Leavenworth WA

Just a few pictures for your enjoyment. Two are from a vineyard we went to in Spokane and one when we said good bye to Rocky and Mary.

We are Leavenworth WA. staying at a KOA. We are not fond of KOA but this one is supper nice. This place reminds me of Brazos Bend back home in Texas.
Great shopping town, has several specialties shops, antiques, bakeries, fudge shops, gingerbread house, many restaurants, and much much more Perfect weather to walk this Bavarian theme town at the foot of the Cascade mountains. If your not into shopping enjoy the nutcracker museum, a scenic loop drive, water sports, Ohme gardens, famous alpine gardens in America, Rocky Reach Dam 19 acres of landscaped lawns and gardens. You must take a look on the web, and put this on your bucket list. I am really getting my Christmas shopping done early.
Well my friends it is late and we leave early Friday morning will be heading to Anacortes WA. Have I mention my grand boys will be here Sat. morning.
love to all be safe
juju

Hey guys whats up !!!! We are just having too much fun for words. I shall give it a try.
We arrived in Couer D Alene ID. Tues. June 16. Our sweet friend Mary greeted us in an Albertson parking lot and lead us to Cougar Bay, where we would call home for a few days. That evening we got together for a wine and cheese social. We sat on their pier nice summer breeze with a new scent to us fresh mountain air. The wildlife kept us entertained the large beaver swimming, peaking up from the water to make sure he was being watched, many geese and babies every so slowly floating on the water. The sun begins to set and the water is smooth as glass the city lights reflection sparkles on the water. Just a perfect ending to the day.

We woke Wed. morning relaxed around the house, had our morning coffee by the lake. A new days beginning just awesome, how the sun creeps over the lake, birds, geese and other wildlife begin to stir. The beauty of life.

We finally dressed and explored the lake which is about a 80 mile round trip. The shore drive is so wonderful and just full of adventure, farms with elk, then farms with cows, the grandeur of the homes you just wonder

maybe this is Bill Gates weekend home. We were told the Baldwin brothers have visited this area. John Travolta mom lives here's and John Elway has a home on the lake. As our drive continues through the meadows blossom of array of spring wildflowers. I could see Julie Andrews singing Do Re ME .

Rocky and Mary came to get us and take us to a steakhouse where the steaks are to die for. They have a large open fire grill in the restaurant. Very popular place be sure and make reservation.

Thursday we were on our own. We had had some difficulties with a valve on the trailer so we had to move the trailer to an RV park so we could get a mobile RV repair man. Well he didn't show till Friday morning, but he got our problem fix and we are good to go!!!!

Friday evening we were wined and dine by our dear friends. The red carpet rolled out for us. Rocky and Mary have a tradition when they have special guest they begin the evening with a fire of the cannon, { yes I said cannon } so cool, Rocky has several cannons among their many acre estate. This cannon shot a bowling ball to the clouds and as we watched it fall to the ground you could hear it whistle as it fell. What a thrill I have never seen anything like this. Afterward we were given the grand tour, a wine cellar, with so many world vintages. Mary and Rocky's home is just fabulous many antiques and world treasures. Mary is such a chef, our menu for the evening was Cornish hens with herb seasoning. Polenta and Marnia sauce and OMG a chocolate molten cake to die for.

They had another couple join us for the evening, such fun we had.

Come Sunday afternoon they wanted to teach us pinochle, I have always wanted to learn this almost forgotten game. Had such fun I am anxious to show off my primitive skills. We said our farewell to our dear friends Tue.

over an Italian dinner. I always have such a hard time to say good bye. Love to you Mary and Rocky .

Harry and I were able to attend First Christian Church and a OES meeting, we may be a few thousands miles from home but some things just don't change.
We also were able to spend some time with my nephew [Janie's boy] Frankie and his family. They have 2 adorable boys. A 10 month and 7 years , the perfect age to keep mom and dad busy. The rewards of life!!!!

They now live in Mullan ID. Jennette plans to finish her education in radiology. Frankie is busy working the farm. My nephew is so very special, I so enjoy reflecting on his childhood.


We are now in Leavenworth WA. recommended by our friends. Should be here till Friday and off to Seattle WA. where we will meet up with our grand boys. They fly out Saturday which is also Cody's birthday and he has given me his request chocolate cake and chocolate frosting and steaks for dinner, Ryan's birthday was June 15 and has asked for the same thing. Did I get lucky. Not a problem for me cuz I am super granny.

I need to say so long. I shall be busy the next several weeks. You know what that means. A week without Juju blogs will make one weak!!!!!!!!

Be safe.

Love juju

My cajun cousin, jumping off the walls, it seems that LSU has beaten the Texas Longhorn in the world series of baseball. How childish to brag!!!!!!

Just what till next year, LSU you got lucky. SO there!!!!!

Coeur d Alene Idaho

We are in Coeur d Alene Id. visiting our friends Rocky and Mary. They are showing us a great time, it is so beautiful here. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so her are several thousand. We are staying busy so that's all you will get for now I will catch up later.
Love Juju

We will leave Polson MT. Tue. June 16. Heading to Idaho to visit with our dear friends Mary and Rocky. We meet them on the 15 day transatlantic cruise, we took two years ago. They were our dinner partners, we became instant friend. Mary and I have been e mailing and keeping with up each other lives. Knowing we travel and would be in the north west it was a no brainier, we will get the royal treatment. Sipping on a glass of wine and catching up with each other makes for a strong friendship.
I also have a childhood friend living in OR. We will meet up with Deb and Paul in Aug. Now Deb and I go way back to grammar school, jr. high, her family moved to TC but that did not stop us. We remained dear friends, a part of my youth that always put a smile on my face. Deb has just retired from the Post Office her husband Paul continues to work which means we will have too much time on our hands, God only knows the trouble we can find.
Speaking of friends, Harry and I were sitting in our living room when we get this phone call. It seems our rowdy friends in TC had a gumbo party, and lots of beer. Well, I can say they were full of mumbo. Being the true friends they are, just wanted to tell us they missed us and for us to hurry home. Phyllis and Danny are flying out to Seattle so we will hook up with them in July. They have a son in the Navy and Danny will be able to join his son on a tiger cruise. Family and friends will be able to watch the ship
sail into shore. All the sailors will be on the deck in uniform oh what a sight to see. Harry and I were able to watch Lisa ship return from a 6 month deployment when she was in the Navy.
I suppose I have bored you enough, say good night Judy.

Good night Judy

Fun couple of days

We have had another busy week. Wed. Harry wanted to play golf, off to the golf course we went. This course is very well kept, the fairways are such a pretty clover green. Lots of blue spruce tree and ponderosa pines. the perfect place to have a long lazy picnic. Back to golf I thought Harry was lost he seemed to want to play in the sand, and wade in the water. He finally settled down and reminded me he had not played since March. I don't think that's so long. I don't have any problem with knocking ten pins down with a ball. He began to get a little frisky, something about driving a cart. Was it just me or does he play that way with you guys.

Wed. we drove to Glacier park. We could only drive 16 miles into the park. An avalanche had part of the road closed. Crews still clearing 75 feet of snow.

Way too much for me to imagine. What we were able to see was so pretty, lakes that reflects the snow capped mountains waterfalls cascading down to the lakes. The purity of the water is virgin. Seeing nature the way it was meant to be. Makes you sad for all those plastic bags, bottles, and mounds and mounds of trash each of us dispose of daily. We should be shameful, of our lack of appreciation. OK I am done.

Harry and I want for Mexican food we were told where the locals eat. Gave it a try it may have been authentic Mexican food but it was not Tex Mex. Oh well I didn't have to cook.

Today we drove out to Kerr Dam, you've seen one Dam you've seen em all.

After happy hour today we all decided to go to the bowling alley for dinner. I chose the fried shrimp and Harry got the 8 0z rib eye. I know it sounds crazy to eat a the bowling alley, but the food was great. It is the local attraction on Friday night special.

The park is full for the weekend has, softball tourney and soccer for the weekend. Plan to see a few games and enjoy all the concession food. Oh yes cardiac city, what can I say. My generations invented junk food, the twist, free # * !! so on and on.

Hey have I mentioned, it doesn't get dark till 10:00 p m pretty cool huh.

It is time to say so long for now, be asured I will return.

Juju

slow nuz day

We woke early had a nice breakfast. Showered, dressed and off to church we went. We drove around the block a few times, just to make sure we had the right place. Sometimes Lola is wrong {Harry's GPS} There was only two cars in the parking lot. So I gave them a call, Only to find out services during the summer months are on Thurs. evening, because the members like to go boating on the lake for the weekends. So I guess you can say we get out of church free for summer. I totally can understand after harsh winters you need to get out and stretch. There lake is gorgeous we decided to take the 80 mile scenic round trip drive. All dressed up we needed a place to go. Seeing the lake you would think you were in the Caribbean or off shore in Hattie. The mountains in the background and the turquoise water. Reminds me of the many cruises we have been on.
After our Sunday drive we came home had an early dinner. I made us a meatloaf, corn and of course smashed taters. We sat back relaxed and watch the PGA tour. Then it was off to happy hour. I made some home made bean dip and guacamole. Very good batch today. I am told the campers don't want me to leave I bring great goodies to happy hour. I did tell them they have to stand in line, I am already spoken for by Jay and Ricky.
I think we will have to delay our trip to Glaciers Park. They had about 3 to 4 ft of snow this weekend. Will try later in the week. We had a Canadian cold front come through, for the weekend.
Well that's about it for today. Welcome Ms Tamra our newest follower. Hey gang let me hear from you. Y'all be safe.
love juju

NUTTS

What a day. This is a new one for us. We went to a small town Charlo, for a TESTICLE festival. You read right. Yes this small town gathers annually to have a ball. The festival, is held at local bar called The Branding Iron . When you enter the establishment you are greeted by towns nuts. Very friendly and eager to make you feel welcome. Harry went nuts!!! we had a few drinks, laughed and played having a ball. They also have a horseshoe tournament, a live band. If you get the munchies they will be happy to cook you up some of MT finest delicatessen. If you prefer to nibble on nuts they will gladly serve a small portion, size does not matter. I know this is hard to believe I have pinch tails and sucked heads of crawfish but this ,I just could not swallow. As sunset begin it is time for us to leave. On your drive out of town that's when you notice the bulls with ice packs, band aids, and the cows laughing.

Polson Montana

GOOD MORNING AMERICA!!!!!!!
How is all ?? We are just great {of course we know Hartley's are great} we are having a blast. We went to the Mission Winery in Dayton only 25 miles from the park. Purchases two bottles of red. We were ready for lunch and the kind gentleman recommend The Big Sky Eatery it is were the locals go for a buffalo burger, and a huckleberry shake. After that great meal it would be nap time, however we managed to forge forward and ride around the out skirts of town. We found the local Masonic and OES lodge they choose to be dark during June to Aug. They like to play during summer after harsh winters. We also found a brewery, they have a tasting room, and a beer garden in the back. Picture this a RV park that has happy hour every day, a winery and a brewery near by. Restaurants that have full bars, great food, and fun entertainment like Karaoke, bands and dancing. Don't be jealous, OMG this place is fabulous.
There is a chance of rain here and snow in the higher elevations, this weekend. We will snuggle in front of the fireplace on our bear skin rug. the rest is R rated.
Love to all, be safe
Juju and Harry

the next leg

For the next leg of our travels, we pulled out at 8:21 this morning, heading to Polson MT. our next pit stop. As we head to the hwy. the clouds are grey and a misting on the windshield. You watch the clouds hoover over the mountain peaks and slowly creeps to the bottom land. The road you're driving slowly leads you into the thick fog. With every sharp curve your white knuckles clench the steering wheel. Then with out warning the skies clear, the sun shines. Gotcha !!!
Truthfully today's drive was a shock and awe. The west you have to witness for yourself. A must for you're bucket list.
We arrived at Eagle Nest RV park around 3:30 and was told Happy Hours is 4:30. In record time the 5th wheel was set up and we had our chairs and drinks in hand and heading to the circle. {gathering for happy people}
We BS with the best and enjoyed our new friends. These people are a blast.
Had pizza for dinner with a few more drinks. Now I am off to the hot tub. Need to soak my weary bones. Tuff life but I can do this.
Juju

Farwell to ID

We enjoyed a leisure Sunday drive to Virginia City MT. a small town about 55 miles north of us. We choose the scenic route as usual we made the right choice. So many pull outs for you to stop for a Kodak moment and inhale the clean mountain air. Admiring the endless lush green meadows were a variety of wildlife grazing and playing is a added bonus. Once in town we strolled the main street. You are able to take a step back in time. A medicine shop, general store, the shingle of the town Doc. The livery stable, which once sheltered the ladies carriage with all the frills. Firemen gear and water coach. Take a deep breathe, close your eyes, surround your senses with cold damp air. Rust from branding irons, faint odor of livestock, horses once being shod and cows branded. Tools of the trade many blistered, callus hands and backs broken by endless daily labor to survive. Knowing your history, gains respect for the present.

We had lunch at a sports bar I opted for the hot and spicy buffalo wings and Harry's choice the cheeseburger and fires. A new treat was jalapeno bottle caps. I have to give this place a 11. Hooters could not compete.
We then drove to West Yellowstone I did some Christmas shopping. I know two girls who would like know what I bought. You know the rules wait till Santa.

Today being Monday we made preparations for our next destination. We leave Idaho the famous potato state. Fitting for our farewell dinner I made potato soup. The day was damp and cold, a bowl of hot soup to warm the soul. Tuesday we are headed to MT. big sky country.

Warning this weekend Galveston County will be invaded by the Hartley Clan. They will becoming from San Antonio, and as far away as La. and MD.
Have a great weekend gang.

Janie is spreading rumors and if not careful lil sis I will have to tell your age. Birthday girl.

Harry tells me I sound like a brochure but this my story and I am sticking to it.

So long for now till we meet again.
Be safe may the peace of Christ be with you.
Juju