montemover

<a href=’http://montemover.today.com/files/dscn0189.JPG’ title=’Toby and Brandie
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Toby and best friend, Brandie

Don’t know if my pic will come through. I just figure out how to do this and then they add “improvements” with no explanation as to how to use them and I have to start all over again. Oh well, constantly learning new things.

I’m getting a little tired of the rain, but I’m not complaining, however a little sunshine would be nice, especially on my day off. Oh well, at least I’m not slipping, sliding and freezing like some of you. Sorry.

I’m loving the volunteer work here, and especially enjoying all the people. The residents are absolutely delightful, even our resident grump is o.k. Every place has to have a grump, but he’s really just a lonely old guy who’s never learned how to be civil.

I’m doing Tai Chi 3 times a week with an 89 year old woman who runs me into the ground. I’m huffing and puffing and having to rest and she just continues on. She’s nearly deaf, blind and can’t weigh more than 90 pounds, has a terrific sense of humor, has a PhD in sociology, taught high school and college, and has written several books that I’m reading that are just hilarious. I’m currently reading her “A Hiker’s Guide to Disaster”. Funny, funny, funny. I’m also working out on the stationary bike cause I really want to get a bicycle and I figure if I can do the stationary bike with ease (eventually) then I might be able to stay upright on a regular bike. We’ll see.

I’m making my list of things to get done on Monte while here since this seems like a good place to get work done. I’m hoping to get some solar panels installed as that is at the top of my list of improvements. I also want someone to check out my furnace. It’s running fine, but the fan rattles and may be loose. A couple other little things that I’ll have the repairman check out while he’s out here. The solar panels are the big thing. I’m really eager to get them since I expect to do a lot of boondocking and that will be my primary source of power.

I can’t begin to explain how much I’m enjoying myself!!

An observation of my travels: I’m discovering that I rather miss the wide open spaces. There are trees everywhere here, so many that you can’t see beyond the sides of the road to see the sights that the signs say are there. And even when you turn off to see the sights, there are so many trees that it’s hard to see much. I drove half way around Lake Livingston and could only get glimpses of the lake now and then. It’s intriguing to drive down the highways with trees on both sides and sometimes down the median and not be able to see ANYTHING except more trees. Now I love trees, but come on. There is something to be said for wide open spaces. I have a greater appreciation of them.

My schedule has rather settled into driving residents 2 days a week, doing dishes noon and night 3 days a week and a couple of dusting and vacuuming jobs tossed in. Today is dishes day so I’m going to spend some time on the grant stuff. I’d love to be able to help get some more funding for CARE. As you can tell, I really believe in this place. I want it to be here when someday it’ll probably be my home!

Keep warm out there, this nasty weather has to break before too much longer.
Kris

Hi Ya’ll. Hey, I’m starting to sound like a Texan. Ya’ll and drawl. Hmmm, doesn’t take me long to acclimated.

The weather here has been rainy, and while everyone else (these southern folk) think it’s cold, I’m loving it - 30’s at night and 50-60’s in the day. I’m not complaining one bit. Everyone bundles up in jackets and coats and I’m in my shirt sleeves. This is perfect weather for me, even with the rain.

Now beyond the weather report, everything, EVERYTHING, here is absolutely super. I love the location, the facility, the Escapees Rainbow Park next door, the residents, staff and most of all the other volunteers - what a great group of people! I can’t say enough good things about this place. And boy, am I getting a first hand excellent education on full-time RVing.

I’m learning how to camp 365 days a year and never pay a fee, where to get the best equipment and the best price, who to have do work on my rig anywhere in the country, how to hook up with various groups whenever I want or need to. I swear that ½ to ¾ or the folks I’ve met have dogs and know the vet system across the country. Loads of them love to dance (and that’s right up my alley), Poker games wherever and whenever you’re so inclined. A whole variety of sub-groups depending on your interests and I’m checking out a couple of them that have real appeal to me that I may join for a very low fee.

Meanwhile. I’ve extended my stay here until March 15th. I’ve also added an additional volunteer task to my roster, and that is to research and possibly do a little grant writing for CARE, Inc. We’re a 501 (c) 3 organization and like most non-profits, always in need of money for a variety of things. So, if my grant writing skills can help, why not!!! I really believe in this place and this is where I’m coming when I have to hang up my keys, or if I need a place to recuperate from any of life’s little temporary set-backs.

I’m not too far from my good friend Jeri, so while here I’m going to see if I can’t make a short trip to visit with her and Ralph. It’s been years since I’ve seen her and then on to When I leave here in March I’m headed for Rosalie and Chuck’s in San Angelo, TX and then on to Sharlene’s in Arizona. I’m hoping Nancy can join me in Arizona and then we can travel back together to California and on up to Elna and Mark’s. From there I’m going on up to Sutherlin, OR where I’ll park my RV at the Escapees Timberlake Park where I have a deposit on a lot that I might one day lease (if I ever rise to the top of the waiting list) and head on up to see Barb in Portland. I’d like spend a little time in Oregon and really check it out to see if I really want to get the lot there or not. I just might decide to be a rambling stone that gathers no moss and skip permanence that even a leased lot represents. I love this gypsy life! In fact I often think that I’ll bet you my Mom would have loved this too. After Oregon I’m wide open but will start working my way to Nebraska to see friends and family and a definite return to Missouri for the Falll colors. Of course, this is all subject to change. Before I leave here, though, I’m going to sign up for a stint next year during the winter months. What better place to be in the wintertime, huh?

Just so there’s no mistake – folks, I am having the time of my life!!!!!
Kris

Today’s my day off from work so I’m going to do a little cleaning and maintenance on Monte. The weather is soggy as it has rained steadily for the past 30 hours. Everyone seems to think it’s a cold rain, but I’ve found it refreshing and not at all cold. Anyway, the rain is supposed to stop shortly and I’ll do my inside stuff (that’ll take me 30 minutes) then I’ll move outside (that might take me an hour) – gee I love this motorhome living. So easy to take care of everything and I don’t have to do much of the things I hate, like cleaning!!!!

I’m hanging around here today because I have to wait for the propane man to come and fill my tank, which could be anytime today, so any exploring of the area will have to wait until after he’s gone. Meanwhile I’m going across the street this afternoon for a poker seminar. I played poker last night with the regular group (residents and volunteers), low stakes – nickel, dimes, quarters – learned a couple of new games, tried some Texas Hold-Em, Omaha, Stud in several varieties. It was really fun.

I’m really enjoying the people here. They are a fun group, especially the volunteers. I’m really learning a lot from them about full-timing and oh my gosh, there is so much to do, places to go, things to see, work to do. This is really a whole new world and I’m having a blast exploring it.

Toby is still my protector. He doesn’t like people coming around Monte, but will quiet after an initial woof, woof if I tell him too. Otherwise, when we walk, he greets anyone he sees with proper decorum, sometimes friendly (ok – tolerable – he rarely lets anyone pet him unless its one of the older, frail little residents) and sometimes a bit aloof. He’s much more sociable – what choice did he have, huh? I think he’s adapted very well to this gypsy lifestyle. Again, what choice did he have! I love it here at the CARE Center. This is definitely going to be a regular on my travels. Although the work is sometimes strenuous and tiring, it is also a very restful and at the same time reinvigorating place to be.

Well I’m off to start my Monte cleaning. Keep well and happy!
Kris

Hi all you wonderful people. I hope 2008 is treating you well so far. It certainly is treating me great. Here are some pics of where I am. The second is the CARE Center and the first pic is where I’m parked (across the street) in proximity to where I do most of my volunteer work at the Center. The CARE Center is on the left, someones truck in the center and on the right you can see my rig with my little red car in front of it.

I’m in Livingston, Texas at the Escapees CARE Center where I’m volunteering 24 hours a week in exchange for free hookups, and all meals for 6 days a week. I’m on my on for meals on my day off. Yep, only 24 hours a week work, but it’s usually 6 days a week. Often time arranged so that I actually get 2 days off. The work is hard, at least harder than I’m used to doing – scrubbing pots and pans, helping cook, serving food, washing dishes (separate from pots and pans) taking out trash, doing kitchen laundry, vacuuming dining area and mopping the kitchen. These are daily tasks divided up among about 6-8 teams of volunteers (2 people to a team). I also drive residents to local Dr. appointments.

Besides the volunteer work, there are all sorts of other activities going on here. I’ve never seen such a busy place for activities, including Texas Hold-Em 4 nights a week. I’m working up my courage to sit in on a game the next week. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in all activities with residents and it’s easy to do since everyone is so great here. The friendliest folks I’ve ever met and the residents are really dears.

The CARE Center is set up to assist anyone who does not need overnight nursing. We have a team on call at all times to handle any emergencies, night or day, and the residents have panic buttons to call for help to the on-call folks who determine whether 911 needs to be called. We have a day-care center for folks whose spouses need a break, some of the residents at the day-care have Alzheimer’s. There’s a full-time nurse on duty 5 days a week, and two CNA’s. And all the residents are so appreciative, never a shift goes by but what residents come up to me to thank me for being there. The staff and volunteers are terrific too.

I’m definitely making this a regular stop on my travels. This is a super time to be here. Sorry all you folks in cold country, but the temps here at night are in the low to mid 40’s and the days are in the 60’s and 70’s. Pansies are blooming in the flowerboxes, the enclosed garden is green and pretty with flowers coming up. The fields and grounds are greening and wild flowers are blooming. The humidity is taking a little getting used to, but hey, I’ll suffer!!!

Kris

I left Crater of Diamonds sans diamonds and traveled to Nacogdoches, TX where I stayed at Twin Oaks Park. I felt right at home there as it is run by some folks who raise Paint Horses and I was parked toward the back next to the corrals. Toby certainly felt at home there. Reminded us both of the Davey’s and oh the lovely aroma. It was really a very nice small place with lovely hosts.

We traveled on to Livingston where I got lost and went in circles, had to call the center to find my way there and wound up at the Escapees CARE Center. I have a really nice site, close to the Center offices, etc. and with a fenced dog run nearby, although I can walk Toby anywhere on the premises as long as we pick up any little deposits. (Fortunately I stocked up on Puppy Poo bags complements of Arkansas State Parks.) I filled out my paperwork, got my TB test, and have my first assignment tomorrow to take a resident to the doctor in town. This week I’ll just be filling in here and there and the schedule with my regular work assignment comes out on Thursday. I put in 24 hours a week, get my hookups and meals on the days I work. Not bad. I made a commitment to stay until February 15th. It is very nice here and the people I’ve met so far are great, friendly, and seem really glad that I’m here. I think I’ll like my time here and I should be able to really explore the area.

Temps are in the 70’s and humid. In fact we’re getting a little shower now. I’m thinking of all you folks in cold country. Glad I’m not there.
More later this week.
Kris

Diamonds, diamonds everywhere and not a one for me. Doggone. I searched for 3 days and didn’t find that retirement diamond. Oh well, it is a beautiful campsite with lots of trails and Toby and I did a lot of exploring. Today, we’re doing laundry, cleaning up and getting ready to move out tomorrow. We had a couple of really cold nights (records for here) with temps in the high teens and low 20’s (sorry guys who live in really cold country, I know that doesn’t seem very cold to you.) Toby curled up on the couch with the afghans over him to keep warm at night when I turned the furnace down.

While here we spent a day exploring the area and went to Hope, Arkansas. Yes, the birthplace of President Clinton and now presidential hopeful Huckabee. We also did a little shopping while there. However, we stopped and explored Historic Washington State Park. It is an entire town that is a historic park and quite interesting. I keep forgetting that I’m down here in country where the Civil War was fought and the places reek of civil war history, memorabilia, sites of battles, etc. It’s really fun checking it all out. I’m including a pic of the old court house. The courtroom is up a double set of beautiful hand carved stairs with gorgeous banisters and railings. The courtroom itself is quite elegant with a huge crystal chandelier in the center. There’s a speaking platform that opens outside behind double glass doors in back of the judges bench. A great place for political speeches.

We’re headed for Livingston, TX just north of Houston, where I think we’ll be staying for the next month. That is, if our volunteer position came through as expected, we’ll be there for a month at least as they require a month’s commitment. That should give me plenty of time to explore the Houston area. So you folks that are expecting me in January, it looks more like mid to late February before I get your way.

Well guess I’ll have to find that retirement diamond another time. Not that I’m not retired, because I am, but a big diamond could sure have helped that retirement along. Well, maybe in my travels I’ll find other gems and gold to help my retirement fund. Who knows! Meanwhile, I’m loving this life and meeting some neat folks along the way.

Kris

WOW! Here it is 2008! It’s hard to believe a new year is beginning. I left my comfortable hilltop at Lake of the Ozarks and the wonderful hospitality of Lisa, Jeff and Ria. When I left, Lisa was on her way to Denver to pick up Ria (who had gone there for Christmas) and they were headed for Portland, OR to the big trade show. We’re all hoping that the soaps, cleaners, perfumes, and body products will take off and sell big! Meanwhile Jeff is holding down the fort with Sky, Whiskey, and Winston. Someone’s got to look after the animals, right? I hated leaving, but I was getting far too comfortable there and could have easily stayed on all winter. However, the journey continues.

I have arrived at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfeesboro, Arkansas. BTW, I had to cross the Arkansas River – boy is it wide. It’s a lot wider where I crossed then the Missouri is at Nebraska City. Whew – a long bridge. Anyway, I digress, I’m here at the park and New Year’s Eve day I spent about 3 hours looking for diamonds. Let me tell you folks, although I didn’t indulge in digging and sifting dirt – just looking – it’s still hard work – searching the ground, picking up everything that gleams in the sun ( and a lot of stones gleam that aren’t diamonds), stooping, bending, climbing plowed furrow after plowed furrow. Oh well, tomorrow’s another day. In fact the rest of this week I’m going to go with bucket, shovel and sifter and see what I can find. I took Toby with me, but he is definitely not a diamond sniffing dog, so he’ll stay home and snooze while I go work the field.

Today was a great day. Toby and I went on a nature hike (there are loads of trails around here) and enjoyed the loblolly pines, the holly, red oak, white oak and gum trees. We walked along the Little Missouri River (bigger than the Platte is in Scottsbluff). It’s green here because of all the different evergreens and the loblolly pines are very tall with no branches until the very top. On our nature hike the wind was swaying the loblollys and they hit each other and clack and crack, but down where we were there was no wind. I love the sound of the wind in the tall pines.

Well, I’ll be here the rest of the week and then I’m headed for Texas. I talked to the folks at the Escapees CARE center and it looks like I may have a volunteer for a month at the center. I’m hoping so. Livingston is only 70 miles N. of Houston. I think it would be a great place to spend a month. Meanwhile, when I find that BIG DIAMOND I’ll take a picture and flash it on the blog.

Kris