Riggins with little brother Charlie and little sister Sadie.

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

I started the day by going to an 08:00AM dentist appointment, I don’t have any teeth but I needed my bottom denture replaced because it had two holes where my last two teeth used to be. They got me right in and made impressions, Then said comeback at 10:00AM and the wax makeups would be ready to test fit. So I went for a much needed haircut, and then went back and they test fitted the now lower plate, after that was over they said come back at 03:00PM and your plate will be ready. So I will have a new denture in one day. Total cost after insurance, $300.

I want to welcome our 143rd follower KCGAZ They have just started a blog and so click and see about their travels. Hope you guys enjoy following the antics here at the Weeb Ranch, and our travels as we head down the road to full time RV’ing.

The kid’s are both in school and Rigg’s is bugging for attention since I had the audacity to leave him this morning when I went to the dentist, you’d swear he was attention deprived or something.

It is still sunny and supposed to be in the mid 60’s today again before it goes back to colder weather.

Donna and I had a great dinner out last night at Olive Garden, you just can’t seem to get anything but great food there. Of course I am still lucky to be able to have one of the prettiest Ladies in the place across from me at dinner too.

That’s about it for now, everyone be safe out there, Sam & Donna……

Monday, January 30, 2012

Sunday & Monday Meanderings.

Yesterday (Sunday) was so slow I forgot until bedtime to post a blog, Donna went in from 10:00AM until 04:00PM at the restaurant. I had to go shopping since we were out of Milk, beer and I wanted to get some fresh meat for dinner, although I don’t like Walmarts meat, I needed a pair of Jammies, and a bathrobe, I had outgrown my last bathrobe I got as a Christmas present 20 years ago, Can you believe that. Got a pair of jammies for $13 but Walmart doesn’t carry bathrobes. So on the way home I stopped at JC Penney's. I love that store they always have great sales, when I got to the bathrobes, there was a sign 70% off, so a $23.99 bathrobe was a little over $8.00. Then another 70% off sign popped up as I was walking by a display of lined moccasins, $24 dollars regular, now $8.06. So for a little over $17 I got out of there with my bargoons. Wish I would have waited on the jammies as I might have gotten a better deal on them. I really like JC Penney's.

Chris got home  and then him and Nicole worked around the house doing some cleaning with their Mom.They really did a good job and I was going to give them a $5 allowance for all their work , but their Mom said no, they made the mess, so I will wait until I have a chore for them and then they will get it.

Today (Monday) started out as a sunny and nice day, it is supposed to get into the middle 60’s today. After Nicole and Chris were off to school. I took Donna’s car for an oil change. Oh yeah, Donna was feeling wore out and breathing slow so she decided she needed a rest day and took off today from the truck company, no restaurant tonight either, Nobody will hear me complain.

So far not much else going on going to just take advantage of a nice day. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

We got to sleep in a little today 05:30AM for me, 06:30AM for Donna. No truck company to go in to today.

After the kid’s were up Donna decided she would do some baking and of course Nicole was her Assistant Baker.

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Looks like the Baker and her Assistant are hard at work on a batch of Peanut Butter/choc chips.

While the girls were busy in the kitchen the boys were locked in combat on the Xbox.

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               Chris & Adam, Call to Duty..

Of course Rigg’s was not going to be left out of the action. and was stealing stuff so the kid’s would chase him.

Chris,Rigg's&Nicole01-28-12a

Chris,Rigg's&Nicole01-28-12b

Then he was waiting for Grandma to throw him his ball.

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                 Like a flash he’s caught it.

Never a dull moment, The boys are being picked up around noon to go to Adam’s house for a sleepover, Nicole will stay and since it is a sunny day her & Grandpa might go down to the new park they built by the City Hall.

Donna has the restaurant tonight, so it will be quiet at the ranch tonight, unless Nicole and Rigg’s and I can stir something up.

Looks like a nice sunny day so far but it is only going to be in the mid 40’s so whatever we do we’ll need a warm coat.

Well that’s about it for now. Thank God for the kid’s they sure fill in a lot of the dead spots in life. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Friday, January 27, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Up at 04coffee with my bride and then read a couple of blogs.

Pretty much a do nothing day until 02:30pm when it got time to go to Warrenton Mo. to pick up Adam at the bus stop. We got home at 04:30PM and Chris and Nicole were waiting for us. Today was Samantha’s birthday, so my son is taking her out to dinner so Grandpa had the three kid’s to feed, since we did pizza last night I asked what was the one thing they all wanted for supper, of course instead of a home cooked meal it was TACO BELL so Grandpa made a run to the border and brought home supper. Boy do I have three happy Grandkid’s right now, The xbox is going and the dogs are getting a workout.

Now Grandpa is going to relax and have a cold Miller High Life.

Hope everybody has a great weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Up early then Donna was off to the truck company & restaurant.

We will have the three Grand's here Friday night and then Adam is having a sleepover on Saturday night at his house with his buddies and is going to ask Chris if he can go. Nicole will be left by herself when the boys leave for Saturday night.

Raining most of the day but the temperature is near 40 so there is no snow or ice, which is good. Donna will have just a wet commute each way.

Not much going on both the pooches decided it was a good day for a nap. Rigg’s is laying on the couch, and Sadie is in her day bed in the kitchen next to my chair.

I am waiting for the kid’s to get home from school, all in all just a lazy day here at the Ranch.

Well that’s about it for now. Hope everyone is having a great day out in blogland. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Up early with my bride, she left for the truck company & the restaurant at 05:30am. It hadn’t started to rain so se had a good drive in, It stayed around 35-36 all day and just grey all around, about 01:00PM it started a slow drizzle, but no ice or freezing rain. They have issued a winter advisory with a possible freezing rain and snow mix , but nothing yet. Nicole’s school wasn’t taking any chances and dismissed early at 01:00pm so the busses could get everybody home before the ice started.

So far a typical slow day at the ranch I made a quick trip to Auto Zone for some batteries for the door openers, and a manual for Andy’s new Jeep,I like those Hanes Manual and have one for each vehicle we own, they pretty much walk you through anything you would want to work on at home.

Rigg’s and Sadie are glad to have Nicole home and are bugging her to play all afternoon.

Hope everyone is having better weather than us. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Up early with my bride, and then Rigg’s and I slept in until Donna left for work and then I went in the kitchen and started reading blogs.
I want to Welcome our 142nd follower, RUTHIE G. didn’t see a blog for her but welcome aboard Ruthie and I hope you enjoy following the antics of our group here at the Weeb Ranch and when we do get to make a trip as we prepare to set out on a fulltime adventure. Hope you are a pet person as Rigg’s & Sadie will do their best to help keep everyone on their toes around here.
Want to thank everyone for the pleasant welcome back after I got my internet service back yesterday, wow over 100 e-mails to catch up on, my Railroad Historical Society keeps me busy on most of them, plus trying to read the blogs I missed, I also like to keep current with a group of photographers that I trade train pictures with. Just about all of this is done by the internet.
Donna commented to one blogger that I was beside myself, without the internet, and AL From the Bayfield Bunch commented “I'm surprised clinics haven't sprung up around the country to help folks through the troubled times.....”. You know Al may have something there. But I was amazed at the times I went to the computer to do something, and found out it was linked in some way to the internet. So I was out of luck. I did go once to McDonalds to use their free wi-fi with the laptop to make a quick post to let everyone know I was down and out of service. But things have gone back to normal and I believe there is an improvement in speed although even before our DSL seemed plenty fast, but now when I download a train picture it just appears on the screen like it was cached, before if it was a big file it would scroll down a little slower.
Waiting with Rigg’s for Nicole to get home from school, then let the games begin. she will be full of energy and Rigg’s & Sadie will be more than happy to help her burn it off.
Before I forget again I received a copy of a certificate that Adam got from the MO. House Of Representatives, we are all so proud of him and the internet went down before I could brag. Here ya go.

Adam'shonoroll 2012

                        Adam’s Certificate.

It’s sunny and about 45 today at the Ranch not bad for winter time, were supposed to get two days of rain and the temps are supposed to be in the 40-50’s for the next two days so maybe no snow. I’ll take the rain anytime.
That’s about it for today, hope everyone is having a great week. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Monday, January 23, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM had coffee with my bride, then she was off to the truck company.

Before I go any further after no internet for three days I want to welcome my 140th & 141th followers, the first is JACKIE she has a blog so click on her name and take a look., then there is SHERRY & CHARLEY click on their name to see their blog, I hope you all enjoy the antics at the Weeb ranch and when we are traveling.

I was out the door a 09:00AM and went to the Centurylink Store In St Peters MO. to pick up the new router that the tech said I needed. Got home and after following the directions, it would not work so after an hour on the Tech support line, he decided it was in the DSl line and he would send a Technician on Tuesday. I noticed after lunch our phones were dead, Then about 03:30PM I got a call on my cell and the tech said to go down and try the internet, it worked and he walked me though setting up the wi-fi which is built in with this router. It seems to be faster and the signal upstairs is stronger than the Belkin wi-fi I had before.

So after period of three days we are back in the blog business.

Boy it sure will take a while to catch up on what was going on for the weekend. But I will read some tonight and some early in the morning when I get up.Had a ton of e-mails to catch up on also.

Hope everyone is having a fine day, be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Just a short note to let you know we are without internet service at the Ranch, Donna got a call about an upgrade to our DSL, and told them go ahead, I had lightening fast service Friday before I went to get Adam, when I came back,none, it says connected, but no amount of waiting brings up any page or my home page, Donna called tech support and after an hour of troubleshooting they decided my old DSL modem is not compatible with my new upgraded speed, something about an 8, and my model can only handle a 4 or 6, So I have won’t be posting until Monday.

So I ran to McDonalds to let your guys know what was going on, Be Safe Out There. Sam & Donna…

Friday, January 20, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up and at em at 04:30AN had coffee with my bride and then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Got me coupon and papers for the DMV from the Doctors in the mail. so I headed to the License Office, ten minutes later I was walking out with my Handicapped Parking hangers for My truck and Donna’s car. The price, FREE, couldn’t believe it.

Then it was back to Walgreens with the coupon for my prescription, Burrpppp wrong this coupon gave the same price as the last one $243 a month, so I asked this Pharmacist to please call the doctor and advise them the coupon didn’t work and we couldn’t afford the original that isn’t covered under our insurance plan, One hour later I was walking out with a generic three months supply, the cost $24 for three months , quite a difference. It only took three trips by me and two by my wife to finally get my pain relief medicine. Exactly one week from Friday to Friday.

Waiting now for Nicole to get home from school, Don’t know if she will be staying here or at her dad’s, it’s hard to keep up with who’s weekend it is.

Adam is going to spend the weekend I will be going out to Warrenton in a little bit to pick him up.

Not much else happening. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Up at 04:30AM with my bride and had out coffee, then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

She told me this morning when she went to pick up my medicine, at Walgreens, they told her they didn’t have any for me, and no record of the change or calling the doctor in the computer. So it looks like my trip to the pharmacy was for nothing.

I went back this morning and wouldn’t you know it the pharmacist, I had talked to and who found the substitute at a cheaper price and was also going to call and get the change approved by the doctor, was off today, The pharmacist on duty couldn’t find anything in the computer and so he had to start from scratch and try to find out what was going on. I told him this was my third trip in regards to this one prescription so I am not jumping for joy and it is Thursday and I went to the Doctors last Friday and still no medicine we can afford, and my feet still hurt. I said would you call the doctors office and see if they know what going on. Of course they get a recording  to leave their number and the office will call them back. I sat around about 30 minutes and the pharmacist came over and said he had just got a hold of my doctor and that they are sending a coupon by mail to me for a discount price on the original medicine, the one we can’t afford for $250 a month. I said well I hope this coupon works better than the one I brought here yesterday that my wife downloaded from the drug companies website, which came up with the same price, no reduction per month. So now I have to wait again till the mailman brings me my coupon and then another trip to Walgreens. Sheesh, I wish I could run a business like that. As you can see I got through that whole ordeal without even a cuss word. But I will be ready for a High Life tonight.

Hate to bore you with my medical adventures, I can hack a little foot pain and I am sure there are plenty of others out their who are in a heck of a lot worse shape than me , so I don’t want to sound like a complainer. But I never could have been happy in my career giving the people I was serving that kind of service.

On the bright side Nicole has decided to name her bear Coco, even though she is a white bear like a polar bear she said she likes the name so Coco it is. I peeked into her room last night and she was asleep with her arms curled around Coco, so she now has a sleeping partner.Makes you feel good all over to see them so peaceful and innocent like that.

Another cold day here at the ranch, put the truck back in the barn and it hasn’t moved since the drugstore trip, the highlight of the day was having to the dumpster emptied, but I missed it. That’s about it for now. Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Up at 04:30am and had coffee with my bride, then she was off ay 05:30am, to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Nicole was feeling a little better so she was off to school, Grandpa had to go to Walgreens to see if I could find an affordable substitute for that $250 a month one we couldn’t afford, He found one that I can get a 3 month supply for $50,That’s a lot better, so he had to call the Doctor and get it changed, I knew that would take a while but before I left I found something that I was sure would make a sick 8 year old girl happy.

Nicky&Bear01-18-12

Nicky and her new Bear, she hasn’t named her yet.

The smile on a little girls face is something that makes this old Grandpa just want to spoil her more.

It was pretty cold here at the ranch today with a high of 34 degrees but a wind made it feel colder to you when you  went out.

Other than that it was a slow day around here today Nicole just got home and is laying  on her bed with her new bear. I will start supper for the two of us here in about a half hour, When I stopped at the meat market the other day they have frozen pizza’s like what I call bar pizza’s, the kind that bars heat up for you when you get the munchies and they don’t have a restaurant attached,you know a bar, bar, not a sports bar or eatery. Anyway these are fast and easy and surprisingly good. The kid’s love em and there's plenty of food for two people. Of course I’ll have to have the appropriate atmosphere in the kitchen and get my Millers iced mug out and wash it down with a couple of High Life Lights. The first Miller High Life I ever had was in a hotel on the Chicago Loop while I was on my way to basic training in Great Lakes Naval Station.

How about a old Locomotive picture,

dlw1505

DL&W 1505, 4-8-4 Pocono Passenger Engine.

Here she is in 1945 all dolled up for the engineer’s last run before retirement, He is holding his Grandkid’s, Imagine the excitement in the air. For you Ladies look at the fashion statement. If you click on it you will see they have installed electric light bulbs all along the boiler handrails.

Well that’s about it for now Have a great week, and be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tuesday thoughts.

Slept in this morning, Donna had just left for the truck company at 05:30Am when I awoke, asleep at my side on Donna’s side of the bed was Rigg’s snoring away, he is a contact dog so having his 100lbs next to you is the same as having your wife’s 115lbs, so I never knew she got up and left. Of course the minute I got up he jumped down and was waiting in front of the pantry where his food is kept for me to put his daily ration in his dish, he will nibble it on and off until Sadie gets up and then to keep her away he will finish it.

I want to Welcome our 139th follower RUSS KRECKLOW & DONNA K. they have a great blog called Travels in Therapy that we have been following for some time. Russ & Donna we enjoy your travels even though like us you haven’t gone full time.You have been lucky to meet up with some great bloggers, Donna & I are hoping to get a spot for a short stay at Desert Sands,next winter so maybe we can all be there around the same time. You are welcome anytime here at the Weeb Ranch and I hope you enjoy reading about life here and when we do get to make a road trip, hopefully soon now the the fiver is repaired and roadworthy.

Nicole is home today she was sick last night and then again this morning, Andy and Samantha had to go out today, so Grandpa is the pediatrics nurse while her Mom is out. Donna will be home in about and hour and can take over.

Went to my Doctor’s office this morning to get the paper work done so I can get a parking permit for the handicapped spots. I have delayed this for a long time especially with Donna’s CPAP and now my Peripheral Neuropathy is getting worse. I see so many people half my age with no visible defects parking in those spots and I always felt that they should be available for someone who is really in need of them, like veterans missing legs, When I went for my appointment last Friday I asked the Doctor what he thought and said he was surprised I hadn’t asked for one a long time ago for Donna especially when we have 100 degree weather and her breathing is more difficult. He also confirmed that my feet were slowly getting worse and prescribed a drug, when Donna went to get it filled the pharmacist told her our insurance didn’t cover it and it was $250 for a months supply 60 pills, I told her no, I can stand the pain for awhile since we really can’t afford that much more on our medication expenses. I asked the girls at the office to tell my Doctor and see if there is something else I can take. He wasn’t in today so they will mail me the paperwork to take to the license office and call me if the prescription can be changed.

Rigg’s is also on nurse duty and won’t leave Nicoles side unless when goes in her bedroom for a nap she shuts the door to keep him out, she keeps her candy stash and dolls in there and if she leaves the door open Rigg’s will sneak in and steal a Barbie to play with or candy if can sniff it out. Last time he he got a doll the head came off and Nicole was in tears until Grandpa performed emergency doll surgery and managed to get the head back on. Needless to say Rigg’s was in trouble again. But she has forgiven him and likes it that he watched over her when she is sick.

I stopped at Rallo’s Italian Meat Market on the way home and got some of the good really fresh ground beef he has. and some buns, and also a couple of his frozen pizza’s. Tonight I think we will have Hamburgers, scalloped potatoes and a vegetable. The burgers are just great with that ground beef, just like a bar’s grease burgers, really juicy and tasty.Better quit here, I ‘m making myself hungry just typing about it. Hey hope all is well with our blog family, and from the Old Sarge. Be Safe Out There. Sam & Donna……

Monday, January 16, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Boy did the weekend fly by, what happened to Sunday, it went by so fast I forgot to post a blog, Oh well we’ll just catch up here. Had the Grands from Friday morning until Sunday evening right after supper last night Nicole and Chris’s Dad picked them up for a sleepover at one of Chris’s friends houses. Adam elected to stay with Grandpa since he didn’t know anybody and his Mom was going to pick him up this morning. They all had a great weekend and I told them we would do it again soon, I said find a place you want to see and we will go.

We didn’t go eagle watching the Sunday paper said they are late getting down here to the Lock & Dams where they winter and fish so we will wait a couple of weeks, must be the warmer start to the winter we had..

Donna had to go in to the truck company,I guess they don’t celebrate MLK Day like the schools and such.When I was on the PD they gave you 12 holidays in pay in the form of a check the first week of December, that way you got Holiday pay whether you worked it on the schedule or not, plus it gave you Christmas shopping money. So to me Holidays were just another work day.Usually all the major holidays were busy on the roads so you pretty much were scheduled to work anyway. When I was a Sergeant and my boys were grown I would put myself on the schedule in place of one of the young guys who had kids home,so they would have Christmas Day off with their families.

Now when your retired, everyday is a holiday.

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

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Up about 06:00AM with my bride, had our coffee, and looked at the blogs.

We have all three Grandkid’s for the whole weekend so I said I would take them someplace for a day out, they all wanted to go to.

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                                   Planet Fun.

Once we got there they were off like a flash, through all the tubes and labyrinths that make up the place it is huge so they can run and climb and  get all sorts of exercise, Nicole met a girl she knew who was having a birthday party there, so the three were invited for cake.

Even though we had pizza night at home last night they were up to share a pie and had that, Nicole was a regular pizza face before it was all over.

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                              The Pizza Face.

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                             Nicole & Adam.

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                             Chris & Nicole.

After pizza it was three more hours of running the course and playing with friends. Then it was time to drive  home and Grandpa had coupons for a free Blizzard at Wendy’s on the way home. Smiles were evident all around.

Grandpa will be smiling latter when he has a frost glass of High Life Light.

Grandma Donna had to leave for the restaurant as we were getting home but got to say goodbye to the kid’s, They don’t have school Monday so they will be together until then when Adam will go home to Warrenton and Chris will go to his Dad’s.

That’s about it for today, hope everyone is having as great a weekend as we are, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Friday, January 13, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Got up at 04:30AM and then remembered I had my every three month Doctors appointment so I laid back down and got another hours sleep.

I always make my appointment for the first one at 09:00AM, and that way no waiting I get right in the treatment room and usually in 30-45 minutes I’m out the door.

Anyway he did all his testing and drew blood like always and looked at my feet and I told him they are getting sore when I walk any distance, so he gave me a prescription for that. Then he said okay I’ll see you in 3 months and I knew all was well again for another 3 months or 3000miles. Who in there right mind would make a doctors appointment for Friday the 13th, I was thinking that all the way to the truck, when I got there I looked at the card with my next appointment, yep 09:00AM 4-13-12 another Friday. I am going to have my head examined when I get there.

Nicole and Chris had school today and Adam was still off, they will all three be off Monday, Adam was the lucky one as he got to go to the grocery store with me and pick some of the things he likes.Sheesh another gallon of chocolate milk, have any idea what the lifespan of a gallon is with three Grands home, not very long.

Here’s an e-mail Donna sent me from work this morning,

You should have seen last night....the kids were having sword/nerf gun fights when I got home. running all over the place,...lots of laughing and giggling they were having a good time.

I told them to be careful w/ those nerf bullets they were shooting or Riggs would get it....sure enough one bounced off Nicki and Riggs pounced......Adam and Chris took off like a shot after him....Chris finally caught up to him ...he was holding Riggs and told Adam take it out of this mouth...Adam ' no i'm not putting my hand in his mouth.....Nicki come here.....well Chris grabbed the back half of Riggs....Adam grabbed the middle around his chest....'Nicki take it out of his mouth'   ''yuck not me I'll help hold him'  so she grabs around his neck and the you do, no you do it started.

so I went in and pried open his mouth stuck my hand all the way around and didn’t find anything. I said well guess he swallowed it...Nicki said no its still in his mouth....so I tried again nothing....well she was on the floor looking up and said he has it on the roof of his mouth...sure enough a second later the tip of the nerf bullet was sticking out the front. they all laughed some more...thought it was the funniest thing…….

Sounds like a normal night of mayhem at the Weeb Ranch. God Bless the kid’s and dogs. they sure make life a hoot around here.It may be cold outside but this crew warms the inside up pretty quick.

That’s about it for Friday or Pizza day as it’s known around here.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Up at the usual 04:30AM, Noticed right away it was snowing and had about an inch accumulated, the temp was 20 degrees with a wind chill of 10deg. At 05:00AM got a call from Shana who asked if I could get out to Warrenton and pick Adam Up since his school was canceled and he is off until Tuesday now. I got dressed and headed out for the 25 mile drive in the snow, The minute I got up the street and put the brake on for the first time I immediately found out that under the snow was black ice. Luckily I had no one in front of me and stayed on a straight course. But now I knew that my speed and braking would be severely limited for this trip. Saw a couple of plow trucks out once I was on the interstate but they were just plowing and not salt shaking so the road stayed slippery. Got out to Warrenton and picked up Adam and then headed home, since eastbound is now the direction of people heading for work the traffic picked up and we passed four accidents, one serious with a large single truck upside down along the right side.From the amount of emergency vehicles it was obvious someone had been hurt or worse.When we finally got to the exit to Hwy61 where we get off the Interstate was at a standstill and stayed that way for several hours. I was lucky and got off and was home right away. Total driving time in this junk, two hours 30 minutes, in what is normally a 35 minute drive each way.I think the last snow I drove in was in the bus, and now I remember why I didn’t care for it. That’s why my truck stays in the garage normally when it’s bad weather.

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           Snowy morning at the Weeb Ranch.

All the Grandkid’s are here at the Ranch for a change, Although Nicole lives with us, Adam & Chris just get here on selected weekends when their Mom or Dad decides they want time off from parenting.

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                  Lunch time at the Weeb Ranch.

The kid’s are enjoying their extra snow day off school and are playing xbox and also Rigg’s & Sadie are getting a workout playing with the kid’s and just  plain happy to have the extra company.

Grandpa is enjoying the sounds of kids at play and just having them around, we will probably go out in the yard if the snow is enough to make a snowman.

My son Andy got called out to plow at 01:00AM he just made it back in the house at 01:00PM 12 hour shift, he said they will call tonight if they are needed tonight.

That’s about it for today here in Dardenne Prairie, hope everyone out there in blogland is having a great day. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Donna was up at 04:30am for her coffee, I got up took my morning pills and then went back to the bedroom, Rigg’s looked so comfortable laying on our bed that even though I was dressed I snuggled up next to him and the next thing I knew it was 07:30AM and Nicole was getting ready for school.

Another sunny and mild day the afternoon temp is 55 degrees, just unbelievable for winter in Mo. Rigg’s is in & out all day, he loves playing outside, and then will come in for a few minutes and then he wants back out. Then it’s Sadie’s turn so I have a full time doorman’s job it looks like.

Just looked at tomorrow’s forecast, A low of 26 tonight with rain & snow mixed,then tomorrow the high is supposed to stay at 26 with more snow. Looks like I may have spoke too soon.

Donna is going in to the restaurant tonight, she said she is really feeling better. I hope.

Not much else going on at the Ranch, the truck stayed in the garage again and the only chore is to get the dumpster down for the Thursday pickup.

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

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

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

Want to welcome our 138th follower, MICHAEL & DEE See you folks have emigrated from SA to Ontario Canada, and now are RVers. We sure hope you are enjoying your lifestyle and that you enjoy the antics that go on here at the Weeb Ranch, in between our trips and as we count down to a fulltime life. Hope to meet up with you someday.

Today is another mild, sunny day here in Dardenne Prairie. The temp right now is 56 and Rigg’s is loving it. He gets out and chases the feral cats that live under our wood pile in the back, I guess they have a nice warm safe den there as this is the second year they are here and Donna said she saw kittens last summer. They are smart as they know how far Rigg’s can get to them on his run and then sit outside the distance and watch him. The one looks to be 40 or 50 lbs it is a big one the other adult is a quite a bit smaller, don’t know if they are a mated pair.

Must be enough of a natural rodent food supply in the area to sustain them, although a few years ago they wouldn’t have lasted with the hawk population we had. But know that homes have been built you don’t see hawks as often.

Waiting for Nicole to get home from school, she was playing with the dog’s when she got home yesterday, and today will maybe want to go up to the park after school for an hour if it stays warm.

Today is our youngest son Andy’s 30th birthday, I know I am getting old now, he has decided he will celebrate it Sunday when Donna is off and we can all have a dinner out someplace. Happy Birthday Son.

Well that’s about it for today, I have a few minutes before the back door flies open and Nicole bursts through and starts in with Sadie & Rigg’s who will be thrilled to see her. Ah the noise will be great.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Monday, January 9, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up early with my bride she decided she was feeling well enough to go into the truck company.I can only hope because I knew no amount of persuasion was going to get her to stay home another day. I guess 2 1/2 days of bed rest was her limit. No restaurant until Wednesday so maybe she will be more rested and the medicine will have done it’s job.

I am now sitting here trying to decide what to make for supper, I have 2 lbs. of ground beef I need to cook so I will make Sloppy Joes probably with a side of Mac & Cheese. Any left overs don’t last long as the kid’s will devour them for lunches. Boy that was easy the big decision of the day made.

Waiting for Nicole to get home from school, It is sunny and 49 degrees, not bad for a winter day.Makes me wonder when winter will finally hit here.

No plans to go out anywhere, just a stay at home day for me.

That’s about  it for today. Hope everyone is enjoying a good week, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Up again at about 05:00AM had some coffee and then read some blogs, Donna said she is feeling better and more rested each day. I went to the store for some more milk and eggs and picked up two more prescriptions that were ready for her. That was the sum total of me being out with the truck.

Nicole got home this afternoon and Donna had some books for her to start reading, Donna & I are readers and we have always encouraged our boys to read, and now the Grandkids.

Looks January is going by at a good clip, we keep hoping things will allow a spring trip and also another one this summer like we did last summer, It was sure nice to meet up with blogger friends and we hope to have some stop here also and spend a few days at the Ranch.

How about a couple of helicopter pictures.

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Single engine UH-2a/b, These were the version I flew with during my stay in HC-2. ( 1250hp)ca early 60’s

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UH-2c/d same airframe two engines what a hot rod (2500hp). ca 1968

The pictures of the single engine versions are like hens teeth to find, wish I took more back then. The dual engine version went on to become the SH2-F Light anti sub/ship version and stayed in service until the early 90’s when it was replaced by newer and bigger models.There are a tone of SH2 pictures out there.

Well that’s about it for today, hope Ya’all had a good weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Up about 06:30AM had a chocolate milk while Donna had here coffee, Donna said after taking her medication she got some sleep last night, she has been taking short naps throughout the morning and afternoon, She said she is going to bake a pie later for dessert tonight. Don’t know what kind yet.

Samantha is due back either tonight or tomorrow from Oklahoma, Andy washed and shined his Jeep with the mild weather we are having it was 60 yesterday and should hit 50 today sunny all day so far. He is really proud of it, since he hasn’t had a car of his own for over a year.

Rigg’s is loving the weather and is bugging to go out every five minutes it seems, Sadie is more inclined to lay in her little bed and watch Rigg’s from the window next to the back door.

Hopefully with some rest like she is doing Donna should feel better in a few days, Keeping her home Monday will be a chore since her company doesn’t let them accrue sick time, so no work, no pay.

Before I forget I want to welcome our newest followers WILLIAM & MARY ANN Welcome Aboard we have something I common and Donna had a Triumph Bonneville when I met her and after we were married we had several Harleys, we are currently bike less. Hope you guys enjoy the antics here at the Weeb Ranch and maybe we will meet in our travels, visitors are always welcome here at the Weeb Ranch.

Well that’s about it for today, Thank you all for your concern over Donna’s health, when it rains it pours that’s for sure. We are still hoping maybe to get her retired this year and get on our way to our dream of hitting the road, We just might be able to afford health care if we work camp until 65 and Medicare kicks in. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Friday, January 6, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Started the day early with coffee with my bride, she has not been sleeping well and said she might try to get in to see the Doctor soon.

Boy was I surprised when she came home at 02:30PM and said she had stopped at the doctors and he said she is starting to show signs of pneumonia and that if she didn’t get two or three days of rest he was going to put her in the hospital, that with a bunch of medication she has to take. so she is now laying down.

Today it is 65 again and sunny just a beautiful January day. Maybe the cold front passed or the front down south is pushing warmer air our way.

I haven’t gone anywhere today and the farthest I intend to go is out to the mailbox.

Haven’t heard from Adam so he may be spending the weekend with his Mom this weekend.

Waiting for Nicole to get home from school, she will be going to her Dad’s house this weekend, so Donna & I should have a quiet weekend around here. Not much else going on at the Ranch now.

Hope you all have a great weekend, and be safe out there, Sam & Donna…

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Up early with my bride and had our coffee, then she was off to the truck company and the restaurant. Had a bad day yesterday and missed our Wednesdays post. It started with and early morning call that Samantha’s Aunt in Oklahoma passed away so her and her Mom left to drive out there. Andy is staying here with Nicole so she doesn’t miss any school.

The we got an e-mail from Donna’s brother Pat, that his wife Kathy’s cancer is back in two places and she will have to resume chemo.

Between all that Andy’s new Jeep broke down so we got that to the shop and $202 later it was fixed, but by that time Nicole had to go to Girls Scouts, so no blog was done.

So now I want to welcome a new follower number 136, BARGIRL2382 didn’t see that she listed a blog of her own so if you have one let us know. Welcome Aboard and I hope you enjoy the adventures and misadventures of the crew here at the Weeb Ranch and our travels when we make them. Never a dull moment here with Rigg’s and Sadie the fur babies.

Went out to pay the car insurance and stopped at the RV dealer, and they had the 30amp female/ locking 4pin connector for my new generator, now I can plug the 30 amp cord from the trailer directly into the generator. It also eliminates the possibility of accidently sending 220 volts from the generator into the trailer.

That’s about it for today, everyone have a safe day. Sam & Donna…

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride, then she was off to the truck company.

Not much doing today, the truck hasn’t left the garage.It is a cold but sunny day.

Rigg’s wanted to say something so here he is.

Ok, you be the judge, I think it was unfair.

Mom was home for a couple of days so she cooked some really good smelling meals for everyone even a nice Christmas cake with these pretty red and green stripes and lots of white stuff.

I grabbed a spoon and was ready to dig in too and all I got was YELLED AT !

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Now Ralphie what are you laughing at....you're my nephew you aren’t suppose to be laughing at me.

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What Uncle Riggs....see I'm not laughing.....I feel sorry for  you. Of course it was unfair....after all you had a spoon and all. Not as though you didn’t have any manners.

Well anyway folks.....let me know if you thought this was fair of Mom and Dad.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR.... Yeah I paw-tyed a little, my eyes don’t look so good…..

Well Rigg’s just because you managed to steal a package of plastic utensil’s doesn’t entitle you to people food dessert. No wonder you got yelled at.

Well that’s about it for today, hope everyone is having a great week. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Monday, January 2, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Up at 04:30AM, then realized that Donna was off today, so I went in and made coffee and read some blog. Donna got up a little later and had coffee with me. Later in the morning I took the two unopened boxes of floor tiles back and got a $140 rebate, $70 a box. Then it was over to Shop & Save to fill in what we needed for groceries for the week.

When I got home I found out Donna wasn’t feeling good with back pain and still coughing, what a combination. She spent most of the day in bed, We decided to let Andy & Samantha order pizza and we would add one for us so There will be no cooking or mess tonight, a true day off from everything.

The wind is blowing which makes the 40 degree day seem like 20 it is cold when you go outside. Wish we were somewhere where it is warm, Maybe like Desert Hot Springs, or Florida, We are looking for next winter and if I can get all my friends to swear us in as Honorary Canadians, maybe we can get in the Desert Hot Springs RV Park.

That seems to be a very popular spot with bloggers from all over Canada and the Oregon area.

Well that’s about it Nicole should be home this afternoon from her Dad’s and that will make the two pups and a Grandpa happy, The noise will start again and it will have the happy sound of a child’s laughter again.

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

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Well it’s the start of a New Year 2012, and what better way to start it but with a coffee with your bride, Donna had to work last night, and got home right around midnight, by that time my train movie had worked it’s magic and I was zee’ed out and never saw anything fall or heard any explosions, so I have to take for granted it is in fact a new year.

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     Look’s like Rigg’s took a minute to celebrate.

Today is a nice sunny day in the 40’s, definitely not the usual MO. weather for New Years, This is usually the coldest part of our weather with an above average chance of snow being on the ground, the majority of our below zero weather usually comes between Christmas and Feb 1st. Also most of our snow, Usually after the middle of Feb and the 1st of March you can count on a few nice mild days and Spring is here by April 1st.

I hope we are in for a mild winter this year after the one we had in 2011.

Really a do nothing day Donna is catching up on a nap and then she said she is making Chicken in Alfredo sauce for supper. For you guys like DONNA from Sandwich Il. that’s dead chicken in white sauce.

I spent a little more time this morning restocking drawers and looking around the fiver, I must say Don is a craftsman, on the cabinets and sink wherever a screw was removed or molding was replaced, he repainted so everything looks brand new. Around the edge where the carpet used to be he installed really nice tasteful molding again any nail holes were painted just giving it a nice finished look. He is a retired carpenter that started this RV repair business as a retirement job, he works out of a huge pole barn with room for several trailers, and had two waiting to come in when mine was out, the one was a sideswipe and he said they are tough, but it will look like new when he’s done. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a fix like mine.

well that’s about it. I am going to just sit around and relax, and hope for a trip to be possible soon as the weather warms , or maybe even before it does.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna…