Tuesday Thoughts.

Was up at 04:30AM and had coffee with my pretty bride,Then she was off to the truck company. Rigg’s was already waiting for me in the bed for our nap.

Beautiful sunny day at 02:00PM it is 84 degrees. Went out today and made sure the bypass valve for the water heater  was in the summer position, then checked it to make sure it would light on propane, it did on the second try after the air was purged from the lines, made it sure it was full to the top by opening the relief valve until water came out. Then I shut the propane off and let it cool down and then switched the electric side side on within ten minutes warm water was at the faucet, so I shut the electric off. That checks the water heater for the season. I then put some bottled water in the fridge and turned it on auto, no check light so tomorrow I will see if it is cold inside.Then I’ll load some beer and condiments in it and then right the day or two before we leave I will stock the food in it. Purged the outside shower so now I have just about everything ready for our trip. Still going to be two weeks into May before we leave.

Still trying to find out about a prescription supplement plan for my Medicare.

Donna will have to Cobra her health plan until she is old enough for Medicare.

Not much else going on today at the ranch , hope all is well with all our friends. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……….

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM w9th my bride and had coffee, then Rigg’s and I had a nap. The sun was shining and it was 60 degrees at 10 AM so I went out and started putting water in the fresh water tank of the fiver. Then I pressure checked all the lines and checked for leaks at the fittings under the sink. and listened and made sure the pump shut off and then stayed off when the water was shut off. Got the toilet flushed out and added some freshener. Again checking for any leaks. Looks like the water system is fine. I then checked the propane tanks and had one tall full one one short full one and one tall half empty. Won’t need any before out trip since the only thing we will be using it for is running the fridge while we are on the road, Maybe a couple of meals. It will be warm enough not to worry about the furnace on this trip.

I had to jump start Andy’s Jeep and move it out of the way so when we leave I will be able to swing the trailer around. Then I had to make a trip to Walgreens for a couple prescriptions. My son Andy came home and said if I went for a can of gas for the tractor he would start on the grass. I went, But after about an hour he came in and said there were to many wet spots and he didn’t want to get stuck. I have to find a good cleaner for my new floor in the trailer, it reminds me of stone.

The yard almost looks like a sunflower patch with all the dandelions that have popped up this year.

Hope we can get that under control quickly, trouble is we have had so much water that the ground is soaked and it really needs to dry up so I can get the tractor in all the areas that need cutting.

Temperature is now up to 76 at 03:00PM we need a couple weeks like this looks like two more days of nice weather before the rain returns.

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

Sunday Notes.

We were up at 06:00AM for coffee, Donna had to go in at 10AM to the restaurant.It is pretty much the same as yesterday with morning rain and now cloudy and a cool 55 degrees. Hopefully the next three days will be in the 80’s and I will get the water system checked out on the fiver and make sure no leaks after the winter. Have to fill the propane tanks and then the last check will be the A/c and fridge.

Andy took Adam to the shooting range on his way home , both of them love to shoot so they took a couple 22cal rifles so the ammo is cheap to shoot.

Rigg’s and Sadie & I had the house to ourselves, so we watched a movie together.That must have tired out Rigg’s as he’s sleeping at my feet at the kitchen table as I type this.What a life. I am going to start putting stuff in my bag for the trip, that way everything I want to take gets washed. I found Rigg’s three bandanna’s and they will be packed and he will wear one.

Also have to check the fiver to see it is stocked with a couple of balls a frisbee and maybe if he’s lucky a new ducky for Rigg’s so he can stay busy on his vacation.

Just waiting for my bride to get home from the restaurant, nothing going on here at the Ranch, once the weather improves it should get more productive, have to go to the John Deere dealer for a belt this week too.

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

Saturday Mumblings.

Was up at 06:00AM, Made a run to Wall Mart to get donuts and chocolate milk for Adam, his Dad picked him up last night.

Today is a complete zero. Cloudy and raining all day, Lucky Adam brought his games with him, That keeps him busy, no outside activities today, I was going to piddle on the fiver but that will have to wait now.

Starting Monday, we are supposed to get sunny weather in the 70’s and 80’s. warm weather here we come.

Rigg’s napped with his Mom and then she had to get ready and head for the restaurant.

Hoping for a nicer day tomorrow.

Be safe out there, Sam & Donna……….

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM with my pretty bride and had coffee, Then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant. Rigg’s and I headed for a nap.

Yesterday Donna said her car was losing air in the drivers front tire. So today I told her to take my good truck to work and we would take her SUV to the tire place and see what was what. They found a nail and repaired it. Two  days in a row at the tire store.

Haven’t heard yet from Adam or Nicky so I don’t know if I will have company for the weekend.supposed to rain today and tomorrow and be in the 60’s, then Sunday sunny 70’s and Monday sunny 80’s. won’t mind working on the fiver in temps like that. Have been told by the boss it will be three weeks until we leave. She has to find a supplemental prescription plan for my Medicare, got my card in the mail today, so it looks like I am all set.

Anyone have an affordable plan let me know what you are doing.

Rigg’s is taking advantage of a rainy day and napping here in the kitchen at my feet.

Not much else going on here at the Ranch,  Hope all is well with all our friends out there. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna………

Thursday Happenings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my bride while she had coffee, then Rigg’s and I took a nap.

About 09:00AM I hooked up the fiver and took it over to Plaza Tire on Hwy N. I could have jacked it up and put it on stands and then ran the air line out and impacted the tires off and then loaded them in the truck to take to the tire place. I did that last time. Now I am getting older and for a small labor charge, they will do all the work while I wait. About 45 minutes and $460 dollars later I had brand new 10 ply skins all around, new valve stems, all wheels balanced. and the major obstacle to leaving on our trip was over.

Now all we have a a couple things here for Donna to tie up some paperwork and then she will be ready to go and we will be on our way. Probably in about two weeks, I brought the fiver home and put her on her pad, and then extended the slide and got it ready for a good inside cleaning.filling the fresh water tank with water testing all water lines, propane lines, and then firing up the fridge and start stocking with food and clothes, a little each day and the weeks will go by. It will be so go to say goodbye cold and hello heat.

Rigg’s will be looking forward to seeing his girlfriends in Florida, Coco, Jodie and Sandy.

He’s excited because his brother Andrew is taking him to the doggie park this afternoon.

I hope it’s the one with the swimming lake, he so loves the water and it’s above 60 today and sunny.

My son started the other day on the grass in back but the belt popped off, it must be a little stretched since it came off right before I put it away. I will have to have to the

go to the John Deere dealer since they are the only place that carries that belt, everything else on the tractor is hydraulic drive except the blades.

That’s about it for today, hope all is well with everyone in blogland. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…………

Wednesday Musings.

Was up at 04:30AM took my pills and then Rigg’s and I went back for a nap.

Yesterday was a complete waste, rained most of the day. the only saving grace was my Son Andrew fired up the pit and made some pork steaks, Italian sausage and dogs for supper, along with Green Beans and Pork & Beans and baked potatoes. Great meal son.

Today started out like yesterday with rain this morning, hope it stops this afternoon.

Rigg’s saw his ID in yesterdays blog so he asked for equal time.

Did you see my new Missouri ID?   Cool huh, it does have my address on it, but Dad deleted it

When he put it on his blog….

I even practiced for the picture, see looks just like a mug shot.  Just like Mom and Dad’s, they say license

Pictures are suppose to make you look like a criminal.

Do you think they will let me drive now?

I’ve been watching Dad and Mom and I think I know how its done.

  See I know you have to look out the windows on the side

Before you go anywhere.  Hee Hee, I think my tongue is long enough to hold the steering wheel

While I use my paws on the pedals.

Hey Mom, Dad, how about, help me with the written part, haven’t mastered a pencil.  What do you mean

I need to learn a little discipline first.  Why do you have to bring up my trash snooping all the time, you’re the

One that has me on a diet, I get hungry.  Ok so I learned how to pull the lead tight and turn around quick and

Get the harness off by backing  up…..see that just shows how smart I am.  I didn’t go far now did I???

My Sis Sadie and my nephew Ralphie and cuz Buddy all want me to get my license. You see they are all too small

To see over the dashboard, so they are depending on me.  They all like to ride and you guys never have enough

Time to take them as much as they would like.

Ralphie’s  ready to go……………..See how sad Sadie is..she wants to go…….  Buddy has the please let me go look.

In England they are teaching dogs to drive, isn’t American suppose to

Be first in everything?

Oh boy oh boy, you’ll think about it???  What? What does  Hell and freezing having to do with it?

Alright gang, I’ll let you know when I get to breeze on down the road.

Well that’s it for Rigg’s for today, he really thinks he is going to get to drive one of these days.

Next nice day, I will be setting my sights on tires for the fiver. Then I will be just about ready for the road, just stock up on groceries and cleaning supplies.

Hope everyone is having a great a day, what was that Rigg’s, OH, Rigg’s wants all his doggie blogger friends to have a nice day too, and maybe get a treat too.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……..

Monday Meanderings.

Was up at 04:30AM with my pretty bride, then Rigg’s and I had our nap and Donna went in to the truck company.

Had a great weekend. Adam came over to spend the weekend with us Friday night, and both day were sunny and warmer.Hid Dad took him home Sunday evening.

Today is a gorgeous day, sunny and it just reached 70 degrees, have the back door and the screen porch open to let a lot of fresh air in. Just a nice spring day. Was going to go and get prices on tires again, but I put it off since my son was getting rid of one of his old cars parked in the driveway. Now all he has to to do is get his girlfriends car running and we won’t have any more cripples parked out there.

Anyway I have plenty of time to get the tires before we plan on leaving, Donna has several things she wants to accomplish before we leave.

So it should be the beginning of next month before we are on the road again.

Rigg’s and Sadie are enjoying the nice weather and spending all the time they can out side.

Rigg’s got a new ID card here is what it looks like, Donna suggested I airbrush the address out on the picture in the blog, but it goes right under his name.

Anyone interested in one for their pet. The website PetIDforme.com use the code ILL and you will get half price or $9.99 for yours.

It comes with a ring to put on a collar, and it is shown about twice actual size.

If you put your cell phone on it someone will be able to call if you are on the road and your pet strays away.

Not much going on today, Hope everyone is having a great day. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…………….

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 06:00AM with Rigg’s, Jay and Stella came in about 08:00AM for coffee then they finished packing up and got ready to depart at 09:00AM

Jay did a great job of backing 45 feet of trailer and 15 feet of truck down our long driveway and then into the street and about 09:15AM they were headed to Indiana.

Must say it was cloudy and cold , almost misty and 30 degrees when they left, supposed to start warming up again tomorrow.

We sure enjoyed the company of our friends from Texas as Jay said we had a lot in common to talk about. To bad the weather was so bad yesterday.

Mow it’s back to the old routine again. Rigg’s knew right away the company was gone and stayed close to his Daddy all day.

I still haven’t completely licked this cold so I took a dose of cough medicine an after lunch got a couple hours nap with Rigg’s.

Other than that now it looks like the sun is trying to come out and the temp is 47.

Hope everyone is doing fine, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……..

Thursday Happenings.

Was up at 06:00AM with Rigg’s, Donna had left for work at 05:30AM,About 07:00AM Jay and Stella came in and had coffee with us, it was raining then and we had planned to run out for propane if it stopped, So far it has rained with out letup all day, Jay and Stella went back to their fiver to catch up on things, and I took advantage of a nap later in the day. Then I put together some Spaghetti sauce for tonight's supper.Nothing like Spaghetti for a fast and easy meal.

Originally Jay had planned on leaving Friday , but we will have to see what his plans are after this all day rain, we had some pretty good winds today. Tomorrow is forecasted to be sunny.

Not much else going on the weather ruined any sightseeing today. But I am sure Jay & Stella will stop again maybe on their way back to Texas. They are going to some Rally’s east and north of here.

Hope everyone is having a good week , we have sure enjoyed our company, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna……….

Wednesday Musings.

Slept in while Donna headed out to work along with Rigg’s.

Rigg’s and I got up at 06:30AM and then Jay came over for coffee, Stella joined us later.

We decided on the Brewery Tour and then a stop at the National Museum of Transport (train museum ).                Clydesdale and his Dalmatian buddy. 

                                       Jay & Stella.

                                             Sam & Jay.

By the time we were done with both stops it was 04:00PM so we headed home.

We have decided to go to JJ’s where Donna works for supper since Donna is working tonight.

                           Donna,Sam,Stella,&Jay.

So far another great day of companionship with our guests.

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

Tuesday Thoughts.

Slept in this morning with Rigg’s, got up at 06:30AM and headed to the grocery store to pick up a couple things I needed to make pizza tonight. Then I just wait for our company arrive.

About  02:30PM Jay and Stella pulled in.

                             Jay & Stella pulling in.

We spent a good time putting a 45 foot fiver into a 30 foot spot but we managed and they can use all the slides. The fact that the ground is soaked so we had to stay on pave ment at all times made it harder.

Finally Donna got home from work and I started on making a pizza.

                        Jay watching the pizza cool.

                 Jay & Stella, Sam & Donna.

We all enjoyed each others company until the guests went to their fiver for the night. Tomorrow we will do some sightseeing.

Hope everyone is having a great week , be safe out there.

Sam & Donna…………….

Monday Meanderings.

Slept in this morning, took some medicine last night and it kicked in in the middle of night and I slept good after that, still coughing.Didn’t see Donna before she left for work, but Rigg’s was right there next to me when I woke up.

Pretty much a do nothing day, I guess being that it was raining and cloudy , it made my mind up to stay close to the house, Even though it got up to 68 degrees, I never left the house.

Tomorrow Jay & Stella and their pups should arrive for a couple of day visit. Hope the weather improves a little.

Tomorrow morning I will have to make a quick run to the store for a couple of pizza ingredients. I was hoping to make a pizza while the company is here.

Not much else to say it’s a slow day at the Ranch. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna………..

Saturday Mumblings.

Started today at 06:00AM, Donna slept in because she could.After coffee, Rigg’s and i went in the guest room and put on a train movie, and then napped through it.

Today was a lot better than the last two, sunny and it reached about 63 degrees this afternoon. Warm enough that I didn’t need a jacket when I made the grocery run, the worst part of going to the store, is carrying the stuff upstairs from the garage. Wish I had a dumbwaiter like in the Amtrak Diners, where you could put the bags in and up it would go like an elevator. Sure beats 5 or 6 trips up and down the steps.

Tomorrow I will move the fiver and start making it ready for our trip, first will be a check of all the systems , refrigerator, A.c, Water pump and lines. Then new tires, then the stocking starts with food and clothes. Since we have to delay our departure, We have several weeks to complete this and are not in  a rush.  When I say move it, I am just going to move it from on it’s pad to in front of the garage. That will leave the pad open for when our guest arrive and I am closer to tools jacks and the air compressor and the 30 amp plug when it is in front of the garage.

That’s about it for today at the Ranch. Hope all is well with all our friends out there. Be safe. Sam & Donna…..

T.G.I.F.

We were up and enjoying our coffee at 04:30AM, Then Donna headed for the truck company and the restaurant, Rigg’s and I headed for a nap.

Another cold (44degree) and cloudy day today, hoping for a warm up this weekend.

Tomorrow I will move our fiver over to in front of the garage and that will leave the pad open for our guests who are due to arrive on Sunday.

I think Rigg’s has an idea someone is coming and is hoping for a new doggie friend.

No rain today but just cold , I was going to go to the store, but I decided that could wait until tomorrow. The truck has been inside for the day again. If I keep this up between being sick and just a recluse I might get a month out of a tank of fuel. Once we hit the road it will more than make up for the days inside the garage.

I see where our Canadian blogger friends, Al & Kelly, and Rick & Paulette, have made it safely home and are enjoying home sweet home. Glad all went well in their travels. Looks like everyone will be home and we will be just leaving. That’s good though we can still have a summer vacation before it’s 100 degrees again.

No pizza tonight I want to wait and make one for our Guest’s Jay & Stella when they are here. Can’t visit the Weeb Ranch without one of our famous pizza’s

Not much else going on here in Dardenne Prairie the grass is growing and the ground is soaked still.

Hope everyone is having a great day, our internet was down for maintenance most of the morning so I am way behind on reading blogs, I’ll catch up later. Be safe out there, Sam & Donna……….

Thursday Happenings.

Another 04:30AM start with coffee with my bride,then she was off to work at the truck company and the restaurant. Rigg’s was already waiting for his nap with me.

We had a pretty fair storm last night lots of winds and thunder and rain. My dumper got blown down the street and my neighbors lawn furniture ended up in front of our garage doors. Glad my truck was in the garage. Got it all collected this morning, there was a lot of damage in surrounding areas, but it look like Dardenne Prairie came out okay. No damage was found here at the Ranch.

It is a cloudy cool day today with the temps in the low 40’s , sure makes it feel cold compared to yesterdays 77. But it is supposed to reach the 60’s Saturday and back to the 70’s Sunday.

Hopefully all our traveling friends made it through with good weather, that will be the one thing with Donna retiring and us taking a few trips, I will have to get use to not rushing anywhere, and not trying to put to many miles a day on the rig, Have to have an it will be there when we get there attitude. I think I can handle that.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…..

Wednesday Musings.

Another work day for Donna, we were up at 04:30AM for coffee then Donna was off to the truck company & the restaurant. Rigg’s and I got a nap and then at 08:30AM I headed over to the Social Security Office in St Peter’s MO.

The first week of March I had gone and filed for Medicare and they said they would send me an ID card in the mail, well five weeks have gone by and no card. Since they don’t list an e-mail or phone number you have to go in person, So at 09:00AM I was third in line at the door. The girl that waited on me said there was no way to find out if a card had been mailed. but that the computer showed that as of March 2013 I had signed up for Medicare part A and Part B. She had a temporary letter made so I had something if I needed to make a claim and said the longest it should take to get a card was 4 weeks, so now we wait again. Why is it 50 insurance companies know when you are approaching Medicare age and flood you with mail trying to sell you their supplemental insurance and the Agency in charge of it can’t mail you an ID card. Does the word Government ring a bell.

Today was dumper day and the dumper went down last night.

We have had on & off rain all day with the temp right at 70 degrees, when it is raining it is a nice slow soaking rain, I swear the grass by the back door grew and inch today. The next three days are supposed to be cooler in the 50’s and then back to the 70’s. I can live with that.

Donna told me we may be late getting out of here for our vacation she says she doesn’t think we’ll make the 22nd due to the refinancing of the house, so we might have to wait another week or two. I told her I can live with that as long as she is retired after the refinancing goes through.

Not much else going on here at the Ranch, just a slow day.

Hope all is well with all our friends, in Blog Land , Be safe out there. Sam & Donna………..

Tuesday Thoughts.

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

It is another pretty day here in Dardenne Prairie, Sunny , temps in the mid 70’s, I can take this weather anytime.

Sadie and Rigg’s have both been in and out all day. They love it when they can run and then lay in a shady spot on the grass.

How about a couple of Grand pictures, Looks like the arcades are open at the Jersey Shore.

Meghen&Katie.                         Katie & Meghen.

Here’s what the back of the Ranch looks like, on a nice sunny Spring day.

                         Our Bradford Pear tree.

                                   Starting to green up.

Donna went for an ultrasound test today on her legs, I have to get those about once a year with my foot condition so they know the circulation is good.

I’ll know how everything went when she gets home. Other than that it was a slow day at the Ranch today again. I hope all our friends out there are having a great week. Please be safe out there. Sam & Donna……

Monday Meanderings.

Was up with my pretty bride at 04:30AM for coffee, what a pleasant surprise it was already 61 degree’s at that time. Donna then headed off to the truck company and Rigg’s and I got a nap.I am still trying to lick that coughing, I am okay if I sit up but the minute I lay down I get sinus drainage and the coughing starts, I sure hope this is over soon.

Don’t have any plans for today. I will just try to rest and recover. It is 77 degrees now in the after noon and Rigg’s loves it. If he isn’t outside, he is laying by the open back door and I have the ceiling fan on low over him. What a life.

It won’t be long before John Deere will be out trimming the grass. If we keep up with the sunny and 70+ weather I’ll give it one more week.

That’s about it for today, Donna will be home tonight and tomorrow so we will have a meal together each night.

Hope everyone is having a good day and Be safe out there, Sam & Donna……….

SATURDAY/SUNDAY NOTES.

Here we are on Sun day morning. already, We were up both day at about 06:00AM My pretty bride Donna had her coffee and I had a cup of soda. Still have a nagging cough but it seems a little better each day.

Donna and I just sat around the house yesterday until it was time for her to go to work. The kid’s were gone this weekend so we had the nest to ourselves.

This morning there were cinnamon buns to start the day, boy what a bride I have. About 08:00AM the phone rang and it was somebody from the restaurant calling in sick, since so many people have covered for Donna’s sickness, she said sure she would work the day shift so at 09:30 AM she was out the door to the restaurant.

Talk about Spring weather it is 02:45PM and Sunny,78 degrees here at the ranch. I think Spring had arrived here in Dardenne Prairie. The last three days have been at least 70 and the next four days are projected to be in the mid 70’s. Hopefully it will stay warm for when our guest’s arrive from Texas on the 14th of April.

Our blog friends AL & KELLY passed through our area on their emergency drive to get home for Uncle Harry’s funeral.We feel their loss and maybe next time in the St Louis area they can make a stop at the Ranch,  Have a safe remainder of your trip Al & Kelly.

The tree’s are budding, I just noticed out Bradford pear has budded out, boy that poor thing has had a rough life, a lightening and wind storm took down half of it a couple year ago, but it is trying for a comeback.The bush’s in front are showing white. Sure signs that spring is at hand.

Hopefully tomorrow I will go out and about for the first time in a week. Just have to get rid of the cough and sinus drainage.

That’s about it for today, we sure hope everyone is having a fine day. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna………

T.G.I.F.

Was up at 04:30AM with my pretty bride, she had coffee I had a cup of Pepsi Next. Then she was off to the truck company and then the restaurant.

Rigg’s and Sadie and I took our nap. My son and his girlfriend are out of town so we have Sadie to babysit. Naturally whenever thy are gone she has to sleep on the bed with us. Rigg’s doesn’t mind , she takes up very space and he can just pick her up and mover her id he wants.

Right now at 03:30PM is is sunny and 67 degrees, just a gorgeous day, I am feeling a little better today.The next four days will be in the 70’s and partly cloudy. Just lie I said, we will probably go from freezing to nice warm weather all at once.

Give it another day or two and I will try to get the tires on the fiver and get back to normal. isn’t it funny how you can feel strong and great one day. and sick then next and then it takes you two weeks to build back up again. Anyway it looks like the worst is over, still raking a decongestant on a reduced basis. But like I said definitely on the right track.

Adam call and wanted to come over but I told him with him having that baby sister home it was still not a good idea to get to close to me. I know he was disappointed but by next weekend all should be well.

Other than that not much else shaking here at the Ranch, Just enjoying having the back screen door open and fresh spring air in the kitchen, Everyone have a fine weekend. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…….

THURSDAY HAPPENINGS.

I am still moving slow, I stayed up all day and made a trip to Walgreen’s to fill two ascriptions. This was at Donna‘s suggestion that staying upright might make me fell. better. Don’t believe it, all the sinus drainage all day made my stomach upset. I finally decided this is not working so about 06:00PM I took a big dose of medicine and laid down.I will probably be asleep in a half hour. not feeling bad if I can just get my head straightened out.

Be safe out there. Sam & Donna…….

Wednesday Musings.

Slept past Donna going to work this morning. I got up a little while to check the male and blogs and then took my medicine and laid down to a train  movies.

Can’t believe I missed posting so many days over the flu, but basically I was sleeping wrapped up in a blanket, or trying to eat something, or taking medicine.

A complete lack of energy, and coughing for 3 days. or more. Just starting today to find a little more energy but after supper I will be back in bed. Even my shower today was an effort. And I know I needed one all I have done is sleep and swept, so you know what that causes.

Fortunately no one else caught it, I think I got mine from Andy who had it last week.

A bunch of folks I see are heading north this week. IT had warmed a little here in MO. But any further and you will be hitting colder weather. Hope everyone is having a good week. That’s about it for me, be safe out there. Sam & Donna..