BEM #2
Folks that leave their shopping carts in parking lots (usually in a parking slot) when the return corral is only a short distance away. BEMs !!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Trip Day 3
Day 3 Needles, Ca - Arizona City, Az
Had a good night's sleep, interrupted at 3am by Quam's whining. Got up, took both dogs out and both had "business" to do. I don't mind the wake up. It's better than the consequences. A quick trip and back to bed. Up at the usual 6ish to take them for a walk. Then back to the house for breakfast. Then it was breakfast, for the humans and showers before packing up to hit the road. Hwy 95 south to Parker. Then south and east on a two lane to Vicksburg where we caught I - 10 to Buckeye, 85 south to Gila Bend, and I - 8 east back to 10 ( avoiding Phoenix for obvious reasons). We enjoyed viewing the Saguaros and chollas along the way.
Arizona City is a little burg just a few miles west of the merging of I -8 and I - 10. Reached our friends house about 4:30 and was parked and set -up by 5:15. It was good to be parked for a while. The trip is half over. :)
The truck and trailer got a bath today. Boy ! They really needed it! The spray and dirt and pumice gave the rig a patina that showed we had been "on the road", but it was time to remove it. I was looking at clean vehicles going passed us on the highway and cringing. They look better and I feel better as well. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty about using water, though.
Had a good night's sleep, interrupted at 3am by Quam's whining. Got up, took both dogs out and both had "business" to do. I don't mind the wake up. It's better than the consequences. A quick trip and back to bed. Up at the usual 6ish to take them for a walk. Then back to the house for breakfast. Then it was breakfast, for the humans and showers before packing up to hit the road. Hwy 95 south to Parker. Then south and east on a two lane to Vicksburg where we caught I - 10 to Buckeye, 85 south to Gila Bend, and I - 8 east back to 10 ( avoiding Phoenix for obvious reasons). We enjoyed viewing the Saguaros and chollas along the way.
Arizona City is a little burg just a few miles west of the merging of I -8 and I - 10. Reached our friends house about 4:30 and was parked and set -up by 5:15. It was good to be parked for a while. The trip is half over. :)
The truck and trailer got a bath today. Boy ! They really needed it! The spray and dirt and pumice gave the rig a patina that showed we had been "on the road", but it was time to remove it. I was looking at clean vehicles going passed us on the highway and cringing. They look better and I feel better as well. I must admit to feeling a bit guilty about using water, though.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Traveling south Day 2
Woke up to 2 inches of snow. Hunter did not know what to make of the stuff. He wanted to run. Quam did not like the wetness under his feet. I thought it look beautiful. The snow covers all and makes everything clean and fresh.
Did not leave Ashland until the snow started to melt. We wanted to make sure that I-5 was open and the traffic was moving freely. Also we were up in the hills behind the college so I wanted to wait for the plow to come by and the snow to melt a little. Both events happened and we were off.
Fog, spray and traffic up and over but no problems. One hundred miles later we were out of the mountains, the clouds were thinning and the road was drying. It seemed to take forever to get through it, but we did. On the way down we were deciding whether to stop in Ashland or go over the top and down the mountain before the storm hit. I am glad that we stayed in Ashland. Even after a night's rest it seemed like a long ways to Anderson.
I-5 was better than I remember it from last time south. The condition of the road was better. I remember bump, debump, debump.
The rest of the trip, dry pavement, blue sky, and California. I-5 to Sacramento, then 99. Tried to f to find a rv park but ended up in the parking lot of a WalMart in Manteca. Time for bed.
Did not leave Ashland until the snow started to melt. We wanted to make sure that I-5 was open and the traffic was moving freely. Also we were up in the hills behind the college so I wanted to wait for the plow to come by and the snow to melt a little. Both events happened and we were off.
Fog, spray and traffic up and over but no problems. One hundred miles later we were out of the mountains, the clouds were thinning and the road was drying. It seemed to take forever to get through it, but we did. On the way down we were deciding whether to stop in Ashland or go over the top and down the mountain before the storm hit. I am glad that we stayed in Ashland. Even after a night's rest it seemed like a long ways to Anderson.
I-5 was better than I remember it from last time south. The condition of the road was better. I remember bump, debump, debump.
The rest of the trip, dry pavement, blue sky, and California. I-5 to Sacramento, then 99. Tried to f to find a rv park but ended up in the parking lot of a WalMart in Manteca. Time for bed.
Traveling South Day 1
Finally we got the last minute items loaded in the trailer. There seemed to be three times as many as I figured so most of them got piled on the bed. We fueled up at the Space Age for 1.99/gal and hit the road. It was cloudy but not raining. It was about 10 o'clock.
Lots of people on the road. Sunday after a four day Christmas holiday. People coming back from relatives in ......
About Albany the weather changed and rain greeted us. The rain was thick, with some fog, and road spray, and traffic. It was not fun. Of course the BEMs were out there as well. Zooming down the road with not a care in the world.
Rain through Eugene. Passed the turn off for Hwy 58 which is our usual route. Too much snow in the passes so we have opted to go down I-5. More rain, more fog. more road spray.
By the time we got to Roseburg we were out of the rain and the road was drying. No rain for the rest of the day. On to Ashland. Spent the night with our good friends in Ashland. Ah, good friends.
That evening, as I was walking the boys, I noticed little flakes coming down. Snow ! They got more numerous. It might be an interesting trip over the Siskiyous tomorrow.
Lots of people on the road. Sunday after a four day Christmas holiday. People coming back from relatives in ......
About Albany the weather changed and rain greeted us. The rain was thick, with some fog, and road spray, and traffic. It was not fun. Of course the BEMs were out there as well. Zooming down the road with not a care in the world.
Rain through Eugene. Passed the turn off for Hwy 58 which is our usual route. Too much snow in the passes so we have opted to go down I-5. More rain, more fog. more road spray.
By the time we got to Roseburg we were out of the rain and the road was drying. No rain for the rest of the day. On to Ashland. Spent the night with our good friends in Ashland. Ah, good friends.
That evening, as I was walking the boys, I noticed little flakes coming down. Snow ! They got more numerous. It might be an interesting trip over the Siskiyous tomorrow.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Packing Day
Yipes !! It is time to pack the truck and trailer for our trip to Texas. There are a million things going through my mind right now. " Don't forget this. Be sure to load that."
I'm sure that R is doing the same thing right now. It was great to see the sunrise this morning as I walked the boys. It was frosty and cool, but I enjoyed it much more than a walk in wind and rain like I have been doing for most of December. The dogs enjoy it more as well. Especially, Quam. He does not like to be out in the rain. He is always ready to turn around and head for home while out in the rain. (Wimp)
With the trip in mind, I am keeping my eye on ODOT (Oregin Dept of Transportation) Tripcheck. I can get road reports and see cameras placed at various areas on Oregon highways. Right now things do not look good for going over the Cascades on Hwy 97. I-5 seems to be looming as the more passable route. :(
Wish us luck.
I'm sure that R is doing the same thing right now. It was great to see the sunrise this morning as I walked the boys. It was frosty and cool, but I enjoyed it much more than a walk in wind and rain like I have been doing for most of December. The dogs enjoy it more as well. Especially, Quam. He does not like to be out in the rain. He is always ready to turn around and head for home while out in the rain. (Wimp)
With the trip in mind, I am keeping my eye on ODOT (Oregin Dept of Transportation) Tripcheck. I can get road reports and see cameras placed at various areas on Oregon highways. Right now things do not look good for going over the Cascades on Hwy 97. I-5 seems to be looming as the more passable route. :(
Wish us luck.
Christmas 2015
We spent the day with our older son and his family. With a long break for dinner, it took us all day to open gifts. It is not because we were slow, but because we open gifts one at a time. A round of gifts is passed out and then everyone takes turns opening their gift. That way each gift is seen and talked about and appreciated. Not the fastest way to open gifts, but maybe the best.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Star Wars VII
The Force is alive and well! We went to VII tonight and it was great. There was nostalgia. old friends/heroes, new heroes, explosions, lots of explosions, and some unanswered questions. Did the bad guy get away? Who is Rae?
Star Wars VII. I highly recommend it.
Star Wars VII. I highly recommend it.
Peacock Lane
Last Tuesday night our night our with our granddaughter (E) was, as usual, delightful. The high point was a walk down Peacock Lane, a two block street in NE Portland. When you buy a house on that street you are agreeing to decorating your home for the Christmas season and are willing to put up with lots of drivers and walkers in your neighborhood during this time. The week-end before Christmas is so busy that the street is blocked off for three nights to allow folks to walk in the street as they take in the sights. These photos give you an idea of the place. A good thing !
Friday, December 18, 2015
BEMs
Monday was another extremely rainy day. At 11pm last night the evening news reported 2.5 inches in the 23 hours of the day. It was an awful day. Rain, rain, rain. Walking the boys meant testing the strength of my Gortex parka. It kept me dry.
Driving in this inclement weather is challenging. The road spray, the poor visibility, the darkness, the reduced traction. And yet there are those folks who haven't turned on their lights on their vehicles. They are BEMs, a term coined by an old friend of mine. TUs are "Totally Unaware" folks who have their minds elsewhere. BEMs, however, are Buger Eating Morons who will never have a clue. BEMs do not have the smarts to turn in their vehicle lights in these lousy conditions, even if you flash your lights at them.
Driving in this inclement weather is challenging. The road spray, the poor visibility, the darkness, the reduced traction. And yet there are those folks who haven't turned on their lights on their vehicles. They are BEMs, a term coined by an old friend of mine. TUs are "Totally Unaware" folks who have their minds elsewhere. BEMs, however, are Buger Eating Morons who will never have a clue. BEMs do not have the smarts to turn in their vehicle lights in these lousy conditions, even if you flash your lights at them.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Rain, rain, rain.....
If you like rain, December in Oregon is for you. We have seen the sun for maybe 15 minutes this month. Looking at various rain gauges around Portland, the rainfall is about 10-11 inches of precipitation so far this month and it is raining lightly as I write this. I have read that the native Chinook people had 22 words for rain in their vocabulary. I know why.
I must admit that the water is needed. We have been in a four year drought. We need rain and lots of it. More importantly we need snow in the mountains. A good heavy snow pack means filled reservoirs and flowing streams and rivers in the spring and into the summer.
It does mean dark gray gloomy days and, because it is winter, long dark gloomy nights.
The stormy/ rainy / snowy weather does create a interesting situation as R and I plan for our trip heading south. The plan is to head out on the 26th. Depending on what the weather is doing and whether it is snowing in the mountains, we will pick our escape route. The preferred route is !-5 to Eugene, Hwy 58 over Willamette Pass, and Hwy 97 through K Falls and into Calif. Alturus, south on 395 to Reno, then Vegas, Phoenix, and then I-10 into Texas. The crux part of the trip is getting over the Cascades. I-5 into Calif. is an alternative, but is longer and much slower due to the traffic and the amount of grades to climb and descend. Going my route entails just one grade, and less traffic. I-5, being I-5, gets more attention and the heavy traffic keeps it open longer than 58. I try not to fret about it because I have absolutely no control. If we have to delay our departure a day or more, so be it.
I must admit that the water is needed. We have been in a four year drought. We need rain and lots of it. More importantly we need snow in the mountains. A good heavy snow pack means filled reservoirs and flowing streams and rivers in the spring and into the summer.
It does mean dark gray gloomy days and, because it is winter, long dark gloomy nights.
The stormy/ rainy / snowy weather does create a interesting situation as R and I plan for our trip heading south. The plan is to head out on the 26th. Depending on what the weather is doing and whether it is snowing in the mountains, we will pick our escape route. The preferred route is !-5 to Eugene, Hwy 58 over Willamette Pass, and Hwy 97 through K Falls and into Calif. Alturus, south on 395 to Reno, then Vegas, Phoenix, and then I-10 into Texas. The crux part of the trip is getting over the Cascades. I-5 into Calif. is an alternative, but is longer and much slower due to the traffic and the amount of grades to climb and descend. Going my route entails just one grade, and less traffic. I-5, being I-5, gets more attention and the heavy traffic keeps it open longer than 58. I try not to fret about it because I have absolutely no control. If we have to delay our departure a day or more, so be it.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Saturday evening
Last Saturday evening we visited a "dive" bar called Biddy McGraw's. Not much of a place, but the Green Tambourine band was playing there from 6-8. They play 70s and 80s rock and roll. Lots of good music and great fun! Check out their webpage and stop by during their next gig.
Visiting the Dentist
I love going to the dentist. Well, that is a lie. No one loves the dentist. Besides, having your mouth explored and probed, you get your wallet explored and emptied as well. I can't believe how expensive a visit to one can be. I had my teeth cleaned and x-rays taken and with a "$120 new patient" coupon, it was still $202.0 ! R visited the day before and because she had a cavity filled, her bill ( with similar coupon and 10% senior discount) was $400. No wonder we went to Algodones for our past dental work. We will have to visit Mexico again.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Doing something he does well
Hunter naps with his eyes open. The big comfortable bed came from Costco. He loves it. The blanket came from Goodwill. He likes it too.
Band
Last night was the annual Holiday Concert for Sellwood Middle School. The Band director is fabulous, so much for that there are 210 students taking band at the school. The four school bands performed several songs each for a jam-packed gym full of parents and grandparents. The crowd put up with hard seats and warm temperatures to see and hear the results of these young peoples' work. It was a very good thing.Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Walking the Dogs
Walking the "Boys" takes more work than walking the two Doxies. It requires more coordination to keep the leashes from being stepped on or wrapped around our big dog's legs. Hunter does not know how to step over a tight leash strap so he just stops. So I need to unwrap him so we can continue. I am learning to do a better job of keeping the boys under better control.
Having two sizes means that the short dog needs to be aware of where and when the big dog is stopping to pee. Quammie was not too excited about getting his head sprayed. The dog walker has to pay attention.
Also size matters for other things, especially when cleaning up dog waste. Hunter gets 6 times more food than Quam so...... Bigger bags. :)
Having two sizes means that the short dog needs to be aware of where and when the big dog is stopping to pee. Quammie was not too excited about getting his head sprayed. The dog walker has to pay attention.
Also size matters for other things, especially when cleaning up dog waste. Hunter gets 6 times more food than Quam so...... Bigger bags. :)
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