Mon. May 31st New Hamburg

Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer, since August. 2006

      Another nice sunrise this morning and off to pick up a birthday gift for a Grandson then a few groceries. Back home I borrowed the pickup truck and of to the gravel pit for a 1/2 ton of sand to refresh the kids sandbox here at the farm, a great way to work up a sweat when its 28c (84f).

      That project done I repaired 2 of our lawn chairs while Suzie went to help her father with his computer for a bit, and I relaxed for a with a book as the skies clouded over with the threat of rain. Then I attacked sundays leftovers of roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, veggies and cheese. I added to this 2 lbs of fresh cooked hamburg and onion and assembled 4 large shepherd's pie casseroles. Together with veggies, dips and coleslaw, and cake for desert a few of us had another tasty supper. Then on the road to Rock Glen Resort in Arkona on Tuesday morning for 9 or 10 days.

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Sun. May 30th New Hamburg

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      Still bright, sunny and hot again and lovin it. The farm house is sort of under renovations and the huge living room is completely empty, no drywall but clean and air conditioned. So a great place for a large get together. We puttered around at the farm today preparing for the family and friends visiting for Suzie's Gramma's 95th birthday celebrations party. (She is so amazing for her age, very spry and going all day long). They began arriving at 11:00am and there was 2 of her sisters here, her two daughters, grand children, great grand children and great great grandchildren, 5 generations in all. For lunch we had a nice roast beef dinner catered with mashed potatoes, carrots, gravy, 2 salads and breads about 29 people in total. Also 3 different cakes and ice cream for desert. Then we gathered around outside in the shade, the children enjoying fresh air and open spaces, and more people came and went throughout the day. Chatting , telling stories and just general socializing with a few snacks etc. Then supper time was more warmed up food from the left over lunch with another group of about 20 hungry guests. Followed more socializing and catching up until after 9:00 pm. A great day was had by all, and enjoyed immensely by grandma.

A few sunday pictures of Grandmas Party.

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Sat. May 29th New Hamburg

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      Still bright, sunny and warm, almost feels as if we brought some warm weather back from Mexico finally. So many parts of the country are not so lucky with cold, rain and even some snow. We began our day with going to watch two of our grandsons play soccer. Its really awesome to watch the young ones running, playing and learning and getting a good workout in the process. After a tied game all was good, then we went to New Hamburg to check out the Mennonite Relief Sale.  

fun soccer

      We arrived there at 12:00 noon and had no problem finding a parking spot. By this time of the day things are beginning to slow down. Everything starts at 7:00am with the pancake breakfast, fresh made yeast donuts, tea balls, french fries and multiple food vendors. The quilt auction beginning then as well and continuing all day until the last one is sold. We walked about the grounds and sampled back bacon on a bun, lamb sausage, bbq'd chicken, kettle corn and freshly made egg rolls, so many flavours to try. Even the fresh strawberry pies made right there by a whole crew of people sold faster then they can make them were sold out by the time we got there. By this time a lot of the food vendors were sold out and some were closing down, except the quilt auction that was still going strong.

Omer

     After this we returned home and relaxed for a bit, then Suzie helped tidy up a bit while Omer and I watch  the fire on the burn pile. Then we had the left over Salmon and dill with fried rice for supper. And a tea ball for desert.    

Sat Pics

   

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Fri. May 28th New Hamburg

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Happy Birthday to my son Ken, 40 ? Wow!!!.      

      Still hot and sunny and by mid afternoon it was 37c (98f) just lovin it! But cool enough for a good sleep at night. We puttered around today organizing a bit for a family getogether here on sunday. I even got to drive the lawn tractor with rear wheel steering, no steering wheel just two handles to push and pull. Its not as easy as it looks, a little practice and grass cutting became fun and quick. 

        Relax for a bit in the shade and an early supper of wild salmon fillets with a dill sauce, rice, broccoli, cauliflower and a tossed salad. We ate early today so Suzie could help her mother selling seat tickets at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale for huge Quilt Auction on Saturday. She enjoyed the time there and was able to chat with quite a few local people as well.

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Thurs. May 27th New Hamburg

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      Again bright sunny and hot. Good for the farm, Dennis can get his hay off the land if it stays like this all day. I left at 8:00 am and went to visit Ma in Waterloo and put a fresh coat of blacktop on her driveway before it gets too hot and a new cartridge in her kitchen taps. I was back at the farm for lunch then we relaxed a bit and puttered about.

by the pool

      About 3:30 pm our friends Marc and Erin returned our phone call and invited us over to their house in Plattsville  for a swim. We had an excellent visit with them, their son Jason and neighbour Alex (he sold our house). Their backyard is like a resort with the shade trees, pool, hot tub, cabana, bar, gazebo, chairs and lounges and huge BBQ. Before I knew it Marc (loves to cook) was throwing together an awesome meal of beef with peppers, beef & gravy, hamburgs, potatoes, tasty tuna salad, coleslaw and veggies and insisted that we stay. And so we did, having a great visit with old friends, discussing how we are enjoying our retirement. Then we returned to the farm at dusk with the guys still working on the fields until after dark, but they did get the hay off.

Thurs. pics   

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Wed. May 26th New Hamburg

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      A hot day and I love it. About 35c (92f) most of the  day. The heat, sunshine no aches and pains real nice. About 9.00am I borrowed the pickup truck and powerwasher to take to mothers in Waterloo to clean up her garage floor. This worked pretty well and the mist from the water pressure was real refreshing. Ma made lunch, egg salad sandwich and a delicious banana cream pie. Then I puttered around with a few odd jobs and back home to the farm. Relax a bit then we stopped in Plattsville at Shakers for a quick supper (yummy chicken wings) and off to watch 2 grandsons play soccer. Three and six years old is really a great age to watch these guys run and have fun. A nice visit with Jessica, Jay and the boys.

      And enjoyed a nice sunset on the way home.

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Tues. May 25th New Hamburg

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      More nice sunny warm days is great. We are packed up and on the road heading to the farm in New Hamburg. No rush so we left at 10:00am and arrived at 11:20 just a nice drive. Here we got set up and ran a few errands and puttered around for a while. The weather was fantastic 97f (36c) but a nice breeze and a shade tree worked real well. My kind of weather!!! 

our spot

     For supper I BBQ'd a whole mess of chicken legs and thighs with baked potatoes, tossed salad and steamed broccoli. Then we just relaxed outside for a while in the shade and chatted with Dennis and Sandy until dusk.

          

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Mon. May 24th Arkona

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Victoria Day a Holiday monday for Canadians

      A beautiful bright and sunny day again! Nice and warm with the temperatures climbing all day. We are leaving here tomorrow so get a few odd jobs done. A walkabout and do our laundry in the morning while Suzie dusted and vacuumed our house. Then a stop for lunch and putter around out side, wash our patio mat and clean up a few items. So that we can relax in the shade and read for a while and watch almost everybody pack up and leave. To bad such a nice hot day too. 

      The temperature reached 92f (35c) by early afternoon and we actually had to turn on our air conditioners for a while just to cool down the inside of our coach for later. Its actually good to exercise the air conditioners anyway. For supper I made some potato salad, a tossed salad and BBQ'd pork chops. Then relax outside in the shade for a while and read some more.

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Sun. May 23rd Arkona

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      Nice and warm and sunny all day today up to 84f (30c). We started with breakfast at the clubhouse pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee $3.00 each. Then off to the Pinery Flea Market in Grand Bend. I think every vendors slot was full and soo much to see. And we only bought fresh asparagus and a huge beefsteak tomato. The crowds were manageable as we were ready to leave before noon as the traffic was lining up even more, this is always and enjoyable outing.

   

Real nice walking

 the fleamarket in the 

shade on a nice warm spring day.

    
      Back home we sat in the shade and read for a while then Suzie got real comfortable. While I went for a walkabout chatting with a few neighbours.

       Suzie paged me on the walkie talkie to tell me that Harry and Jackie were joining us for Happy Hour. We enjoyed catching up and sharing stories about our winter travels. They spent the winter in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

      Another member of the staff dropped by as well and joined in on the fun. After this we BBQ'd some chicken legs and thighs, potatoes and asparagus for supper. Then sat outside again to watch the wagon rides and read until the sun set behind the trees. 

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Sat. May 22nd Arkona

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      Overnight was quite warm so we slept with our windows open and woke up to rain sprinkles, then it turned to rainy and overcast for a few hours. But today I had volunteered to BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs for the resort at noon, the regular volunteer was on holidays.  Joe got me set up and I cooked and flipped  maybe 80 burgers and 40 hot dogs from about 11:15am until 12:45. Phyllis did the cash and we were all cleaned up shortly after 1 pm, kinda brings back memories of my restaurant, only more relaxing. And I made about the same amount of money, remember I volunteered.

Nice grill

me having fun

      After this we puttered around for a while and relaxed on a lazy afternoon with a few sunny periods thrown in. Then whipped up supper of a schnitzel on a bun with potato salad and coleslaw.

the cabins

      Then outside to enjoy some sunshine, chat with a few people and watch the kids enjoy the wagon ride around the park. There was so many it took 3 loads to make sure everybody got a ride.    

wagon ride

      At 8 pm we went to the dance at the clubhouse to enjoy the tunes of the pierce Family Band and glide around the dance floor for a couple of hours.

 even the children had a great time

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Fri. May 21st Arkona

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campground getting full

      Today begins with a bright and sunny morning, then it became overcast but warm for the rest of the day. After our coffees I went to help Don and Ruth wash their trailer as he just had a foot operation. After having fun with this I went to the store for some fresh baked bread for lunch. We puttered around and I reassembled our propane fireplace with then new regulator Joe picked up for us on London. Now it works just like new again. 

      With this being the first long weekend of the summer season Victoria day, on monday (or the May 24) and the weather mostly co-operating, the campground is really filling up quickly with rv's arriving constantly all day. A buzz of activity with people setting up, kids enjoying the fresh air and everybody getting re-acquainted. We did manage for read for a while and chat with a few more neighbours then BBQ some home made burgers on fresh baked kaiser buns with potato salad and coleslaw for supper. Afterwards outside to  read a bit, a walkabout the resort stopping at the park store for an  ice cream, then back home, its getting dark. And mom always said to be home before the street lights come on.     

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Thurs. May 20th Arkona

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Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

      Wow!! I made it, 61 years ago today a baby boy was born with blonde hair and blue eyes so cute, next thing ya know he looks like me, how that happen???? 

      Well the sun was shining and temperature perfect being the hottest day of the year so far about 30c (85) most of the afternoon.

      In the morning I took a drive to Grand Bend for a few items and to see if I could locate a propane regulator, no luck but a nice drive nonetheless. Back home we puttered around for a while and chatted with more people as they arrived for the weekend. We sat in the shade for a bit and read, then Suzie took me out for supper at Arkona Fairways next door, their restaurant Mulligans Bar and Grill for a treat of delicious suicide chicken wings, fries and beer, soo good. Then back home neighbours Len and Dar were having a campfire so we joined them again reuniting with all the neighbours on a lovely warm evening. And they even sang happy birthday to me! Live is good.

nice fire

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Wed. May. 19th

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      Sunny and warm this morning and we are up early. Suzie has a 7:50am appointment for a mammogram  at the Strathroy Hospital about 25 minutes away. Then we went to the Lab for our blood work, a little shopping then back home by 10:00am.    

      Putter around and a few walkabouts enjoying the sunshine and warmth. So warm we had to sit in the shade for a while to read. Then made some hotdogs and fries for supper and sit out after supper reading and chatting with a few neighbours until almost 9:00 pm without a sweater, summer is almost here!!!    

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Tues. May 18th Arkona

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      Another great day today, mostly sunny but quite a strong wind, blowing things around. Outside and walkabouts are in order today and a trip to the corner store. Then a swim in the indoor pool and nice soak in the hot tub made my day. I like to take advantage of these facilities before they get too busy on this long weekend coming up. After this and a bit more computer research we sat in the sun to read for a while before a delicious supper of baked salmon. rice pilaf, tossed salad and garlic bread with cheese.

      

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Mon. May 17th Arkona

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      Again bright and sunny, now this is more like it. I took a drive to Forest this morning to renew my license plate sticker, now we can drive our house for another year. This also means we are getting a year older, yes I have a birthday!!!! But not until thursday, I can hardly wait, we are gonna celebrate,... hmmm I forgot what we were gonna do, but that doesn't matter we will do it anyway.

      After lunch I puttered around with our propane camp fire, not working well, just a tiny flame. So after disassembly, cleaning and testing, it was established that we need a new regulator. Well not as easy as I thought. Trying to find out where to buy one is a problem, I checked at the hardware store, propane filling station, heating installer, appliance store even checking out the phone book and the internet. Then I checked with Rob the manager of the resort and he says, no problem my propane guy comes tomorrow he should have one for you. Still learning everyday.

       This project taken care of we sat outside, read for a while and Suzie rearranged her new bouquet of 25 roses that we got at the flea market on sunday. These were to replace the ones we bought 4 years ago in Arizona, (the same ones I re coloured in Benson Arizona this spring) a really good deal at $5.00 a dozen for these lifelike wooden roses that are maintenance free.

nice roses

      Then time for supper of garlic sausage, with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies for supper, yes we like garlic and its good for you too.

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Sun. May 16 Grand Bend

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nice way to travel to the fleamarket

      Gonna be a nice day, bright and sunny, we are just waiting to warm up a bit more then off the Pinery Flea Market in Grand bend. I took a nice morning walk about the resort and was greeted by the fish in the pond, (friendly fellows they are). Then it was time to go for a nice 20 minute drive to Grand Bend. We have been coming here for years and always enjoy the time spent, wandering under the trees, in the shade among the vendors. There is always something new, something different, maybe some new items, maybe some new vendors always fun. The book exchange here is where Suzie replenishes our book case, trading books 2 for one. Some unique items, bakery stuff, kettle corn and fresh kielbasa (yummy). Then we sat under the trees and relaxed, entertained by a good local musician, while we sampled more of our kielbasa with a few fries and a nice cold beverage.    

    After the flea market we took the short drive into town , and down main street to the beach. Main street has a brand new look with wider sidewalks, built in planters, trees and benches. Right down to the beach with its boardwalk, splash pads, playground, washroom and lookout platform, really nice looking. We strolled along the boardwalk for a bit, but there was a chilly breeze off the lake. We did notice a few die hards sunbathing and playing beach volleyball thou. From here we drove around to the river and checked out some of the yachts etc. Then back home to the resort to relax in the sun with a book and some kettlecorn for a bit then BBQ a delicious pork roast and potatoes with veggies and applesauce for supper.

Sun Pics

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Sat. May 15th Arkona

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      What a beautiful bright sunny day today. Outside, walkabout, chat with the neighbours and putter about our coach doing a few odd jobs. It sure is nice to see the sunshine and be outside all day after just a few days of rain. I don't remember how we made it thru the cold stormy Ontario winters.

            And we did get to sit in the sun for a while to read, then I fired up the BBQ for  a nice steak, Grande Mexican shrimp, baked potato and a caesar salad, afterwards we watched the kids as they enjoyed the wagon ride around the park, some neighbours sitting around their campfires in winter coats. (still too cold for us). Its getting closer to summer every day.

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Fri. May 14th Arkona

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"TGIF"

      Yes, "Thank Goodness it's Friday". The work week is over and the weekend is here, time to play. The campground is getting busier, late afternoon dad arrives sets up the trailer, mom picks up the kids from school and rush to the campground to have fun, walk the dog, cook supper, clean up have a campfire. The children are running around burning up energy, everybody busy. Seems like everybody has to hurry up and relax. Sure we did the same when we were working too, we really notice it now as the camping season begins in Ontario. 

      Well awesome weather today, the sun shining, warmer weather, shorts, t shirts gotta love it. I swear we can actually see the grass growing right before our eyes. I went to the store this morning for some groceries to put together some honeygarlic chicken and ribs in the slow cooker for supper today, experiment with a new recipe. With this out of the way I found a seven foot ladder to borrow so I could get up and check out the seal on our windshield, and found it needed some re-caulking. I prepped the area and applied the new sealant to the problem areas. After this a walkabout, chat with some neighbours and read for a while. That's when we realized its friday, with the buzz of activity from young families arriving.

  

      All this activity makes you hungry, so now its time for supper, just throw together some fried rice and serve up our slow cooker recipe. It was real tasty and so simple, just a few modifications and next time it will be perfect.

      

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Thurs. May 13th Arkona

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      No too cold today but rain it did pretty well all day. But we did manage to get some more computing done and even read for a bit. A couple of walkabouts and putter around, between rain drops, then I thought I'd go for a swim and hot tub. Well just not my day, I went to the change room, changed and showered then to the pool. The door was locked, for some minor repairs, it was unlocked before my shower. So back to the shower, change and home. 

      Then supper, a delicious roasted cornish hen, (with swiss chalet sauce) boiled potatoes and veggies for supper. Followed by nice bright sunny sky, so outside we go for a while and chat with some neighbours walking their dog. It's now supposed to get warmer and sunny for a few days.       

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