Riggins with little brother Charlie and little sister Sadie.

Followers

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tuesday Addendum.

Just got the call from Vet Ellie at 05:55PM, the tumor was benign but she said it was a 2 instead of a one which means we have to watch him for any more growths and report them right away. But definitely no cancer. so the Riggster gets a clean bill of health. Boy are we relieved. Thank you all for bearing with us in this time and also the concern showed for our Big little buddy. I have found most bloggers belong to that great group of animal lovers.

Thanks again, Sam, Donna, & Rigg’s…

Tuesday Thoughts.

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

I had to wait around most of the day for the tree service to come and pick up the brush piles that the county is complaining about. Be glad when that is over. They got here at 03:30PM. Brought enough equipment to do the job.

Treeservicetrucks07-31-12a

Shreddertrucl07-31-12a

Skidloader07-31-12a

Once the brush is out I will run John through and get everything looking good again.

Donna is going out after work with an old co-worker for what she is calling a girl nights out, this is good everyone should get a night out with the girls once in awhile. Just to kick back and relax.  One of these days I may even do it.

Rigg’s is currently confined to my bedroom, he just gets too excited with the men working in his backyard and I needed to give him some quiet time.

Nothing else going on here at the Ranch. it is currently 100 degrees again, feel sorry for the guys in the yard, but they said they are used to it by now. One of them spent a summer in Iraq and said this is nothing compared to there.

That’s about it for today. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Monday, July 30, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM for coffee with my bride before she headed out to the truck company. Rigg’s and I took advantage of another hour and a half nap and then he wanted his morning food and pills.

Found out Yesterday that Nicole will be moving in with her Dad before school starts on Aug 18th. Boy that will be a change, she will have to change schools again and for the first time in a long while we won’t have a child in the house besides me. I don’t know what the story behind it is, but I do know she really loves being with her Dad and spends most weekends with them. Whatever is best for the child is best by me. I can still see about a weekend camping trip with her and Adam, but I have a feeling football will be first for awhile. Good thing I can fall back on Rigg’s as a camping companion while Donna is still working.

Still haven’t heard from the vet yet. I guess it’s just my impatience, but when it’s your best pal, it is hard not to be impatient. As soon as we know any more we will let everyone know and thanks for your concern about Rigg’s, he is a very special dog around here.

Cloudy but no more rain today, supposed to top out in the middle 90’s and then up over 100 for the next two days, Be glad when it stays in the 80’s again.

Rigg’s is sitting at the back door just itching to go after the one feral cat in the back yard, I know he is feeling stronger and when he wants to give the cat a good run.

Tomorrow I have a tree service coming to remove the two big brush piles, so maybe the cats will lose their home and have to find another yard. They have been living in the brush pile about two years now. If they don’t move on their own I will have to call the Animal control for some traps, and relocate them. They are completely wild and would never make house pets, more like wildcats than house kitties. I could take them out to the Lake as it is completely wild around the campground and I think they would make it out there. No real predators, other feral cats seem to do okay.

That’s about it for today, I hope all my blog friends have a good week, and be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Sunday Notes.

Was up at 06:00AM for coffee with my bride also as an added treat they had Tasteykake Butterscotch Krimpets at the store so I got to packages of those. Wow what a great way to start a Sunday morning.

It was raining steadily when I got up just a nice steady soaking rain that went on until about 02:00PM and then stopped and the sun came out the whole time it was raining it stayed 70 degrees outside. Now that the sun is out it is climbing to the 80’s quickly. Unless we get more rain they are forecasting a high of 95 today. I just might have to cut grass later in the week.

Rigg’s continues to be his old self and is a little more active today. He usually sleeps his medication off and then is ready for attention. It looks like his supply of pills will be over in a few days and he won’t be on drugs anymore. The Vet has called a couple of times to see how he is doing. She said as soon as the Laboratory gets the biopsy report to her she will call. But she sounded optimistic about the outcome. She is a young lady maybe in her late 20’s named Ellie and she always has fawned over Rigg’s whenever I took him and this last time she asked if we would mind if she made him her exclusive patient, except for emergencies. So know when we call for an appointment they make sure Ellie is scheduled. It is nice when a doctor takes an interest in their patient like that and I know Rigg’s likes her now too.

I am hoping against all odds that his results are that the tumor was benign, The Vet said they removed the entire tumor and a larger area around it just to be safe. That was the reason for the larger than I thought incision when I saw it I figured the tumor was only an inch or two long  but his scar will be four inches long. Don’t know what I would do if we got bad news about my bestus pal, I guess get all the treatments available no matter what the costs are.

Waiting for Donna to get home. She had the day shift at the Restaurant today. It doesn’t look like we will be getting away together for awhile so I will have to be satisfied with Rigg’s and the Grands for some getaway camping.Donna & I are scheduled for a week at the Escapee’s Rally in Sedalia MO. in Sept and look forward to meeting up with Bloggers we have met and new ones we haven’t.

Would have liked a long weekend up in Illinois near Sandwich but with the Restaurant shifts it doesn’t look like it will happen, At least not this summer.

At least it cooled down for Adam’s first day of football practice and the sun is out so maybe they will be comfortable.

That’s about it for today from downtown Dardenne Prairie MO. hope the weekend is going well for everyone out there. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 06::00AM with my bride for coffee, then just read some blogs and sat around.

About 08:00AM I gave Rigg’s his three pills for the morning, he has to take three every 12 hours so tonight he gets three more. Don’t know what they do but he usually lays down and sleeps for a couple hours after taking them. He seems to be doing well and more energy now when his medication wears off. I have been inspecting his stitches each day and they appear to be tight and healing well ,no sign of any leakage. he has about a four inch incision just about the middle of his tummy It doesn’t seem to bother him when I feel around it and he hasn’t licked or bothered it. He was good with the stitches when he was neutered too.

We have been successful in keeping him from running by monitoring his outside activity. but trying to keep him from jumping up on the bed, hasn’t worked, he will manage to get the bedroom door open and get up so he can sleep with whoever is laying down at the time. I can’t wait till the Vet gives him the okay to go back in the water for a swim, but I have a feeling it will be close to the end of the summer.

My son took Adam home this morning, and Nicole is at her Dad’s so the house is quiet for the first time in a week. I took the kid’s swimming all week except for Thursday when Rigg’s had his operation. All of us are a nice shade of brown from all the sun we have had so far this summer.Maybe next week Rigg’s and I will take the fiver to the Lake and he can relax up there if the weather cools a little. Right now he is in his spot lying next my kitchen chair with the ceiling fan blowing on him. What a life.

Donna is taking her nap before she goes to the restaurant for the evening shift at 04:00PM.

Not much else going on here at the Ranch today. The high for today is only supposed to be 91 so that is a relief, Although Mon-Tues-Wed it says it will be back up into the 100’s again. Thank God it is close to the Lake and we have season pool passes now. The Lake itself is free swimming,but the kid’s like the pool because their friends swim there. Doesn’t much matter to me I just get my tube an then float the day away.

Hope everyone is having a fine weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna………..

Friday, July 27, 2012

T.G.I.F.

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

I got a nap after Donna left and she said she would shut the door so Rigg’s couldn’t get in and jump up on the bed. Well when I woke up guess who was sleeping next to me in the bed. Yep Mr Rigg’s got the door open and up he came. So much for trying to curb his exercise. He does seem more alert today so hopefully in a day or two he will be his old self again.

Here is a picture of him relaxing this morning, he still must be sleepy from his medication. He didn’t want his girlfriends Jodie, Coco, & Sandy in Florida to see his bald tummy and stitches, he’s so vain.

Rigg's07-27-12a

                            Just Relaxing.

I am getting this blog out early as I told the kid’s I would take them swimming this afternoon, On the way back I am dropping Nicole off at her Dad’s for the weekend and Adam will be going home tonight also. But we have had a good week so far even without taking the camper out.

Today we are only supposed to reach 97 degrees so a part of the hot spell is over. If we don’t make it south this winter I will be missing some of these hot days come December.

Hope all is well for my friends out there in blogland, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

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

At 06:30AM I took Rigg’s over to the Vet and dropped him off .

Then it was just wait and wait for the call from the Vet. about 01:00PM she called and said Rigg’s was doing fine and sleeping and that they removed the tumor completely. We went over at 03:45PM to pick him up and bring him home, He has to take it easy for 10 days, no running or swimming. The Vet will call as soon as the biopsy is done on the tumor.

So still a bit of a waiting game, but we are praying for good news. Here’s his picture right after he got home he even looks tired out from his ordeal.

Rigg's07-26-12a

                       Rigg’s after his surgery.

Right after I took the picture he laid down next to his Dad’s chair and fell right to sleep.

Looks like all is well at least for today, the weather cooled some and it was only 95 this afternoon with a really short shower that barely wet the driveway.

That’s about it for today, Everyone have a great day, and be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Was up with my bride at 04:30AM and then Rigg’s and I got another hours nap.

Went to Walgreens to pick up some pills and wouldn’t you know it they had all their summer stuff on clearance, Nicole has been wanting a big style snorkel mask  like the one I use, I paid $19.99 for it at Wal Mart at the beginning of summer, There on the shelf with only two left was the exact mask, with shatterproof glass and a hard frame marked down to $8.99. What is the value of the smile on a little girls face when you say look in the bag there’s a surprise in it for you.

I took the kid’s swimming again today, as it was another 100 plus day. Nicky wore her new mask almost the entire afternoon. Now if I can just get the diving lessons to take hold, she wants to learn how to dive from the wall head first.

When we got home from the pool it was106 degrees on the the blog weather bug.

Tomorrow between 06:30AM and 07:30AM I have to drop my bestus pal Rigg’s off at the Vets for his surgery. Won’t relax until I get the call to come and pick him up.

Not much else to report. Hope all is well with everyone out there in blogland, Tomorrow it is supposed to be a little cooler, only 96, bet that will feel like a fall day.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my Bride, then she was off to the truck company. Got about another hour nap with Rigg’s and then I was off to the Barber shop when it opened to have a haircut and a beard trim. No Bay Rum today. How many remember the commercial, Shave & and Haircut, Bay Rum.

It was 85 here at the Ranch at 05:00AM and 100 at 11:00AM. Desperate times demand desperate measures so I gathered up Adam & Nicole and headed to the Lake to spend the day at the the pool. When we got back home at 05:00PM it was 106, now they are predicting the rest of the week like this with a chance of a thunderstorm Thursday.

You won’t hear me complain about hot weather though. You don’t have to plow it. I can only hope we are somewhere where it doesn’t snow this winter for at least part of the time. Can’t wait for Donna to retire.

Not much going on Andy is taking Adam for his football physical tonight, then he is all set to start practice. He went with Andy last night and bought the rest of his equipment.

After spending the day in the pool Grandpa is whipped, I am going to just sit and have a couple High Lifes and relax.

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

Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

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

Sunday just flew by and I forgot to make a post, Maybe because right about the time I usually sit down and write the phone rang and Adam said he wanted to come over and spend the week at Grandpa’s, So Andy & Rigg’s took my truck and went out and picked him out. Rigg’s loves any excuse to ride in the truck.

When they got back Adam & Nicole started playing video games and Donna got home from the restaurant so it was time to think about supper. Chicken Pot Pies took care of that.

This morning I went over to the welding shop and picked up the side plates for my fiver hitch and came home and reinstalled it. It still took a little hammering and prying for the center piece had a little bend in it  I hadn’t noticed until it was time to fit it all together. But with sweat and a good impact wrench it all pulled back into shape and fit just right.  I even shot it with a new coat of black paint, might as well have a top notch job. Now we are ready for the road again.

Andy is taking Adam this afternoon for some more football equipment. A good Dad and Son project. I was going to take them both swimming but that can wait until tomorrow.

It’s supposed to be 103 today and then 104 for the next two days, we are officially now into a record long heat wave for this area.

Boy just working outside for an hour in this heat just about does you in, I just finished a tall glass of lemonade and feel like a nap, today my feet were acting up and I had to keep climbing up into the bed of the truck. needless to say they are burning now.

Not much else going on at the ranch, just relentless heat and no rain.

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

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride, then we waited until 07:45AM to take Rigg’s for his Vet appointment. Here is what we know so far. The vet drew a sample from the lump on his chest and looked at it on a slide, and said it is definitely a tumor.

He is scheduled for surgery on Thursday to have it removed and a biopsy done on it so we won’t know for sure if it is benign or not until next week. The did the blood work today and gave him his heartworm medicine.

The removal should be pretty routine but he will be under anesthesia and will spend the day. I will drop him off at 07:00AM and the will call me in the late afternoon when he has recovered enough to come home, Then we will have to watch him so he doesn’t remove his own stitches like when he was neutered.

IN other news we received the good news that Donna’s Sister in Law Kathy who has been fighting cancer for 18 years has been found to be cancer lesion free in this last test. Thank God for his Blessings and looking after her.

Only supposed to be in the low 90’s today and then the next four days it will be back in the 100’s again. Maybe we are just getting used to it, since it isn’t big news around here in Dardenne Prairie.

Not much else going on Rigg’s has to take Benedryl until his surgery and he is drinking up a storm from his water dish.

Nicky is trying to decide if she wants to go swimming or not, Grandpa is always game for a jump in the Lake or Pool.

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

Friday, July 20, 2012

T.G.I.F.

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

I took everything out of the back of my truck so my son could make a run with the scrap metal and aluminum we have piled next to our out building for scrap, when I went to pull the fiver hitch out, it is mounted on sliding rails, evidently it was rusted in tight since it hadn’t been slid or taken out in 8 years, I put a tow strap on it and attached to a tree and moved forward until it appeared to be sliding, once it was at the rear of the truck I got out and that’s when I noticed the two side plates got bent. Rather than taking a sledge to them I took them to a welding shop that can heat them and press them back into shape. Just want to be safe when I reinstall the hitch. Costs for this $100 there goes any profit from the scrap run. The good part is they will be ready Monday so I won’t lose the use of the fiver at all.

Tomorrow at 08:00AM is Rigg’s Vet appointment, he does pretty well and likes the Lady Vet he has.I think she likes him too.

Not much else going on at the Ranch , still in the ninety’s but they said a chance of rain later, we will see.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……..

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Was up at the usual 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride.

Just got word from my Grandaughter Allie in New Jersey that she has a horse now.

                 Alli'shorseDude07-15-12

                         Alli’s new buddy Dude.

Allie&Dude07-15-12b

                         Dude & Alli.

Now I have Grand dogs and a Grand stallion or is he a Gelding.

Donna always wanted a horse but we never had room to keep one and the cost of boarding and feeding and taking care of it was out of sights when we were younger.

Don’t know anything about Dude other than he has a pretty face and diamond on it.

Today Nicky and I went to Wal Mart and she got a new bathing suit, with neat peace signs on it. She is in to the peace signs and stuff from the sixties, I told her when I was flying a lot of guys put peace signs on their flight helmets, but that didn’t last long and they were told to get them off.

Tonight, Samantha said she would cook up a batch of taco’s for supper, boy the kitchen smells good. Two more hard rolls bit the dust at lunch, I just love a sandwich on those babies.

The rain we were supposed to get this morning never came it was cloudy for about an hour and then the sun came up and it started back up toward 100 again.

The back acre looks like the dessert brown grass and cracked earth. Won’t have any cutting to worry about for awhile now , we will need several good rains to get it started again.

Thinking about another couple days at the Lake next week, can’t go this weekend as Rigg’s has an appointment at the Vet Saturday to have a lump on his chest checked out.

That’s about it for today here at the Ranch, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……..

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

 

Somehow Rigg’s and I managed to sleep in and when we woke up it was almost 06:00AM and Donna had already left for work. Missed morning coffee, so I just had a glass of milk. I guess I must have needed that extra hours nap.

Not much doing here at the ranch it is 03:00PM and the temp is 103 again. Rigg’s has his spot staked out next to my chair and under the ceiling fan. Him and Sadie will go out and take care of business and then run right back to the door. They don’t care for the high temps anymore than I do. Another day where the truck and I have stayed in the house, just don’t have anyplace I want to go in the heat and a haircut can wait until a cool morning it’s just going to grow anyway. Thought when I got up that we might see a shower as it was clouded up but then the sun came out and that was it for clouds. Tomorrows forecast says a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm but it supposed to be 102 again, Then we are supposed to stay in the middle 90’s for a couple of days, who would think you would look forward to getting into the middle 90’s.

It’s days like this I wish we were in a campground with a pool and a hot tub and temps in the 80’s max.

Adam started his football practice this weekend  and his Mom said he did great, she said she was surprised he was as aggressive as he was, his Uncle Tim would be glad to hear that as he starred in high school football.

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

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride for coffee, then she was off to the truck company. Rigg’s and I grabbed about another hours nap.

Pretty much stayed a home body today the temperature got up to 98. since I really had no place that I needed go except for a haircut that I can put off the truck stayed in the garage.

By request Donna brought home some pictures of her new office for Jacobsen Transportation in St Louis. Here are some shots.

Donna's new office07-17-12a

Outside view with Donna and her escape in the window.

Entranceway07-17-12a

           Entranceway as you go in the building.

Reception area07-17-12a

                                     Reception Area.

workstation07-17-12c

                           Work Stations.

workstation07-17-12a

                           Donna’s work station.

Conferenceroom07-17-12a

                       Large conference room.

lunchroom07-17-12a

                             Lunch area.

Compared to their old place these are some really nice spaces.

The next two days we are supposed to be at 103 and 101 so the heat wave continues, maybe a trip to the pool will be in order have to see if Nicky wants to go.

Not much else doing. Hope all of the rest of you are enjoying your week and having cooler weather. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Monday, July 16, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my bride this morning, then she was off to her new digs at that truck company, They moved their office from downtown St Louis to Earth City MO. just across the Mo. River from us in St Louis County. It cuts her commute better than in half.
I hope she has a nice new clean office space compared to the old place.
I had to make a Wally World run and then a stop at the grocery store. I bought another bag of those Hard Rolls I found and some lunch meat. Boy I love a sandwich on a hard roll, something about it that just makes it better. Especially if you make a Ham and Cheese and heat it open face in the oven until the cheese is bubbly them close it and eat it. The Roll is just a little crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, Here I go I am going to make myself hungry just typing about it.
Nicky and I had a nice quiet day here at the Ranch since it was in the middle 90’s again Nicky started an in the house project where she took white card stock and then made designs on it in white glue and the sprinkled different colored sparkles on it. Here is the result.
Nick'sproject07-16-12a
                              Nick’s Sparkle Project.
Just had a great skype call from our friends Paul & Helen in Florida, Paul before I forget here is the blog address for Karen & Al, they are in your area down there somewhere.
Looks like we are in for some more 100 degree weather here in Dardenne Prairie, we have had 35 consecutive days of over 95 degree weather and 15 days over 100. I guess this is meant to be a hot summer for us.
That’s about it for today, Donna and I are enjoying a nice supper, Hope all is well with all our friends out there. Be safe. Sam & Donna…….

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Sunday Mumblings.

I was up at 06:00AM and had coffee. got to sit outside in nice 70 degree weather and enjoy the clean air and coffee.

About 10:00AM I set the special sea & anchor detail and made preparations to get underway. Got everything stowed and in the travel mode and hitched up and then went over to the dump station. Everything went flawlessly and Chappie and & were backing into her pad at the Ranch about 11:00AM.

I got the standard warm welcome from Rigg’s he’s always so happy to see his Dad get home, hasn’t left my side since I got in. right now he is laying next to my chair under the ceiling fan as I type this post.

As usual it will take a couple of days to get caught up on what's going on in blog land but now that I am home and back on my own internet I will be able to past comments and browse the blogs that I haven’t been able to read for a week.

I am even behind in Facebook.

Hope everyone is having a fine weekend, I had ordered a snap in screen for the Fantastic Fan I installed in Chappie’s bathroom, the one that was in there had 8 screws holding it in and when you wanted to take it out to rinse it and clean the screen it was a pain, I found some that snap in, no screws. What a timesaver, the box was waiting here when I got back so I installed that.

I guess that’s about it for today. I am looking forward to having supper at home with my bride. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Saturday Notes.

Was up at 06:00AM for coffee, had a thunder storm come through last night about 08:30PM and the winds starting kicking up so I put the awning up. Just didn’t want to take a chance, although my one neighbor left his down and it was okay this morning. Boy a storm can sure put you to sleep when you combine it with a train movie.

Spent the afternoon at the pool yesterday, and that’s exactly what I plan to do today, won’t be surprised if Adam and his Mom show up if they got all their shopping done yesterday.

Been out of touch for almost a week so I don’t have a clue what is going on in the world or blogland, don’t watch much TV when I am out here at the Lake and the kid’s never watch the news.Hope all is well and everyone of my blog friends is okay.

Not much going on I am going to run to my secret wi-fi spot to post this and check my mail and then come back and have lunch and head for the pool.

Everyone have a good weekend, I will be heading back to the ranch tomorrow, can’t wait to see my bride and Rigg’s, although I think Rigg’s gets the most excited.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…….

Friday, July 13, 2012

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 06:00AM and had my coffee it was a nice pleasant morning and just right to sit out side and enjoy coffee.

Adam’s Mom arrived at 08:00am and they were going to pick out his football gear, he starts practice on Monday so they were off, for a day of shopping, they might come back to swim on Saturday, I will be staying until Sunday since Donna has to work the weekend.

It is quiet here at the campground and I have a couple of older friends at the pool.

I had a couple of ants appear earlier in the week so yesterday while we were at the pool all afternoon, I set off a  couple of foggers with the cabinet doors under the sinks open, So far today I haven’t seen anymore so maybe I got them at the start.

Chris,Grandpa,Adam,&Nicole07-12-12a

        Here is the crew at the beach yesterday…

Boy time flies when your having fun, doesn’t seem like a week has gone by already.

Hope everyone is having a fine week, and be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thursday Happenings.

Was up at 06:00AM and had my coffee, the  kids are still sleeping like babies.

Yesterday we had a great day at the pool, it was sunny and about 91 degrees. They had so much fun that instead of leaving at 04:30pm or 05:00pm they played until 06:00PM, We then went to the store outside the gate and got a couple of Hunt Brothers Pizza’s, since Nicky & Chris’s Dad is picking them up today, I  changed pizza night from Friday to Wednesday. Boy were they happy.

Our plan for today is to get Nicky & Chris all packed up and Chris’s bike put in the truck. Then about 11:00AM put our trunks on and head for the beach. Their Dad is supposed to meet us at the beach at 01:00PM and take to his place. Adam and I will then go to the pool for the rest of the day with his friends. We will be staying until Sunday. So far the weather had co-operated like the last week we spent here with sun everyday and no rain.

So far these three  kid sure have eaten and drank us out of food here, not like when there is just the two of us, In three days a gallon and a half of milk, and about 12 Gatorades have bit the dust. tomorrow I will have to make a run to the store for milk and drinks, I haven’t been allowing soda, I do keep some bottled water but me & Donna are the only ones that ever drink it.

Not much else going on, looking forward to one more day with the gang of three, and then the rest of the weekend with just Adam.

Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Was up at 06:00AM, getting spoiled by getting to sleep in so lat.Nicole was up at 08:00AM so we went out to the picnic table while the boys snoozed on.

I decided to encourage Nicole’s creativity by letting her learn photography, so I took her out and showed her some of the basics of my Canon. Another reason was the other night when I went to post my blog, a large doe stepped into the road and stood there and stared down my truck for a few minute. I naturally didn’t have my camera with me so I missed out on a great shot.

Nicole’s first try was as we were backing out of the campsite, be she is so short she had trouble getting a shot over the dashboard,

Nicoleseyeviewfromtruck=711-12a

                             Nick’s first picture.

Chappieonleft07-11-12a

Nick’s next shot, Chappie is on the left in site 15.

Next Nick decided to take a couple of shots of the famous Yellow and Red owls, that seem to hang out around site 15 whenever we camp there.

Famousyellowowl07-11-12a

                        Famous Yellow Owl.

FamousRedOwl07-11-12a

She was lucky to get this shot of the Red Owl as he didn’t want his picture taken.

What do you think Judy, not bad for an 8 year olds first bird pictures.

I may have to send her up to visit with Al & Kelly in Bayfield, I’m sure Al knows a whole lot more about photography that he could pass on than I ever will. But Nicky thoroughly enjoyed it and now if I can just get my Canon back.

The plan for today is to spend the afternoon at the pool, I am sure that will be a hit since it will be in the low 90”s later.

Not much going on. Everyone be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up at 06:00AM and had my coffee, the kid’s slept in until almost 09:00AM, se what a day in the water and then some bike riding and playground play will do, They were asleep by 10:00PM..

When I went to inflate an air mattress for Nicole to sleep on last night, my 12 volt compressor from the truck ran about an hour and only half inflated the mattress and then quit, We had to improvise and moved the recliner and ad Adam make a bed out of it. and the other two slept on the pull out couch.

Adam,Nicole&Chris07-10-12a

                  This was the scene at 09:00AM.

Once the kid’s were up and at up, we headed for the Wal Mart in Washington Mo. I found a 11volt inflator just for mattresses for $9.00 , what a deal, we got home and it inflated the queen size mattress in about ten minutes.

The kid’s will each have a nice soft bed tonight.

About 12:30PM we all headed for the pool and soaked for about 4 hours. I think this summer I have spent more time in water than in the last 5 years. No signs of any rust yet.

Well now I’ll have to hunt up a wi-fi spot to post this and check my e-mail, I won’t be perusing other blogs or leaving comments until I get home on my own wi-fi.

Hope everyone is having a week, We are enjoying our campout, all 4 of us.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna, Oh yeah, Rigg’s and Sadie we miss you guys too. Be good for Mom.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

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

Rigg’s and I got a short nap and at 07:30AM I was off to the Lake with the fiver, and got my favorite spot, number 15 and got setup. Then I fund out I had a Grand Slam. I was going to pick up Adam and then Nicole & Chris and the four of us would be spending the week at the campground. I picked them up and loaded Chris’s bike in the truck and we were off.

About 01:30PM we headed for the Lake and an afternoon of swimming which lasted until 04:30PM when the kid’ wanted to head back to the campground, got a new neighbor while we were swimming. The kid’s headed out for a patrol on their bikes.

Nicole,Chris&Adam07-09-12a

      Lake Sherwood Campground Bike Patrol.

It was about 91 today and may into the middle 60’s tonight. perfect for our stay here.

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

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunday Mumblings.

We were up at 05:00AM for coffee, and then just relaxed, Donna has the hostess duty at the restaurant from 09:00AM to 04:30PM . The minute she was gone I went out and since my son was also out I hitched up the truck and fiver and then spun them around to face the north, opposite of the normal way we park it. Our driveway is oriented due north so that way in the morning I can just fire it up do my preflight inspection and walk around.Then head out to the Lake. I like to leave early about 07:00AM in the cool of the morning  and that way I am set up and the last thing needed to be done is to make a pot of coffee for the the guys on the maintenance crew come by to say hi. After working there they see me come in and know the coffee will be ready. The boss retired at the beginning of the summer and cancer got one of the younger guys , but I know the new boss and the replacement so we still make it like when I was hosting our old safety meetings even with the donuts the first morning.

Looks like just a chance of showers in the morning tomorrow and a high of 90. then for the rest of he week the highs will be mid 80-s and sunny, with the night temps in the low 60’s perfect camping weather, and good swimming weather, maybe the water temp will come down a little bit from 93 of the last week.

Nicky spent the weekend with her Dad so I put hers and Adam’s bike on the fiver and Nicky’s Mom said she would bring her out and I will have to probably run and get Adam on Monday. If we get a couple of showers we will even be able to have a small campfire and make it a real campout. The last two weekends they had a fire ban, but after some rain it will be lifted.

With going to the Lake the blog may be delayed depending on being able to get a wi-fi hotspot. When they rebuilt the Main office they just hard wired everything again and they have no wi-fi, so I lost my spot there, so far the last two times I went out there I found a spot, but one that was unlocked before, I found had been locked up. Can’t blame anyone for putting a password on there router, I know I have one at home, Theoretically someone could get on there and if you have a band width limit like some do they could eat up you time and you would end up owning money. That’s why when I do find one even at a restaurant I just post my blog check my e-mail and then bail off, I don’t read and try to stay up on all the other blogs. just good manners if it’s not your money going out for it.

Read with interest a thread on another blog about people cutting through your campsites and other rude behavior, fortunately, when we use the campground at the Lake, except for the three holiday weekends when it is very crowded, the campground generally is not crowded , and since we are all lot owners, and members and pay an assessment in addition to county taxes, The people that use it all have something at stake and seem to take a higher interest in it, plus a lot of them know each other and they have the same values in keeping their kid’s started at an early age with good campground manners.

I have found also even though Rigg’s is a very social and playful animal. that the sight alone of something that big laying on his mat. deters the average person from just walking through like they own your spot too. Even a yappy little dog like Sadie will bring attention to them and that is a deterrent. Most of all it all reverts back to basic good manners and not being an ego maniac mine,mine, my way person.

That’s about it for today, waiting for Donna to get home, then it will be off on another summer adventure in the morning, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna….

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Saturday Notes.

We were up for coffee at 05:00AM and then went back for a little nap.

As I type this the thermometer on the kitchen window says 111 degrees, The weather on my Blog Home page says 108 degrees, and my Yahoo Weather home page in Chrome says 106 all for the O’Fallon MO. Who is right, I went out to fill the hummingbird feeder and all I can say is I believe the kitchen window, it is like getting hit in the face with a hair dryer on high when you walk out the door. I was covered in sweat in the 10 minutes it took to get the feeder refill it and hang it back up again. Only reason I did it was a hummer was at the back window looking in at me and acting like it was looking for more to drink.

Tonight we are are supposed to have a low of 76 and then the next 5 days, 95, 90, 88, and then 87 with lows at night in the 60’s. Also a chance of morning showers each day so  I will be heading for the Lake on Monday morning and the Grands will follow me out there either Monday or Tuesday. I will be glad when we get a respite from all this 100plus weather, we have had over two weeks of it and I for one think it should be sent somewhere else. How about the Middle East, they at least are used to it.

I have decided to leave Rigg’s home with Sadie because of the chance of a loss of power at the campground when we are not in the trailer. If we are there, I have the generator as a backup. He will be going with us when we go to the Escapee’s Rally so and I may try to get a weekend at a Passport America Campground somewhere within several hours drive from home for a weekend with Donna..

Sadie by the way is looking a lot better today and is eating for a change, we made her some chicken and rice and just to get her interested we put a spoon of it in Rigg’s bowl, as soon as she saw him eating it she went and emptied her bowl so now if we can keep her eating and drinking, I thinks she will be back to normal soon, she even ran into the kitchen and did a spin and jumped up on Grandpa’s leg so I can see a big improvement from the lethargy of the other day.

Not much else going on here at the ranch everyone including Donna got a nap this afternoon and Donna is going in to the Restaurant at 05:00PM.

Looking forward to only 95 degrees tomorrow and getting the truck and fiver hitched up and ready for a Monday AM departure. Hopefully I can get out there early and get all set up and have the air going and maybe even a nap before going down to the Lake for a swim Monday afternoon.

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

Friday, July 6, 2012

Thursday Happenings/T.G.I.F.

I am combining Thursday and Friday posts due to the time just running out yesterday as I was cooking and lost track of time.

Both days we were up at 04:30AM and I had coffee with my bride. Then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant. Thursday night she said she had a sore back when she got home, so I hope that is better today, I haven’t heard from her about it.

The big news from the ranch, for the last two days Sadie has been under the weather, she won’t eat, has diarrhea and is just not her self, no running and spins. just listless.

This morning Andy & Samantha took her to the Vet, she was dehydrated, so they gave her an IV with fluids and some medicine to take and now she is drinking water and getting back to her old self, It looks like the diarrhea has stopped too. hate to see when one of the mutts isn’t feeling there best.

The heat is still on, it’s 104 on the internet and 108 on the window thermometer, who do you believe? I think no matter what it’s pretty darn hot. Took a ride out to the Lake and checked out the campground, I saw my buddy who has been there all week and he said the air conditioners on the trailers have not shut off ,even at night for three days. There was only one spot open, but the gang that has my favorite spots in the back corner are leaving Sunday, so I think I will wait and take the fiver out Monday. the one spot is the first in line on the new power drop they put in so the chances of a voltage drop are less, plus I have a feeling the whole campground is going to be less crowded after the second holiday weekend is over.

It was even too hot for Nicky to go swimming today, I asked her if she wanted to go to the pool at the Lake for a few hours and she said no it was too hot. Maybe she’s smarter than me. I would have went if I had a partner, Adam is spending the weekend home with his Mom.

That’s about it for today, tonight is pizza night, so I will make one for us later in the afternoon. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Wednesday Musings.

Donna and I slept in until 06:00AM and then had our coffee, Donna got all the mixers lined in row and started mixing up cakes for this week, when there are a couple of birthday’s coming up for family and friends. I love the smell of baking in the kitchen, but I know I can’t eat most of the goodies she bakes anymore. She started it out with a combination Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry cake. boy will that be nice, she did make some cupcakes in each flavor so I may steal one of those later. Since we are both off today nothing was planned, the Grands went to their Mom’s in Adam’s case and to her Dad’s in Nicole’s. Adam was here for over a week, so now he will spend the weekend with his Mom and then next week I am hoping to take them out to the Lake camping. The house sure quiets down without any kid’s and dogs running back and forth.

Not much to report it’s back up in to the middle 100’s for this area, supposed to stay that way for the next week so camping should be fine, just a day where it says chance of  a thunderstorm, but that can happen anytime in the summer.

Hope the holiday went fine for all. be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tuesday Thoughts.

JULYFORTH

4thofJuly.jpg

MissLiberty

To All my American Blogger friends.”Is this a Great Country or what”. Thank God for chance to be in the. “Home of the Free”.

Of all our holidays in the summer months, I believe the 4th of July is my favorite, I always reminds me that this country was founded to give everyone yearning for freedom a chance at a new life like my emigrant Grandparents. Remember what Miss Liberty herself proclaims.” Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these the homeless, the tempest tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the Golden Door.”Emma Lazarus…..

I pray that we have succeeded and continue to be the Home of the Free and the brave.

Today started at 04:30Am with coffee with my bride, then she was off to the truck company.

The kid’s stayed around the house today since Andy and Samantha are taking them to a 4th of July BBQ at one of Andy’s friends house complete with swimming and fireworks. They don’t plan on leaving until 04:30PM and then will make a big night of it.

Donna said she was going to stop for a haircut on the way home from work and I stayed in and kept the truck in the garage all day.

Don’t have much planned for tomorrow Donna is off from the truck company but still has a shift at the restaurant, they are counting on people going out to eat, rather than cook on this middle of the week holiday.

I am pretty sure Lake Sherwood canceled their fireworks display due to the dry weather, The county hasn’t put a complete ban in effect and ordinary people are still shooting them off, but all the major cities have cancelled out ,most must be afraid of liability if a major fire were started.

I am going to wait and then get a spot for next week out at the Lake and camp for the week. I spend about the same for food and it is cheap and the Grand Kids love to swim.

Probably go watch the 4th of July parade in O’Fallon in the morning, we used to have the most heart stopping fly by at low altitude of the Air Guard F-15’s right up Main St during this parade every year. But a couple of years ago they moved from Lambert Field in St Louis, to a base out near Kansas City, so we don’t see them anymore.

Today we were at 98 and now for the next four days its back to 103 for the highs, not complaining though.Can'tcomplainaboutheat.jpg

                            This is why…..

That’s about it today from the Weeb Ranch in beautiful Dardenne Prairie MO. I hope all my friends have a great 4th Holiday, Our Canadian friends beat us to it by celebrating Canada Day on the weekend. We are Happy for them too. Two of the Greatest Country’s in the world and next door neighbors to boot.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Monday, July 2, 2012

Monday Meanderings.

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

About 09:00AM Nicole arrived home after spending the month of June at her Dad’s house. Rigg’s and Sadie were ecstatic, plans were made for an afternoon of swimming, since the Lake Pool is closed on Mondays I checked the City of O’Fallon and their public Pool is open, so we went there, that was a mistake first if is $4.50 a person instead of the $3.00 at the Lake, then is was wall to wall people, cheek to jowl as they would say. we all agreed that we won’t be going back and will wait for the Lake to be open.Anyway about 02:30PM a thunderstorm blew in and the pool was closed so that ended that.

Nicole&Adam07-02-12a

Nicole and Adam at the pool just before the storm hit.

Have to say it was a pretty good storm plenty of thunder and lightening and then hard rain, the first we have had in about three weeks, but then it was over and the temperature started back up.

Donna has to stop on the way home at the Ford dealer for a recall on her 2002 Escape.A ten year old car and they are still recalling things.This time it is a short in the antilock brake module that can cause a fire. I’d love to try to prove that one if it happened.

Hopefully if we take the fiver to the Lake after the 4th holiday is over, I will have both Grandkid’s, Nicole is looking forward to it she says, it will be her first time camping with us.

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

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Saturday/Sunday Notes.

Saturday Donna and I were up at 06:00AM for coffee, she said she wasn’t going to do anything but relax until it was time to go into the restaurant. That is exactly what she did, I was so glad  to see she even got a nap in the afternoon. I asked Adam if he wanted to go to the Lake and swim and he said no it was to hot already, by noon it was already100. He ended up calling his buddy Brandon and they played over n Brandon;s basement.

Today started about the same. My bride and I had our coffee, Donna had the day shift hostess duty at the restaurant. she said it should be slow because of the heat wave. seems a lot of people are like me and keeping the cars in the garage. Adam again declined to go swimming in the heat. I am really surprised. but I suspect his Mom might have told him it was too hot. I told him after the 4th of July I would take the fiver back up to the Lake and by then it is supposed to be down in the low 90’s which will seem cool to us, If he wants to camp we have to get it in now as he starts football camp July 20th and then after that it is daily practice so he won’t have a lot of time for camping. I know Rigg’s will be up for some camping though.

My Navy buddy Barry and his wife are back in their home in Colorado Springs, he said other than smoke smells there was no damage and nobody touched the house. He said they only had a few looters, and some of those were caught by the National Guard, and wished they were caught by the police.

Now that the sink drip has been fixed, the the oven door closes tight again, I am trying to think of any other minor repairs or upgrades that need to be made to the fiver. I just ordered a snap in replacement screen for my Fantastic Fan in the bathroom. The one that is in there has about 6 or 8 screws and is a change to take out and clean. the replacement just snaps in and covers the screw holes.

I like to leave the fan on low all the time to keep air moving inside. It also helps distribute the air conditioned air. All that means the screen gets dusty faster.

The next major purchase is going to be the tire monitors, If anyone has a suggestion let me know I am going to research this  before I decide what brand to buy. I will have 8 tires to protect.

That’s about it for today, we are all well and keeping cool ,Rigg’s and Sadie just lay under the fan and don’t have a care in the world. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..