2013 Winter Trip, Stop 2, 3, & 4

February 1-14, 2013

I know that we are behind on the Blog, but time flies when you are having fun.  As I told you in the last blog, we were feeling much better, and ready to leave Pismo beach.  We got to see Tom, Carol, and Alan one last time before we left, and away we went, but not before thanking God for showing us a few things.

We found out that we could find a doctor, that our medical would work, and how we would deal with it all while on the road if an emergency arose. so when i got sick,we did fine, with lots of support and prayers from our friends and relatives on line.  If it wasn't for the blood test, phones, and FaceBook I don't know what Vonna and I would have done.

Eating Breakfast

Over all, the trip to Pismo was great.  Only one or two days of rain, and all the rest of the time was warm and clear.  We found out that the trailer didn't leak, which was a load off our minds.  I think because of all the leaks we had in the other trailer we were uncomfortable until we found out that this one wouldn't leak too.  But everything is fine!!!!

As we left Pismo on our way to Solvang (our 2nd stop) we were glad for a clear day, and good traveling.  We enjoyed the day, making good time to our next stop.

One of Vonna's favorite
Shoes!

Shops in town

Solvang is a great little Danish Town, with a lot of shopping, and a few coffee shops.  You can guess which one of us stopped in which one.  Since my grandfather was full Danish, a lot of things there remind me of him.  It was very nice.  We ate lunch in town, breakfast at Ellen's Pancake House (they have very good Danish Pancakes.  We call them big thin pancakes, but they are about the same as Grandma used to make).  And a dinner at Split Pea Anderson's.

The trailer park is nice there.  We stayed in a place that my mom and dad used to stay.  Very clean and not crowded that time of the year.  We had a great time.

Our our window at
Soledad Canyon

We only stayed there for a couple of days, then on to Stop 3, Soledad Canyon in Acton, CA.  This is close to Edwards AFB where our grandson, Daniel, and his family are stationed.  The campground is nice, but in the desert.  A lot different than the ocean. 

Daniel, Jessica, and Drake

Drake!!

Grandma Looking for new
HAT!

Jessica Looking for
new BOOTS!

Dan & Drake

The highlight of our trip here was meeting with Dan, Jessica, and Drake.  We had a great meal, and time to shop.   Drake reminds us so much of Dan when he was young, including the chipmunk cheeks.  He is very well behaved and sat there as the rest of us caught up on what has been happening in our lives.  As we were shopping we bought Drake a couple of outfits.  It would have been great to spend more time with them, but work comes first.

On Sunday the Super Bowl was on.  Guess what station we couldn't get there?  You guessed it, the Super Bowl station.  So I thought we would try the Internet, and I could get it fine, until the game started.  So I finally got to see the second half, which was the best.  Anyway, we had a great time. 

We stayed around the camp most of the time, but we did make a trip to Santa Clarita to do a little shopping.  We found COSTCO and bought coffee.  Then we found a mall and Vonna found some clothing.  She was really happy, and I found a coffee shop.  I was really happy.

We FaceTime with Tammy about once a week to look at the mail, and just talk.  It is very nice to have this feature on our iPad and iPhones. 

Our trailer at the Given Ranch

On to Stop 4, Michele and Gary’s Ranch, or as it is called, The Given Ranch.  They have plenty of room for our rig, and always love to spend time with my sister and brother-in-law.  Michele had soup for us for dinner and we played cards into the evening, at least until 9 o’clock when all of us had to call it a night.

We spend about a week in Joshua Tree, traveling to Palm Springs for a Farmers Market and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  We watched some old movies that I worked on before we left home, we laughed and talked about times past.  We had a great time together.

Boy, is that Cheesecake GOOD!

Michele has a couple of classes that she gives on Mondays, and I tried her water class.  It was very good, and she is a great instructor.

We spend time talking about their trip that they are taking this summer to Alaska.  A 6 month trip – we would love to go, but won’t be able to get away when they are leaving.   Maybe we will be able to catch up with them on the return trip.

On way to Outlet Mall

We spend an afternoon at the Outlet Mall, looking for shoes and other things.  Gary found a pair of hiking boots for Alaska Trip.

Steven came over to
make sure Michele
was making Pancakes
right.  She was.

Michele made one of my favorites, Freckadella (Danish Meatballs) the way mom used to make them.  They were great.  She also made enchiladas, and they were also great.  I’m eating to good and will have to stop soon, or I will have to buy new clothes.

The wind woke us up one night, it was blowing big time.  Another morning we woke up and everything was white.  It was either frost or snow, but it was frozen and I had to scrape the window on the truck before I could leave.  You never know what is going to happen in the desert.

Vonna, Josie, and Dale

Alan & Dale

During out trip we were able to see Vonna’s Aunt Josie and one of her cousins Dale & even got to visit with patsy for a few minutes at her work.  We run into old friends and relatives everywhere we go.  It is nice to get to see old friends, relatives that we haven’t seen in years, and make new friends. 

Speaking of new friends, Michele invited one of their friends over for dinner and games.  It was nice to meet them, and we had a great time.

Vonna went to a bible study with Michele.  She went last year and looked forward to going again this year.  She really enjoyed it again this year.  She would love to go more often I’m sure.

We did a lot more, and spent a lot of time just visiting and talking.  It has been a great week with Michele and Gary.

We will see you on the road.
 

Looking at new shoes.