A Parade and a Wedding

Another nice day although a few more clouds and a little cooler than yesterday. After a beach walk we went to Sam's Club to get my sunglasses repaired. A screw holding the earpiece on came out and Tom tried but couldn't get it back in. Then we drove down to Murrell's Inlet and had lunch at a restaurant, Dead Dog Saloon, that had an outside deck where we sat.
After returning to the campground there again was a flurry of activity as preparations were being made by the horsemen for a parade through the campground. When we walked to the end of our street to find a place to sit and watch the parade we were surprised to see the street lined with spectators on golf carts and chairs. The parade was something to see. I knew there were a number of horses in the campground but I was still surprised at the number in the parade, and not all the horses were in the parade. Many were in costume. The cutest was a horse that had dog ears, a big puffy band of "fur" around each leg appearing as a poodle with the female rider dressed in her poodle felt skirt, they won first prize.

From 2009-10-30

There were other clever get ups- unicorns, an orca whale, Indian war horses to name a few.
Afterwards we walked around the campground being careful not to get run over by a horse or golf cart.




Travis has not been bothered by the horses or they by him. Many of the horses are use to the presence of dogs as dogs are at the campsites with the horses and most are never on a leash, even though rules state that they are to be so. As we were walking we noticed a gathering of horseback riders on the beach and then realized that there was a wedding being preformed with the bride and groom on horses. The attendants (a best man and "man" of honor)were also on horseback and the officiating minster was on one of the decking structures that is used to cross over the dunes to the beach.

From Beach Wedding

Throughout the day horses can be heard whinnying in the campground. Once darkness sets in the horses become quiet and their presence is unnoticed.

A Beautiful Day in Horse Paradise

The weather has been getting better each day. Yesterday we broke out our shorts as the temperature was in the lower 80's even though it was overcast most of the day. Today has been a clear sunny day although a little cooler (upper 70's).
Walking out on the beach this morning we encountered numerous folks and their horses also enjoyimg the beach. Some horses seem a little skittish of the ocean and sand. Others seemed to enjoy wading into the surf.

From Horses Arrive

Of course walking on the beach or even in the campground with horses causes one to be careful where one steps- they don't clean up after their horses. Yesterday I mentioned that there were horses camped beside us and a license plate was from Wyoming- well that was the plate on the truck's front, the rear plate states "North Carolina" which is the correct location.
Tom and I went out shopping today- Bass Pro Shop, Tanger Outlets and finally Sam's Club.
We walked about the campground this evening. There is an area set up with vendors selling their wares of western clothing, tack and even dog supplies.

From Horses Arrive

There are also some food services- a barbeque trailer and trailer selling corn on the cob. The campground is a hive of activity.

The Horses Arrive

This morning (Wednesday) we drove up to Calabash, North Carolina which is just north of the Myrtle Beach area to see about getting some fresh shrimp. We were in luck, the shrimp boats were docked and the shrimpers were selling shrimp.

From Shrinp

When we returned to the campground we were diverted to a different road to enter the campground. The horse trailers were arriving loaded with horses.
After a lunch of shrimp salad sandwiches- boy, they were good- we walked out on the beach. There were horse back riders in both directions. It is unbelievable the number of horses in the campground. Most of the trailers occupy at least 2 campsites. The horses are in portable corrals or tethered to a line strung between 2 trees. Beside our campsite there are a horse and a pony corralled together, neither that likes being separated from one another. According to the truck's license plate they are from Wyoming.

From 2009-10-30

Directly across from us is another corral with 3 horses, they are from Georgia. There has been a steady parade of riders riding about the campground. I believe this campground is the only campground having this beach riding event. Yesterday afternoon big rollback dumpsters were brought into the campground and situated throughout, today signs have been posted on these dumpsters that they are for horse waste only. I'm not sure who is cleaning up the beach after the horses,

From Horses Arrive

it is obvious that the riders are not. This is certainly a different camping experience.

Myrtle Beach

The past weekend started out on Thursday and Friday being cool and cloudy. And then Saturday we had rain all day. The rain would not have been so bad if we had not been parked in the infield of the racetrack that became a huge mud pit. Tom and I did an hour of security duty on Saturday when the rains were the hardest and were soaked below the area of our rain coats. Nothing like wet clothes and then not having the ability to get them dried. We had very limited electric and water hook-ups. Thankfully, we were with friends that made the weekend enjoyable. After the closing program on Sunday we headed south spending the night in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. On Monday we continued on to our destination of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
We are staying at Lakewood Campground that is on the beach. The weather was cool and rainy yesterday, today (Tuesday) it is warmer but still cloudy and raining tonight. We did walk out on the beach this morning. After tonight's rain it is to clear off and be nice weather for the remainder of the week. This weekend, aside from being Halloween, is a time for bringing horses to the beach. From what we understand there will be a parade of costumed horse riders on the beach this weekend. Should be interesting.

A Fall Get Away

The fall Maryland State Samboree will be this weekend in Frederick. We will be going in tomorrow so Tom can go golfing on Friday. Sounds like it should be a good weekend as a number of folks from the Traveling Americans are planning to attend. Hope the weather stays nice but according to the forecast rain is expected on Saturday. You might know it, Travis was groomed today- it seems to always rain whenever Travis is freshly groomed.
Our plans are to go to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for several days before heading back up to the Ocean City area of Maryland for a weekend campout with the Traveling Americans. Getting the motorhome ready to go out is time consuming so when we go I much prefer to stay out for a spell.

A Visit to a Veterinary Internist

This morning we took Travis to Towson to be seen by an Internist. The doctor reviewed the information that our vet had forward to him and then examined Travis. The exam did not reveal any obvious problem, possibly a little enlarged liver. It was then recommended that he have an ultrasound done and a needle biopsy done, if indicated at that time. So the ultrasound was done and we were surprised when the needle biopsy was not done. The ultrasound did not show anything grossly abnormal with the liver. The area of the gall bladder indicated some inflammation but no large stones. The recommendation from this point was to have a liver biopsy (not the needle biopsy) or to treat medically and see if the bloodwork shows improvement. We opted to treat medically so we have 3 prescriptions of medications to give to the little guy, one is a veterinarian medication and the other 2 are human meds but at a much lower dosage. Our local Epic pharmacist is able to prepare the medications we need, how lucky!

A Week of Sad News

In the last post I mentioned that a club member of the Traveling Americans had been admitted to the hospital and was not doing well. On Tuesday we learned that Russ Bishop had passed away. He had been fighting a bone cancer for 4 years ever since Tom and I had learned to know him and his wife, Sandy. Russ was a gentle man with a quiet sense of humor. He was someone you could enjoy being around. Today we attended his funeral with many other members of the T.A. club and afterwards another couple in the club invited everyone back to their house for the reception following the funeral. We will all certainly miss Russ. We are hopeful that Sandy will continue to camp with us on our weekends.
We also learned of another dear friend of long standing that has a brain cancer is losing her battle. By email her husband tells us that she is in need of someone to be with her continuously. She was such a fun person with lots of spirit to be around.
Then there is our little buddy, Travis. After having bloodwork done in preparation for removal of a little growth on his eyelid and teeth cleaning there were some enzymes elevated. So further blood work was preformed that indicated something is wrong that involves the liver. We are now scheduled on Monday to take him to an internist for further evauation and a possible ultrasound study. So far he does not have any outward signs of any problems. The eyelid and teeth surgery will be delayed until the problem is diagnosed and it is felt he will be okay having anesthesia.

A Relaxing Weekend

Well another weekend with the Traveling Americans has passed. We camped together this past weekend at Twin Bridges Campground near Chambersburg, Pennsylvannia. It was a small group of 6 RV units. The weather after Friday's cloudy, misty day was near perfect fall weather on Saturday and Sunday. It was nice enough that we ate our meals outdoors, a little chilly for breakfast but we made do. Friday evening 5 couples went out to eat at a restaurant prior to the 6th couple getting to the campground. Saturday morning the host couples furnished a nice continental breakfast. Saturday evening dinner and Sunday morning breakfast we had pot luck. The campground was quiet with a few other campers. Tom and I drove to McConnellsburg on Saturday, traffic was fairly heavy in the area.
Word was received at the campout that a fellow member that has been fighting cancer for several years had been admitted to the hospital and was not doing well. We all had this man and his wife in our thoughts and prayers throughout the weekend.

Mayberry Reunion

Yesterday started out to be a day of uneasiness with Parker's formula problems. Todd did call and report that a co-worker of his was able to obtain some formula at a hospital. We sure hope this little guy soon gets on the formula that will agree with him. Through all this he is gaining weight which is most important.
In the afternoon Tom and I went back to Mayberry for a reunion with folks that have any connection with that little town. It was a real nice afternoon. It has become a yearly event but we never know who might show up from one year to the next. This year a man that was in my class at school was there along with some of his other siblings and their spouses. We had not seen each other since school days. It was great to meet this way. We each bring a dish of food to share and this year fried chicken was provided. In years past we have had burgers and hot dogs. The chicken was a nice change and no one had to stand over grills cooking it.

Worried about Parker

Our grandson, Parker, is having problems with finding a formula that agrees with him. This morning we got a phone call from our son asking us if we could find a store that has Nutramigen AA in stock. This formula is very hard to find and very expensive. We were not successful in our search.

Parker has gotten to a point where he does not want to take a bottle and has us all very concerned. We hope this formula will agree with him and help the poor little guy get settled down and feeling better.

It was a Good Sunday...

Today was a good Sunday. We went to church and afterwards we drove to Columbia, Md where we met Ray and Agnes Elderd, good friends we got to know thru motor homing. We had lunch at Bertucci's and an all too short visit with them.

Beth, Our daughter-in-law, sent us pictures of our grandson's first smile.

From Parker Smiles

He is only a month old, but we can see him growing already. The internet and digital cameras makes sending pictures easy.

Mark Martin won the NASCAR race in New Hampshire. The Ravens win in San Diego and I spent the whole day with my best girl.

Yep, it was a very good Sunday indeed!!

The Weekend Comes to an End

Saturday evening after our potluck dinner we again circled the fire pit for a campfire and conversation. Just wish the mosquitos were better trained!
Sunday morning we had another potluck meal as our breakfast. I especially enjoy these breakfasts. We always seem to have a nice variety of breakfast foods, egg dishes, casseroles, breads and fruits. Tom and I went down to the Bass Pro Shop, north of Richmond, later in the day. There is a really nice restaurant there so we shopped and then we had dinner. After returning to the campground, we sat around talking with others. Later in the evening we had pie and ice cream around the final campfire for this outing.
This morning we had breakfast of ham and cheese on croissants before packing up and heading in various directions. We wanted to get on the road before the traffic got too heavy which we did and arrived home at 1:45pm. Some of the group went south toward Myrtle Beach instead of going home. We would have liked to joined them but appointments and commitments that prevented us from doing so- maybe, next year!

Labor Day Weekend- 2009

Thursday we left home and travelled down into Virginia to a campground south of Fredericksburg to meet up with the Traveling Americans. Our campout officially didn't start until Friday but there were 3 other couples from the group also at the campground on Thursday. For dinner we drove into the town of Bowling Green and ate at the Cafe on Main Street.
Friday the remaining campers of our group arrived making, I believe, 13 units, a real nice group. Again we had to go out to eat, this time at an Italian restarant, Romas, in Bowling Green. Afterwards we returned to sit around a campfire and enjoy one anothers company.
Today Saturday we started with a continental breakfast, provided by the host couple. Then everyone went their own ways doing/going wherever. We stayed at the campground visiting with others that stayed. The weather has been just wonderful. This evening we are having a pot luck dinner. This morning before breakfast I made a peach pie for Sunday evening. Because of the reduced electric (30 amps as opposed to 50) I wanted to make the pie before it became warmer in the day and when I was not cooking other things. Running the microwave along with air conditioning can cause problems. I had made a black bean salad before leaving home to be taken to the pot luck supper tonight.

Maddy Time

Maddy has spent most of the week with us. We seem to have a very busy time whenever she is with us. Monday we had some chores around the house that needed to be attended so we only left the house to go to a produce stand to buy some fresh corn. Tuesday we went to Baltimore for the day. Our first stop was at Fort McHenry where we had a ranger lead tour over the Fort.

From Baltimore 2009 08 25

After eating lunch at the Inner Harbor Food Court area we went to the Science Center for the afternoon. This proved to be more exciting for Maddy as she likes the interactive activities.

From Baltimore 2009 08 25

While there we saw a young man that we thought we recognized as a flight nurse that works with Todd. Tom asked him if he was a flight nurse and sure enough he was. He was there with his children and sister. We spent several hours in the center. Before leaving Baltimore we stopped at a "Rita's" for gelatos. Maddy had never eaten at "Rita's" before but she found the gelato pleasing to her taste.

From Baltimore 2009 08 25

Maddy wanted to return to Cunningham Falls to climb rocks, as we had done one other time, so we tentatively planned to do that on Wednesday. The weather forecast was calling for a real hot day so we all agreed to forego that idea. After checking movie schedules we decided to go to a theater in Gettysburg to see "Shorts". Maddy said it was the best movie she had ever seen. It was cute but certainly not the best I had ever seen- then again I have been around a little longer than Maddy.
Today, Thursday, we went to Frederick to eat lunch at La Paz restaurant, Maddy's request. During lunch Maddy asked if there was a "Rita's" in Frederick. So after lunch we stopped for another gelato. We then travelled down to Leesburg, Virginia where we met Todd to return Maddy. It was a good week.

Todd turns 40

Today is our son's 40th birthday. A day that almost didn't happen except for the actions of his wife, Beth and the emergency medical persons. The system came together and worked as designed to save him from sudden cardiac arrest. We hope and pray that he has at least 40 more birthdays and enjoys many years of good health. Happy Birthday Son, we love you. Mom and Dad.

From Parker 2009 08 22

Back to Virginia

Yesterday we returned to Todd and Beth's house again. Our purpose this time, in addition to seeing grandchildren, was to celebrate Todd's 40th birthday a few days early. It's hard for me to think that Todd will be 40 years old on August 25th. It's also scary to think that he almost left this world in November. We are so thankful for the actions of Beth and the care of the medical care providers.
We had a nice visit. Anthony was home after being away most of the summer with his dad in Massachusetts and then in New York with his grandparents. Maddy was back with Todd for another week and was coming home with us for a few days this week. And baby Parker was just his darling little self.

From Parker 2009 08 22

We had planned to go out to eat but had to wait for the torrential rain to slow up before going out. Todd and Beth's patio was just swamped with water in no time. We finally got away and ate at a Ruby Tuesday's restaurant. When we returned we had cake and sang "Happy Birthday". It was hard putting that baby down and getting ourselves home.
This morning I thought I would have a hard time getting Maddy out of bed in time to go to church but she was up before "Grandpa". After attending early church services we have enjoyed a quiet day home with the possibility of an ice cream trip later this evening.

Annual Physical

Yesterday I got my annual physical for fire fighting and school bus driving.  The physical is paid for by the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association and the School Bus Contractor I sub for.  It is a good exam which covers you from top to bottom.  The hardest part of the exam is the stress test on the tread mill, but the rest of the exam is a piece of cake.

I passed again this year and now have to wait for the blood work results to come back.  Hope all is well in that area also.

Parker

Sunday we return to Virginia to see our grandson, Parker, now that he was home from the hospital. Weighing 6 pounds he is a tiny little boy. Tom and I took turns holding him most of the time we were there. It is so nice that his parents shares him. We have had a great week having Maddy with us in Tennessee and then spending time with less-than-a-week old Parker. Of course,we enjoy being with Todd and Beth as they seem so happy together. Life is good!

From Parker 2009 08 22

Coming Home

This morning we left Staunton about 9am heading for Fredericksburg, Virginia. We arrived in Fredericksburg a little before noon and were able to find a parking place at Mary Washington Hospital. We were here to see our new grandson and to leave Maddy in the care of her dad. Of course, this was Maddy's first chance to see her new brother, she is now an "older sibling"(her words). Once in the hospital room of our daughter-in-law we had to wait for little Parker to be brought back from having a test drive in his car seat, something that was required since he was a few weeks early. He finally arrived after passing his test and we got to ooh and aah all over him. He is such an adorable little guy, all of 6 pounds. He and his mommy were going to be leaving the hospital this afternoon with his daddy and sister, Maddy. We left the hospital and came home. What a day! Grandchildren are just wonderful!

Our Trip is Winding Down

Yesterday, Wednesday, we awoke to rain. What to do in the rain? Maddy had asked about going to Wonder Works when we first got to the Pigeon Forge area. Wonder Works is in a building that appears to be upside down and has interactive activities to entertain you. So with a rainy morning we went to Wonder Works where we were entertained for several hours. As we were leaving this place the rain stopped and the sun was out. We went to Gatlinburg for lunch and then to the Sugarlands Ranger Station of the Smoky Mountains National Park. We had planned to watch the movie but as we were waiting for the next showing it was announced that a ranger program- Do You Want To Be A Scientist- was to start. The program was aimed at kids and Maddy wanted to participate. So we followed a ranger to an area behind the ranger station and were given equipment to find bugs in the park. After finding the bugs the ranger helped to identify them. The bugs were then set free.
This morning, Thursday, we left Tennessee and headed north through Virginia. We are staying in a campground in Staunton. Tomorrow we will continue to Fredericksburg or Stafford to return Maddy to her daddy and see our new grandson.