Wednesday Musings.

Up early and had our coffee, Donna was off at 05:30AM to the truck company and then the restaurant.

I blogged awhile and then at about 10:30AM I headed out to Warrenton MO. where I dropped the fiver off to have the floor repaired. He had just finished a motor home so I was abled to back the fiver right into this large pole barn, plenty of room with it parked and the slide out. It appeared clean and neat. The kind of place I would like my shop to look like when I am working on something.

He said he would call when he is ready for the floor covering and Donna and I can go and pick something out and he will tell us how much is needed. I am pretty sure Donna is looking at the flooring that KAREN & STEVEO put in their motor home.

So Don the guy doing the job said he is looking at a couple weeks, and I told him not to rush since I only want this done once.

Other than that I got home and put the truck back in the garage, When I got home I saw that Danny & a buddy were busy up on the roof, so I am hoping that it will be finished up today. It is cold in the 40’s but sunny and they sound like a lot of hammering with the air guns is going on.

That’s about it for today a couple of the blogs I read today had run in’s with coyotes near their rigs and homes. These can been very crafty and tenacious animals, especially when hungry. Keep small dog away from them.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Tuesday Thoughts.

We were up as usual early and then Donna headed to the truck company.

Got a call later in the morning from the RV repair place and Don asked if I could bring it out and drop it off tomorrow at 11:00AM to start the repairs. I am so glad that this is starting now and maybe before Spring we will have it back and in like new condition. I am going to have him install the 4 inch wide eternabond tape on the front and rear cap seals. I guess I am just paranoid about water leaks now , but this is one of the points where a lot of leaks occur. I figure it will be in a heated garage and he can clean the seal area recaulk any thing that needs it and then apply the tape. should be a pretty permanent seal after that. Went out today and took both the recliners out and put hem in the garage, so he would have the whole floor area clear to work on. Then I hitched it up and I will head it facing out in the morning. It was cold enough that my hands were getting numb after hitching up.

Not much going on today it was sunny and 38 degrees and then it clouded up this afternoon. Nicole has cheering today so she will be late getting home.

Rigg’s is out having a run in the back, must have seen a cat in the yard.

That’s about it here at the Ranch. Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Monday Meanderings.

Well we were up at 04:30AM Donna had coffee and I had a glass of milk and a blueberry muffin. Donna was off to work at the truck company at 05:30AM and I waited around until Danny and his buddy got here at 09:00AM to work on the roof, They got until a little after noon and then the wind kicked up and it started to drizzle so they called it  a day. Danny said they have between a half and a full day of work left to do. The weather has just not co-operated at all for them. Andy was at his own job all day.

Donna said she got a call from Adam and his xbox is broke, so she is going to stop at Game Box to see if it is still covered under warranty. We got it for him last year for Christmas.

Waiting for Nicole to come home from school, pretty much stayed a recluse today and didn’t leave the house. The truck stayed in the garage. Fuel last’s a long time if you don’t leave the garage. I filled it on the way back from Branson and it still has a half tank after two weeks.

Somebody in the St Louis Metro area bought a lottery ticket at a Mobil Station and it is the winning ticket with all the right numbers for 2.5 million. They haven’t returned it yet to claim their prize. Ever think of what you would do if you would win that much money.

I know Donna would retire, and we would pay off the house and make the repairs it needs and then transfer it to my Son and Grandson, We would positively leave on our full time journey. Would we buy a new rig, probably not right away, maybe never. Trust me being poor isn’t so bad and we could put the rest in savings and help some of our family get out of debt. Had a friend who won several hundred thousand and within a year he had nothing to show for it, Hopefully he had a fun year. Donna does buy a ticket a week so maybe we can dream about it, I have never bought a lottery ticket in my life, juts not lucky, don’t stand next to me in a thunder storm..

Hope everyone is having a good week, it’s starting to look like winter here at the Weeb Ranch with the endless grey days and cold temps, it will be in the 20’s tonight.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Sunday Notes.

Up at 05:30AM again, had our coffee,Donna told me they asked her if she could come in today on the day shift at the restaurant.How did I guess we wouldn’t have a day off together this week. Well we did have Thanksgiving Day, so I guess I can be Thankful for that. Anyway she got out of here at 09:00AM. So I jumped in the truck and headed over to the Shop & Save grocery store before the 09:00 Mass let out. and the store was swarmed. managed to get in and out and just beat the rush as they were leaving the church lot as I drove by on my way home. For years Donna & I would attend the 10AM mass until she disliked the new pastor they sent out to raise funds for a new church. The one thing she got tired of fast was being referred to as “oh your Sam’s wife” instead of her own name. She said he might be good at raising money but he sure isn’t a people person. Plus it went from a small town parish where everyone knew and helped each other, to Money, Money Money, They kind of forgot the religion part somewhere along the way, so our family just parted company with them. Funny thing they still send envelopes to the house several years after we stopped attending, but know one ever called to see what the problem was. Believe me they would have got an earful from Sam’s wife.

Nicole helped Grandpa carry the groceries up from downstairs, she is such a good helper. It’s just little things like that that make you realize you have raised some good kid’s.

Still a cold misty day again, I was hoping the guys would get some time in on the roof, if they got one nice dry sunny day it would be finished I believe.

Anyway That’s about it from Dardenne Prairie,hope you all have a good week. and be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Saturday Mumblings.

Well we slept in until 05:30AM this morning, then it was coffee time, Donna only has the restaurant to night, and did some cleaning this morning, and mopped the Kitchen floor, I hid out close to the basement and and garage, out of sight.

Yesterday I posted the blog before I had a chance to run out and fill the gas can with gasoline. So it was late that I finally filled the new generator with crankcase oil and gas. I had put the new battery maintainer I bought for the fiver on it to make sure the battery was fully charged before I started it.

Then the time was at hand to give it it’s first start, opened the gas shut off, put the choke on turned the key and within a couple cranks it fired and I opened the choke and it went into a smooth running mode, I made sure the switch was turned to 120v and then closed the circuit breakers and the gauge went to a rock steady 115volts.

ROD had asked yesterday to let him know how loud it was, Since I haven’t heard a Honda in a long time this one sounded reasonable quiet, since it was sitting on the tail gate I could hear a little rumble from being on the truck bed which I am sure will disappear if it is set on the ground. I let it run for about 15 minutes to give it a chance to wear in some. If I went into the house from the garage and shut the door you could not hear it anymore.All in all I don’t think it is too loud, it has a 6.5 HP OHV engine which is a copy of a Honda and the alternator does not scream, the muffler seems to be pretty big for the size of the generator and it has a round exhaust pipe that is set up to add additions to it. I plan on extending it and making an adapter to put the rubber tube I use for getting exhaust out of the garage in the winter time, you’ve seen those tubes at garages and tire places that go through a hole in the door.

I think with any generator no matter what make it is or how quiet it is supposed to be there are some rules of etiquette that apply.

1. Don’t run it if you are near others. period.

2. Run it during hours when others would be away and not sleeping.

3.In most cases it is more of an emergency power source than a primary power source.

The majority of our camping is where there is a power source since we seldom fully boondock, if you are boon docking, you do without A/C, and microwaves, and just use the generator to replenish the batteries when they go down. Usually when boon docking you are away from other rig’s. so like anything  else, it’s common sense.

Hopefully Monday I will hear when to bring the fiver out for it’s repair, and when that is done we will be ready in the spring for a trip to get back in action.

Like I said it’s a dull rainy day here at the ranch, Nicole is playing with Dolls and watching TV. Now there's a novel way to pass the day. Playing with Doll’s. Nah Donna would have a fit.

Here’s what Rigg’s & Sadie do on rainy days.

Everyone have a great weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

TGIF

We were up at 04:30AM and had our coffee, Donna has to go in a half day at the truck company and then tonight at the restaurant.

I decided since Rural King opened on Black Friday at 06:00AM I would leave the house at 05:15AM in case there were a few in line. Surely the real shoppers would be at Best Buys, and Wal-Mart or K-Mart. BURRPP…. wrong as I drove onto the lot there was already a line of about 60 people. I had no other choice but get out in the cold and join the other fools. The whole time I was thinking, they only showed 2 of those generators in stock surely I can’t be so lucky as to have no buddy else wanting one in this crowd. Finally they unlocked the door and I did an end run around the middle aisle and got directly to the  power driven aisle, and there they were like an oasis in the dessert Two 3500E electric start generators just as pretty as you please. One was a floor model and the other was in the box, so I loaded the box onto a cart and then I still had to buy a power cord adapter for the twist lock socket and a couple quarts of oil. Went to check out which was another 30 minute line and madhouse, The generator, which started out at $399, ended up being $319, after the Black Friday 20% discount. The cord was $21, and the oil about $6. with tax it came to $371.00. Still less than the $399 I started at and that was what the 2000 watt model was going for when I looked at them last summer. Here’s the new baby.

                                  New in the box.

                            Front view. Wire is 10 ga. shouldn’t get hot.

                   Gen side, good sized muffler.

         Engine end, can be hand started also.

This afternoon I will fill it with oil, put some gas in it and hitch up the battery and charge it. Then give it a test run. What’s nice is the fuel shut off, you can shut the valve and run it out of fuel in the lines and the carb will stay clean and varnish free. A few ounces of Sta-Bil in the gas tank and it will be ready to go just by turning on the fuel valve.

Will I ever do Black Friday Morning again, NAW, can’t be lucky twice in that game.

Donna and I did our Thanksgiving Dinner at Hometown Buffet in O’Fallon, we got there at 04:00PM and it was a madhouse to with about a 30 minute line already. Doesn’t anybody cook at home any more, the place was loaded with young families. If it wasn’t just the two of us we would have cooked a turkey at home, since it was the only place in town open we had to wait it out in line, but I will say the food was good and hot and there was plenty of it.

Well I’ll get this out for posting. WE hope Y’all had a great holiday and enjoy your long weekend. Rigg’s is bugging for me to go in on the bed and take a nap with him, he missed his morning nap after Donna leaves where we get an hour before Nicole goes to school.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday Musings.

Up early,had coffee with my bride. Then did some blogging.

Want to take this opportunity to WELCOME our 133rd follower, LAUREN MILLER, didn’t see that she has her own blog yet. But if you do Lauren let us know. We sure hope you have fun watching the antics of the Weibel Clan here at the Weeb Ranch as we move toward fulltiming in our fiver.

Donna wanted a little holiday spirit in the blog so I put up a header of when we still had our Pond in front and decorated for the season. One year we had over 6000 lights and got a Thank You note from the Electric Co-op. people would slow down on the road to get a good look. Too much work now so we don’t do it anymore.

Adam had to wait until about 02:30PM before any of his friends got home from daycare today. He is now a happy camper out playing with his friends, The forecast for today was sunny and 50’s , but it has been cloudy and right now is 44 degrees. Kid’s don’t even notice it.

Well the insurance agent called Donna yesterday and told her than even though he had argued for us, the company still turned down the claim, stating that if it had been a sudden loss, like a burst pipe, it would have been covered, they changed their story in mid stream again. Our agent was disappointed and said how do you expect to sell insurance if a customer  can’t get his claim through. He by the way the State Farm agent owns an RV himself.

I called the fellow that I liked and had the $2400 dollar bid and he said he could start on it next week and take from 2 to 3 weeks to complete it. I told him great, just call when you want it delivered to your shop. It will be indoors the whole time so that is good.

I have pretty much decided to wait until Fri and buy the 3000 watt generator instead of the 5500 watt. it will be $80 dollars cheaper with the 20% off sale, and it will fit in the space I have for it in the truck and also is smaller in case I want to build it into the fiver, It has electric start, and will not be as loud, and also will run longer on a gallon of fuel. 3000 watts will be more than enough for our little 30 amp electric fiver.If I ever decide to upsize the trailer I will buy one that is factory equipped with a generator, so this just makes the most sense, even without the Friday discount it is the same price as the Thanksgiving Day sale on the bigger one $399.

Before I forget, tomorrow is the holiday so.

           HAPPY

THANKSGIVING

TO ALL OF YOU.

We here at the Weeb Ranch have a lot to be thankful for and we are. We have had a safe year and good health all around and are getting closer to our dream..

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ! ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

From all of us here at the Weeb Ranch, Sam,Donna, Andy, Samantha, Adam, Nicole, Rigg’s & Sadie.

Have a great Holiday and be safe out there..

Tuesday Thoughts.

Up at 04:30AM, had coffee with my bride, then she was off to the truck company. Last night she showed me an ad for Rural King that had a 5500 watt(6500 surge) generator that will be on sale on Thanksgiving Day only marked down from $599 to $399. I went and looked at it and I believe it is a Generac, But with Rural Kings name on it. It has the Honda style ohv motor, electric start, 120 and 240 volt outputs.I asked the Manager if he heard it run and he said it is about the same as the Generac I heard there in the spring.I asked him to look and he said they had 18 in stock, so I guess I will be waiting Thursday morning before 07:00AM for them to open.

The also had a 3000 watt model with electric start, that was priced at $399, but would be 20% off on Thur, Fri & Sat. I would even consider that as 3000 watts will run an RV A/C.

Anyway after that, I waited until 03:30PM and was at Adam’s bus stop in Warrenton to pick him up, He will be spending Wednesday with us as his Mom has to work and there is no school tomorrow.

We finally heard from our friends Paul & Helen who are having their share of adventure’s in Mexico. We hadn’t seen a blog or gotten an e-mail in about a week and started to worry. But they posted a blog today, and had a multitude of adventures and misadventures to report. They slid off the road and had some damage to their motorhome, but luckily it is nothing to impair driving it.

Donna said she would have packed it in and headed back to the states. Were hoping they meet up with KEVIN & RUTH in Mazatlan, They are a lot more experienced at Rving in Mexico and probably can help them out.

That’s about it for now. Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Monday Meanderings.

Up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride, then at 05:30AM she launched for work at the truck company. No second job tonight.

Another rainy and grey day today with temps in the 40’s, I am hoping for a couple of 60ish sunny days for the kid’s to finish the roof.

Donna sent me this from work.

This is very good!  Not the usual type of redneck jokes we hear.

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to
take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that
values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand
before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd
choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are
made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the
same, pass this on to your redneck friends.
Y'all know who ya are
.
You might be a redneck if:It never occurred to you to
be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God..'

You might be a redneck if:You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if:You still say ' Christmas'
instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if:You bow your head when
someone prays.

You might be a redneck if:You stand and place your
hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem

You might be a redneck if:You treat our armed forces
veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if:You've never burned an
American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if:You know what you believe
and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if:You respect your elders and
raised your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if:You'd give your last dollar to
a friend.

If you got this from me, it is because I believe that
you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.

God Bless the USA !


Keep the fire burning, redneck friend.
IN GOD WE TRUST!

AFTER READING THIS, I'M PRETTY SURE I'M A REDNECK.

I did look in the mirror though just to make sure.

Well that’s about it for today, I hope all of you are safe and enjoying this great country of ours. We hope to be enjoying it with you soon. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Sunday Notes.

Up at 05:30am again then at 10:00AM Donna headed into the Restaurant for her Sunday extra shift.
Things were so slow around the Ranch today that I had to check my pulse to see if I was still pumping blood.
It was a rainy grey cold day, so the roof still isn’t finished, but almost.

Even Rigg’s was moving slow, if at all today.
He gives the word Lop a new meaning sometimes, how can such an energetic three year old be such a lop at times, and spoiled, now he needs a pillow.He was sleeping when I took this and never moved a muscle, to say leave me alone.
Since I am so late in posting better get this out. be safe out there, Sam & Donna…

Saturday Mumblings.

We both slept in until 05:30AM this morning then had our coffee.Donna baked some brownies to take to work, for her special friends and co-workers. The boys, my son Andy & his buddy Danny finally got a day to work on finishing the roof, they have about half of the back side to go.Were hoping for tomorrow, but it is supposed to rain later in the day. It started cold at 40 degrees when they started but now it is 62 and sunny and the Carhearts came off from a combination of working hard and the temperature going up. Boy I don’t envy those guys, that roofing is hard work.

Not much going on here, besides the roofing, Donna has to go into the restaurant tonight, and she said they asked her to work a party on Sunday again.

I was hoping she would take a day off but she is back to working 7 days a week since we got home from Branson.

One of these days we will find a way to retire and get out on the road.

That’s about it for now. Everyone be safe out there wherever you are. Say Good Night to Mrs. Calibash if you run into her. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

TGIF.

Up early with my bride, she had her coffee and then was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

My only real accomplishment was to take a shirt to the cleaners for my son to get starched for some occasion he is going to this weekend. Kind of reminded me of my Navy days when you would have your tropical whites starched and pressed so they would literally stand up at attention without you being in them.

Rigg’s and I went out for some backyard fun today, he sure loves having anyone to play with and will wear you out in no time flat.

Then we all waited for Nicole to come home from school, to both Sadie & Rigg’s this a a highlight of their afternoon and they know by their internal clocks when it is 03:30pm as they start sitting and watching out the back door for her to come home.Then as she comes in the back door, Sadie does her ballet spins on her hind legs and Rigg’s is right in there to steal a kiss and a lick. Nicole in the meantime is yelling Rigg’s your getting me all wet. It just makes Grandpa’s afternoon and I laugh out loud each day. I find it fascinating that dogs know when it is time for a kid to get home.

It was a sunny but cool day in the 50’s today in Dardenne Prairie, you can tell winter is just around the corner ready to pounce on us.I hope we have the sunny weekend they promised so the roof will be finished up. In the last week we had three rainy days and three days of high winds where you couldn’t get on the roof.

Hope everyone is having a good time and all the ones that are heading south find fair weather. Donna sent me an e-mail saying she was checking out the rates and the amenities at the Sands RV Park in Palm Springs. Don’t know what that is about since we have to have the fiver repaired before we make any trips, and I am looking forward to a Florida trip in March first. But maybe it’s just for a future winter trip. Anyway it sure looks like a nice park on the website and all those Canadian friends can’t be wrong. Eh.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Thursday Happenings.

We were both up at 04:30AM. Donna had coffee and I just took my pills with a little chocolate milk and then laid down again for another hour. Just didn’t feel like moving much this morning.

No word yet from the insurance company, I hope we hear something soon so I can send it out for repair.

It says Thursday Happenings in my title, but so far today nothing is happening. I checked on the delivery of a couple shirts I ordered, and the priority mail said they are scheduled to be delivered today 11-17, but it is now 04:30PM and no sign of anything yet. When we were in Branson I went to the Military Store to get a tee shirt to replace one I bought in the same store 2 years ago, it is fading after several washings. Well as luck would have it they were sold out. So I went on the web and found a couple I like better so that is what I am waiting on.

Nicole has cheer leading today, so she won’t be home until a little before 05:00PM. What a cutie she is. Grandpa is so proud of her. I should be hearing from Adam tonight to let me know if he is coming for the weekend.

Other than that,  no Happenings to report here at the Ranch. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday Musings.

Up early for coffee with my bride.She was off to the truck company and then the restaurant. I decided at about 09:00AM to pay my State farm insurance agent a visit. I told him of my plight with the claim and that they had said we could have a review. I also told him that I thought we deserved better treatment for our 30 years of loyalty and premiums, and that if it were refused in the review process I would like a letter with the reason so I could file an appeal with the Mo State Board of Insurance. (Thanks Mike for your suggestions in your comments). The agent made a couple of calls and then smiled and said, I just took it up the chain a few notches, let me work on it for you, so that is where we are at now.

Rigg’s said he had something for the blog this morning so here it is.

 

First I want everybody to meet my new nephew, Ralphie.....he is a miniature Australian Shepherd. He lives in  New York City, so I haven't met him yet, .....maybe one day then I can be a role model for him.

Honest Mom, I didn't know that the cable would do that. You see while you were untangling the cable from the overhead wire, I know I was standing looking at the back door.....BUT THEN....I heard this noise, and it was so dark and I didn't want anything sneaking up on you, after all your back was turned to the yard. So I just took off as fast as I could to warn what ever was out there that I am big and strong. Sorry that it took you by surprise and the cable took you off your feet. You see I am so strong I don't even notice.

Now you and Dad were gone so long and I missed you, I know when you came home that I got all kinds of pets and treats...but it just wasn't enough....I only stole that fruit punch pouch to get your attention, after all blame Nicole she's the one that left it laying out. And you know its not fair, you are suppose to run after me and chase me round and round...but no you got Nicole to go one way and you went the other, so I just gave Nicole the packet, 2 against one now is that even ? And so what if I took Adam's toy....he wasn't here to play with it.... thought I looked pretty cool running around with a red missile in my mouth, like Captain Lab, Commando of Dardenne.

Now for the cream cheese caper....I saw you eating the white stuff on crackers and it smelled so good, I thought I'd try some. Okay so I'm not suppose to get on the counter, I'm sorry, but I just had to try it. Guess my big feet hitting the floor got your attention 'cause you came in and caught me....off I took. Haha...I really have strong jaws don't I? I had that whole pack of cheese in my mouth and you were trying your best to pry my mouth open and take it from me....Why were you doing that, you already had some why couldn't I have some, it was just melting in my mouth and was soooo good. Aluminum foil? Stick in my throat? Well that doesn’t sound very good. Why is there bad stuff with something that taste so good. Wish I was a raccoon then I could just peel off that bad stuff. Well, you did eventually get it didn't you, did you have to stick your hand so far down my throat? And then it was a little embarrassing when you pulled your hand out and kept going yuck yuck yuck.

Now I was good for two days wasn't I? But it was Sunday and you aren't suppose to go to work on Sunday. I wasn’t going to eat the cookies, after all they were in plastic bags. I just took them off the counter because I thought if I took them you would stay home. You know I didn't try to eat them because I ran to you and made the bags do that crinkly noise so you would pay attention. Of course all you did was yell at me to drop them and tell me I was a bad boy....but honest Mom I'm not bad...just mischievous and like to have fun.

See how sad I am......I promise I'll be better tomorrow.

LOVE Rigg’s….

Boy never a dull  moment with our boy Rigg’s, but he is all 100% Lab Boy still. I guess we will have to wait and see if he grows up some more next year, in a few weeks he will be a three years old, Boy how time flies.

Went out today and bought a battery Maintainer to put on the fiver so I could unplug the AC from the back and that will keep the converter from running all winter and plus keep the batteries from boiling water out, the Maintainer says it has a solid state board to keep the charge level right when its plugged in like the charge wizard did on my old fiver.

Also got Donna some Rain Ex blades that Wally World had on sale for ten bucks. Gotta keep her happy too.

That’s about it for today, just waiting for Nicole to get home for from school now supposed to drop below freezing for the first time tonight. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Tuesday Thoughts.

We were up early and had our coffee, than Donna was off to the truck company.

Another nice day with temps in the 60’s, it did cloud up a little this afternoon.

Donna got a call from the insurance company and they are refusing our claim, they said we waited to long to report the damage. Donna said we found the soft spot while camping this summer and had to tear the vinyl floor and carpeting up to assess the unseen damage. The person who she was talking to asked if she wanted the claim reviewed and another adjustor sent out and she told them yes. So we are still up in the air. I will really be surprised if they change their mind. Insurance companies will take their premiums, but find any excuse not to have to pay out on a claim.

Not much going on, waiting for Nicole to get home, The mutts and I have the house to ourselves now that Samantha and Andy are working. Which is really a good stroke of luck. Rigg’s is getting used to jumping up on the bed for an hour or so after lunch and watching a train movie with Dad. I think he is snoozing instead of watching though.

See where we have a bunch of friends heading south, and two sets already in Mexico.

Until the fiver is repaired we have no hope of a winter, and the expense is going to knock our budget for a loop. We are still hoping for a couple weeks in Florida around March. Time will tell. Sure would help if the insurance fairy was looking our way.

Not much else doing. Hope everyone is doing okay. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Monday Meanderings.

Up early for coffee with my bride, then Donna was off to the truck company.

Since our trip to Branson last week we have several new followers and I’d like to WELCOME them. BUD RUSSMAN ARIZONA RV GUY, FRED & WILMA'S ADVENTURES, & MARK & CHRIS'S PHAETON PLACE. That brings us to 132, I hope your guys enjoy following us and reading about the everyday antics here at the Weeb Ranch as we head toward our goal of full time in our fiver.

This morning the adjustor finally came from the insurance company, he took some pictures, climbed up on the roof and then said the claims office would let us know if it is covered within a few days. So we still don’t know if we will paying or the insurance company.

Either way now we will make an appointment next week to send it in and have the repairs start.

Another nice day here with a temperature of 71 degrees, boy I know the bottom will fall out soon and winter will be here for the duration.

Well that’s about it for today, waiting for Nicole to come home from school so maybe we can go to the new playground.

Everyone have a great week, be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up early and had coffee, spent some time reading the blogs, Then some laundry. I don’t think I mentioned it before but the City of Dardenne Prairie just completed a large park behind the City Hall complete with some elaborate playground equipment and rest rooms, a pavilion and a little gazebo bandstand.

Today after lunch I took Adam & Nicole over for about an hour, they had a blast, a lot of other kids to play with and just a really neat place to play, and it is a block from our house.

Here they are when they got up this morning.

           Adam, Nicole, & Sadie..

It doesn’t show in the picture but Nicole was wearing the neatest jammies with the feet in them.

Later they got into a game of tag and made Rigg’s “it”then they would run and hide and Rigg’s would find one of them and then they were “it’ until they caught someone else. I’m surprised they didn’t catch hell from Grandma or the parents since the noise level got pretty loud, but they were having fun, that’s all that counts.

Donna has a shift tonight at the restaurant and Adam’s Mom is picking him up before supper. But it has been a fun Saturday here at the Weeb Ranch.

After coming back from the park Grandpa is taking it easy.

I hope everyone’s weekend is going fine like ours. Be safe out there.  Sam & Donna…

TGIF.

      Veterans Day 

  Thank You, Thank You 

    To All Who Served 

   

The United States flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The United States flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it. American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them!

         


            

Navy Seal’s service dog did not want to leave his side.
      
              Patch from my era.
   
My Son Tim’s Dessert Storm Patch.
What else can be said other than THANK YOU so much for your service to your country.I know a lot of bloggers out there have served in the armed forces of both The USA. and Canada, and I send my Thanks to you all. I wish I could list all of you here in my blog for everyone to see but I am always afraid I would forget someone or not know about their service.
I also know that most if not all of you are like me, I am always embarrassed when someone Thanks me for my service, In all honesty, I enjoyed my time flying in the Navy, I always considered it a gift that made me a better person, the discipline, and leadership taught me, carried through my entire life, right onto my career in Law Enforcement. So Thank You all for giving me the opportunity to serve this great country of ours, I am truly proud to be an American.
Adam and I are going to spend the day just bumming, have a store run to make and maybe just take a drive and enjoy this nice sunny day, was going to do some more laundry, but it can wait, life is short and every minute you can spend with the Grand’s is special.
I will cut this short today, again Thank you all, and God Bless all of you. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
PS. To all the wives out there, Thank You for the restless nights, you worried while your spouse was serving in harms way.

Thursday Happenings.

We were up at the usual 04:30AM, had our coffee and then Donna launched from the starboard catapult for the truck company and then the restaurant.
Tuesday right after we got home I got a call from Adam who asked if I could come to his school Thursday at 12:30PM for a Veterans Assembly, I could tell he was excited about it so I said sure, as long as I don’t have to sing.
So today I put on a Navy Tee and a ball cap and went for his assembly honoring veterans, He was so proud of his Grandpa I thought he would bust.

                  Adam’s School in Warrenton MO.

         Grandpa & Adam before the assembly.

                               The Vet’s on stage.

                                  The kid’s.
It was a lot of fun and I met another Vet who had been a policeman with me and I hadn’t seen in ten years. It seems lately I have been running into people I hadn’t seen in years. Adam was happy because he got to get out of class and go home with me when the assembly was over. He will be spending the weekend with us.
Here is an update on our fiver, we got three bids, Donna called the insurance company before we went to Branson and they said an adjustor would be getting in contact with us, When we got back she called again and they said yesterday that they would have an adjustor contact us within 48 hours, so are still waiting. If the insurance doesn’t cover it it looks like we will be out about $2800.00 One bid was for $3900.00.
Either way we will have the fiver back in top shape before spring and be ready for a trip in March.
Decided when we got home to thaw out a PA pizza shell (square) and we are making a pizza for supper.
That’s about it for today, everyone have a great week and be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday Musings.

Up at 04:30AM with my bride, coffee, and surprisingly I felt well rested, Donna was out the door at 05:30AM . Rigg’s was still laying on our bed getting his extra hour until Nicole gets up and gets ready for school. He is such a lop and so spoiled.

Had dishes to do and about 4 loads of wash for this morning. then the harsh reality of being home from vacation hit, Today is trash dumpster day so I had to take it down to the road.

Yep were back home and Donna is at work and I am doing the house chores, right now both Rigg’s and Sadie are laying by my feet, Rigg’s won’t leave my side now for a couple days because we were gone and he wants me to stay with him.

Adam is coming over tomorrow after school, he doesn’t have school Friday so his weekend with Grandpa starts a day early, Nicky likes that because then she has a buddy to play with.

Been reading blogs and trying to catch up on four days worth that I am behind. In doing so I read from another blogger that they are giving up blogging for awhile due to other commitments, and just not enough time. I can understand that. I am fully retired and have a lot of free time during the day when Donna is gone, sometimes it still is tough to keep up. I just do the best I can and sometimes it is a couple days between comments. but if you don’t hear from us, don’t worry were still here and will be back to you soon as we can.

It rained just about everyday we were gone so the roof is still not completely finished, they have a section yet on the back that still has old shingles, but the rest is all new stuff. My son said one sunny day and it will be done.

Well, that’s about it for today, Donna has the restaurant tonight, so I will have a small supper to prepare, usually Nicole and I share a meal and my son and his girlfriend fend for themselves.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Tuesday Thoughts.

All good things have to end and we had to head back to the Ranch from Branson this morning a little over a three and a half hour drive.Here are a few more shots from yesterday.

                 Security Cats at the hotel.

When we drove up to the hotel we stayed in last night there were two cats guarding the front door,notice the No Pets sign.

At the Dick Clark Theatre, Sam was being his normal self, note this is way before the cocktail hour.

                      Sam with the Blues Brothers.

                    Sam with Marilyn.

So we pulled into the Weeb Ranch at about 03:00PM and started to unload. Rigg’s and Sadie were jumping all over ,they both missed their Mom & Dad ( Grandma & Grandpa in Sadies case) after 5 days away. Rigg’s was smelling all the bags because he knew their was a present for him. All the kid’s & Grandkid’s got presents too. Mostly tee shirts.

Rigg’s trying on his new US Navy Bandana for when he practices his buddy rescue at the doggie park lake.

We had a great time but we are both whipped, 2 or 3 shows and other attractions each day just wear you down, and they were all good shows, Really good entertainment, We would recommend a trip to Branson to anyone a very nice clean Welcome town and boy do they treat their Veterans well. We are planning on meeting the gang in the summer when we will bring the fiver down. We had such a great time with my old service buddies and their wives. Just hope we can do it again several times. Thank you all for the wonderful comments while we were gone and yes we had a great time…

We are going to sleep good tonight in our own bed. Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Monday Meanderings.

We were up early, we had to check out of the room by 10AM so we headed to McDonalds to post yesterdays blog.

                                    Sam Posting.
Then Donna got on line and found a place to stay for one more night and booked it. This time we made sure it had free in room Wi-fi.

                        Donna reading blogs.
In the afternoon we met the gang at Dick Clarks Legend Theatre, where they had a show with star impersonators.


The Blues Brothers had parked their car out front.

Our Gang, John, Bonnie,Barry,&Donna. waiting for show.

                       The Blues Brothers.

                              Alan Jackson.

                               Dolly Parton.

                              Ray Charles. 
        
                                   Elvis.

                           Dolly & Alan Duet.
This was an excellent show all of the actors were very good and authentic, especially Ray Charles. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
After the show we went upstairs to the Midtown Cafe, a restaurant done up in 50’s Diner Decor. Really nice. We had planned on another show in the evening but Sam was having stomach distress so we headed for the hotel for the night.
Tomorrow we will visit the gang at Barry’s house and then head for home. Everyone have a great week. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..