CATCHING UP

CANADA TRIP

POONTOON BOAT RIDE

LADY'S NIGHT DINNER

  Hows ya'lls doin.  We are having a blast.  Something different everyday. 
Wednesday July the 7th was our day off and we chose to drive 280 mile The International Selkirk  Loop. This loop encircle the spectacular Selkirk  mountains in northern Washington, northern Idaho and the south east British Columbia.  Nearly the entire loop route parallels crystal lakes and rivers.  So the story goes these waters used by the native tribes, gold seekers and early settlers were the main highway of transportation.  Today the loops, lakes, rivers, and trails are a vast playground with a myriads of opportunities for year round recreation. 
We could see snow capped mountains lots of farmland with brilliant colors of wildflowers. The air even seems so fresh.  The Canadians take pride with manicured lawns fresh painted  framed homes. Several small towns each having a unique attraction for you to marvel.  The best part of the trip was the ferry ride. It takes a good 45 min. you may get out of your car and gaze at the awesome overall view of your recent mileage.
 The only negative would be parking.  With our big Texas truck very difficult to park. Remember this part of the country people are very earth friendly.
We had to pass through custom coming and going. Did not have a long wait and the agent asked the formal questions what is your purpose for visiting Canada. How long you plan to stay? Do you have any food, plants, or guns with you?  Seeing the Texas tags they assume we carry firearms.  Yes they are a little tricky with questions but it is there job.
Just a foot note this America's Byway is one of only 27 all American Road National Scenic byways in the U. S. There are many more scenic, and back country byways for us to explore.
The other day we were heading into Hayden a small town about 10 miles from the park.  We were on highway 95 frequently traveled by motorist with a speed limit 65 mph. Singing along with oldies on the radio, when a moose darted into the traffic. Harry slammed on the brakes the cars behind us doing the same. Screeching tires and swerving cars we all managed to miss the moose. As fast as he appeared he disappeared faster. Really no time to be alarmed it happen so fast, I was not able to get a picture.
Last night was ladies night for the volunteers of the park.  About 16 of us headed to Bayview a very short 5 minute trip.  The local owner of the Floating Patio Restaurant.  He also rents pontoon boats for Lake Pend Oreille he took us ladies out on a 1 hour boat ride.  The weather was perfect, it made the boat glide across the water. As the evening sun began to set, the cold water sparkled like glitter and the shadow creeping along the mountain side.  A family of Mountain goats on the cliff  single file marched out of our site. The ladies enjoying our special treat did not want the night to end. However we planed a evening together next Thursday for a friendly game of LCR.
Marty's birthday was Monday so her husband Duff, Harry and I took her to the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane.  Very nice place Harry was able to play the Texas hold em tournament and placed 3rd.  I played blackjack finally lost 23.00 dollars. In fact Marty was the big loser she gave the casino 60.00 bucks. After 5 hours of playing we went to the buffet and chowed down.  They had some killer potato soup, I indulged in two bowls. Another favorite fried catfish which is rare for these area. Stuffed to the gills we wobbled out and head back to the park.
Our latest adventure all too soon has now become a memory pressed through the pages which will sweeten through the ages like fine wine.
Thank you guys for allowing me to share.  All be safe xoxoxo
Juju

Monday July 5th

Good morning my friends.  Hope all is well after a long weekend.
I remember longing for the extra days off from work.  As soon as one day off  passed, I was counting down for the next vacation.
Today is always a vacation :) for me now.  I may tease you but don't wish your life away.  Enjoy each day, there are to many memories to make.
I shall begin with our supper club. The park has about 12 to 14 couple volunteers.  We get together on Thursday for cocktails and supper. The ladies swap recipes, some darn good cooks.
We have 3 new volunteers came in this week, one lady is a native Texan.  She has a large family and they are scattered through out the state.  She has a grandson living in Lake Jackson, a son in the Dallas   and daughter in the San Antonio.  Her family has the Lone Star State covered.  She is a very interesting lady.  Having been a journalist for 37 years. Ms. Pat is a wealth of knowledge and willing to share her life experience. 
Then we have Marty and Duffy they are from Iowa and have now joined the life style of full time RV'ers. They have the same days off as us. The four of us try and plan outings together.  Duffy treated us to some Iowa corn feed rib eyes. My o my the best steak.  The meat had great marble, moist and tender, no knife needed.  Being a carnivore I ate the whole thing. Marty made homemade chocolate chip cookies. Need I say more. After dinner we gather around the the fire ring and as the dark began to engulf the twilight we ready ourselves for the anticipated fireworks. Our view was some what obstructed with the sky towering pines.  However as the light illuminated the branches and limbs of the trees. You might think you have witness a forest fire. Such a spectacular to witness.
 With each brilliant sparkle of colors light the night sky, the loud blast rumble through the mountains.  You fell the spirited American pride. Keep praying, and  supporting our many many soldiers that keeps America free.  " FREEDOM"  echo through out the world.
Maureen surprised us with a nice package. Her and the boys put together a video of their summer events, with handmade gifts Cody decorated a pink visor stated I am the number one granny. I know ahh!!!! but I am worth it. He made Harry a picture frame attached with his picture.  SOOOO cute.  Maureen and the boys gave us a Log Tech camera system for Christmas and we are having such a good time learning to use this fun gadget. We are able to visit with the boys frequently via the web.  This high tech age is unbelievable.  I can remember days without telephone, fast food restaurants, clothes dryers, just to name a few.  Now look at us, hard to keep up with all the fast past technology.
To get back to Farragut park, it was a busy weekend for all the host.  The park filled rapidly for the long holiday weekend.  As I have mentioned Harry and I have such a sweet assignment. I almost feel guilty.  {NOT}  The Locust Grove grounds are very primitive. If you choose to camp here it is boon docking.  No hook ups. Now the people that have Campers most have generators, a little convenience. Then you have the die hard tent campers and I truly admire them. The people are very respectful what they bring in they take out.  Our job a gravy train. 
 We also have the best view in the park. Sitting in the trailer I look out the back windows and see deer and a large buck playing.  Lots of tiny hummingbirds, and birds of colors yellow, red and blue. Nature a gift from our creator brings a sense of peace in your inner faith knowing paradise awaits.  
The weather today shall be in a mild 73, by week end they forecast the 90's.  OMG!!!! A heat wave. I guess I should hoard some sun screen. 
Hope all a safe week ahead take care will chat later.
Juju

LAKE PEND OREILLE

(Pronounced Ponderay)

CAMP HOST COVERED DISH

 

THE PATIO

Hmmm were do I start.
OK tell you about our supper club.  Many off the volunteers decide we should have a pot luck dinner once a week and exchange our recipes.  Having great cooks you always have a full plate. Then we have happy hour and movie night. Then we move to campsites to enjoy a fire and more social time.  We have a few host that are locals and have a wealth of info to share about the area and always give the heads up on the do's and don'ts.  They have sparked our interest to make a trip to Canada  . Just a few hours from us and we are told the hot springs are a must do. Always adding to the our list.
Friday evening we joined a couple park rangers and the locals of Bayview at the local floating patio and bar.  The restaurant floats on Pend Oreille Lake. Which is so relaxing the awesome sunsets, the mallards swimming by and begging for french fries. This small charming town of 621 boating is the recreation of choice. You have many natives willing to give you a tour of the lake scenic view that is so worth your time.
Saturday the City of Coeur D Alene had a BBQ cook -off. Belonging to a BBQ team we headed to the city to check things out. This was their first year to have the event. I can say they got it right the first try. They had about 20 to 25 teams. An entertainment area, play grounds for kids and many vendors. This will fast become a growing annual event.
We left the fairgrounds and headed downtown. The city also having a classic car show and auction.  The people here take such pride in their cars and restoring old cars. They had a parade of cars of 200 entries. Amazing the amount of time, money, and pride invested.
Downtown CDA has many outside cafes. The weather is so perfect"O" you can sit hours people watching. We choose Mexican dinner.  Not bad not bad at all. 
Sunday being father's day Harry wanted to smoke some meat.  SO that's exactly what he did. He smoked a  beef brisket that melts in your mouth and 2 slabs of baby back ribs that fall off the bone.  I made some potato salad, a pot of pinto beans [cooked in my new pressure cooker which no cook should be with out], grilled corn on the cob and garlic bread.  Yep true Texas grub. So proud of our cooking we had some friend over. Rustic food but a touch of dinning elegant.   
Rock and Mary have a new puppy a great dane. Solid shinny black huge and clumsy but so loving.  Being around Rowdy has got me yearning for another pet. My heart still aches with the passing of Killer.  We shall see.
It is lunch time and my wonderful hubby has warmed his fabulous meat   come on guys his brisket.
Anyway I shall chat later.
Be safe XOXOXO
Juju

June 13th

THE BRIDE

THE WEDDING PARTY

Good morning all.  Hope all is well and your day will be a blessing. 
I must tell you about a wedding.  A REDNECK wedding.  Yes Mam that took place here at Farragut State Park in our group camp area.  I can understand having an outdoor wedding. After all the weather is perfect.  The grounds are lush with green trees,  kaleidoscope of wild flowers, plenty room for all the guest, a large fire rig to throw the ceremonial beer bottles.  The ideal play game.  The bride wore a traditional white wedding dress with black lace trim and black beading of the bodice.  Her orange hair stylish with a black bow. She carried bouquet of red roses placed in her BUD LIGHT BOTTLE. She two stepped down the aisle were the proud groom  dressed in short black crop pants, unmatched knee socks and army boots. Sporting a bright blue Mohawk.  With the gleam in each other eyes and a smile showing off their pearly bubba teeth. You just knew this was a shotgun  marriage meant to be.
One I will probably never see again.  After the ceremony things really cranked up, music, dancing, beer.
They had a bounce where turns taken by the wedding party to punch each other out. Sometime during the night the happily married couple was seen riding off in the sunset to the sound of banjo and guitar music. The only thing missing was Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable guy.  Yes my friends this kind of entertainment is priceless. 
Our week started off wet, and cool.  Wednesday we finally got a break in the rain. That evening  I hosted a coffee and dessert party for a few of the camp host. So much fun to exchange our travel experience.  Not to mention the many do's and don't's.
It is not convenient to leave the park every day to get dinner. So I am cooking alot and I am pleased to know I am not bad at all. We have had Mexican food rita's and fajitas.  Pasta, Pizza, wine and cheese.  Beef rib eyes with Bourbon. Chinese fried rice, egg rolls, and beer. Just to name a few that  I have found a new shot for mojito's. The liquor stores are open on Sunday. I shall take a short ride for items called for in the recipe book.  A sunny afternoon sitting outside with a refreshing drink. Life is good.
Time to say good bye. I feel the need for a nap. We all gather for breakfast on Sundays and exchange our weeks BS. Wed. we have movie night and Thurs. is our supper club night.
Be safe,
Juju

Good Morning

Howdy again. A good Saturday morning to all. A very nice sunny day here.  The high today a balmy 66. I suppose I will have to stay outside in the heat with a good book.  Have a nice roaring fire.  Then there is a Mule festival in a nearby town. Might be nice to walk the streets listen to music enjoy street food. Browse the many craft booths. Then there is the town of Coeur D' Alene the downtown has many sidewalk cafes were you can sit a lazy afternoon to  people watch. If people watching is not your thing. Take a brisk walk around the lake. The west has the best great outdoors.
My grandson Cody has made the all star team. He shall have a busy summer playing ball. June the 27th is his birthday he will be 8. Ryan shall be a teenager on June 15. Hard to believe I have grandchildren that old, being I am soooo young!!!!!!
Wednesday morning here at the park we had an orientation for the parks volunteers. The rangers giving us the do's and the don'ts  but mainly a reason to get together for a pot luck and visit with one another. Golly some great cooks here. Some of us lady's will try and compose a cookbook or some sort of recipe exchange. You never can have too many good eats. America has a lot of restaurants and fast food chains. Keeping the tradition of home cooking I feel my grandmother smiling down at me. Besides  home cooked food is just better.
Farragut SP is a very large park. The camp grounds can accommodate many different size trailers. There is several sites for tent camping, and log cabins for renting. The design of the park is family friendly. If you want a quite weekend you are in the right place. 
I need to get dressed and moving. Don't want to be inside on such a beautiful day.
All be safe
Juju

Hello again. Harry and I are having a great time here in Idaho this park is huge and so much to do. A very nice place to vacation. The park was jammed full memorial weekend. Our area is for group campers, and campers will be boon docking. We had tent campers, and a few small trailers.  They came prepared [must had been in scouts] because some brought generators. We had 6 families that did just that. The weather was raining and chilly temps. it was in the mid 50's with lows 40' at night. However the people here in the Northwest are accustomed to what ever mother nature will dish out. Harry and I enjoyed the comfort of our trailer and fireplace, we are tuff.
Sunday morning several of the volunteers met for breakfast at a local cafe.  I thought I was at an all you could eat buffet, the portions are huge. Pancakes the size of a hubcap, pounds of thick crispy bacon.  Biscuits the size of Texas smothered in sausage gravy.{No grits. I did bring my own.} We choose a BLT served with fries or onion rings. I took half home for lunch. Next Sunday maybe just coffee. 
This parks has about 57 volunteers through out the season. A fun group of people. Always such a treat to listen to others adventures. There is a couple from IO. who have chosen the full time life. We have new play mates as they will be in Texas this fall.  Being able to travel we meet such fun people. I am often ask do I have any regrets about selling our home and living like gypsies.  My answer is NO.
My life is priceless. I will admit to missing my children, and grandchildren.  Cody made all stars, I do miss not being able to see him play.
This morning we heard the bears had a nice midnight buffet by the dumpsters. I can't blame them. Some of the campers this weekend had a feast. The seafood boils to grilled hot dogs.  A yummy smorgasbord.
Well guys that just about covers this week.  So all be safe.
Juju

Farragut State Park Idaho

Hello,  How are you?  Harry and I are now at Farrgut State Park, Athol Idaho.  We shall be camp host this season for the park.  We will be the eyes and ears for the Locust Grove camp area.
We arrived April 28th and spent a few days at Blackwell RV park in Coeur D Alene. We wanted to have time with our very special friends Roc and Mary.  Both being natives of Idaho they give you all the heads up on what to do and not. Mary is a wonderful cook always a delight to have dinner with them. After dinner we are learning to play Pinochle a fun game but I still have a long way to go in order to master the game. Mary being a sweetheart asures me I have potential.   
CDA is a awesome town population about 32,000. May be a small town but has all the excitement of a big city.    Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Fine Dining, Shopping for the Best, Wines & Wine Tasting  something for all ages. Having friends in the area gives us a advantage. Enjoying all the local favorites.    
There are  several small towns and each have a unique history. The scenery is breath taking, snow a top the moutains peaks, lush pine trees as tall as skyscrapers. Clouds a brillant white that float endless in the blue sky.  My friends,  I find myself falling deeper in love each passing day with North Iadho.
The hometown people are friendly they make you feel right at home. Loving it !!!!!!!!!
Let me tell you a little about camp host. Job description clean restrooms, mowing, using weed wacker cleaning fire rigs,washing pinic tables and raking camp sites, sweeping patios, in general tidy tidy.
I know you are thinking what have we gotten ourselves into. Really it sounds much worse than it is.
The park is equipped with a lot of machines that does the bulk of the work for you.  Pour a little simple green on the pinic tables then wash down with the water hose.  Same with bathroom simple green in toilets give em a flush, a splash in the sink turn the water on and your done. Riding mowers put your I POD in the ears and off I go done in about 30 min.  The leaf blowers does all the sweeping of the camp sites. We will also sell bundles of fire woods. Believe me this is not a bad gig. Know different than maintaing a yard back home, much nicer weather and loving the outdoors. The weather is wonderful daytime highs usually mild 70's and night air can be a little chilly 50 to 55.  This past week a cold front did come through with our area under a freeze warning, mainly for tender vegetation. This being the middle of May I am still able to wear my boots and sweaters pretty cool huh. [hmm a pun] you can't do that in Texas.
Saturday evening we had a welcome pot luck for all the camp host.  There are 8 couples who volunteer for the season.  Although Roy and Sue will leave Tues. they came early march to get the park up and running for early birds campers. They are also Texans the Dallas area. Lovely people and a true Texas accent. Two couples live here in the CDA area, we have a couple from Iowa, Neveda, and Arizona.
They will be a few more as the season progress.  The park ranger in charge of the camp host is a hoot she has many fun things planned activies. To name a few  supper club,  happy hours,  game night, a ride on a pontoon boat,  ladies night in Bayview,  Sunday morning country boy breakfast in Athol. Not sure when we will get the work done. She and her boyfriend [Jason also park ranger] are buying a home they are planning a patio party.  So much to to do so little time.
Bye for now. All be safe.
XOXOX
Juju