A Surprise for Maddie

With Maddie gone to the Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL, Shawna wanted to tackle her room.  For quite sometime Maddie has been needing some way to store and display some of her things.  She had a large desk with a hutch but it had become a dumping ground for so many of the things that did not have a 'home'.  So, we spent about 2 and a half days working like the HGTV show, "Mission Organzation", making her room a place a beautiful space to come home to!

I wish I had taken a 'before' photo but alas, I did not.  So, I leave it to your imagination that the transformation was indeed a wonderful thing.  Since Maddie has so many tee shirts from various sources (volleyball, track, school, etc.) giving her adequate storage for them was her first objective and secondly she needed a place to display items such as her trophies, Elvis collection, various track metals and teenage 'girl stuff'.

We started by completly empting the desk onto the bed, and removing the desk from her room.  Next, Shawna purchased 5 'six-cubed' shelving units, which we all, Grandpa, Shawna and me all worked at putting together.   Maddie had been wanting to display some of the art work Shawna and Davis had done for her, so those were placed on the wall in and around the cubicles. 

On the other side of the room, the desk was removed as she always does her homework downstairs.  Dale installed 5 shelves that Shawna had on her 'one of these days project' list.  Dale put up all the shelves and Shawna created a nice little reading nook by relocating the chair in her room.

Lastly, she had a couple of bulletin boards above her bed that were overflowing with her sports ribbons and momentos from her sporting events.  For her age she is very accomplished in Volleyball and Track.  We repositioned the bulletin boards and Dale put in the 'coat hooks' as an easy and accessible was to display her arrary of metals.  Above the dresser Dale installed yet another shelf.  We also put up tiebacks for the drapes.  So, the unfinished room is now a comfortable and functional space. 

Needless to say, Maddie was totally shocked when she returned home from her trip last night.  She LOVES it and was quite speechless when she saw it!  So, Mom, Grandma and Grandpa, a job well done. And for Maddie a well deserved "thanks for being a great young lady"!!

"Someday" finally arrived!

After a year and a half of selling off funiture, hauling loads of things to donation, and basically thinning out our belongings, we got down to the last several very busy weeks of getting ourselves ready to launch out on our adventure and actually hit the road.

Early in February, after selling the condo we have lived in for 5 years, we moved back across the hall to the smaller condo that we have kept to rent out.   With housing pricing being down, we decided to hang on to it and wait for prices to come back up a bit. 

It seemed that each day we had so much to do.  I had 40+years of photos to sort while Dale had several last minute modifications in the trailer he was tryng to complete.  He has added a few extra shelves for me which has helped immensely in the kitchen area.

April 1st, we moved the 5th wheel from the storage area to a trailer park with hookups so we could get all our things moved in. We set a target date of April 9th to leave.  We had wanted to get our condo rented before we left Denver but decided we would turn it over to our realtor if we did not get it rented ourselves.

God's timing is always the best!  That week of April 5th a very nice couple came to look at our condo and after checking all their references, we were signing a rental contract the day before we wanted to leave Denver.  Writing about it makes it seem so simple, but each day leading up to our departure was long, tiring and stressful.  We could not wait to get on the road just to have some time to rest from all the pre-trip activities.

As it turned out, we did not quite make the Friday, April 9th departure but instead ended up leaving on April 11th.  We wanted to go to Dodge City, KS but instead only made it to Garden City, KS (333 miles) before we were ready to call it a day.  We found a Super Walmart and joined 2 other RVer's who were 'boondocking' there.  (Boondocking is the term used to describe parking somewhere other than a designated campsite and using your self-contained capabilities.)  We parked the rig and went in to ask if we could spend the night.  They were very receptive and hospitable.  So, we spent our first night on the road in a Walmart parking lot!  See their big blue sign in the background?

The next morning we headed out for Kaw Lake near Ponca City, OK.  We arrived at a Corp of Engineers Campground called Coon Creek Campground (315 miles) and settled in for our 3 night stay of R & R.  It was so nice to be at a relaxed pace after all the hub-bub of leaving Denver.  Our campsite afforded us a wonderful view of the lake.  Here is my view out the back 5th wheel living room window............

And, as usual, always tinkering and fixing something, .........here was Dale's view...........
 

Seriously, he did not spend all his time fixing and constructing.  Our second morning there, Dale got up early and surprised me with hot tea.  He had turned our chairs towards the back window and we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise coming up over Kaw Lake.

One morning Dale and I were taking a walk around the campground road when we passed a guy pulling a boat.  In the boat were two other guys.  I kiddingly asked if they were enjoying the ride in their convertible?  Dale asked if they had any luck.  That was the only invitation they needed.  The driver stopped and hollered back, "Show um the big one Kevin!"  They pulled a big ole fighting catfish up out of the tub they had on board! 

The guy in the striped shirt is actually the one who caught it.  Kaw Lake is known for its big catfish.  This year they passed a regulation that you can only take one 'cat' over 30" per person, per day.  Tough rule, huh?

We spent our couple of days there just enjoying the quiet and getting settled in our new living space.  Neither one of us could quite grasp that we had REALLY done it.  We are now 'full-timers' with a 'little house' and a 'big yard' and we can change that view at any time!   This is a concept in living that is entirely new to us.

Our First Lesson Learned On the Road: After traveling two days of driving over 300 miles we found that it takes a bit longer to travel with a 5th wheel than in a car.  So, in order not to arrive stressed, crabby and tired, we are going to make it a rule to drive no futher that 200 miles in one day.  It makes sense, what's the hurry?

Thursday, April 15th we drove the 210 miles into Fayetteville, AR where the our daughter, Shawna and her family were awaiting our arrival.  We backed our 5th wheel into the rocked area at the back of their property.  The next day we helped Shawna get ready for the birthday party/sleepover she had planned for Haydn.   Maddie flew out of Tulsa with a group from school for a Leadership Conference. 

Tonight, Sunday, the boys came over to the 5th wheel for a visit before they went in to go to bed.  It was nice, what all grandparents long to experience!

6 Days in Paradise

We certainly do live in the jet age.  After a 4 hour flight we went from THIS beautiful seaside resort in Cancun, Mexico.......

TO THIS!!


We recently retuned home from a wonderful 5 night trip to the Secrets Resort at Maroma Beach 30 miles south of Cancun, Mexico.   February 18th we left the cold behind and enjoyed living in the lap of luxury for 6 days in Paradise.  Our son, Jeff, invited us to join him on a well earned trip sponsored by Consoldated Supply, one of the suppliers for his construction business.  In spite of it being a very difficult year for Coate Builders, he managed to meet the purchase quota to be rewarded with this all expenses paid, all inclusive trip to Cancun.   Since we have a vested interest in the business we qualified to go along for the ride.  And what a ride it was! 

We were treated royally.  Our flight from Denver took us into Phoenix, AZ where we were greeted by a representative of the travel agency who planned the event.  There we met up with Jeff, and  the rest of the group from the Northwest, to fly on to Cancun.  There were about 200 of us in all.

The resort is hidden away in the jungles of Mexico.  They shuttled us by bus on a very nice highway from the airport to the resort.  Even when you got close you didn't realize it because it is still about a 6 minute drive back in from the main road.  The  photo to the right is the view from the main building looking down the center.  The buildings housing the 412 rooms are located on either side of this main walkway.  The curvy lines on the right of the walkway is a shallow water feature that is lighted up at night.







Our suite had everything a body could want.  It came equipped with a  king size bed, a large screen TV, 24 hour room service, a fully stocked wet bar, a jaccuzi tub, bathrobes, slippers, a beautiful view and more!

One of the highlights of the visit was our day trip to the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins.  It was a 2 hour bus ride from the resort to the ruins location.  Very nice road but the scenery from the window is miles and miles of jungle!  On the way we stopped at this 'sink hole' where some of the Mayan people greet and sell items to the tourists.   Photo above: A picture does not do it justice but you can get a perspective of the size if you can find the man on the left of the pool getting ready to dive in.  The tour guide pointed out how tourism has given so much to the Mayan people in the way of sustaining themselves.  He said they are a very industrious people and you will never see them begging in the streets.   It is said that the Mayan's civilization disappeared but they are still in Mexico.  The Mayan's have a very distinct look about them.  They are very different from the Mexican in that they are smaller in stature and have almond shaped eyes.  The women traditionally wear beautifully embroidered dresses.  Left: This young lady was handing out keys to the dressing room lockers.

Our next stop was the Chichen Itza Ruins site.  There are countless opinions and speculations about the Mayan civilation and one can only guess which stories are true.  But, we do know that because of its grandeur, in July 2007 it was listed among the "New Seven Wonders of the World".  The photos cannot begin to convey the size and magnitude of these structures.  When you think that they were constucted about 500 AD it is mind boggling.  Again, you can get a feel for the size by looking at the people in the foreground. There is so much more to see than the camera eye can take in.   The photo on the left is the main attraction and the one on the right is a photo of part of the Market Place.

The Mayans were a very advanced civilization.  Above left is a shot of the observatory and on the right is one of the  many detailed carvings at the Ball Court, which is a large open rectangular sports center.

Our visit there really peaked our curiosity and made us want to read and investigate more into these facinating people and places.

And then there was the food!  Each day the big decision was what and where to eat that evening.  The resort offered several beautiful 5 star restaurants to choose from.  While there, we enjoyed Italian, Pan Asian, French, seafood and steak.  The night before we left we ate French cuisine (photo right) at the Bordeaux.  And, keep in mind EVERYTHING, including tips, was paid for by Consolidated Supply!  The only thing we had to pay for was our day trip to Chichen Itza.

They also had shows each evening.  We attended a Circus Cirque one evening,and went to see the movie "Avatar" another. 

It truly was 6 days in Paradise!  And thus ended a spectacular trip to remember!

Oh, by the way.  In case you do not recognize him, that really is Dale in the photo with me.  He's just gone wild on me!  :o)

Mixed Emotions

It's empty!  Well, today the new owner is moving into our 'former' place of abode in unit 102.  She is a very nice lady who is moving from Iowa to Colorado to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law.  Her son tells us she is leaving a 'boyfriend' behind in her little home town with TWO stop signs.  And, we thought this city of 260,000 was an adjustment for us!  :o)  But, she is a very social lady and I think she will enjoy all the activities offered here in Heather Gardens.

Our mixed emtions come from the fact that we put a great deal of work into this place when we purchased it in 2005.  We spent 3 1/2 months fixing it up.  We took it from a very dated 1970's look with lots of wallpaper and dark dingy cabinets to a bright and airy living space.  In addition to all new paint, we completely gutted the place removing and replacing all the carpeting, cabinets and appliances.

 It has been a great place to live but we are looking forward to life in the slow lane.  So, as long as our health holds out, we are moving on to other adventures.   I am getting excited to 'journal' and share with you all about our life on the road.

Another Step Closer to Our Fulltime Goal

Well, as usual, I have been busy and have not reported our latest news.  We received quite the Christmas present when December 26, 2009 we received news that our counter offer was accepted and our place, #102, was officially SOLD!  As home ownership for us comes to an end, I have to say, we have really enjoyed the fruits of our labor living in the place we spent so much time remodeling.  Thankfully, the closing date is February 3, 2010 and we have had plenty of time to sort and sell more furniture and household items.  With the closing in 6 days, we are on the home stretch.  Tomorrow, we have a 'living room sale' planned where we hope we have several people come and buy the remaining odds and ends we have left.  Anything left will go to the Disabled American Veteran's chairty.

Meanwhile we have moved to our other unit across the hall to plan and await the exit of old man winter and our March departure.  This place, #103, was rented out but it is now vacant.  Not only has it made our transition easier  by giving us a place to 'camp out' but we also have some work we would like to do on it before we put it up for rent again.  It needs some paint as well as Dale will be laying down laminate flooring in the entry and dining room area.  I also have the task of condensing our office files to a small file box that we can easily carry on the road with us.  And then there is the 40 years of photos we need to sort through.  It is amazing how they have accumulated.  (I keep telling myself that it can't be that bad if I just remember we only need one photo, not 8,  of the kid blowing out their birthday candles.)  For the current generation, the digital age is making photo memories a lot easier.  No more closet full of photos.  Years and years of photo memories can be carried around in your pocket on a "flashdrive". 

I took the big step and turned in my resignation at the library this week.  I have mixed feelings about it.  On one hand, it will be very nice not to be strapped to the work schedule but I will miss the library and the ladies I work with.  I have worked for the Aurora Public Library for almost 5 years.  We have many things ahead of us that a work schedule will not allow me to do.

It is almost surreal that each day brings our dream of being able to move into our 5th wheel for fulltime living and the adventures it will hold.

The Compliment

While shopping the other day at Sally's Beauty Supply, Dale and I were being helped by an older lady in her 70's.   I was trying to decide on some items to buy to get my wild hair under control.  After many, many years of wearing it short I decided I would try to let it grow out a little and it did not take long for it to start driving me crazy.  While discussing different products Dale and I bantered and joked back and forth, as we sometimes do.  The sales lady observing us asked us if we were married.  Not really understanding what she was getting at, we answered, "Yes, almost 40 years now."   She told us that by the way we conversed with one another she thought we may have been boyfriend and girlfriend. 

Without knowing it, she paid us a wonderful compliment.  Many times I have observed couples, as well as parents and children, in public speaking to one another very hurtful and disrespectfully. As Christians, we need to be aware of the way we speak to the sales people as well as one another.  We never know whose life we may influence.

Excited again! Aurora, CO

How quickly things can change.  In my last entry I was bummed because the scheduled showing of our condo had been canceled.  But, since then, another showing was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19th.  We were waiting anxiously to hear the 'feedback' from the realtor and low and behold the same realtor has scheduled a second viewing for tomorrow, Dec. 22nd!  This could be good!  We never would have dreamed that we would get any activity the week of Christmas!

Meanwhile, I don't believe I mentioned that we sold our '96 Lincoln about 3 weeks ago.   We now have the Dodge truck as our only vehicle.  So far, it hasn't been too inconvenient.  Especially on the days I work at Iliff Square Library as it is only a couple miles from home.  Dale just drops me at work on the days he might need the truck.

Our trailer is still in the shop awaiting parts to fix the awning.  The new tires for it are in so we will be taking the trailer from Camping World directly to the tire shop.  After that is done, Dale has a few more things to do while he still has the wood shop here in Heather Gardens available for use.  Another step closer!

As Christmas approaches it seems odd for us to be all alone again.  This will be the second time in the past few years that Dale and I will spend Christmas day alone.  The past two years my sister Marie and her husband, Gerald flew us up to Worland to spend the holidays with them.  Unfortunately, I have to work the day after Christmas and did not make plans soon enough to take the day off.      :o(   But, it could work out that we get to spend the day with some good friends who will find themselves all alone for the first time this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!