May 2021

May 1st, 2021

Sandy and I are going to go to a local lady that sells succulents. The plan is to shop there a little and then we will meet up with the guys for lunch in Palmdale at the The Dog Haus Beer Garden for hot dogs and beers. Sandy and I decided we needed to take a few succulents home with us so we picked out our favorites and headed for lunch.  The guys meet up with us and we ordered our dogs.  Once again its a home run for food...It was delicious.  Man, we are going to have to step up our game when they come and visit us in Oklahoma. 

Chuck and I have kind of planned on leaving on Sunday as we don't want to wear out our welcome, but I get a text on Saturday evening and Bryan & Sandy want us to go with them to see their son and daughter in laws new home in Tehachapi, CA.  Why not we aren't in any hurry, we are retired! 

Sunday we visit Stephen and Kristine and Annabelle. 

We met their sweet family when they came to Yuma to visit Sandy and Bryan.  Their home is in Tehachapi, CA in a gated home development of  Bear Valley Springs,California  The link is pretty interesting as it tells how this vast development of homes came to be.  

We stopped and picked up sandwiches at the local German bakery. Kohnens Country Bakery

didn't disappoint. We got their Poor Boy. Got some cookies for dessert. German chocolate cake for later as well.  

It was so nice to see where Steven and his family were making their new home  Annabelle is a sweet little girl that is going to have so much fun on their acre learning about country life.  I took a picture of the wild poppies that are all over the area blooming.  They are just beautiful.  

We started home and I think I saw a sign about a musical road.  It didn't take me long to google it and according to Bryan we will be driving right by it.  Sounds like we are going to have to check this out.  I have never in my life heard about this and it really looked like something a "tourist" would do so guess what....we did it.  You are supposed to drive your car at a certain speed and you can hear the song that has been grooved into the pavement.  Here is a link if you are interested.  Musical Road in Lancaster, CA

After all the excitement from driving the musical road it was once again time to eat.  There has been an ad on TV showing that Farmer Brothers had a New Chicken Sandwich.  I don't think any of us were too hungry but we needed to try this and to see how it stacks up to Popeyes sandwich. 

Since Chuck and I haven’t tried Popeyes we didn’t have anything to compare it with but it was good. Bryan wasn’t impressed with it! 

Bryan said Farmer Brothers had really good burgers so he ordered one and they split it into fourths so we could each have a sample. The burger was very tasty. Gosh I think we have gotten a good taste of a lot of fun and different foods in the past few days.  

Monday May 3, 2021

We hate to leave our friends but it’s time to head east towards home. Such a wonderful time with these two. They plan on coming to see us in a few short weeks in Oklahoma. We are looking forward to them coming to our state and staying with us for awhile.  

Todays travels were pretty quiet.  Well, I  can't say that the roads were quiet, but we didn't have any problems along the way.  The roads in California were excellent, but as soon as we hit the Arizona border the roads literally went to pot.

Stayed in Kingman, AZ at Sunshine RV Park. No frills but it was a place to stop and chill. We stopped for gas before we got to the RV park and there was a Popeyes Chicken in the same location.  Guess what we got to eat?  Yard bird!  

Chuck was about beside himself when I returned from getting the food.  The gas line that he pulled into had a car in the front spot and due to our length, he pulled up to wait for them to fuel as it makes it easier for us to pull out in the limited area we have.   There were three kids running around and in and out of the vehicle, and no parent in site. He went ahead and filled up McClassC at the back pump while I went in to get some food. I came out and that car was still sitting there. She was almost finished with all her grooming and cleaning of her car by the time I got back in our rig. It always amazes me how people will pull into a gas spot and do everything but buy fuel.  I guess because we have a large rig it just makes me so aware of these things.

We got on the highway and pulled off at the exit for the Sunshine RV site. I’m glad I called ahead as they only had three pull throughs left. We got set up and ate our dinner. Chuck was pretty tired from fighting the wind most of the day. We watched the two other sites next to us fill up and we decided it was time to get some shuteye. 

Tuesday 5-4 

A good nights sleep and we are ready to hit the Highway around 8:15am 

Our sites are set for Monument Valley today. 

The drive was interesting as we saw the locals trying to put out a grass fire that looked ominous. As we made our way north we had several fire trucks coming towards us to assist in the fire. 

Traffic on 163 was pretty busy. You have the small cars that want to get around everyone and then you have the locals poking along. Then you have the RV’s like us that are just doing the speed limit. All went well until someone decided to turn left and there was a quick shut down of speed. I have a different vantage point of the traffic and I tell Chuck just in time to start shutting down.  Just hope the vehicles behind us realize we are coming to a rather abrupt stop!   We shut down quite nicely but it was still a bit nerve wracking!  

Lupi our GPS told us to turn to the east towards the Monument Valley Tribal Park and Visitor Center as we had planned. I had read online that it was closed to visitors and guess what. It was! They have a guard shack ahead of us and they are having everyone turn around.  The RV in front of us disconnected their car and drove the RV forward to another area and did a u-turn. The string of cars went towards the guard shack and they also had to turn around. All this time we are sitting on the road weighing our options.   So after everyone left we proceeded to attempt to turn McClassC around and guess what, it didn’t work again.  You would think we would have learned about such things with our last fiasco, but once again, we didn't.

The shoulder was very soft and we bottomed out with this maneuver. Plan "B" is in effect now and we begin unhooking the Jeep. 

One of the guards come down from his little guard shack and checks to see if we are ok. Oh heck, we are great. ROFL 

Jeep is free and I move it up and come back to McClassC. Chuck attempts to get back on the asphalt. The generator tailpipe sounds like it is grinding a trench. I hold it up as best I can and tell him to just give it gas and come straight back. He does just that and we are back on asphalt! Hallelujah!  Oops, do I see our snap pad left behind. Why yes I do. And do I see a gouge in the asphalt from us, again yes I do!  Hey it’s not bad considering I didn’t think we would even be able to get out of the darn place.

 

Jeep is now reattached and we make our way to see if we can find an RV spot for the night. As luck would have it we pull into the Goulding’s Campgrounds and the sweet lady behind the counter said she had one 50’ and one 40’ pull through available. Not selling ourselves short I opt for the 50’ one. So glad I did. It was easy peasy to get in the site. The grounds were very well kept and the scenery was so nice.  I went back to the check in spot and bought us some ice cream for dessert this evening.  Ben & Jerry's makes everything better!  Bronco was worn out today....poor baby!  

Our view from the RV Park!  

Wednesday 5-5

Out of the park at 8:45 Utah time (7:45 Arizona time) we head towards highway 160. Beautiful calm morning and no traffic to speak of. 

We actually end up on the wrong road and we have to do another U-turn but this time we were able to swing out enough to do it without unlatching the Jeep. 

The roads in and around Shiprock are terrible. The scenery is beautiful but the roads suck. 

We make it to Farmington NM around 1 pm. I find a Blake’s Lots of Burgers on our route and we make our way there. Luck was on our side as there was a big open area we could park and I could go across the roads to get lunch. It took quite awhile to get the food but this is normal with this chain. I love their burgers. 

On the roads again and as we make our way towards Highway 25.

 I start searching for a place to stop for the night. On the outskirts of Albuquerque we stop at a Walmart and I go in and purchase about any fruit I can find. I had called the Wagon Wheel RV Campgrounds (across the street from the Walmart) but I never got a call back so we go to Plan “ B" once again.  

 One of the apps I use said the Black Mesa Casino was open for RV overnights. Although New Mexico is still pretty shut down due to Covid and the casino isn’t open the travel lodge was. We found a spot and I go inside to pay and request them to unlock the electricity for the site. I couldn’t believe how busy this place was. Paid my $20 and bought some ice, now we are fixed up. 

The guard came and unlocked the elect pole and Chuck plugged into the 30 amp plug. Chuck plugs the GuardDog Surge Protector in and he immediately got a code. (E-6 to be exact) This means there is no ground. The guy had already left and Chuck unplugged and got an adapter out and plugged into the 50 amp plug. It worked fine so all is good. So glad we have the surge protector!  Saved our butts several times now. 

Settled in I make Chuck and I a margarita and fix some Amy brand enchiladas. This is how we spend Cinco de Mayo during Covid.  

The news says New Mexico is now in their "turquoise" mode with Covid. Things are beginning to look a whole lot better here. Not sure if anyone knows it or not but New Mexico really shut down about 15 months ago due to Covid as they were concerned about it possibly killing off its native Indian population. 

Very quiet night until about 1 am and the wind that had been predicted came roaring in but it didn’t take me very long to fall back asleep.  The no frills campsite was just what we needed to get some rest. 

5-6

We are up and ready to make our next day of travel. We will stop in Amarillo tonight. The winds that came in last night have slowed down quite a bit but they are still brisk. 

I am driving and getting the feel of the rig once again. Wind is blowing and when a semi goes by you have to pay attention. 

We saw a terrible wreck unfold right in front of us on I-40.  A small van pulling a bumper pull trailer was in front of us and we noticed it was not handling the speed and wind.  A motor home was passing and a semi was right behind it. With the wind and the draw from the rigs the inevitable happened. 

I know their car and trailer are fishtailing in front of us. I was totally shocked at what happened next.  The van and the trailer flipped. Oh my god and I was driving. Scared the crap out of me. We got pulled over and Chuck went to help the people. The lady driver acted like her shoulder was hurt. They had a very very large dog that Chuck got out of the vehicle. Chuck said the guy kept asking what happened. So glad they were not hurt badly. The car looked terrible. The front glass was broken completely out of the car. The passerby's were all so kind and trying their best to help them. The traffic was now down to one lane and a very slow crawl as we make our way back to our rig. One lady rolled her window down and asked if they could do anything. I told her I thought the emergency crews had been called and that was really all we could do. Sure makes you believe in humanity when something like this occurs. There really are some great people out there in this vast world we live in.

Back at the rig, Chuck ask me if I want to him to drive. I think that’s a wonderful idea since my nerves are shot!

We drive to Amarillo this afternoon and stop at the Big Texas RV campgrounds. Nice to get somewhere early enough to relax and order dinner from the Big Texas Steak House. I for one love that they deliver to our site. 

Nice relaxing evening sitting outside watching the trailers come in for the evening. 

This will be our final night on the road. Looking forward to getting home. 

I am still thinking about those poor people and hoping that they were not seriously hurt.  

5-7

Easy drive today.  The wind was blowing some but not as bad as the last few days.  We pull into the house right around 1:30pm.  It was really nice to see the "green green grass of home".  

Now the work begins.....I like to get the refrigerator emptied out of the rig and try to get some of the other things out as well.  Chuck and I worked like crazy and actually got everything out of the rig by the evening.  Boy that is an accomplishment.  As soon as you walk back into the house and see its a total disaster!  Oh well, I can start the process of putting things away tomorrow.  

The next few weeks we play catch up and get work done around the house.  We are really having a very very wet May.  You have to make sure you can get the yard mowed between rain storms.  We are so very lucky to have all this rain, as the state to the west are burning up!  

 

5-19

We have visitors!  The Bobrosky's have come to visit.  We are so excited to have them in Oklahoma!  The weather has been quite rainy, but we feel sure we will be able to find some things to keep them busy!  

I had cooked a pork butt, so we had Pulled Pork and baked potatoes for dinner.  Diana & Chris came over as well, and we had a fun evening sitting around talking and playing Fast Track!  

5-20

We take them out to Diana & Chris place as Diana is cooking dinner for us. What better way to see their property than with a RZR ride.  After dinner Chris got them out and the guys along with Sandy make a little ride down to the creek.  The food and hospitality was great as always.  Love our peeps in Piedmont!!

5-21

Looks like we are going to make an unexpected trip to McKinney Texas.  You remember the hail storm that the kids were in....and the totaled vehicle.  Well, Anthony has been trying to purchase a Toyota 4-Runner and having no luck, he just said forget it and got himself another Nissan Armada.  Of course it is not in Oklahoma, so hence the trip to Texas.  

Sandy and Bryan were up for the drive so we just had a little road trip today.  We got Anthony to the dealership and while standing around Bryan and Sandy decide they want to test drive one of the electric cars they are selling.  Heck, why not!!!!

  They do their test drive and when they return we wait around a little while and decide to go ahead and start back home.  Anthony ended up not being too far behind us as we made a detour to a Buc-ees we saw as we drove in.  Nothing like a  Buc-ees BBQ sandwich for lunch on the road.  It was delicious.  It was a tailgate event!  The guys go and look at the smokers and Sandy and I go back inside and shop for a bit.  We actually came out empty handed!!! Can you believe that?! 

 

Our next stop was Turner Falls.....Had to let our Californians see this little waterfall.  With all the rain, it was really very nice.

  In fact it started to rain on us as we ran back to the vehicle.  The real reason for this turn off was so we could get some fried pies.  

By this time Anthony is ahead of us but not by a whole lot as he is in a mess of traffic.  I ask him if he wants me to get him and the family some pies so we pick up a few extras for them.  The pies weren't still hot by the time we get them to him in Norman, but they still were good.  

Sandy & Bryan got to meet Cooper and Heather but Cash was at a party so he missed the intros.  There will be a next time I am sure.  

Thanks to Bryan and Sandy for going with us today.  Made for a fun day....a little different but it was fun!

5-22-21 

We start our day with a leisurely morning around Chukadi Acre.  In the afternoon we get out and show The Bobrosky's around Yukon.  We drive by Bob Funk's home and I take their picture by the beautiful entry to his place. 

 On to Academy to look for something, not sure what but we do have fun while we are there.  We have a late lunch at Swadley's in Bethany, OK. 

 Just have to take them there for some good Oklahoma BBQ.  We finish the dinner off back in Yukon at the local snow cone shop.  Sandy and I got the Itty-bitty size.  It was really small, but just about perfect!  

When we get back home we decide to get out the disc golf and throw a few disc.  We made our own course as we went.  Doesn't take too much to keep this group entertained.  

5-23-21

We decide to embrace the rainy grayish day and go down to Downtown  Oklahoma City area and find a few brewery to visit.  I have to admit we haven't been Downtown in quite some time.  With the Covid shut down and us being in Yuma, it takes friends coming to our state to get us down there.  

Our first stop was Fassler Hall.  We walked inside and someone had the air conditioner set on the "meat locker" setting.  Way too cold of all of us on this drizzly day.  Upon going outside (along with everyone else) we finally find a part of a table to sit down. There were a lot of people there with their dogs today.  Seems like this is the place to be if you are a dog owner.  We never got anyone to come by to take our drink order and we decide to move on.  

Our second stop was McNellie's. 

By the way, we are actually is "Midtown!" not Downtown!  :)

I didn't want to confuse anyone....LOL

 Since it was lunch time we decided to partake in some food.  We all had our own special drink, and I chose the warmth of some of their Irish Coffee.  It was really good and it warmed my insides.  Hey, it was raining and I got cold...Don't judge!  :)  I can't speak for everyone else, but I think it was a good choice.  Sandy even posed for me to take her pic!  

As we left the brewery we walk a few blocks in the light mist and find the Elk Valley Brewing Company.  Not really very busy, and it was a great stop for us.  We got a few of their brews and Sandy pulled out the playing cards.  We proceed to play a few games of "Scumbag".  Funny thing is, if you know me at all, I am TERRIBLE at cards....of any type.  I have played Scumbag quite a few times but mix the game with a few beers and my mind goes into full blonde mode.  I think the bartender got a big kick out of our little group of four.  I totally messed the game up and actually had a great hand but somehow got mixed up.  I didn't play the right card (imagine that) and it messed the others totally up....We sure did get a good laugh out of my antics!   I for one really liked this brewery.  Chuck must have as well, cause he got a cap to prove it! 

As we make plans for the next part of our exploration I get a text from Diana asking us what we are doing.  We didn't have to ask them twice to join us, and before you know it.... they were driving up. 

 

During the brief wait for them to show, Bryan decides we need to rent a few of the Lime Scooters.

We install the app and attempt to ride them.  Seems they are all needing to be charged, so we aren't able to ride the Lime ones.  I should actually say that they ran for about 5 minutes and Chuck was able to show us how to ride them.....pictures say it all!  Look at that form. ROFL

 

As Sandy and I talk to the representative on the phone to get our money back, Bryan finds a Helbiz scooter.  He is able to get it up and running. Bryan is in the middle of the street doing donuts on the scooter.  You just can't take these guys anywhere!  Worse than two kids.  All was good until Bryan takes a spill on the pavement.  Oops!  

Diana and Chris have arrived and Bryan assures us he is ok.  We walk to The R&J Lounge.  The bartender at  Elk Valley recommended it to us.  The rains have let up some so the walk was fun.  We got to see a whole lot of different bars and restaurants along the way.  

We step into the Lounge and my first impression was that we were in an old outdated lounge.  Nothing like the new fancy breweries we have been to in the past.  We sit down and order drinks.  The waiter was very nice and we felt kind of bad for the guy as he had a boot on his foot.  He had done something to it and he was having to hobble around and work with that thing on.  The vibe just wasn't there for us so we decide to move on after our one drink.  

By this time it was time to think about eating some dinner.  We decide to go to Toby Keith's eat. 

Our wait for a table was minimal.  The food and drinks were good and once we finish we walk around the canal area.  It was nice to see what had changed in the area.  The canal was a bit dirty with trash which was not too appealing but if you overlook that it was all good.  

By the time we made the loop around the canal we were all a bit tired. It was time to say our goodbyes to Diana & Chris and head back home.  It was really a fun and quite different day for us.  Hope Bryan and Sandy enjoyed it as much as we did!  

5-24-21

What did we do on this day you ask....well!!!! 

Fist and foremost, remember Bryan's little spill on the scooter.  Seems he actually hit his hip pretty hard.  He didn't break anything but he sure had a big ole hematoma show up.  His hip area was really quite big.  He had an extremely large bulge on the side of his jeans.  OUCH!  He said it really didn't hurt, so I guess we have to believe him!!!  :)

We didn't get out and do anything until later in the day  We went to eat Mexican Food at Chelino's in Yukon.  

Bryan and Sandy's first Sloppy Tecate.  

I think they liked them!  

After we finish eating we walk into Showplace Market and browse a bit.  It didn't take the guys long to find them a very large hat to try on.  Just can't take them anywhere!  Fun times!

 

5-25-21

We mess around the house most of today and Sandy gets to see down in our storm shelter.  Seems these California people don't know a lot about them.  Chuck educates them on the drill if we should have a need to go down into the shelter.  LOL.....Glad to report it was only a drill!!! 

 

Our friends are leaving us tomorrow.  We sure hate to see them go. They are making their way to Indiana, to meet up with some other friends.  It really has been a joy to have them around.  We have done so many things that we normally don't and it just been a whole lot of fun.  We are so glad that things have been opening back up to a somewhat normalcy here in our state.  

We wish Bryan and Sandy safe travels to their next destination.  Can't wait until we are back in Yuma with these crazy and fun guys!!!!  Maybe in a new location for them....more to come on that statement in the future!  

The rest of the month is pretty quiet.

Our beautiful cactus here in Oklahoma is showing off, and I am so happy to see it had survived the extremely cold weather we had this year.    

Other than the humorous hole we have out back of our yard that was apparently dug by an armadillo life is good at Chukadi Acre!  Sure would be nice to catch this little rascal as he is making a mess of our grass!  

Chuck is looking for us a replacement RZR since he sold ours to our friends Len and MaryEllen in Yuma.  I think Chuck is kind of surprised at the prices and the lack of used RZR's this season.  Usually you can find them pretty easy but due to the Pandemic and shortages all over the board it's been a bit trying.    Hopefully we are getting close to finding something that will work for us.  I can feel it!!! Won't be long now!  

Goodbye May, we are on our way into the month of June.