Howdy everyone.
Yes, the vacation is over and it is back to normal life for the Frantz clan. That is if you can call anything they do as normal. Almost everything that has happen to the Happy Couple the past 3 weeks has been great. There was one bump in the road that kind of messed things up, but by their standards everything was good.
To get the hiccup out of the way first, on the 21st of last month Shari took her normal trip to Washington to see her folks. On the return trip it was raining rather hard but, since she was anxious to get back to Mount Pleasant to be with her husband, (If you believe that statement, I have some ocean front property in Arkansas for sale) she continued on her way. Just west of Ainsworth, with a truck following her and raining hard, she was suddenly spinning around and around in the road, coming to a stop on the westbound shoulder. She first thought she had hydroplaned until a young man came running to the car apologizing for hitting her and wanted to know if she was hurt. She had a bump on her head, was checked out by EMT's and was declared okay, except for the black eye she had for a few days. The kid said he passed the truck behind Shari and, due to water spray from the truck and Shari's car, did not see her when he pulled back in and clipped the rear of her car, putting her into a spin. Fortunately, she did not go in the ditch and there was no oncoming traffic. The condition of the car - TOTALED. As was an antique lamp and a couple of antique vases that were in the trunk. Thank goodness her golf clubs survived. Now my buddy Dave gets to go car shopping. That should be interesting to see what he comes up with. A couple friends committed that, since she did such a great job of keeping the car on the road, she should drive on the NASCAR circuit. I don't think that will happen. If she did she would have to hire someone to keep an eye on my buddy Dave.
The trip to Wisconsin and northeast Iowa was great. Great friends, great weather, great campgrounds, and way too much toddy time and food. There were a few times during toddy time that Moe and I just went back inside the house. We just couldn't take it any more. Ken and Judy's dog, Fletcher, wouldn't even come out. He's smarter than I thought. And they call these people adults. I'm sure Moe gained a couple of pounds and the Village Idiot, about a ton. He eat all the time we were gone. He must have thought he was a big old bear and needed to store up for winter. I'm not going to commit on how much weight anyone else gained. I want them to remain friends.
Now it's back to the daily grind at Crossroads RV Park for another 3 weeks. Shari and Dave have doctors appointments on Nov. 1 and after that, who knows. I keep asking Stupid where we are going this winter and his response - "I don't have a clue". It should be a fun winter. Shari's dad is starting to slip a little so I imagine that will have a lot to do with where and when.
We did make a family trip to Cedar Rapids one afternoon last week. Moe, Shari, and Dave all needed haircuts so I had to go along to navigate and coordinate everything. I was afraid Stupid would forget to pick Moe back up after her appointment. Moe got a little grumpy about getting trimmed but she looked just ravishing when it was all over. At the minimum, I can see her eyes now. I think that yappy thing is starting to grow on me.
The Happy Couple made a couple trips to West Burlington over the past weekend. Luke had a football game Saturday afternoon but results weren't as good as the should have been. He is going to give it another try tomorrow afternoon. It was back to West Burlington yesterday afternoon. Emma had a couple of softball games. The record was one and one when that was over. Good job Luke and Emma.
I suppose I better get off of here. Stupid will be home soon for lunch. I don't know which of you is charge of weather, but, who ever it is, you are doing a great job. It even makes Dave in a better mood. The down side is, I think he snores louder on these cool nights.
Have a good one. I'll get back to you when I can.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Tag
A quaint little drinking couple with a camping problem!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The where abouts and other meaningless things!
Howdy everyone. It has been a couple of weeks and I thought it was about time for an update.
The happy couple are still residents of Crossroads RV Park and my hero, Dave, is still doing his thing being the "host with the most". Shari is still doing her thing, keeping "the host with the most" in line. Work at the park has been kind of busy here lately. Labor Day weekend was Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant and the RV park was full for a week. Then last week there was a 17 unit Winnebago club in town so they pretty well filled up the park again. Everyone was happy. Dave was happy because he had something to keep him occupied. Shari was happy because Dave had something to keep him occupied. Moe was happy because she had lots of people and dogs to bark at. And I was happy because they were all out of the house.
We have had some friends stop by occasionally. Ken and Judy Weinreich were over from Burlington one evening during Old Threshers and the four of them went downtown to do some shopping (the women shopped, the men complained). Then after toddy time here at home they took a road trip to Mt. Hamil for chicken. Anything to get them out of the house. Then the next Wednesday Jeff and Cathy Rucker came over and Dave did some cooking to the grill. Bloody Mary burgers and baked beans. From the smell of things in the house the next morning, the beans must have been delicious. On Saturday, 9/11, Tony and Shirley Bata and Shirley's dad Bob came down from CR to watch the Iowa/Iowa State football game and The Head Chef (The Village Idiot) made chili and cornbread in the dutch oven. Nobody got sick so it must have turned out okay.
The Happy Couple have been celebrating and crying over their beloved Hawkeyes. Celebrated big victories over Eastern Illinois and the dreaded Iowa State Cy-clowns and then a devastating loss to Arizona. Oh well, wait till next year. (Now I'm starting to sound like a Cub fan.) Next up is Ball State. We are all hoping for a victory or the HAPPY COUPLE may not be so happy.
We did go on a short road trip last week. The Old House is still doing its thing. Earlier this summer the thermostat in the oven quit working (Shari didn't like baking cakes at 600 degrees.) so that got to be replaced. Then the refrigerator quit working so, after a couple of trips to Bowling RV in Ottumwa, Dave and Shari are the proud owners of a brand new refrigerator cooling unit. Dave is changing the name of the trailer from Montana Big Sky to Montana F.R.O.M. (Fix Or Repair Monthly). Sometimes he doesn't say very nice things about our home.
We are going on a longer road trip this Friday. Mark and Beth Steingreaber, Ken and Judy Weinreich, Ed and Deb Romeo, Al and Pam Hirschman, and our happy little family are taking a road trip for 9 nights into southwestern Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Moe can hardly wait for toddy time. I can hardly wait. Campfires and story telling every evening. My favorite time of the year. Sometimes you don't want to believe everything you hear at toddy time. The Happy Couple are looking forward to a little time away before they dive into their last month of work at Crossroads. Where has the summer gone?
I suppose I better get off the computer. Stupid is about to get off work and will be coming home. I'll give you an update later as to how the "VACATION" went. Until then just keep cheering everyones favorite cheer. "LET'S GO HAWKS" "LET'S GO HAWKS" "LET'S GO HAWKS"
As always,
Tag
The happy couple are still residents of Crossroads RV Park and my hero, Dave, is still doing his thing being the "host with the most". Shari is still doing her thing, keeping "the host with the most" in line. Work at the park has been kind of busy here lately. Labor Day weekend was Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant and the RV park was full for a week. Then last week there was a 17 unit Winnebago club in town so they pretty well filled up the park again. Everyone was happy. Dave was happy because he had something to keep him occupied. Shari was happy because Dave had something to keep him occupied. Moe was happy because she had lots of people and dogs to bark at. And I was happy because they were all out of the house.
We have had some friends stop by occasionally. Ken and Judy Weinreich were over from Burlington one evening during Old Threshers and the four of them went downtown to do some shopping (the women shopped, the men complained). Then after toddy time here at home they took a road trip to Mt. Hamil for chicken. Anything to get them out of the house. Then the next Wednesday Jeff and Cathy Rucker came over and Dave did some cooking to the grill. Bloody Mary burgers and baked beans. From the smell of things in the house the next morning, the beans must have been delicious. On Saturday, 9/11, Tony and Shirley Bata and Shirley's dad Bob came down from CR to watch the Iowa/Iowa State football game and The Head Chef (The Village Idiot) made chili and cornbread in the dutch oven. Nobody got sick so it must have turned out okay.
The Happy Couple have been celebrating and crying over their beloved Hawkeyes. Celebrated big victories over Eastern Illinois and the dreaded Iowa State Cy-clowns and then a devastating loss to Arizona. Oh well, wait till next year. (Now I'm starting to sound like a Cub fan.) Next up is Ball State. We are all hoping for a victory or the HAPPY COUPLE may not be so happy.
We did go on a short road trip last week. The Old House is still doing its thing. Earlier this summer the thermostat in the oven quit working (Shari didn't like baking cakes at 600 degrees.) so that got to be replaced. Then the refrigerator quit working so, after a couple of trips to Bowling RV in Ottumwa, Dave and Shari are the proud owners of a brand new refrigerator cooling unit. Dave is changing the name of the trailer from Montana Big Sky to Montana F.R.O.M. (Fix Or Repair Monthly). Sometimes he doesn't say very nice things about our home.
We are going on a longer road trip this Friday. Mark and Beth Steingreaber, Ken and Judy Weinreich, Ed and Deb Romeo, Al and Pam Hirschman, and our happy little family are taking a road trip for 9 nights into southwestern Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Moe can hardly wait for toddy time. I can hardly wait. Campfires and story telling every evening. My favorite time of the year. Sometimes you don't want to believe everything you hear at toddy time. The Happy Couple are looking forward to a little time away before they dive into their last month of work at Crossroads. Where has the summer gone?
I suppose I better get off the computer. Stupid is about to get off work and will be coming home. I'll give you an update later as to how the "VACATION" went. Until then just keep cheering everyones favorite cheer. "LET'S GO HAWKS" "LET'S GO HAWKS" "LET'S GO HAWKS"
As always,
Tag
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Tailgate Practice!
Hello and how is everyone doing today. Miss Moe and I just love this cooler, and much less humid, weather. Moe likes it because she can be outside and see what is going on in the campground. I like is because the big guy is outside which leaves me in charge of the house. Life just doesn't get any better than this.
I would imagine you are anxiously awaiting the results of the TAILGATE PRACTICE. It is a good thing it was scheduled because it sure was needed. I didn't know adults (?) could get so out of shape. The practice was held near a small pond off Trail Bend Dr. in the rural Swisher, IA neighborhood where Ed and Carol Hawkins live. Normally a practice would be held on the same playing field as the actual game but nobody thought the good people of the First Mennonite Church in Iowa City (or the local police officers) would appreciate this informal workout. The workout was attended by Ed and Carol, Les and Sherry Minor, Mike and Kathi Benner, Brian and Sue Aubrecht, Ken and Jean Frauenholz, Lavon and Nancy Rutt, and, of course, the Happy Couple, along with Moe and me. The idea behind the Tailgate Practice was to make sure the right amount of snacks were available and prepared correctly, the fire pit was lit properly and the wood was burning brightly, the charcoal was brought to the proper temperature before cooking, the brats and burgers were prepared and cooked correctly, the football was tossed at the correct distance with the right amount of spin, the bloody marys were made correctly, and the proper amount of beer was available and served at the proper temperature. All of this plus to assure no tall tails were told, no dirt storys came from the lips of the first team, and no one got out of line. The results you ask. The practice was a success because if this group had gone into the first game in the shape they were in, the season may have been a complete failure.
The Happy Couple's day started when Dave went to work and Shari left Mount Pleasant at 8:30 AM to drive to Saddleback Golf Course near Solon to play golf in the annual classic, locally known as the Lady Jane Invitational. Upon arriving at the course at 10:00 AM Shari promptly joined the other contestants in a fast round of Bloody Marys. Then it was off to the golf course. In the mean time, Dave is still working. Shari had a successful day on the course as her team (Ex-neighbor Jan, sister-in-law Peg, and friend Becky) tied for first place and Shari won a new car. While Shari was playing golf, Dave was back in Mount Pleasant finishing work, preparing food for the evening, packing coolers, loading the pickup, putting Moe and me into said pickup, and driving to Swisher. After golf the participants of the Lady Jane Invitational sat in the clubhouse and had a round or two of adult beverages. Meanwhile Dave was still preparing for Tailgate Practice.
Tailgate Practice started promptly at 6:00 PM with all participates arriving on time. But things went downhill in a hurry. Oh, the fire pit was burning brightly, the beer was the correct temperature, and Dave had the baked beans cooked on time. (Have you ever tried to cook beans on a grill? Stupid cooks them on the grate where normal people would put them in a pan and then put the pan on the grate. Oh well.) Anyway, as I was saying, things did not go as planned. Shortly after everyone arrived it started flowing. The adult beverages and the bull s---. And as the amount of beverages increased, the stories got to be taller. Finally Moe and I had to put on our boots. It was just getting too deep. The pond even started to flow over the dam. The group had way too many, but delicious, snack, The beer was served at proper temperature but, again, way too much. The charcoal was lit but the person in charge forgot about the coals and let them get burn down quite low before starting to cook the brats and burgers. Bloody Marys were not served, and the football never made it out of the car. About 9:30 everyone wisely decided enough was enough and went their merry ways. Fortunately for Moe, Shari, and I, we stayed at Ed and Carol's as did Mike and Kathi. Upon arriving at the Hawkins mansion, Ed, Mike, and Stupid decided one last thing was missing. That is when the schnapps bottle came out. Folks, it wasn't pretty. The next morning it was unanimous that some amongst the group may have been over served. Therefore, I consider the Tailgate Practice a huge success. All concerned now know moderation is best. That is why you have things like Tailgate Practice. To learn your limits and stick to them. The Tailgaters won't remember it next time, but at least they knew it on Saturday morning.
While I was sitting here writing this, I just saw where Zach Johnson is tied for first in a golf tournament. That a way Zach. Beat poor old Tiger.
Things are really happening in Mount Pleasant this week. Old Threshers Reunion is going on and the town is full. So is the campground. The brain surgeon has been putting in a lot of hours which means more money for dog food for Moe and more peace and quite for Shari and I as he is out of the house. You got to love it. Unfortunately, things will be back to normal next Tuesday. Speaking of back to normal, I see where the Cubs and Dodgers are doing their normal end of the year charge. Charge towards last place that is. The Happy Couple aren't to happy about that situation. Oh well, wait till next year.
Dave and Shari are all ready for Hawkeye football. They got their flag out on the side of the house and have their best Hawkeye apparel ready. They don't go to games anymore. They have decided it is just to expensive and too much of a hassle. They just stay home and watch the games on the big screen. I think they are just getting old but don't tell them I said that.
I guess this will do for the Tailgate Practice update. I know you thought it was strange when I mentioned it last time but now you see why it was dearly needed. This may get to be an annual thing. Who knows.
As the Happy Couple always say "Wine a bit. You'll feel better."
As always,
Tag
I would imagine you are anxiously awaiting the results of the TAILGATE PRACTICE. It is a good thing it was scheduled because it sure was needed. I didn't know adults (?) could get so out of shape. The practice was held near a small pond off Trail Bend Dr. in the rural Swisher, IA neighborhood where Ed and Carol Hawkins live. Normally a practice would be held on the same playing field as the actual game but nobody thought the good people of the First Mennonite Church in Iowa City (or the local police officers) would appreciate this informal workout. The workout was attended by Ed and Carol, Les and Sherry Minor, Mike and Kathi Benner, Brian and Sue Aubrecht, Ken and Jean Frauenholz, Lavon and Nancy Rutt, and, of course, the Happy Couple, along with Moe and me. The idea behind the Tailgate Practice was to make sure the right amount of snacks were available and prepared correctly, the fire pit was lit properly and the wood was burning brightly, the charcoal was brought to the proper temperature before cooking, the brats and burgers were prepared and cooked correctly, the football was tossed at the correct distance with the right amount of spin, the bloody marys were made correctly, and the proper amount of beer was available and served at the proper temperature. All of this plus to assure no tall tails were told, no dirt storys came from the lips of the first team, and no one got out of line. The results you ask. The practice was a success because if this group had gone into the first game in the shape they were in, the season may have been a complete failure.
The Happy Couple's day started when Dave went to work and Shari left Mount Pleasant at 8:30 AM to drive to Saddleback Golf Course near Solon to play golf in the annual classic, locally known as the Lady Jane Invitational. Upon arriving at the course at 10:00 AM Shari promptly joined the other contestants in a fast round of Bloody Marys. Then it was off to the golf course. In the mean time, Dave is still working. Shari had a successful day on the course as her team (Ex-neighbor Jan, sister-in-law Peg, and friend Becky) tied for first place and Shari won a new car. While Shari was playing golf, Dave was back in Mount Pleasant finishing work, preparing food for the evening, packing coolers, loading the pickup, putting Moe and me into said pickup, and driving to Swisher. After golf the participants of the Lady Jane Invitational sat in the clubhouse and had a round or two of adult beverages. Meanwhile Dave was still preparing for Tailgate Practice.
Tailgate Practice started promptly at 6:00 PM with all participates arriving on time. But things went downhill in a hurry. Oh, the fire pit was burning brightly, the beer was the correct temperature, and Dave had the baked beans cooked on time. (Have you ever tried to cook beans on a grill? Stupid cooks them on the grate where normal people would put them in a pan and then put the pan on the grate. Oh well.) Anyway, as I was saying, things did not go as planned. Shortly after everyone arrived it started flowing. The adult beverages and the bull s---. And as the amount of beverages increased, the stories got to be taller. Finally Moe and I had to put on our boots. It was just getting too deep. The pond even started to flow over the dam. The group had way too many, but delicious, snack, The beer was served at proper temperature but, again, way too much. The charcoal was lit but the person in charge forgot about the coals and let them get burn down quite low before starting to cook the brats and burgers. Bloody Marys were not served, and the football never made it out of the car. About 9:30 everyone wisely decided enough was enough and went their merry ways. Fortunately for Moe, Shari, and I, we stayed at Ed and Carol's as did Mike and Kathi. Upon arriving at the Hawkins mansion, Ed, Mike, and Stupid decided one last thing was missing. That is when the schnapps bottle came out. Folks, it wasn't pretty. The next morning it was unanimous that some amongst the group may have been over served. Therefore, I consider the Tailgate Practice a huge success. All concerned now know moderation is best. That is why you have things like Tailgate Practice. To learn your limits and stick to them. The Tailgaters won't remember it next time, but at least they knew it on Saturday morning.
While I was sitting here writing this, I just saw where Zach Johnson is tied for first in a golf tournament. That a way Zach. Beat poor old Tiger.
Things are really happening in Mount Pleasant this week. Old Threshers Reunion is going on and the town is full. So is the campground. The brain surgeon has been putting in a lot of hours which means more money for dog food for Moe and more peace and quite for Shari and I as he is out of the house. You got to love it. Unfortunately, things will be back to normal next Tuesday. Speaking of back to normal, I see where the Cubs and Dodgers are doing their normal end of the year charge. Charge towards last place that is. The Happy Couple aren't to happy about that situation. Oh well, wait till next year.
Dave and Shari are all ready for Hawkeye football. They got their flag out on the side of the house and have their best Hawkeye apparel ready. They don't go to games anymore. They have decided it is just to expensive and too much of a hassle. They just stay home and watch the games on the big screen. I think they are just getting old but don't tell them I said that.
I guess this will do for the Tailgate Practice update. I know you thought it was strange when I mentioned it last time but now you see why it was dearly needed. This may get to be an annual thing. Who knows.
As the Happy Couple always say "Wine a bit. You'll feel better."
As always,
Tag
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The second beginning.
Hello friends, it is me again. I know this is not where you usually see me but I had to make a change in how I updated you on the goings and comings of the Frantz clan. You see, my best buddy, STUPID, started tweaking the Trip Journal and messed it up. I sent an update in June and I don't think anyone received it. Anyway, I have started a blog using Google and am now broadcasting world wide. As time goes on, I will be adding things to the blog such as a map of our location, pictures, and other exciting things.
We are still located in Mount Pleasant, IA at Crossroads RV Park. Jeff and Linda (the park owners) haven't kicked Dave out yet so it looks like we are going to make it through the summer. Dave and Shari have a contract to work as camp host until October 31. We will see if they can make it that long.
Shari gets up to Washington a couple times a week and both John and Betty (her folks) seem to be doing pretty well. Shari and her brother John worked and got the house sold in Crawfordsville. That has taken a lot of pressure off the two of them. "Did Dave help?" you ask. No, not much. He thought he had a supervisory role. I think Moe was more help.
Speaking of Moe, she is doing just fine. She is starting to really get into this "camp host" gig. She thinks she is the official "meet and greet" dog. She just loves to get into the office and, when someone comes into register, she loves to jump on them and give them kisses. Not everyone appreciates it like Moe does. When the Village Idiot takes her for a walk she greets anyone that is sitting outside. She is even starting to tolerate other dogs. Maybe next year, she can have the Camp Host job and we will put a collar and leash on Dave. How does that sound?
Tomorrow, the family is going to Swisher for a Iowa Tailgate practice. The Hawkins clan is hosting it at the pond where they live. I have never actually heard of a Iowa Tailgate practice before, but it should be interesting to hear the tales. I'll keep you posted on that one.
I guess that will be enough for this evening. Have a great weekend and I will return in the near future.
As the Happy Couple's motto goes "Wine A Bit. You'll Feel Better."
As always,
Tag
We are still located in Mount Pleasant, IA at Crossroads RV Park. Jeff and Linda (the park owners) haven't kicked Dave out yet so it looks like we are going to make it through the summer. Dave and Shari have a contract to work as camp host until October 31. We will see if they can make it that long.
Shari gets up to Washington a couple times a week and both John and Betty (her folks) seem to be doing pretty well. Shari and her brother John worked and got the house sold in Crawfordsville. That has taken a lot of pressure off the two of them. "Did Dave help?" you ask. No, not much. He thought he had a supervisory role. I think Moe was more help.
Speaking of Moe, she is doing just fine. She is starting to really get into this "camp host" gig. She thinks she is the official "meet and greet" dog. She just loves to get into the office and, when someone comes into register, she loves to jump on them and give them kisses. Not everyone appreciates it like Moe does. When the Village Idiot takes her for a walk she greets anyone that is sitting outside. She is even starting to tolerate other dogs. Maybe next year, she can have the Camp Host job and we will put a collar and leash on Dave. How does that sound?
Tomorrow, the family is going to Swisher for a Iowa Tailgate practice. The Hawkins clan is hosting it at the pond where they live. I have never actually heard of a Iowa Tailgate practice before, but it should be interesting to hear the tales. I'll keep you posted on that one.
I guess that will be enough for this evening. Have a great weekend and I will return in the near future.
As the Happy Couple's motto goes "Wine A Bit. You'll Feel Better."
As always,
Tag
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