Sunday, January 5, 2020

Sky Brown Comes for a Visit

Sky Brown Comes for a Visit

Kids got to hang out with Olympian and dancing with the stars junior champ Sky Brown and her family! Awesome time with people spreading good vibes and stoke!

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (101)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (101)

08/20/2019 No Travel Day – Happy 65th Birthday


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,802.0
Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 78 – 102 F Sunny & Muggy

Happy Birthday to me. I cannot believe that I am of the age to collect Social Security and be on Medicare!!!

Paul and Moses started their boat dock project at 7:00 this morning. After some paperwork, I was off for a day at the pool. Moses’ home is very conveniently located by the clubhouse. I parked in his driveway, walked across a small parking lot and was there.

It was a big water aerobics class – at least forty women and three gentlemen. They were all very nice and made me feel very welcome.

We lunched in the clubhouse; then the guys went back to work for a few hours.

For dinner, we all went to Miyako Sushi Bar - Japanese Restaurant for my Birthday. The sushi (California Roll and Eel) and hibachi New York Steak with Shrimp were perfectly prepared. Our chef was funny and efficient. Unfortunately, our waitress was badly in need of training; however, that did not dampen our celebratory spirit.

A visit to the Home Depot was next as the boys needed brackets and knee pads for their work in the morning. Zack called to wish me a happy birthday. He was on the way to our home to cut the pool cover as promised. He sent a photo and it look so inviting. I also received texts from my bro Charles. What a wonderful birthday on the road!

Wildlife Spotted: Squirrel; Paul saw ducks, turtles, and fish while working on the dock

Startled this Squirrel During My Walk to the Pool - DeCordova Bend, Texas
Startled this Squirrel During My Walk to the Pool

The Water Aerobics Class was very Friendly and Welcoming - DeCordova Bend, Texas
The Water Aerobics Class was very Friendly and Welcoming

Miyako Japanese Restaurant for my Birthday Dinner / Miyako Sushi Bar - Japanese Restaurant
Miyako Japanese Restaurant for my Birthday Dinner

Our Hibachi Chef was very Entertaining / Miyako Sushi Bar - Japanese Restaurant
Our Hibachi Chef was very Entertaining

My New York Steak and Shrimp / Miyako Sushi Bar - Japanese Restaurant
My New York Steak and Shrimp

Home Depot Shopping for Boat Dock Material
Home Depot Shopping for Boat Dock Material

My Home Pool Looks So Inviting (Home Sweet Home)
My Home Pool Looks So Inviting

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, August 19, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (100)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (100)

08/19/2019 No Travel Day – Out on the New Boat


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,802.0
Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny & Muggy

Despite going to bed after 11:00 p.m., we were up pretty early. Moses had told us that we would be taking the boat out before the heat became unbearable. His shop takes Sundays and Mondays off.

First off, Paul ordered the material for their boat dock project. Then we spent the morning on Moses’ boat. I have never seen Wake Surfing. It was delightful. Lake Granbury is stunning, and Moses’ new  boat was so much fun.

After lunch in the RV, I gathered the paperwork to obtain a reimbursement for our AC Repair. The Viking RV Extended Warranty we purchased with the Beast has really paid off. They have been fair and helpful.

Paul and Moses went lumber shopping. They hope to get some of the boat dock modification done tomorrow. Paul received a call from Viking; they had already approved our repair and the reimbursement check was in the mail!

We ended the day with a nice family dinner at ‘Mi Familia.’ They made the guacamole at your table. The food was very good. My Spinach and Mushroom enchiladas seem to be freshly made. They were simple and enjoyable; just the right portions.

Wildlife Spotted: Ducks

View from Moses’ Home - DeCordova Bend, Texas
View from Moses’ Home

Launching Moses’ New Boat
Launching Moses’ New Boat

Homes Lining the Lake Granbury Shore
Homes Lining the Lake Granbury Shore

Beautiful Huge Home with Dock - Lake Granbury, Texas
Beautiful Huge Home with Dock

Moses Surfing the Wake
Moses Surfing the Wake


Lake Granbury, Texas Park Ducks
Lake Granbury Park Ducks

Fresh Guacamole Made at Your Table - ‘Mi Familia’
Fresh Guacamole Made at Your Table - ‘Mi Familia’

Spinach and Mushroom Enchilada Plate - Mi Familia
Spinach and Mushroom Enchilada Plate

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, August 18, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (99)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (99)

08/18/2019 No Travel Day – Texas Home & Garden Show


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,802.0
Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny & Muggy

Paul wanted me out of the RV while the Air Guy was working, so I went over to Moses’ Home and did Laundry. Moses helped to put the new AC Unit in.

For Lunch, Moses, Sitara, Paul and I went to Jason's Deli in Granbury; then off to the Texas Home & Garden Show. The Texas Home & Garden Show Series, which was held at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, gives local and national companies the ability to highlight their services and unique products.

Also, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association created a big display of flowers and plants! I was amazed at how much succulents I have growing in my yard cost!!! ($50.00 for a small agave pup). I attended a demonstration and planted basil in a Mason Jar.

The four of us took a drive around Weatherford to look for land as we are hoping to move to Texas in the near future. When we got home, the RV was way too hot. Paul and I were both so disappointed. However, it turns out that only the fan was left running.

Paul and Moses took measurements for their boat dock modification. We ended the day late with a dinner at the Mesquite Pit. It is a noisy fun place with good food. I had the Mesquite Shrimp Plate.

Justin, the Air Conditioning guy came over at 10:00 p.m. to tape up the return air and supply air and of course, collect the rest of his money. It was a long day.

Wildlife Spotted: Pond Ducks

Beautiful Sunrise - DeCordova Bend, Texas
Beautiful Sunrise

Texas Autosports Formula Mazdas
Texas Autosports Formula Mazdas

Moses’ Office Cat Gets Comfy
Moses’ Office Cat Gets Comfy

Paul and Moses Check their Measurements
Paul and Moses Check their Measurements

View from Moses' Front Yard - DeCordova Bend
View from Moses' Front Yard - DeCordova Bend

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Saturday, August 17, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (98)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (98)

08/17/2019 No Travel Day – Detailed and Cooled


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,802.0
Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 103 F Sunny& Muggy

We spent the morning getting the ‘Beast’ serviced. First Moses’ Detailer gave the RV exterior a thorough scrubbing. He also washed the truck (tow vehicle). He started at 6:30 a.m. to beat the heat, so we all got up early.

Then we had the Air-Conditioner guy look at the unit’s AC. He determined that it was not working properly. Since you cannot open the unit to work on it, we needed a new one. He contacted Viking, our extended warranty company – they would cover $1,100 of the repair!!! He would purchase the upgrade (13,500 to a 15,500) unit today and install tomorrow morning.

Paul modified the bicycle rack. Now it is off the back of the Motor-home instead of off the back of the tow vehicle.

Moses took us to the clubhouse for dinner. It was a task busy and fun relaxing day.

Wildlife Spotted: Pond Ducks

The Beast is Free of all the Dead Bugs and Grim
The Beast is Free of all the Dead Bugs and Grim

We Haven’t Seen the Truck this Clean in Awhile
We Haven’t Seen the Truck this Clean in Awhile

Paul’s Bike Rack Modification
Paul’s Bike Rack Modification

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Friday, August 16, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (97)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (97)

08/16/2019 Travel Day – Off to See Moses


Start Location:
Start Time: 8:50 a.m.
Mileage:  58,651.4

End Location:
End Time: 2:30 p.m.
Mileage:  58,802.0
Cost Per Night: $??? USD
Weather: 79 – 101 F Sunny

Route:
  • 287 South
  • Market Rd 167/Fall Creek Hwy
  • US-377 S

We reached Moses’ Shop (Texas Autosports FM) just in time for lunch. It was only a short two-hour, easy drive from Wichita Falls RV Park. After a tour of the facility, we all (Moses, Sitara, Paul and I) went to lunch. Moses took us to Paradise Bistro & Coffee Company.

This eatery is right across the street from the Hood County Courthouse. I had the best Cobb Salad – perfectly seasoned and portioned. Paul really enjoyed his “Veggie” which combined Lettuce, Cucumbers, Avocado, Tomato, Red Onion, Roasted Bell Peppers, Chipotle Mayonnaise, on Wheat Berry Toast. We loved this place.

After lunch, we parted company so Paul and I could set up our camp. Of course, in the triple digit weather, the RV was unbearably hot. It took the AC a while to make it livable.

We met up with Moses and Sitara again for dinner. This time Moses introduced us to Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza. This outlet offers build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home. The pizza was very convenient and very tasty.

After dinner, we braved the heat to take a short walk to Moses’ boat slip. He and Paul are working on a modification to make it possible for Moses’ to work on his boat.

Before we knew it, it was after 8:00 p.m. The motorhome had cooled down enough for a comfortable sleep.

Wildlife Spotted: Ducks

Goodbye Wichita Falls, Texas
Goodbye Wichita Falls, Texas

The Historic Hood County Courthouse Was Built in 1890-1891
The Historic Hood County Courthouse Was Built in 1890-1891

Road Signs in Historic Granbury Square
Road Signs in Historic Granbury Square

Moses’ House is a Street away from Lake Granbury
Moses’ House is a Street away from Lake Granbury

The Sun Actually Goes Down in Texas
The Sun Actually Goes Down in Texas

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Thursday, August 15, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (96)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (96)

08/15/2019 No Travel Day – Enjoying Peace at the Park


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,651.4
Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 75 – 99 F Sunny

Paul got up on the roof of the RV right after breakfast to clean the coach air-conditioner. It really seemed to help. With the temperatures in the 100s, every bit helps.

We spent the rest of the day just getting caught up with our paperwork and stuff. The park here is great – very spacious with a river and pond! We love the big trees and birds. The best part is that there are relatively no mosquitoes. We took our walk early in hopes of beating the heat.

Wildlife Spotted: Just Park Birds

The Park Has Beautiful Mature Trees
The Park Has Beautiful Mature Trees

Wichita Falls RV Park’s Pond
Wichita Falls RV Park’s Pond

The Scenic River
The Scenic River

Spot 44 - Wichita Falls RV Park
Spot 44 - Wichita Falls RV Park

North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas Stickers Added
North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas Stickers Added

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal