We spent as much time in Ohio as we could, knowing when we left that nothing about our "problem child", the rental house, was settled. But since we have several time-consuming things to do in Texas before we fly to Costa Rica on December 16th, the rental issues will either be resolved by our rental manager or will wait until this coming April when we return to the States. Either way, it will be okay.
We did cram a lot into this visit east... arriving back on the farm on Saturday, September 21, having get-togethers with our son, my siblings and all their kids and grandkids. In mid-October we drove to Baltimore, MD, went on the genealogy cruise up to Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and upon our return to Baltimore, drove up to the Hudson Valley of New York and visited with our daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and great-granddaughter. From there it was down through Pennsylvania and a visit with another daughter and her husband. Back to the farm until this past Wednesday. Bill worked his darnedest on that rental.
One last breakfast get-together with my sister, Cynthia, and brother, Larry. Yes... it had turned quite cold right before we left. We were all bundled up!
We don't normally pick up hitchhikers, but this trip we had a few stow-aways.
I believe we've now populated the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas with ladybugs that crawled in nooks and crannies in the motorhome. Hopefully they won't find a mate and propagate!
The leaves weren't their usual beautiful fall colors in our part of Ohio this year, but the hills of Kentucky made up for it...
We took interstate highways nearly all the way, and in some areas the leaves were outstanding.
About the time we crossed the Mississippi River...
The Rains Began....
That was the 2nd day out....
It didn't quit raining the rest of the trip... in fact, we've been in Texas 2 days now, and it STILL hasn't stopped raining.
There was a huge road construction project starting about 20 miles east of Forest City, Arkansas. There were signs several miles before the actual construction telling drivers to merge into the left lane as the right lane would be closed ahead. Well, I don't know if you've experienced this... but... there always has to be some jerk who decides they are going to get to the front of the line, so they whiz along in the right lane and plan to cut into the left lane ahead of the crowd.
The person driving the white car did just that... they came flying up on the right.... the tanker truck saw them coming and very smoothly pulled over into the right lane and drove just slightly behind the semi truck on the left. It was miles and miles before the tanker pulled back over.... very effectively putting a stop to the white car's plans.There were times when we all came to a total stand-still... and even when we did move, it was at a creep. We usually get off the roads before dark, but this evening, the delays made for a long day.
I know many RVers choose not to stay in Wal-Mart parking lots...
I should look at our journals and see just how many we HAVE stayed at over the years! Sometimes overnight parking is prohibited, but that's usually due to a city ordinance, not Wal-Mart rules. So, when I saw this sign, I had to take a picture of it.... Kinda makes a person feel welcome....
Oh sure, I got my obligatory photos of "Welcome To ....." as we entered each new state, but since most of the view looked like this, I won't even bother to post them here.
We arrived at our daughter's house on Saturday.... they live about 60 miles south of Ft Worth.... 1,221 miles from our farm in Ohio. We had an uneventful trip... a safe trip here.... the very best kind.
It is always good to see family again. We've been fortunate in that we saw all 4 kids and both Bill's and my siblings since September... and considering they live in NM, OH, NY, PA, and TX, I think we did okay.
We had mail awaiting us here at our daughters.... my latest Amazon order had arrived....
Yep! Time to start thinking about our next great adventure!
That's All For Today!
Hi Sharon:
ReplyDeleteI visited Costa Rica last year. Almost EVERYBODY speaks English in the tourist areas. I was disappointed because I'd been living and studying in Guatemala and wanted to speak Spanish! So, I did anyway. I loved the jungle visits and all the flora and fauna. Lots of photo ops; I know you'll have a great time.
I enjoy reading about people who have control of their lives ... makes me sad to realize how I don't and the excuses. What a life you have, Sharon ... most importantly that you have a great somebody to share your life with. I'm sitting here on this old cold rainy gonna snow gray day ... grateful that I'm warm ... my little g'baby is asleep all safe and sound.
ReplyDeletethe only thing I have control over is how I want my egg this morning ... in a sandwich? in an omelet? poached with toast? scrambled with cream cheese? ooooo
And Mary-Pat living and studying in Guatemala ... loving the jungle ... you got your order from Amazon with all the nifty excitement coming from the planning ...
sigh ... Hahaaaa... I have my summer hat uncreasing on a tall box thing ... Alfred (cat) jumped up and well, the brim didn't hold her. Hahaa... hey! I take pleasure where I can.... wup! here comes the snow... well? more coffee and on to the egg decision....
Have you been practicing your Spanish? Now maybe you can put all those lessons in Spain to good use. :)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to drive your RV the whole way down there? I assume there are connecting roads. I wouldn't want to do it, in fact I don't have and don't want a pass port. Like I have said many times, there is just so much I haven't seen of the U.S. even though I have been in most of the 48 states.
ReplyDeleteI've seen truckers pull that maneuver. I love it. One of my pet peeves is the jerks who ignore all the advance warnings about upcoming lane closures and then want to pull into the open lane at the very last possible minute.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed all the posts and pictures from your last visit to Costa Rica that I can't wait for the next trip!
ReplyDeleteCan I send you more of those Asian beetles to scatter to the wind.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know *I'm* certainly looking forward to your trip to Costa Rico. Are you going to the same place as last time?
ReplyDeleteHi, Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if your daughter's house "60 miles south of Ft. Worth" is anywhere in between I-35W and I-35E along Hwy 67? If so, I will be there in another week or so....If you are near, I would love to say "hello," since I share a love of Costa Rica....Give me a shout via the blog if so....
Suzanne
www.taketothehighway.com
Suzanne
My goodness, you guys DO get around don't you? I always enjoy traveling along with you and enjoying the views.
ReplyDeleteWalmarts are good overnighters. You guys are well-prepared so it's not an issue. We are finally solar and have radiant heat so we are good to go. We've Walmarted too but selectively. Now we are free. We will be in RGV this week for Thanksgiving and then again before we take the rv back to Mexico for our trip south. Hope we meet up.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in Ohio for 18 years, so I know this is not the time of year to be there, if at all possible:)
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to hear if your Spanish still works?? :))
ReplyDeleteOh my, you are quite the traveler. Enjoy your Costa Rica interlude; I look forward to your next posts.
ReplyDeleteWell, I was missing the rain... until reading this! But I love the photos. So excited for you about the trip to Costa Rica. You sure have had a busy and interesting several months!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Glen Rose, we are 3 miles from historic downtown.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Costa Rica.
ReplyDelete