place on a track in the country.  There were many Amish and Mennonite there to watch.  Several of the horses were owned and trained by the Amish.  

There was even a crash.  One horse/buggy was squeezed in by two other teams.  The jockey was thrown onto the ground and the horse got one of his hooves trapped inside the buggy wheels.  The jockey and horse didn't have any injuries.  The race was delayed and finished later.  

We enjoyed a late dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  Dave and Laurie then took us to Dave's daughter's---Gayla--home.  Yes  that Gayla is my namesake!  We were able to visit with Gayla and son Blake.  

More fun is planned for tomorrow!

7-26-2013 Lighthouse in Ludington, MI (late post) (Leaving "Vacation Station" RV Park)

Wow, I don't really know what happened to Friday, but went to the Land of Nod without posting.

Lake Michigan shoreline as far as you can see.  Those big hills are "sand dunes". Ludington, MI

The pier to the lighthouse is 1/2 mile long.

The lighthouse at the end of the pier, Lake Michigan, Ludington, MI

A lone Mute Swan in the waters near the lighthouse.

Rain showers started shortly after mid-day and continued through the night.  It was 56 degrees and raining when we left Ludington Saturday morning.

7-25-2013 Family Group Heads Home (Vacation Station RV Resort, Ludington, MI)

Early this morning the family group headed in different directions to their respective homes.

Our departure was delayed as we discovered when stopping to check out that the front door steps would not retract.  Glen drove on to the info center in Mackinaw City where there was a parking lot with enough space to park and enable Glen to scoot under the mh.

After various attempts with a hammer, ratchet, wrench, and lots of mumblings and grumblings, Glen was able to get the steps to move enough for him to bungee them so they would be in the "retract' position.  

A new motor is now on the list to buy when we get to Elkhart, IN.

We are at a great rv park in Ludington, MI, along the shores of Lake Michigan.  There are miles and miles of sand dunes here along Lake Michigan, similar to Silver Lake, south of here 40 miles or so; but there is no dune buggies or jeeps or sand activities at all.  Different regulations or rules for the shoreline, I guess.

There is a pretty lighthouse here at the end of a long pier.  Since I didn't take the camera with me tonight, I will get a picture tomorrow.  I know the rule--"always take the camera"----but just didn't take time tonight.  

7-24-2013 Next-to-Last Day at Mackinaw City, MI

How fast this week together has gone by.  This morning several of the group rode bikes to Mackinaw City, 4(?) miles to sight-see.

Gary and Evelyn, Glen and I drove to nearby Cheboygan, 13 miles south of Mackinaw City, to find a couple of lighthouses ---and the WalMart.

An immature bald eagle at the pier in Cheboygan

Bois Blanc Lighthouse

Cheboygan Lighthouse on point of Cheboygan State Park 

The Mackinaw Bridge is visible 14-15 miles north

Cheboygan Crib-moved inland by city

The family met for dinner tonight at "The Blue Water" Restaurant.  Thanks, Doug, for choosing and organizing the meal.

(L) Pam/Rachel/Paul Hickey; Myrna Harris; Glen/Gayla Hickey; (R) Doug/Mildred Campbell; Marcella/Jeff Schnakenberg; Evelyn/Gary Morrow

Nine of the group will be heading to various parts of Missouri in the morning.  One will going to North Carolina, and two of us are staying around Michigan for a few more days.

Thanks, family, it has been a great week.

7-23-2013 Play Yesterday-- Rest Today

Yes, it was play all day yesterday, and rest today!

Glen spent some time on the phone.  First was with the electric company we deal with in Texas.

Texas has de-regulated electrical service.  What does that mean?  Choosing an electric company, either the same or  different company, at the end of each contract, which can range from 9 months to two years.  

The consumer is responsible for checking out the price per kilowatt hour, length of contract, and terms/conditions.  One consideration for us is the price per month when we are not in residence in Texas.  Company A may have no charge for non-usage, but a higher kilowatt hour charge; Company B may have a minimum per month charge and a lower kilowatt hour charge, etc.  There may be 4, or 5, or 6 companies to check.  It is up to the consumer to be aware  and knowledgeable about the charges.  

The second call of importance was with Michelle, of Phoenix Paint Inc., in Edwardsburg, MI, just 5 minutes north of Elkhart, IN.  Michelle gave us an estimate to have the roof cap of the motor home repainted.  It is in the price range we were expecting.  She also estimates that it will take a week to complete.  

What is not decided is the date to leave it at her shop.  She is checking her calendar and is to let us know.  It will be in August sometime.  

Some of the family group checked out lighthouses in the area today.  Some went souvenir shopping in Mackinaw City.

The family enjoyed sharing a dinner of pulled pork sandwiches, furnished by Gary and Evelyn.  After dinner the family divided into two groups with each group playing "FARKEL".  "Farkel" is on some computer game lists, or can be downloaded onto tablets or Kindles, or may be known as "Zilch".  By either title the games uses dice and is a game of risk or greediness! 

7-22-2013 Sault Ste. Marie, MI Locks/Dams, and Falls

Leaving at 8 a.m. for Sault Ste. Marie....say "soo saint marie"....we returned 13 hours later.  Here in several pictures is what we did in those hours.  

Aboard a tour boat we saw this "tall ship" which will depart for Duluth MN.

A generaltor plant built of native sandstone. Notice the stonework in the shape of a lighthouse.

The tour boat is headed for the "lock/dam" on the left (American).

The tour boat will raise to the top of the concrete wall.

These gates will close.

This privately owned sail boat came into the lock before the gates closed.  Motorcyle on board had Florida license.

This is the International bridge between Michigan USA and Ontario, Canada

A steel plant on the Canadian side of the St. Mary's River.  The cyclinders are the finished product, steel ready to be loaded and delivered.

Evelyn and Gary peeking over the side of the tour boat.  Entering the #2 lock/dam on the Canadian side.

The gates closing behind the tour boat.

The gates are closed.

After the water has dispersed.

Lunch at The Antlers.  L: Rachel, Paul, Pam; R: Doug and Mildred; Gary and Evelyn

Left: Jeff and Marcella; Right: Glen, and Myrna

The theme of "The Antlers".

Point Iroquis Light Station, Paradise, MI

While at Point Iroquis these two ships were in the channel of Lake Superior.  Red ship--Canadian Coast Guard; and, the "tall ship" from this morning, headed to Duluth.

Left half of the lower Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise, M

Right half of the lower Tahquamenon Falls

Upper Tahquamenon Falls, 200' across, 50' deep.

13 hours later we are headed south over the Mackinaw Bridge, headed to the campground and home.

These are a "few" of the 70-75 pictures taken today.  Just let me know if you would rather not have so many pictures.

7-21-2013 Surprise! and Pre-Dinner Music

Fred DeLong, Doyle and Arlene DeLong

Gary and Evelyn, Fred DeLong, Doyle and Arlene DeLong, Gayla and Glen Hickey


 The Hickey family is parked less than 20 miles from the summer home of winter-Texas friends Doyle and Arlene DeLong.  Doyle and Arlene have a lot of company the next week, including Doyle's brother Fred.  Fred and his wife, Karen spent one winter in south Texas.  Sadly Karen passed away from cancer this spring.  In order to spend a few minutes with the DeLongs we went to church with them this morning.  As I have been know to say: "a short visit is better than none."

Glen Hickey and Evelyn Morrow

Paul and Pam Hickey

Gary Morrow and Mildred Campbell

Mildred and Doug Campbell

Myrna Harris, Mildred Campbell, Doug Campbell, Glen, Evelyn Morrow

Marcella Schnakenberg, Paul and Pam Hickey

Rachel Hickey

There was pre-dinner music tonight.  Evelyn provided the guitar music.  The rest of the family provided the vocals.

After the most delicious dinner of home-made lasagna and salad (provided by Myrna) everyone was gathering jackets and blankets.  The temperatures are dropping quickly.

This afternoon we were surprisingly able to watch the St. Louis Cardinals vs San Diego Padres game.  For the past two months Fox Midwest Sports channel has not been available on our channel line-up.  For some reason this afternoon the game was on!  It was much more than an ordinary Cardinals game.  The starting pitcher for the Padres, Eric Stults, is our friend.  His dad, David, and Glen were in the Army together.  We have remained in touch and friends since 1968.  

Darin and Zade were able to go to St. Louis yesterday and today to see the Stults'.  We certainly wasn't hoping the Cardinals would lose, but we did want Eric to have a great game.  

Big plans for tomorrow.  Check in tomorrow evening to see what and where!

7-20-2013 Mackinaw Island, Michigan

Pictures of Mackinaw Island today.

Eleven of us took our own bikes with us on the ferry boat.  It was an extra $8 per bike.  Gary and Evelyn rented bikes when they arrived at the Island.  We all rode the 8 miles around the Island.

All of the Hickey clan on the 9:30 a.m. ferry boat to the Island.

The 9:30 ferry crossing went under the five-mile Mackinaw bridge.

The ferry has a "rooster tail" at high speed.  A rainbow is also visible.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island is visible at the ferry approaches the Island.

Quaint lighthouse at the end of Mackinaw Island.

The Hickey clan at rest.

Gary has kept his bike riding skills hidden for 30 years or so.

Glen at rest.  

The six Hickey siblings.

Gayla and Glen

The Arch Rock on the Island.

Gayla, enjoying the scenery.

Glen enjoying the scenery.

Mackinaw Bridge visible from Mackinaw Island.

The family bundled up in jackets and wrapped in blankets enjoyed a campfire tonight.