(Damascus, VA)
After the Memorial Day weekend, with nearly all the sites taken, this seems like a virtual ghost town now. For all intents and purposes the campground is empty.
The sites are all cleaned, what trash was left is picked up and everything is ready for the next time.
Paperwork is all cleared in the office as far as our departed campers are concerned. There’s nothing to do at work except answer the occasional phone call, collect money from the locals who want to come in and fish in the lake for the day and get lots of computer time in.
The trees are fully leafed out now and that is causing a problem with our satellite reception for the TV. We can’t get the High Definition channels at all now. We decided to have the High Def box switched out for a regular reception box. Much to my dismay, Directv wanted to charge us just over a hundred dollars to make the switch and then we would have to pay that again when we wanted the HD channels back. Uh,,,,NO! There has to be another way I argued. Once again I was put on hold while the customer service rep checked with the higher ups. I was finally put through to technical support and was told to get the remote and I would be walked through the procedure. I explained that I wasn’t in front the TV, that I couldn’t do that because we had no phone reception on the mountain. Then I had to further explain what a fulltime RV’er was and that no we didn’t just take the boxes out of our house when we go on vacation. It seems I go through this every time I have an issue with Directv. There are too many of us out here for the employees not to understand fulltime RV’ing. I did end up getting the directions on how to disable the HD channels, but I played hell getting them! It was easy to do, thank heaven!
We did have one fellow who came in to stay at the campground who uses a CPap machine at night. He needed electricity so that he could re-charge the battery during day. Since I was the one who took his phone call earlier in the week I told him to be sure to ask for Site 59 so that we could run an electrical cord to his site. He was a very nice fellow and he told Bob that he would like to come back and bring his wife next time. Bob told him to be sure to ask for site 59 again and we would set him up. We hope they do come back.
Thursday afternoon it poured at the gate house. It rained so hard that the raindrops were hitting the ground and bouncing back up. Yeah, that hard. Not a drop fell three miles up the mountain. Not. A. Drop.
I enjoy the mountain when there is no one here. Is that a horrible thing for a camp host to say?
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
5/27/2014 A Too Quiet Tuesday
(Damascus, VA)
The kids are gone, everything is washed, put away, the outside is all cleaned up and back in order. And I hate it. It’s too quiet.
We don’t hear that sweet little voice. We don’t hear, “Pop-Pop take me on the golf cart with you”. We don’t hear, “Grandmom, look at this bubble I caught, take a picture of it!” It’s too quiet.
I miss that soft tap on my arm and that sweet little voice saying, “Will you make me some more chocolate milk?” She could have asked me for anything in the cupboard or fridge and I would have gotten or made it for her. Yes, it’s too quiet here.
I managed to make dinner without that little voice asking, “Grandmom, what’s my job? What can I do?” It didn’t make a difference in what I would have made, my heart wasn’t in it, it tasted like cardboard. I missed my helper.
Everything reminds me of Jasmine. I threw away an empty shampoo bottle and my thoughts immediately went to the time after her shower when I combed her hair for her, trying so hard not to pull her hair as I combed the knots out.
Everything reminds me of Jasmine. A freshly laundered blanket draped over the back of the chair across from me sent my thoughts to the campfire over the weekend. Wrapped in the blanket because the night was cool, she snuggled on my lap. Her soft hair against my cheek. I sit here and smile at the memory.
I’m still in awe of her fascination with bugs. I so don’t do bugs but if she asked me to let a tarantula crawl up my arm I would. Oh wait, forget that! That ain’t happening, not even for Jasmine. Whoa, I got carried away there didn’t I?
My one regret is that I didn’t make the time to read her new book to her. I so hope she’s like her big brother and has the love for books and reading. I’ll make sure I have another book for her for the next time I see her.
Yes, everything reminds me of Jasmine.
Next time she’s here I want her to stay one night with us in the fifth wheel. I want to lay in bed and tell her bedtime stories about her daddy when he was a little boy, the stories that only I can tell. And we’ll laugh and we’ll giggle.
My heart is so captivated by this five year old. I heard my mom say one time, these kids (her great grandkids) could ask me to do anything and I would for them. I didn’t understand that at the time. I get it now. I really get it. I would move heaven and earth for her, I would give her anything she needed if I could. I’d give her half of what she wanted, I don’t want to totally spoil her. Oh what the hell, who am I kidding, I’d give her anything she wanted.
I just this minute realized! She’s got me wrapped me around her little finger! Oh well, I can’t think of a place I’d rather be. Besides, I’m in good company, her Pop-Pop is there and so is her daddy.
Yep, way too quiet around here.
The kids are gone, everything is washed, put away, the outside is all cleaned up and back in order. And I hate it. It’s too quiet.
We don’t hear that sweet little voice. We don’t hear, “Pop-Pop take me on the golf cart with you”. We don’t hear, “Grandmom, look at this bubble I caught, take a picture of it!” It’s too quiet.
I miss that soft tap on my arm and that sweet little voice saying, “Will you make me some more chocolate milk?” She could have asked me for anything in the cupboard or fridge and I would have gotten or made it for her. Yes, it’s too quiet here.
I managed to make dinner without that little voice asking, “Grandmom, what’s my job? What can I do?” It didn’t make a difference in what I would have made, my heart wasn’t in it, it tasted like cardboard. I missed my helper.
Everything reminds me of Jasmine. I threw away an empty shampoo bottle and my thoughts immediately went to the time after her shower when I combed her hair for her, trying so hard not to pull her hair as I combed the knots out.
Everything reminds me of Jasmine. A freshly laundered blanket draped over the back of the chair across from me sent my thoughts to the campfire over the weekend. Wrapped in the blanket because the night was cool, she snuggled on my lap. Her soft hair against my cheek. I sit here and smile at the memory.
I’m still in awe of her fascination with bugs. I so don’t do bugs but if she asked me to let a tarantula crawl up my arm I would. Oh wait, forget that! That ain’t happening, not even for Jasmine. Whoa, I got carried away there didn’t I?
My one regret is that I didn’t make the time to read her new book to her. I so hope she’s like her big brother and has the love for books and reading. I’ll make sure I have another book for her for the next time I see her.
Yes, everything reminds me of Jasmine.
Next time she’s here I want her to stay one night with us in the fifth wheel. I want to lay in bed and tell her bedtime stories about her daddy when he was a little boy, the stories that only I can tell. And we’ll laugh and we’ll giggle.
My heart is so captivated by this five year old. I heard my mom say one time, these kids (her great grandkids) could ask me to do anything and I would for them. I didn’t understand that at the time. I get it now. I really get it. I would move heaven and earth for her, I would give her anything she needed if I could. I’d give her half of what she wanted, I don’t want to totally spoil her. Oh what the hell, who am I kidding, I’d give her anything she wanted.
I just this minute realized! She’s got me wrapped me around her little finger! Oh well, I can’t think of a place I’d rather be. Besides, I’m in good company, her Pop-Pop is there and so is her daddy.
Yep, way too quiet around here.
Monday, May 26, 2014
5/26/2014 Memorial Day Weekend – Day Four
(Damacus, VA)
Up and at ‘em at seven. Jonathan was the only one up when I got up. Within minutes Bob was up and about and getting coffee on to start the day.
Brandi and Jasmine slept in until eight. Needless to say we used that time to wake up before Jasmine’s energy put everything in high gear.
After breakfast, more bubble blowing and a ride in the golf cart, Jasmine decided she wanted to go fishing. We talked out of that and she settled for a trip down to the lake to play in the sand.
We decided to walk one of the paved walkways around the lake.
Then it was back to the beach for some serious sandcastle building and playing in the water.
A couple of kids further down the beach found a dead snake and of course Jasmine wanted to see it. So Daddy and Jasmine took off for some dead snake viewing.
She didn’t seem overly impressed with it because she didn’t even mention it when they returned.
Back at the campground we started the chicken on the grill for lunch and got all the leftovers from yesterday out. I wanted to send them on their way with full tummies.
Lunch was over way too soon. After cleaning up and sitting around a little while longer it was time for them to pack up and hit the road.
Oh, how I hated to see them go. Brandi and I have gotten very close this past year and I so enjoyed her company and appreciated all the help she was. Of course its always wonderful to see Jonathan and I noticed his hug was a little tighter than usual which told me that he really enjoyed himself this weekend.
Jasmine, it was hardest of all to say so long to our little munchkin. We both got big hugs and kisses from her.
As Jonathan pulled away from the campsite he gave his usual, I love you and then I heard that little voice from the backseat,,,,I love you!
Perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Bob and I did a run around the campground loop a little after two in the golf cart and hit the mother lode with wood left behind by the campers.
By 4:30 I was in my robe and Bob was in his pair of comfortable old shorts that he wears around the house when he has no plans of going outside again. We were tired but what a great weekend this was!
This weekend I learned there is nothing better than arms around your neck from a little girl who calls you Grandmom.
Up and at ‘em at seven. Jonathan was the only one up when I got up. Within minutes Bob was up and about and getting coffee on to start the day.
Brandi and Jasmine slept in until eight. Needless to say we used that time to wake up before Jasmine’s energy put everything in high gear.
After breakfast, more bubble blowing and a ride in the golf cart, Jasmine decided she wanted to go fishing. We talked out of that and she settled for a trip down to the lake to play in the sand.
A couple of kids further down the beach found a dead snake and of course Jasmine wanted to see it. So Daddy and Jasmine took off for some dead snake viewing.
She didn’t seem overly impressed with it because she didn’t even mention it when they returned.
Back at the campground we started the chicken on the grill for lunch and got all the leftovers from yesterday out. I wanted to send them on their way with full tummies.
Lunch was over way too soon. After cleaning up and sitting around a little while longer it was time for them to pack up and hit the road.
Oh, how I hated to see them go. Brandi and I have gotten very close this past year and I so enjoyed her company and appreciated all the help she was. Of course its always wonderful to see Jonathan and I noticed his hug was a little tighter than usual which told me that he really enjoyed himself this weekend.
Jasmine, it was hardest of all to say so long to our little munchkin. We both got big hugs and kisses from her.
As Jonathan pulled away from the campsite he gave his usual, I love you and then I heard that little voice from the backseat,,,,I love you!
Perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Bob and I did a run around the campground loop a little after two in the golf cart and hit the mother lode with wood left behind by the campers.
By 4:30 I was in my robe and Bob was in his pair of comfortable old shorts that he wears around the house when he has no plans of going outside again. We were tired but what a great weekend this was!
This weekend I learned there is nothing better than arms around your neck from a little girl who calls you Grandmom.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
5/25/2014 Memorial Day Weekend - Day Three
(Damascus, VA)
It was an early morning today because, well because we knew that sweet child was next door!
Can you guess what was first in order of the day was?
…..and so it begins.
It was French toast for breakfast because plain old cereal just wasn’t filling the bill for my munchkin.
Brandi and I had lots to do this morning to get food prepared for the BBQ this afternoon. That normally wouldn’t be a problem, but, of all weekends to happen, the pump for the campground well decided to break down. No Water!!! You never realize how much you depend on that water flowing out of the spigot until you have 18 eggs to hard boil and 5 pounds of potatoes to get washed and covered in water. Breakfast dishes, silverware and pans were waiting to be washed, we all wanted to get washed up and we were stuck. Well, not exactly stuck, we have bottled water so we could get the eggs and potatoes started but showers were out of the question. Then add in the constant questions from the campers about no water in the camper’s bathrooms because signs hadn’t been put up yet.
We finally got the eggs and potatoes cooked and were in the process of making deviled eggs and potato salad when I realized I only had a quarter of a jar of mayonnaise. Not enough, not nearly enough. I ran next door to see if my co-camp host possibly had an extra jar of mayo I could buy from her but she wasn’t home. Brandi, Jasmine and I then jumped in the car to go down and see if the park manager had an extra jar. That was a no-go also because she was in the office until after midnight last night and was taking a nap. I couldn’t knock on her door and wake her up. That left no choice but to go to town. And of course a stop was made for more bubble liquid.
When we reached the grocery parking lot we found to be quite busy and Brandi called to Jasmine so she could hold her hand. Jas told her she wanted to hold Grandmom’s hand. Can you say heart melt?
All afternoon we sat around the camp site, talking, playing, laughing, each of us thoroughly enjoying our time together.
At times Bob and Jonathan got into deep discussions about life events of years past. So many questions. I think this was good for them, I think Jon found a lot of answers to questions he’s long had. I think Jonathan walked away from this weekend with a great deal of respect, even more than he already had, if that was even possible for his dad,,,,and me. This alone made this weekend perfect for all of us.
Family history, Jonathan is interested in where he came from so there was lots of talk of aunts and uncles and grandparents. I hope he shares all he learned with Jasmine as she grows older.
During these serious talks Brandi and I would retreat to the kitchen and make something else for our BBQ or just go inside and chat ourselves….or….give Jasmine another gift!
Jasmine’s first Dr. Seuss book. The Cat in the Hat.
She loved her sundress! She didn’t want to take it off but it was a little too cool for a sundress up here on the mountain.
Cathy and Sonny were to arrive around three and I was quite surprised to see their son Steve, his wife and daughter pull up. Just minutes later our nephew Chopper drove up and his wife and their two daughters joined us. I’m mentally counting people and running inside to count the hamburgers, hot dogs and brats we have. Whew, we had enough! Thankfully I had made a lot of potato salad because I planned on it for tonight, tomorrow’s lunch and tomorrow’s night dinner. Everything else I had made enough for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow so I had plenty of everything. I opened another can of Bush’s Griller beans and we were set. Cathy and Sonny arrived and the party was in full swing.
Everyone had plenty to eat, Bob and I were meeting our nephews families for the first time, Jonathan was getting reacquainted with cousins he hadn’t seen in years and years and my little munchkin was charming everyone.
After dinner settled we broke out the Wannadinger sticks and biscuits and the fillings and we went to town making dessert.
I had a nice chat with my sister-in-law and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Now you know me, I take pictures of everything. I’m snapping this picture and that picture and this group and that group and Cathy and Bob, one right after the other. I found out later that I didn’t have the CF card in my camera. It was in the house sitting in my card reader from when I uploaded all the pictures I had taken up until mid-afternoon. Normally, I would have been very upset, but I’m not. You see, we are all going to be together again in July and we’re adding a whole lot more to the group. Not only will Jonathan be here again but his brother, Tim, will be too. We’ll have both granddaughters here! All of Bob’s sisters will be here and their brother. All families included. A reunion! We haven’t all been together in a long, long time. In fact, I don’t know that we’ve all been together before. Everyone is excited about it.
The BBQ was over and the Tennessee clan left to go home. The four of us cleaned up from dinner and then sat around the fire. With so much activity Jasmine was getting tired. We wrapped her up in a soft blanket and she settled in on my lap.
When we all found ourselves yawning we decided it was time to call an end to this day.
It was an early morning today because, well because we knew that sweet child was next door!
Can you guess what was first in order of the day was?
…..and so it begins.
It was French toast for breakfast because plain old cereal just wasn’t filling the bill for my munchkin.
Brandi and I had lots to do this morning to get food prepared for the BBQ this afternoon. That normally wouldn’t be a problem, but, of all weekends to happen, the pump for the campground well decided to break down. No Water!!! You never realize how much you depend on that water flowing out of the spigot until you have 18 eggs to hard boil and 5 pounds of potatoes to get washed and covered in water. Breakfast dishes, silverware and pans were waiting to be washed, we all wanted to get washed up and we were stuck. Well, not exactly stuck, we have bottled water so we could get the eggs and potatoes started but showers were out of the question. Then add in the constant questions from the campers about no water in the camper’s bathrooms because signs hadn’t been put up yet.
We finally got the eggs and potatoes cooked and were in the process of making deviled eggs and potato salad when I realized I only had a quarter of a jar of mayonnaise. Not enough, not nearly enough. I ran next door to see if my co-camp host possibly had an extra jar of mayo I could buy from her but she wasn’t home. Brandi, Jasmine and I then jumped in the car to go down and see if the park manager had an extra jar. That was a no-go also because she was in the office until after midnight last night and was taking a nap. I couldn’t knock on her door and wake her up. That left no choice but to go to town. And of course a stop was made for more bubble liquid.
When we reached the grocery parking lot we found to be quite busy and Brandi called to Jasmine so she could hold her hand. Jas told her she wanted to hold Grandmom’s hand. Can you say heart melt?
All afternoon we sat around the camp site, talking, playing, laughing, each of us thoroughly enjoying our time together.
At times Bob and Jonathan got into deep discussions about life events of years past. So many questions. I think this was good for them, I think Jon found a lot of answers to questions he’s long had. I think Jonathan walked away from this weekend with a great deal of respect, even more than he already had, if that was even possible for his dad,,,,and me. This alone made this weekend perfect for all of us.
Family history, Jonathan is interested in where he came from so there was lots of talk of aunts and uncles and grandparents. I hope he shares all he learned with Jasmine as she grows older.
During these serious talks Brandi and I would retreat to the kitchen and make something else for our BBQ or just go inside and chat ourselves….or….give Jasmine another gift!
Jasmine’s first Dr. Seuss book. The Cat in the Hat.
She loved her sundress! She didn’t want to take it off but it was a little too cool for a sundress up here on the mountain.
Everyone had plenty to eat, Bob and I were meeting our nephews families for the first time, Jonathan was getting reacquainted with cousins he hadn’t seen in years and years and my little munchkin was charming everyone.
After dinner settled we broke out the Wannadinger sticks and biscuits and the fillings and we went to town making dessert.
I had a nice chat with my sister-in-law and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Now you know me, I take pictures of everything. I’m snapping this picture and that picture and this group and that group and Cathy and Bob, one right after the other. I found out later that I didn’t have the CF card in my camera. It was in the house sitting in my card reader from when I uploaded all the pictures I had taken up until mid-afternoon. Normally, I would have been very upset, but I’m not. You see, we are all going to be together again in July and we’re adding a whole lot more to the group. Not only will Jonathan be here again but his brother, Tim, will be too. We’ll have both granddaughters here! All of Bob’s sisters will be here and their brother. All families included. A reunion! We haven’t all been together in a long, long time. In fact, I don’t know that we’ve all been together before. Everyone is excited about it.
The BBQ was over and the Tennessee clan left to go home. The four of us cleaned up from dinner and then sat around the fire. With so much activity Jasmine was getting tired. We wrapped her up in a soft blanket and she settled in on my lap.
When we all found ourselves yawning we decided it was time to call an end to this day.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
5/24/2014 Memorial Day Weekend–Day Two
(Damascus, VA)
(Fair warning, this is a long one)
All morning the minutes seemed like hours. We were both so excited at the idea of seeing Jonathan again. It’s been nearly a year since we’ve seen him and his family. Actually, it would be very nice to see Jonathan and Brandi and Evan but if the truth be told neither one of us could wait to get our arms around Jasmine.
Ten thirty came and went. Eleven o’clock came and went. I had myself convinced that something had happened and that they weren’t coming. Finally, I heard Bob yell from outside, they’re here! The trip took an hour longer because they made some stops.
Evan, Brandi’s son, didn’t come as he wanted to stay with Brandi’s parents instead. I was disappointed because Evan is a great reader and I had the 2nd book of a trilogy for him. I was looking forward to sitting with him and discussing the books I’ve sent him over the past months. We don’t know Evan hardly at all and I wanted this weekend to be the time to start to remedy that.
Bob got a hug from Jasmine right away and when they came in the house where I was, she was suddenly shy, as a five year old can be. I asked for a hug but she stood behind her daddy’s leg and just peeked at me. I assured her that it was fine if she didn’t want to give me a hug. It had to be in her own time, I don't believe in forcing a child to hug someone when they don't want to. She has a picture of her and Bob so he was very familiar to her even though it had been nearly a year since that picture was taken.
We went outside to sit and she was still keeping her distance from me. I knew how to break the ice! Jasmine’s birthday was earlier this month (the 6th) and since we knew they were coming this weekend I decided to hang on to her gifts so that we could watch her open them. I had seven gifts for her and thought it was the perfect time to bring one out.
Bubbles!
She had gotten quite good at catching the bubbles and I was instructed to take a picture of all them. Of course I obliged. Thank heaven for that erase button.
While I was sitting at the picnic table talking with Brandi and taking pictures of caught bubbles, Jon walked over and set the planter he made for me down on the table. He had posted some pictures of some he had made a couple of months ago and I commented on them and asked him to make me one too. He said he would and he didn’t forget. Actually, I had forgotten about it so this was a very pleasant surprise. Isn’t it pretty?
Since my little munchkin was getting bored with bubbles, Brandi and I thought it would be a good idea to go check out the playground. I was walking a few steps ahead of Brandi and Jas when we first started out and suddenly I felt these little arms around my legs. I got my hug! My heart just melted. From that point on, she was my shadow.
So we did the swing thing.
Played Tic-Tac-Toe.
And found she couldn’t go down the slide because the metal was too hot to sit on.
Jas then decided it was time for some refreshments. Of course no one could open the Freeze-pop except her Pop-Pop. When she wasn’t my shadow she was his!
Of course it was back to the bubbles again and we discovered she had used up the bottle of bubble liquid. I supplied a bottle of dish detergent and let her make bubbles to her hearts content. Do I need to tell you that there was Palmolive dish detergent everywhere??? It didn’t matter, if it made her happy I was happy.
I had gone into a store in Damascus a week or so ago and as soon as I walked in I saw this wind chime with the Saint’s icon at the top. The Saints are Jonathan’s favorite football team. Knowing that, I couldn’t leave it on the display unit could I? Look at that smile, I think I did good. He says there is already a nail in the perfect place for it.
I soon heard this little voice asking me if there is another present. Well, of course there is!
Doesn’t this face just say, “Oh look! Clothes.” This one just didn’t register as high as the bubbles did with her.
Pretty soon I brought another one out and she was happy again.
If I had only known how many games of Memory we were going to play!
Dinner time soon came and she was right by my side the whole time. It was during this time, when I first heard “Grandmom”. “Grandmom, what’s my job? What can I do?” Is it possible for a heart to melt twice?
So we put her to work crushing crackers for a dish I was making. She was so eager to help and so proud of herself.
She wasn’t done there! She helped with almost every dish in some way and when she couldn’t she was counting out napkins and forks and paper plates. She was lovin’ it! With every good job and you are such a good helper that she heard, her smile just got wider.
In the meantime Jonathan got their tent set up in the site next to ours and shortly after we ate dinner. We had to eat a little earlier than we normally would have because we had a parade to walk in yet. The Cradle of Forestry held a Memorial Day Parade here in the park for the kids. Since we are camp hosts we had to put in an appearance and besides we wanted Jasmine involved.
It was off to the playground.
Jasmine got her flag with streamers but of course Daddy had to carry it.
And we were off in the parade!
Jasmine was given a Certificate of Participation which she is extremely proud of.
After the parade we sat around a campfire and of course it was bubble time again.
It was a great first day with Jonathan, Brandi and my little munchkin.
This little girl makes my heart so happy. I love it when she just randomly calls out, “I love you Daddy” or “I love you Mommy”. I can’t possibly describe the feeling I had when she called out “I love you Grandmom” for the first time. Let’s just say my heart melted,,,,,yet again.
(Fair warning, this is a long one)
All morning the minutes seemed like hours. We were both so excited at the idea of seeing Jonathan again. It’s been nearly a year since we’ve seen him and his family. Actually, it would be very nice to see Jonathan and Brandi and Evan but if the truth be told neither one of us could wait to get our arms around Jasmine.
Ten thirty came and went. Eleven o’clock came and went. I had myself convinced that something had happened and that they weren’t coming. Finally, I heard Bob yell from outside, they’re here! The trip took an hour longer because they made some stops.
Evan, Brandi’s son, didn’t come as he wanted to stay with Brandi’s parents instead. I was disappointed because Evan is a great reader and I had the 2nd book of a trilogy for him. I was looking forward to sitting with him and discussing the books I’ve sent him over the past months. We don’t know Evan hardly at all and I wanted this weekend to be the time to start to remedy that.
Bob got a hug from Jasmine right away and when they came in the house where I was, she was suddenly shy, as a five year old can be. I asked for a hug but she stood behind her daddy’s leg and just peeked at me. I assured her that it was fine if she didn’t want to give me a hug. It had to be in her own time, I don't believe in forcing a child to hug someone when they don't want to. She has a picture of her and Bob so he was very familiar to her even though it had been nearly a year since that picture was taken.
We went outside to sit and she was still keeping her distance from me. I knew how to break the ice! Jasmine’s birthday was earlier this month (the 6th) and since we knew they were coming this weekend I decided to hang on to her gifts so that we could watch her open them. I had seven gifts for her and thought it was the perfect time to bring one out.
She had gotten quite good at catching the bubbles and I was instructed to take a picture of all them. Of course I obliged. Thank heaven for that erase button.
While I was sitting at the picnic table talking with Brandi and taking pictures of caught bubbles, Jon walked over and set the planter he made for me down on the table. He had posted some pictures of some he had made a couple of months ago and I commented on them and asked him to make me one too. He said he would and he didn’t forget. Actually, I had forgotten about it so this was a very pleasant surprise. Isn’t it pretty?
Since my little munchkin was getting bored with bubbles, Brandi and I thought it would be a good idea to go check out the playground. I was walking a few steps ahead of Brandi and Jas when we first started out and suddenly I felt these little arms around my legs. I got my hug! My heart just melted. From that point on, she was my shadow.
So we did the swing thing.
Jas then decided it was time for some refreshments. Of course no one could open the Freeze-pop except her Pop-Pop. When she wasn’t my shadow she was his!
Of course it was back to the bubbles again and we discovered she had used up the bottle of bubble liquid. I supplied a bottle of dish detergent and let her make bubbles to her hearts content. Do I need to tell you that there was Palmolive dish detergent everywhere??? It didn’t matter, if it made her happy I was happy.
I had gone into a store in Damascus a week or so ago and as soon as I walked in I saw this wind chime with the Saint’s icon at the top. The Saints are Jonathan’s favorite football team. Knowing that, I couldn’t leave it on the display unit could I? Look at that smile, I think I did good. He says there is already a nail in the perfect place for it.
Doesn’t this face just say, “Oh look! Clothes.” This one just didn’t register as high as the bubbles did with her.
Pretty soon I brought another one out and she was happy again.
Dinner time soon came and she was right by my side the whole time. It was during this time, when I first heard “Grandmom”. “Grandmom, what’s my job? What can I do?” Is it possible for a heart to melt twice?
So we put her to work crushing crackers for a dish I was making. She was so eager to help and so proud of herself.
She wasn’t done there! She helped with almost every dish in some way and when she couldn’t she was counting out napkins and forks and paper plates. She was lovin’ it! With every good job and you are such a good helper that she heard, her smile just got wider.
In the meantime Jonathan got their tent set up in the site next to ours and shortly after we ate dinner. We had to eat a little earlier than we normally would have because we had a parade to walk in yet. The Cradle of Forestry held a Memorial Day Parade here in the park for the kids. Since we are camp hosts we had to put in an appearance and besides we wanted Jasmine involved.
It was off to the playground.
Jasmine got her flag with streamers but of course Daddy had to carry it.
After the parade we sat around a campfire and of course it was bubble time again.
It was a great first day with Jonathan, Brandi and my little munchkin.
This little girl makes my heart so happy. I love it when she just randomly calls out, “I love you Daddy” or “I love you Mommy”. I can’t possibly describe the feeling I had when she called out “I love you Grandmom” for the first time. Let’s just say my heart melted,,,,,yet again.
Friday, May 23, 2014
5/23/2014 Memorial Day Weekend – Day One
(Damascus, VA)
This is going to be one busy weekend!
Bob was very busy today as two dump truck loads of mulch were delivered to the playground situated between the two upper loops. It took most of the day to get it spread.
The telephone in the campground rang off the hook during my stint. Between answering the phone and checking in early arrivals my four hour shift flew by. Somehow, I even managed to get three loads of laundry done too. Non-stop I tell ya.
I even found a few minutes to call Bob’s sister, Cathy, to invite her and our brother-in-law to a BBQ on Sunday.
Bob picked me up at the end of my shift and we headed home to hang the clothes out to finish drying. That done we headed to town to go to the grocery store to get some things in the for the weekend.
I called Brandi to find out what was going on as far as them coming in was concerned so that we knew what we were doing. I was disappointed to learn that they won’t be in until tomorrow morning. They are to leave very early so they should be here by 10:30 or so. It will be a four hour drive from their home in Kentucky.
This campground loop, usually very quiet, was filled with the sounds of cars, dads telling kids to leave that alone, I’m not ready for it yet, to kids yelling and laughing, wood popping in the fire pits, dogs barking and knocks at the door by campers who wanted to buy firewood from us.
This is the first night that we had to make rounds in the campground in our golf cart. There are certain rules that have to be followed, such as, cars must be backed into the sites, so we had to check on that. We had to greet our campers and let them know what site we are in, just in case they need something. We had to do this at 6, 8 and 10. I made the 10 o’clock round by myself because Bob was just too tired out from spreading the mulch all day. Luckily, 99% of the campers were in their tents and everything was quiet.
Tonight can’t go fast enough for me. Tomorrow morning,,,,family will be here!
This is going to be one busy weekend!
Bob was very busy today as two dump truck loads of mulch were delivered to the playground situated between the two upper loops. It took most of the day to get it spread.
The telephone in the campground rang off the hook during my stint. Between answering the phone and checking in early arrivals my four hour shift flew by. Somehow, I even managed to get three loads of laundry done too. Non-stop I tell ya.
I even found a few minutes to call Bob’s sister, Cathy, to invite her and our brother-in-law to a BBQ on Sunday.
Bob picked me up at the end of my shift and we headed home to hang the clothes out to finish drying. That done we headed to town to go to the grocery store to get some things in the for the weekend.
I called Brandi to find out what was going on as far as them coming in was concerned so that we knew what we were doing. I was disappointed to learn that they won’t be in until tomorrow morning. They are to leave very early so they should be here by 10:30 or so. It will be a four hour drive from their home in Kentucky.
This campground loop, usually very quiet, was filled with the sounds of cars, dads telling kids to leave that alone, I’m not ready for it yet, to kids yelling and laughing, wood popping in the fire pits, dogs barking and knocks at the door by campers who wanted to buy firewood from us.
This is the first night that we had to make rounds in the campground in our golf cart. There are certain rules that have to be followed, such as, cars must be backed into the sites, so we had to check on that. We had to greet our campers and let them know what site we are in, just in case they need something. We had to do this at 6, 8 and 10. I made the 10 o’clock round by myself because Bob was just too tired out from spreading the mulch all day. Luckily, 99% of the campers were in their tents and everything was quiet.
Tonight can’t go fast enough for me. Tomorrow morning,,,,family will be here!
Thursday, May 22, 2014
5/18–5/22/2014 Not Much Going On
(Damascus, VA)
This past weekend was Trail Days so on our days off we didn’t even venture into town. We had been forewarned not to even try it because of the crowds. We were quite busy in the campground and the campers I talked to confirmed that it was crazy crowded in Damascus.
On Monday we did leave the campground and turned left instead of our normal right. No reason other than we needed to explore the area. An hour into our ride I was sorry for the left hand turn. Twisty, winding roads, hairpin turns, can you see where this is leading? Let’s just leave it that I was leaning towards the open window because the air helped. I don’t care if we ever turn left again!
Well, I’m sorry to say that the little birds in the nest that I showed you in the last post have died. All of them. We’re thinking they froze to death. We had one night on the mountain that the temperature dropped to a cold 33 degrees. Mama bird isn’t sitting on the nest anymore because the birds are just too big, or maybe the nest is too small. Whatever the case, she was only around to feed them.
It’s been cold here on the mountain. Cold enough that we are running the heat, wearing sweats and any outdoor activities include a fire in the fire pit.
We are so looking forward to this weekend. One of our kids is coming to visit with his family! Jonathan, Brandi and grandkids, Evan & Jasmine, will be arriving. It isn’t definite yet if they will come in Friday evening or Saturday morning. I’m hoping for Friday evening!
We’re going to be pretty well jam packed this weekend with it being Memorial Day weekend. The loop next to ours, the one with sites that can be reserved is sold out! We’re taking requests for our loop with the understanding that you may or may not get the site you are requesting but that you will have a site in the end. This campground works differently than any other we’ve been in, in that there are several sites reserved for just one night during a holiday weekend. To us, that is unheard of.
We supposed to have to good weather so that is in our favor. I’m off all weekend because I traded a four hour shift with Myra, my co-camp host. She wants some time off in a few weeks so I’ll work for her in return. Since all of our camp sites will be full, or nearly so, Bob won’t have anything to do so we’ll get t spend our time with Jonathan and his family.
Let the weekend begin!
This past weekend was Trail Days so on our days off we didn’t even venture into town. We had been forewarned not to even try it because of the crowds. We were quite busy in the campground and the campers I talked to confirmed that it was crazy crowded in Damascus.
On Monday we did leave the campground and turned left instead of our normal right. No reason other than we needed to explore the area. An hour into our ride I was sorry for the left hand turn. Twisty, winding roads, hairpin turns, can you see where this is leading? Let’s just leave it that I was leaning towards the open window because the air helped. I don’t care if we ever turn left again!
Well, I’m sorry to say that the little birds in the nest that I showed you in the last post have died. All of them. We’re thinking they froze to death. We had one night on the mountain that the temperature dropped to a cold 33 degrees. Mama bird isn’t sitting on the nest anymore because the birds are just too big, or maybe the nest is too small. Whatever the case, she was only around to feed them.
It’s been cold here on the mountain. Cold enough that we are running the heat, wearing sweats and any outdoor activities include a fire in the fire pit.
We are so looking forward to this weekend. One of our kids is coming to visit with his family! Jonathan, Brandi and grandkids, Evan & Jasmine, will be arriving. It isn’t definite yet if they will come in Friday evening or Saturday morning. I’m hoping for Friday evening!
We’re going to be pretty well jam packed this weekend with it being Memorial Day weekend. The loop next to ours, the one with sites that can be reserved is sold out! We’re taking requests for our loop with the understanding that you may or may not get the site you are requesting but that you will have a site in the end. This campground works differently than any other we’ve been in, in that there are several sites reserved for just one night during a holiday weekend. To us, that is unheard of.
We supposed to have to good weather so that is in our favor. I’m off all weekend because I traded a four hour shift with Myra, my co-camp host. She wants some time off in a few weeks so I’ll work for her in return. Since all of our camp sites will be full, or nearly so, Bob won’t have anything to do so we’ll get t spend our time with Jonathan and his family.
Let the weekend begin!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
5/17/2014 This Summer is for the Birds!
(Damascus, VA)
For the birds, not going to the dogs, unless, of course, this weather doesn’t change and then I may have to rethink that. We’re still getting rained on and its COLD and damp. I am longing for the desert! Don’t get me wrong, we are enjoying the green but enough already with the wet stuff.
Birds. It seems they are everywhere. Of course we are surrounded by thousands and thousands of trees, we are in a forest after all, so it only seems right that we see lots of birds.
Now don’t get the wrong idea, this is not turning into a bird watching site! The only birds I can readily identify are few. Probably only the ones that everyone knows. The robin, the cardinal, the blue jay, certainly an eagle and of course the pigeon and seagull. Oh, then there is my favorite of all, the turkey, featherless, browned nicely, savored through two meals and sandwiches.
I was at the campground office the other day and heard what I thought was a puppy whimpering. Turns out I was way off base and it was actually a nest full of baby birds. So you don’t think I’m crazy, everybody else here also heard the whimpering puppy.
I don’t know what kind of birds these are, I just know they are noisy.
DINNERTIME!
Bellies full,,,,nap time.
They are really crammed in this nest, there isn’t much room to move. II’m hoping one doesn’t fall out, or get pushed out.
While we not only have birds at at the office we have birds at home too. Not this kind, hummingbirds! We had seen them flying all around so when we went into town we had to buy some feeders.
Bob hung one from the tree right outside our dining room window.
He also hung one from our ladder attached to the back of the RV.
It didn’t take long until they found the feeders!
Can you count on seeing hummingbird pictures all summer? Uh, yeah!
For the birds, not going to the dogs, unless, of course, this weather doesn’t change and then I may have to rethink that. We’re still getting rained on and its COLD and damp. I am longing for the desert! Don’t get me wrong, we are enjoying the green but enough already with the wet stuff.
Birds. It seems they are everywhere. Of course we are surrounded by thousands and thousands of trees, we are in a forest after all, so it only seems right that we see lots of birds.
Now don’t get the wrong idea, this is not turning into a bird watching site! The only birds I can readily identify are few. Probably only the ones that everyone knows. The robin, the cardinal, the blue jay, certainly an eagle and of course the pigeon and seagull. Oh, then there is my favorite of all, the turkey, featherless, browned nicely, savored through two meals and sandwiches.
I was at the campground office the other day and heard what I thought was a puppy whimpering. Turns out I was way off base and it was actually a nest full of baby birds. So you don’t think I’m crazy, everybody else here also heard the whimpering puppy.
I don’t know what kind of birds these are, I just know they are noisy.
DINNERTIME!
Bellies full,,,,nap time.
They are really crammed in this nest, there isn’t much room to move. II’m hoping one doesn’t fall out, or get pushed out.
While we not only have birds at at the office we have birds at home too. Not this kind, hummingbirds! We had seen them flying all around so when we went into town we had to buy some feeders.
Bob hung one from the tree right outside our dining room window.
He also hung one from our ladder attached to the back of the RV.
It didn’t take long until they found the feeders!
Can you count on seeing hummingbird pictures all summer? Uh, yeah!
Friday, May 16, 2014
5/16/14 Wannadinger? or Biscuit on a Stick?
Wannadinger or biscuit on a stick? That is the question. I’ve heard of these delicious creations called both. I have to agree with the one who coined the term Wannadinger that biscuit on a stick just doesn’t sound fun.
I’m going to show you how to make Wannadinger sticks and also give you ideas for fillings.
Materials Needed:
1” dowel, 48” long ($3.57 @ Lowes)
1/2” dowel, 48” long ($1.51 @ Lowes) buy 8
Glue - I used Elmer’s Glue All or wood glue
Mineral Oil – 4 bottles, get this in Pharmacy dept. of grocery store or Walmart ($1.29)
Tools needed:
Saw I used a chop saw but a jig saw or circular saw will do too
drill and 1/2 inch drill bit
a smaller drill bit to start a pilot hole
(In a perfect world you will have access to a drill press, a vise, and a router)
Directions:
Cut the one inch dowel into (eight) six inch pieces
Mark a dot in one end of cut dowel marking the center. Have a friend hold the dowel. If you have a vise, all the better. Using a small drill pit, make a pilot hole.
Using the 1/2 drill bit put the point in the pilot hole and drill down 2 inches. Your friend has to have a good grip on this and make sure you drill straight down.
Into the hole that you’ve drilled squeeze a small amount of glue.
Insert the 1/2 inch dowel and twist. Set aside to let glue dry.
Sand the edge of the dowel end so that the edges are rounded. Use a sander or router if you have it to smooth the edges. Otherwise, some coarse sand paper.
Now its time to soak the sticks. In a bucket pour enough mineral oil to cover the dowel and a few inches up the stick. This will prevent the sticks from burning when held over the coals. Let them soak for two or three days.
WANNADINGERS - or Biscuit on a Stick
You’ll need for a party of 8:
2 cans of Grands Biscuits (Do NOT get the butter flavor, they just don’t work as well.)
Place a biscuit on the rounded end of the stick and gently work it down the dowel.
It may help to roll it back and forth between your hands.
Be careful not to get any holes in the biscuit.
Be forewarned that the men in your group will get this silly grin on their face when they pull the biscuit down over the dowel.
Start a medium bag of charcoal in your fire pit or BBQ Grill if you have a party of eight. Use more charcoal for more people.
Hold the Wannadinger stick over the gray charcoal but be careful not to get it too close. Keep turning your stick so as not to burn the biscuit.
After 8 to 10 minutes your biscuit should be nicely browned. To test for doneness take a paper towel and gently hold the biscuit. If it slides off the stick easily its done.
Now its time to fill them!
These biscuit treats can be filled for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
BREAKFAST FILLINGS:
Scrambled eggs & browned sausage & shredded cheese
Scrambled eggs & crumbled bacon & shredded cheese
LUNCH FILLINGS:
Taco fixin’s, just layer everything in there.
DINNER FILLINGS:
Sloppy Joe topped with shredded cheese
Chili topped with shredded cheese
Beef stew
DESSERT:
Make up vanilla instant pudding and chocolate instant pudding
cut up fresh berries,,,,(straw, blue, black, rasp)
pineapple chunks (drained)
canned apple pie filling
canned cherry pie filling
canned whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional)
Layer pudding with fresh fruit or pie filling until it reaches the top. Iced tea spoons make this very easy.
Top with the canned whipped cream or Cool Whip
You can check out these blog posts to see more pictures of Wannadiingers being baked by charcoal, made and eaten. You may have to scroll down the posts a bit as the Wannadinger parties usually happened after another or the at the end of an event.
http://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/328-33114-end-of-season-party.html
http://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/31314-everyone-wants-wannadinger.html
EVERYBODY LOVES A WANNADINGER!
I’m going to show you how to make Wannadinger sticks and also give you ideas for fillings.
Materials Needed:
1” dowel, 48” long ($3.57 @ Lowes)
1/2” dowel, 48” long ($1.51 @ Lowes) buy 8
(there is enough here for two sets)
Tools needed:
Saw I used a chop saw but a jig saw or circular saw will do too
drill and 1/2 inch drill bit
a smaller drill bit to start a pilot hole
(In a perfect world you will have access to a drill press, a vise, and a router)
Directions:
Cut the one inch dowel into (eight) six inch pieces
Mark a dot in one end of cut dowel marking the center. Have a friend hold the dowel. If you have a vise, all the better. Using a small drill pit, make a pilot hole.
Using the 1/2 drill bit put the point in the pilot hole and drill down 2 inches. Your friend has to have a good grip on this and make sure you drill straight down.
Insert the 1/2 inch dowel and twist. Set aside to let glue dry.
Sand the edge of the dowel end so that the edges are rounded. Use a sander or router if you have it to smooth the edges. Otherwise, some coarse sand paper.
Now its time to soak the sticks. In a bucket pour enough mineral oil to cover the dowel and a few inches up the stick. This will prevent the sticks from burning when held over the coals. Let them soak for two or three days.
WANNADINGERS - or Biscuit on a Stick
You’ll need for a party of 8:
2 cans of Grands Biscuits (Do NOT get the butter flavor, they just don’t work as well.)
Place a biscuit on the rounded end of the stick and gently work it down the dowel.
Be forewarned that the men in your group will get this silly grin on their face when they pull the biscuit down over the dowel.
Start a medium bag of charcoal in your fire pit or BBQ Grill if you have a party of eight. Use more charcoal for more people.
Hold the Wannadinger stick over the gray charcoal but be careful not to get it too close. Keep turning your stick so as not to burn the biscuit.
After 8 to 10 minutes your biscuit should be nicely browned. To test for doneness take a paper towel and gently hold the biscuit. If it slides off the stick easily its done.
Now its time to fill them!
These biscuit treats can be filled for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
BREAKFAST FILLINGS:
Scrambled eggs & browned sausage & shredded cheese
Scrambled eggs & crumbled bacon & shredded cheese
LUNCH FILLINGS:
Taco fixin’s, just layer everything in there.
DINNER FILLINGS:
Sloppy Joe topped with shredded cheese
Chili topped with shredded cheese
Beef stew
DESSERT:
Make up vanilla instant pudding and chocolate instant pudding
cut up fresh berries,,,,(straw, blue, black, rasp)
pineapple chunks (drained)
canned apple pie filling
canned cherry pie filling
canned whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional)
Layer pudding with fresh fruit or pie filling until it reaches the top. Iced tea spoons make this very easy.
Top with the canned whipped cream or Cool Whip
You can check out these blog posts to see more pictures of Wannadiingers being baked by charcoal, made and eaten. You may have to scroll down the posts a bit as the Wannadinger parties usually happened after another or the at the end of an event.
http://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/328-33114-end-of-season-party.html
http://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2014/03/31314-everyone-wants-wannadinger.html
EVERYBODY LOVES A WANNADINGER!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)