Current Plans and Activity Log

Home | Current Plans and Activity Log | Goodbye to All That | Memories of BattleCat | Alaska Vacation - 2006

Plans

January 5, 2009 - HAPPY NEW YEAR - We spent New Year's in MD enjoying a quiet evening alone.  Not much planned, as far as travel, in January.  A few trips to visit with Gene is about it.  Since he put the 50 amp plug in his driveway we try to get there as often as possible.  

 

On January 23, 2009 Susan will be having surgery on her right foot.  Most of you know her background with the Avon Breast Cancer walks and the many problems she has had with her feet.  Well... she plans to walk in another one this year but must have a bone spur removed from her right foot before she can begin training.  The recovery will be NO WALKING at all for 7-10 days (yeah right) then limited walking for a month or so then - - look out!  She will be ready to start training again.  John has already volunteered to help her train.     

Activity Log

November 10, 2008  - Still not much happening in the Hawley house.  We did get away for a nice weekend at the Urbanna Oyster Festival in Urbanna, VA.  Sue joined us for a fun filled day of=n Friday and a rest filled day on Saturday. 

 

No plans until February when we head south for the Alaskan RV Rally then on to Key West and Disney World!

September 5, 2008   -  WOW - It has been a while since we have written.  We really have not been doing much this summer.  A few trips to the beach to visit Gene but nothing too exciting.   John is riding his bike as much as possible and Susan is busy with the Cafe. 
 
Now that fall is here we will be hitting the road several times.
 
First we will be going to the Hershey RV show in Hershey, PA September 10 - 14.  This is marketed as the biggest RV show in the country so we are looking forward to it.  We are hoping to meet our friends Sandy and Duayne in Butler, PA for the Fireman's Raffle afterwards.
 
After that it is back to PA September 24 - 28 for the wedding of our dear friend Nicole.  She will be marrying her long time boyfriend Steve and we could not be happier for them. 

Cesilia
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2008-05-17 to 2008-05-18 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2008-05-18 Culpeper, VA - Celebration of Life, Love and Family. Dave and Karen adopted a sweet little bundle of joy, Cesilia.

Cesi is adorable. She really seemed to like all the attention. You could tell by the look on Dave and Karen's face that they are totally in love with Cesi. What a beautiful family.
2008-05-05 to 2008-05-11 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
2008-04-25 to 2008-04-27 Hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail in PA.(weather permitting)
  Well, the weather was fine but as we were getting ready for our trip, we discovered that a robin built a nest on our radiator and laid three eggs since the Pork in th Park. Susan could not bare to kill the birds so we just stayed where we were, Cherry Hill Campground. Honestly, it would have been hard for John to kill the unborn baby birds too. Mommy robin is currently sitting on her nest.

2008-04-18 to 2008-04-20 Salisbury, Maryland, MD - Pork in the Park
  The Fifth Annual Pork in the Park Bar-b-que Festival will be held at Winterplace Park on April 18-20, 2008! Great food, drink, crafts, live blues music, carnival rides and more - and - enjoy one of the nation&'s top ten bar-b-que festivals sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

February 2008


Not much in the way of plans. We were on the road so much the last couple of months that we are looking forward to relaxing for a while. We are also going to look into having the carpet replaced, a new microwave, etc. Just domestic stuff.

2008-02-07 to 2008-02-24 FL
  2008-02-08 to 2008-02-11 ALASKAN DISCOVERY RV TOURS Rally in Seffner, FL at Lazydays

We had a GREAT time at the Rally. Caught up with Bob and Hope. Sally and Jim, and were surprised when Judy and Klondike Mike showed up. They were in the area waiting for their first grandchild to be born. It was so good to visit with everyone.   F Our first afternoon was spent visiting and schmoozing. There was a "block party" in the middle of our section where everyone caught up with friends. At 5:30 pm Spike & Lindy's Pizza Night was a great success.

  Saturday the 9th our friends went to a 10 am class on "Stretching for RV'ers" and at 11 am a class on "Healthy RV'ing ". 2 pm block party again....then at 5:30 head over to the rally room for a catered BBQ/RIB dinner. More visiting with songs, awards, maybe a bunch of give-aways and a raffle. Most important is our time together reliving those Alaskan memories, making new friends and seeing all the new Alaskan photos in our continuous slide show. We spent the day looking at some really beautiful coaches. While many of them were pretty, none of them had the storage that ours has. We decided to keep ours!

Some of the wonderful people we went to AK with
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2008-02-15 Clermont, FL

After the rally we were planning on heading to Disney World! John has never been and Susan has not been for over 30 years. (Damn, we are getting old) There is a Thousand Trails nearby so we will be staying there. Unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas. The forecast was for rain, wind, and possible tornadoes for two full days. That would have left us with only 1 1/2 days for Disney World. We decided that was not enough time and headed home on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008. We plan on attending the AK Rally next year so we will try again for Disney then.

January 12, 2008

We surprised Auggie by showing up at his 50th birthday party. His lovely wife Diane sent us the invitation months ago but we were not sure we could make until Susan decided to go to the Stag (RV stuff) show with the RV Store Manager at Cherry Hill Park. Heck, Texas is not that much further than New Orleans, right?

Auggie was very surprised and we had a good time catching up. Buzz also made the trip and everyone had a blast.

John, Diane, Buzz, and Auggie
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December 28, 2008



We are so proud to announce the engagement of our dear friend Nicole Clarke. Nicole called Susan last week and you could hear the screams and giggles throughout the park! Nicole moved to Pennsylvania to live with her long time boyfriend Steve about a year ago. They have been busy working on the house and raising their new baby, golden retriever, Madison. Now they will be busy planning their September 27, 2008 wedding. Of course we will be there!

Steve has GREAT taste in diamond rings.
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2007-12-24 to 2007-12-30 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

Since John was on call we stayed in MD for Christmas. Our friends Arlene and Marjorie invited us to have dinner with them. WOW! They went all out with turkey, ham, turnips, squash, and all the regular sides. Arlene out did herself by baking incredible apple and pumpkin pies. We ate and laughed and enjoyed a good time with good friends.
2007-12-17 to 2007-12-23 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park

Not much going on - we are hanging close to home. Susan continues to work at the Cafe Mon - Fri and John is using Metro to get to work as traffic continues to be a nightmare. He is looking forward to spring so he can get back on his bike! Susan attended the annual TU dinner, this year held at the home of Vanessa Kinsley. Wendy, Leslie, Nancy, and Gail were in attendance. We all figured out that we have been getting together for over 20 years and plan on continuing this tradition for 20 more years! Susan feels truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends.
2007-11-19 to 2007-11-25 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

November 16, 2007

We have been hoping not to have to write this but after nearly two weeks it is unlikely that Neon will return. She left the coach on Saturday, November 3, 2007 and has not returned. We have looked all over the campground but there is no sign of her. She never really liked to be inside. She has her claws and was a barn cat before we rescued her so she has the survival skills needed to live on her own.

2007-11-01 to 2007-11-04 Gloucester, VA - Thousand Tails TT Chesapeake Bay
Urbanna Oyster (raw, roasted, fried, smoked, steamed, in fritters or in a stew) Festival and Scheduled events

Oyster Trivia


Oysters have always been linked with love. When Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and promptly gave birth to Eros, the word "aphrodisiac" was born. The dashing lover Casanova also used to start a meal eating 12 dozen oysters.
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An oyster produces a pearl when foreign material becomes trapped inside the shell. The oyster responds to the irritation by producing nacre, a combination of calcium and protein. The nacre coats the foreign material and over time produces a pearl.
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Folklore says that oysters should be eaten only in months with "R's" in them -- September, October, November, December, etc. The notion that oysters should not be eaten in "R"-less months -- that is, months that occur during warm weather -- may have started in the days when oysters where shipped without adequate refrigeration and could spoil.
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Oysters are not only delicious, but they're also one of the most nutritionally well balanced of foods, containing protein, carbohydrates and lipids.
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Four or five medium size oysters supply the recommended daily allowance of iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus.
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Oysters help boost your mental energy and are mood elevators - they really are a "brain food".
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It is believed that Chesapeake Bay oysters have been gathered by humans for over 6,000 years.
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Chesapeake Bay oyster production in the late 19th century was over 111 million pounds; in 1980 it was 22 million pounds; in 1990 it was less than 4 million pounds.
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The world's only oyster museum is on Chincoteague Island , Virginia.

2007-10-15 to 2007-10-21 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2007-10-08 to 2007-10-14 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
  Saturday or Sunday, the full-timers at Cherry Hill Park are having a picnic... in October???

2007-10-05 to 2007-10-07 Milton/Rehoboth, DE Visit Gene if he is in town. If not, it is an October beach weekend! CANCELED. These plans had to be canceled too. The shop two day estimate for the repairs(Details and Pictures) took eleven days. Eleven days of living in a service bay next to a railroad track made us just want to get back to Cherry Hill Park in MD and relax before John's two weeks of being on call.

2007-09-28 to 2007-09-30 Massannutten, VA - Cancelled because motorhome broken. :(
  Visit Aug, Dianne and Angelina. Buzz, Leslie and family are considering a visit so a gathering of the clans is an exciting prospect.

2007-09-22 to 2007-09-24 College Park Collision Center - Getting our rear cap on our motorhome replaced. Details and Pictures
  So much for the two day estimate to put the cap on. It is now Sunday, 09-30 and we are still in service bay but we should be out of here by Tuesday, 10-02.
  To complicate things, while in St.Clair, our parking brake failed to hold on a tiny incline so used chocks. While driving here, our brakes were barely stopping the coach. We managed to make it to College Park Collision Center but when we are done here, we will be getting our brakes fixed somewhere.:(

2007-09-19 to 2007-09-21 - Thousand Trails St. Clair, MI
   Our trip to Round Hill, VA to visit Tom & Marlene at their farm... more like a ranch... was changed because Tom's planned changed. We will have to make it another time. :(

2007-09-15 to 2007-09-19 Holland, MI Oak Grove Resort Campground - Visit Chip, Lisa and Phillip in their new home!
  John just spent time with his friend and had a great time. They worked out, went to the movies and conversed about nothing... just like the old days but without the booze!
  Susan worked on the coach. We both got a nice bike ride in, we did it separately on different days.
  The last night we were there, we went out to dinner... it was a great visit.

2007-09-08 to 2007-09-14 Goshen, IN Escapees RV Club Presents Escapade - We had a great time. John biked 41 miles on Tuesday, 60 miles on Thursday and danced for 3 hours at the Sock-Hop Thursday night. He sweat, he was happy.
   We learned about RVing in Mexico, our next extended excursion. We are considering driving to Panama City, Panama but we can not take the cats. :(
  We bought a couple cool RV product and met a lot of great people.

2007-09-05

We have not written much lately because we have not done much lately :-) Only one BIG item to talk about... Susan bought an electric bike. With her Osteo Arthritis advancing it became apparent that she could no longer make the 20+ mile bike rides with John on her old bike. One of our neighbors in Cherry Hill has an electric bike and told Susan all about them. WOW! What a difference a little pedal assist makes!!

She bought a Giant (name brand) electric bike. There are three modes of operation. 1) pedal assist - when you pedal the motor in the front wheel gives you a little push. This is what she uses most of the time. 2) pedal assist with throttle - you can throttle up and get more power when you need it. This is used on short hills or for rapid burst of speed. 3) direct drive or cruise - this is where the bike can do all the work, you just sit back and enjoy. Susan only uses this when she needs a lot of help coming up Cherry Hill Road. You can still pedal along with the direct drive. The battery lasts for 40+ miles and it has been great to head out for a ride without having to plan a course that does not have hills. Now Susan says - Bring on those darn hills !!


2007-07-27 to 2007-07-27 Hershey PA - Thousand Trails Hershey Battle of the Sexes - - - Bring it on! Join the Recreation staff for a friendly competition between Males & Females. Relay races, trivia, tourneys, and surprise games the whole family can participate in. Dance the night away with the Dessert Wind Band on Saturday. The Family Circle singing group will be here on Sunday.

2007-08-06 to 2007-08-12 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park
2007-07-30 to 2007-08-05 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park

2007-07-27 to 2007-07-27 Gloucester, VA - Thousand Trails Chesapeake The Thousand Trails Games - Start an annual rivalry with your friends in this contest pitting family teams against one another. Advisory: Not recommended for the mentally or physically fit. Serious injury may occur to those of sound mind and athletic physiques. At night, celebrate your victories, or simply surviving the Games, at the Dance at Dark.

2007-08-20 to 2007-09-22 Rehoboth Beach, DE - Beach Weekend Repeat! We had just a good time last weekend so....

2007-07-13 to 2007-07-15 Rehoboth Beach, DE - Beach weekend! We are staying at Gene's who will not be home and the beach is our goal!!!!

2007-07-13 Friday night we went happy hour bar hopping. John drank a little too much and Susan drove him back to the motorhome and put him to bed before 9 pm. Lite weight whimp!

Saturday we rode our bikes to Reboboth, walked the beach, people watched, enjoyed the weather and rode back. Susan did great for her first significant ride (over twenty miles) of the year. We had planned to take Mara, Gene's mom, to dinner but she already had plans. When we told her we would be back next week to take her out, she said she was not going to be in town. We do not know Mara's age but Gene just turned 60. We sure hope we have that kind of energy in our twilight years! As we began planning our evening plans, Susan decided she was tired a did not feel dealing with traffic so John mowed Gene's yard (john does not miss that chore - full time RVing is good) and we had a nice dinner at home.

Sunday morning, John went to Gold's Gym only to find out that they charge $5.00 to workout even though he is a member and has a travel pass. John did not bring his wallet so he missed his workout in the morning but went when he got to College Park, MD. Of course we stopped at a couple road side stands for fresh produce on the way home.

Gail and John at the reception
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2007-07-07 Virginia - The wedding of Gail & Monte was beautiful and so was the bride. The wedding was at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfax, Virginia; Reception at Montclair Country Club in Montclair, Virginia. We only got to chat with Monte for a few minutes but you can tell he is a wonderful man and is smitten with Gail. As you can see Gail was a beautiful bride.

2007-06-25 to 2007-07-01 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
2007-07-02 to 2007-07-08 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

Damage    Back to Plans

2007-06-22 to 2007-06-24 Well - we did not make it to the Thousand Trails as planned :-( On Thursday we took the coach to Cummins near Baltimore to have some scheduled maintenance performed and have an oil leak checked out. They did not find a problem with the oil and determined it was most likely caused by over filling (bad Susan). But...... When they were pulling the coach out of the service bay they forgot to close the left rear compartment door! You guessed it... there is extensive damage to the rear of our house :-(. The wonderful people at Collision Specialties in College Park managed to rivet and caulk us back together while we wait for parts to arrive to fix the extensive damage. All total - $20,000.00 - Yes - Cummins will be paying for all of the repairs. Here are a couple of pictures of the damage.

The compartment door ripped off
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This crack is about 8 inches long!
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2007-06-15 to 2007-06-17 Milton, DE - Gene turns 60 years old on June 13th! Do old people party? We will see! :)

YES They party! We ate great food, drank good wine, and danced into the night.

Gene's birthday cake - it was incredible
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Mara and Gene with the cake
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2007-06-08 to 2007-06-10 PA - Susan and I are going to cruise the Poconos, enjoy each other, and stay where we stop. :)

RegisterFly    Back to Plans

Our Website and Email woes: RegisterFly and ICANN threads on SlashDot

2007-5-30 WOO HOO We have our website back... finally :-) It has been a long hard battle. Several months of writing email after email and getting nowhere. Thanks to one of John's coworkers, Todd, for alerting us to the fact that the domain names from Registerfly (the bad guys) had been transferred to GoDaddy (we hope they will be the good guys). Registerfly nor ICANN notified us that the transfer had been made.

We will get back to filling you all in on our many activities and hopefully we will have smooth sailing with the new company.

2007-03-12 to 2007-03-18 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
Makau, a friend from Keyna is visiting.
2007-03-19 to 2007-03-25 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2007-03-09 to 2007-03-11 Milton, DE - Visit Gene, Mara, and Martin again (Gene is probably going to regret putting in that 50 amp plug). After the start last weekend, we decided to inspect the remaining tires and realized it would be good to replace all of them. We got roadside service from Doug's Tire Service last weekend; it was quick and efficient, on the way Gene's, so we decided to use them to replace the rest of our tires. Obviously, we decided not to go to the Virginia RV Show in Hampton, VA.



2007-03-02 to 2007-03-04 Milton, DE - Visit Gene, and Mara.

Not a good start
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A great finish!
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2007-02-12 to 2007-02-18 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2007-02-02 College Park, MD covering Oncall for colleague - Cherry Hill Park
2007-02-02 to 2007-02-10 Key West, FL - Susan drove to Key WEst, FL with her friend Sandy Fulgham to join Vanessa, Diane, Anne, and Karen for a fun filled week to celebrate Vanessa's 50th birthday. The weather was warm and a good time was had by all.

Our "Beach Attire" for the week :-)
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The closest we got to a real sunset.
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2007-01-27 to 2007-01-27 Irwin, PA - Visit Duane and Sandy - we miss them.
2007-01-28 to 2007-01-29 Breezewood, PA - On our way home, we got pulled over for speeding and while John was talking to the Trooper Neon, our cat, ran out the door. We were on the side of Rt 70 just south of Breezewood. We stayed there all day, all night and this morning with the front door open trying to call for Neon to come home. At one point she was near the steps but would not come in. Later, we saw her going up the little hill by the road that leads to a nearby neighborhood. She was not seen after that.

We were at a loss of what to do. Knowing that if we walked the field calling her name she would not show her face. She does not come to us at home and we felt she would not when she was in a new place and most likely scared. There a so many big trucks flying up and down that road day and night that we knew she would not come back. She never really liked being domesticated and was most happy outside being a cat! We have not given up hope – she does have her collar on with a tag so we are hoping someone will see the collar and catch her.

As you can imagine we are both distraught today and ask you to include her in your prayers.

2007-01-29 College Park, MD Susan just went out to take the trash out and there she(Neon) was. She rode 150 miles from Breezewood PA to MD UNDER the coach and it was 20 degrees out! Mitts, our other cat, found her – we gotta go cry some more! Thank you all for your prayers. Thank You Lord for answering them.

2007-01-26 to 2007-01-27 Houston, PA - Visit Nicole and get PUPPY BREATH!!! (from the dog, not Nicole)

Nicole & Madison
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Madison :)
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2007-01-19 to 2007-01-21 Chantilly, VA - 21st Annual Washington Camping-RV Expo

2007-01-01 to 2007-01-07 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
2007-01-08 to 2007-01-14 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

We went to a SURPRISE 50th birthday party for our friend Vanessa. Mike Smith and his new bride Joanna went with us and a good time was had by all. Yes, Vanessa was surprised!
2006-12-29 to 2007-01-02 VA - Driving in the country and ending at Lanny's and Sandy's for New Year's Eve Party.

   

Christmas Eve Dinner
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Rehoboth Lights
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2006-12-11 to 2006-12-17 PA - Driving in the country, sleeping at Walmart and Flying J, enjoying each other's company.

2006-12-04 to 2006-12-10 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2006-11-27 to 2006-12-03 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
2006-11-24 to 2006-11-26 WV, PA, or DE. We are going to take out motorhome for a ride, park "somewhere" in West Virginia, Pennsylvania or Delaware and just relax. This is why we live in a motorhome? :)

2006-11-13 to 2006-11-23 College Park, MD - Cherry Hill Park
    Nov 17 Julie, a friend from Charlotte, NC who we definitely do not see enough will be in Alexandria, VA so we are going to get together at 100 King in Old Town. More Good News! Our friends Carla, Buzz and Leslie are going to join us.
    Nov 23 A Cherry Hill Park Thanksgiving. Last year Susan got together with the folk in the park and put together a Thanksgiving affair. They have decided to do it again.


2006-11-02 to 2006-11-05 Millsboro, DE - The World Championship Punkin Chunkin. We usually go to the Oyster Festival in Urbanna, VA on this weekend but Gene invited us to the “Punkin Chunkin” where he is part of the Chili Cook Off. Gene installed an outdoor 50 amp outlet in his driveway for our motorhome while we were in Alaska this summer so we would have electrical hookup while visiting. It seems like we should check it out. We invited Gail to join us at the Oyster Festival again this year but she thought this sounded fun too. Last year she called us the following week and asked, "Weren't we supposed to go somewhere last week?" I think we will call her beforehand this time. :)

Punkin Chunkin Gene and Susan
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Smokin' - Our Entry
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Danger! Men Drinking
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Cat Lovers
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2006-10-30 to 2006-11-01 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park
2006-10-23 to 2006-10-29 College Park, MD Oncall - Cherry Hill Park
  Oct 27 Halloween weekend at Cherry Hill - Friday we had a pumpkin craving clinic and ...
  Oct 28 was the Spook-tacular Halloween Party at the Conference Center (downstairs) We had a good turnout with more kids than adults. Prizes were awarded for the best pumpkin (everyone who carved a pumpkin got a prize) and everyone, young and old, had a good time.


2006-11-02 to 2006-11-05 Gloucester, VA - Thousand Trails Chesapeake Apple Butter Weekend. On Friday evening, bring your paring knife to the Lodge and assist the Apple Butter Gang as they snitz fresh-picked apples from their family orchard. While the Gang cores and cuts bushels of apples, the rest of us peel the skin from the apples and remove blemishes. Socializing as we work, this evening is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable nights of the year, at least for the members. Not so for the Gang. As we sleep Friday night, they take turns throughout the long night stirring the apples as they are cooked down over open fires in large copper kettles. The aroma drifts over the campground, tantalizing you long before the apple butter is ready for sale Saturday morning. If that's not enough, the Gang prepares ham and bean soup, also cooked in kettles over open fires. The Trails Café, trying not to be outdone, serves apple treats and cornbread. Vendors sell homemade crafts.

2006-10-09 to 2006-10-15 College Park, MD - Cherry Hill Park
  Oct 9 - This is the last night the tour of DC runs from Cherry Hill Park so we are going along to enjoy the sights.
  Oct 14 Falls Church, VA - Reception in honor of Mike's wife, Joanna. They were married in a beautiful ceremony on June 2, 2006 near her hometown, Labiszyn, Poland.

2006-10-06 to 2006-10-08 Romney, WV plans Cancelled
  Susan does not feel good plus the weather is not unfavorable so we cancelled our trip to Wapocoma Campground where we were to visit with Duane and Sandy who are now staying in Industry, PA. :(

2006-09-25 to 2006-10-01 College Park, MD - Backup Oncall Cherry Hill Park

2006-09-29 Hanover, MD - On our way home from a drive, we decided to have a pre-anniversay dinner at Timbuktu Restaurant

2006-09-30 College Park, MD - Our 12th Wedding Anniversary
Our plans were:
  Susan and I are going to have a cookout, campfire and a couple drinks under the stars.
So much for plans:
  I had problems at work, did not get home from the gym until 7:00 PM, Susan and I were beat and decided to cook dinner inside. By the time it was done, we were too tired to eat so we put it in the refrigerator and went to bed. I guess we will eat it tomorrow.

2006-09-22 Mclean, VA - Gail's 50th Birthday Party at the Mclean Hilton

2006-09-18 to 2006-09-24 College Park, MD - Oncall Cherry Hill Park
2006-09-08 to 2005-09-10 - 7th Annual Butler Township Fireman's Association "Your Choice" Sportsman's Raffle in Butler, PA. We meet up with Duayne, Sandy, Bob, Carol, Steve, Nicole, "Two Dog" and Kerri and had a great time despite the rain and hail. Everyone is probably a couple pounds heavier from the large quantity of good food we ate. No winners in the raffle but Carol and John won $500 each from strip tickets.

Because of health reason Len and Marilyn did not make it this year. We really missed them. We try to make this event every year so let us know if your are interested in joining us.

Butler Township Fireman's Association "Your Choice" Sportsman's Raffle


2006-08-29 to 2006-09-08 Jamison Inn, Elkhart, IN - staying here until repairs to various items that shook loose in Alaska and bodywork gets done on the motorhome. Remember that on the first day of our Alaska vacation, John scrapped and dented some compartment doors.

It is now September 6 and, yes we are still here. Monaco is definitely not moving as fast on the repairs as we would like. In their defense, it is the last days of summer which includes the Labor Day weekend. Adding to the problem the person repairing the doors had a stroke, went to the hospital for surgery, and Monaco had to get another person on the job.

We are occupying our time with bike rides, workouts, movies, dinning out and the Plymouth Blueberry Festival. Bob and Hope, new friends from our Alaska vacation were passing through Sawyer, MI on their way home from Alaska and invited us to dinner at Linda's home. Linda, a delightful woman, prepared a feast of salmon, white fish, corn on the cob and Bob's staple, coleslaw.


2006-08-25 to 2006-08-28 Oak Grove Resort and Campground, Holland, MI - relaxing and visit Pastor Chip Byrd, one of John's closest friends.

2006-08-24 to 2006-08-25 Bradd and Hall, Elkhart, IN - Getting a new sofa, recliner and captain chairs
2006-08-22 to 2006-08-23 Elkhart RV Park, Elkhart, IN - relax a couple days before getting new furniture in motorhome
2006-08-21 Watertown, WI - On our way home from AK
2006-08-20 Saginaw, MN - On our way home from AK
2006-08-19 Minot, ND - On our way home from AK

2006-06-16 to 2006-08-18 Alaska Vacation (click here)

2006-06-12 to 2006-06-16 In Town until Friday, Backup Oncall
2006-06-05 to 2006-06-11 In Town, Oncall
2006-05-08 to 2006-05-14 In Town until Friday, Backup Oncall
2006-05-01 to 2006-05-07 In Town, Oncall

2006-04-29 to 2006-04-30 Wachington DC - Susan and Sandy P DID IT! They walked 26 miles on Saturday and 13 miles on Sunday. They had great weather and a wonderful route.

2006-04-14 to 2006-04-17 Gettysburg PA - We had a GREAT time helping to celebrate Sue's Birthday with her Mon and Dad at her sister's place in Gettysburg PA. Yes, this is the same Sue that took Susan on the "Cruising Susans" Royal Caribbean Cruise in May of 2004. On Friday we had a problem with the front jack on the RV so John spent a few hours under the coach digging the jack up :-) The weather was warm and sunny on Saturday so we went for a 15 mile walk .

2006-04-03 to 2006-04-09 In Town, Backup Oncall
2006-03-27 to 2006-04-02 In Town, Oncall

2006-03-17 St. Partrick's Day Party at Cherry Hill Park

2006-03-10 to 2006-03-12 RV trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE to visit Gene.

2006-03-04 Dinner at Medieval Times in Hanover, Maryland

Medieval Times

2006-02-27 to 2006-03-05 In Town, Backup Oncall

2006-02-26 Jan's, Steve's and Helena's Farwell Party at Cherry Hill Park: Jan and Steve are a couple we met at Cherry Hill Park. Steve got a job in Vancouver, BC, Canada and they are going to move there in the Prevost bus there he converted himself. Helena got a Workamper job outside Calgary, AL Canada. North is the place to be! When we lived in the DC area we got used to a transient area but living in a motorhome exemplifies it!

2006-02-20 to 2006-02-26 In Town, Oncall

2006-02-17 to 2006-02-19 Spontaneity rules this weekend. We are taking our motorhome somewhere and doing something. We will let you know what we did after we do it. Ain't life cool?

Well life is not so cool this weekend and so much for spontaneity. When I entered this log, we were healthy. Since then, Susan's got a fever and aches. John has been to the emergency room once and to doctors twice because of excessive nosebleeds and spitting up blood. We spent the weekend in bed. :(

2006-14-20 Happy Valentine's Day. We have no special plans because everyday with Susan is Valentine's Day!

2006-02-10 to 2006-02-12 Cancelled. The snowfall discouraged us from going to Richmond but we had fun in the snow. 21st Annual Richmond Camping-RV Expo - Richmond Raceway Complex Richmond, VA

Camping-RV Expo

2006-01-30 to 2006-02-05 In Town, Superbowl Party at Cherry Hill Park
2006-01-23 to 2006-01-29 In Town, Backup Oncall

2006-01-23 to 2006-01-27 Susan is going to a Alaskan Discovery Rally in Kissimmee, FL.

2006-01-16 to 2006-01-22 In town, On call

2005-12-25 Christmas at Cherry Hill RV Park. We spend so much time here; it is like home and family. They are supplying turkey and ham and everyone brings a side dish.

2005-12-19 to 2005-12-25 On Town, Backup on call

2005-12-12 to 2005-12-18 In town, On call

2005-11-23 to 2005-11-26 We had a GREAT visit with Makau Nzioka (James), a friend from Kenya. Makau leads safari tours and excursions up Mt. Kilimanjaro. He gave a presentation of one of his Kilimanjaro climbs and everyone at the park loved it. He also got to experience his first Thanksgiving and enjoyed tasting all the yummy food.

2005-11-14 to 2005-11-20 On Town, Backup on call

2005-11-07 to 2005-11-13 In town, On call

2005-11-03 to 2005-11-06 Urbanna Oyster Fesitval. Sandy and Duayne P joined us for a fun filled weekend. We enjoyed good weather, good food, and great friendship. We missed Sue and Gail and hope they will be able to join us next year.

2005-10-24 to 2005-11-02 The Halloween party at Cherry Hill was a huge success. Susan made a trip to VA to pick up some of her old decorations and transformed the conference center. Everyone had a goulish good time.

2005-10-17 to 2005-10-23 In town - We are going to do some RV Maintenance. Mother Nature has not been cooperative! It rained just about every day so - - no maintenance work.

2005-10-10 to 2005-10-16 In town, Backup On call. We will try to get in a visit with Nicole and possibly her mom and dad (Judy and Brian).

Judy and Brian went back to Michigan but it was great seeing Nicole again!!!!

2005-10-03 to 2005-10-09 In town, On call. We spent a rainy weekend indoors. Caught up on some new movies that we had not watched.

2005-09-30 to 2005-10-02 We decided that the best way to celebrate September 30, our 11th wedding anniversary, is to be together doing what we love to do best, RVing somewhere together. We cannot decide between Chesapeake Thousand Trails or Hershey Thousand Trails.

9/3 We went to Chesapeake Thousand Trails. We hiked, biked, watched the sunset, enjoyed the stars, spent a gorgeous weekend together, and went out to dinner. We dined at the Boat House Restaurant in Urbanna, VA. While the Boat House is not the caliber of the restaurants in Washington D.C., it was good, inexpensive with a terrific view of the water.

2005-09-19 to 2005-09-25 In town, Backup On call. We just hung around the park. On Friday night we had a birthday celebration for Al Long. Theya are also full-timers who live at Cherry HIll. His wife JoAnn works out at Curves with Susan and Sandy.

2005-09-09 to 2005-09-11 6th Annual Butler Township Fireman's Association "Your Choice" Sportsman's Raffle in Butler, PA.
we had a BLAST It was great to see Carol and Bob again - we did not win anything but we sure ate and drank alot... some of

2005-08-29 to 2005-09-04 In town, Backup On call

2005-08-24 Jonathan and Daniel (and their mom Vicki) came to MD for a visit. We spent the afternoon playing at Jeepers then swimming at the pool.

2005-08-19 to 2005-08-21 We went to Thousand Trails Hershey, PA - Medieval Mayhem - We should have known to question the entertainment at the Hershey TT. We did have a nice weekend and John got to relax after a long and sleepless week.

2005-08-12 to 2005-08-14 We went to Rehoboth Beach, DE to visit our friend Gene. We had a ibt of a problem "hooking up" to Gene's electric... so... Gene moved his kitchen stove and we ran our plug through his kitchen window :-) It looked funny having the RV in his back yard but we all had a blast. John went on a long bike ride on Saturday morning. Susan had not recovered from her recent bike accident. (She had a head on crash on the Paint Branch Trail. Maybe she will learn to stay to the right)

2005-08-06 In town, We had a great time celebrating the birthday of our neighbor Duayne. Sandy grilled a standing rib roast (Prime Rib) and we had lots of great side dishes and the coolest birthday cake.

2005-07-30 We attended Jonathan and Daniels (our Godchildren) joint birthday party at the Upton Pool in Reston VA. We are both looking forward to seeing the boys and catching up with Vicki and David. We also had a nice visit with Tom and Marlese Shreve at their new estate "Ravenswood" in Middleburg. Their house and grounds are breathtaking and they are very happy with their new life.

2005-07-22 to 2005-07-24 Had a GREAT time visiting our friend, Gene, who just bought a house in Milton, DE. We went for a long bike ride Sat morning then spent the afternoon sipping Margarita's with Gene. The trip to Rehoboth was interesting... our brake assist on the Echo malfunctiond and the brake was applied while we were driving :-( Not a good thing. The Echo now needs all new brakes.

2005-07-15 to 2005-07-17 We are just going to get away to our favorite Thousand Trails Campground, Cheapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay

2005-07-05 to 2005-07-10 The chassis problems have not quite been resolved so we it looks like we will be in town. We waxed the other half of the motorhome this weekend... looking good.

2005-07-04 John biked to work then traveled via his in-line skate to the craft show in Vienna, VA where Susan was quite satisfied with her first experience a "larger" craft show. She sold quite a few bottle holders and cell phone/ipod holders. These two items were a big hit!

2005-06-27 to 2005-07-03 In town, Backup on call - On the weekend John hung out, watched old movies, and relaxed while Susan got ready to sell her goods in her first craft show held outside a RV park.

2005-06-20 to 2005-06-26 In town, On call - Washed motorhome and waxed half

2005-06-17 to 2005-06-19 Gloucester, VA - In Town - Cancelled the Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay and Rivahfest Trip because of a few chasis problems with the motorhome.

2005-06-10 to 2005-06-12 Gloucester, VA - Thousand Trails at Chesapeake Bay - Several area RV dealers will have their new models on display. Susan will sell her crafts at the Craft Show. We plan to drink and dance to the group, "Permanent Vacation" on Saturday. Monday is Susan's birthday so I suggested we go to a nice restaurant like the Boat House in Urbanna, VA but she said she would prefer to cook something special herself. "Maybe we could even have a nice cookout." We will let you know when we gat back.

Well, Susan did not cook. We did not go out. On Friday, John grilled pork loan chops (two in a Cajun rub and two with barbeque sauce), potatoes coated with olive oil and Italian seasonings, and a medley of vegetables. On Saturday, John grilled steak filets wrapped in bacon, and encore courses of potatoes and vegetables. For Susan’s breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, John offered to cook but she opted to go to the camp store for moose track ice cream.

The best part of the weekend was a surprise birthday party for Susan that our friends at Cherry Hill threw. Susan was clueless and overwhelmed. You will always occupy a warm place in our hearts. Thanks for everything.

2005-05-30 to 2005-06-05 In town, On call. SOB's - Wild Geese Rugby in Dickerson, MD on Sunday.

2005-05-23 to 2005-05-29 In town, Backup On call. Where do we start.

Friday night we had a little get together at the Hawley house to say goodbye to Erwin and Geisla from Germany. We met them at Cherry Hill.

Saturday night we hosted a cookout for Brian and Judy from MI and intorduced them to all our full-timer friends at Cherry Hill.

Sunday we moved the party to Sandy and Duane's where we were treated to a feast of filet mignon and crab legs followed by a fun filled evening with the Karaoke(sp) machine and lots of drinks.

Monday it was JoAnn and Al's turn to woo us with their grilled ribs and chicken. Although the rain came we had a fun time.

2005-05-20 to 2005-05-22 We stayed in town since the party for Sandy F was moved to Saturday. As you can see she had a great time.

2005-05-13 to 2005-05-15 Gloucester, VA - Thousand Trails at Chesapeake Bay - Share thoughts with the Member Advisory Board, mouth watering pulled pork buffet with all the fixin's at the Trail's Café, and dance at dark with band Chris and the Classics....

The weather was nice and it was GREAT to catch up with Sue W. It had been way too long!

2005-05-02 to 2005-05-08 SOBs Rugby - Alumni Match CANCELLED. You know what that means.... ROAD TRIP!. We will let you know....

Susan wasn't feeling well on Friday. John was tired anyways. We are just going to hang out, ride bikes, eat and enjoy each other.

2005-04-28 to 2005-05-01 Cape May, NJ - CAPE MAY'S SPRING FESTIVAL: Experience and appreciate the Victorian Springtime with ten days of activities in America's first seaside resort from Friday, April 22 through Sunday, May 1. Activities, tours and events are throughout Cape May. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May.



Thursday - CHEF'S DINE-AROUND: Five-course gourmet feast, with wine to accompany each course and each course served in a different one of Cape May’s acclaimed restaurants. A trolley shuttle between restaurants is provided. 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28. $100 per person, includes gratuity.

2005-04-18 to 2005-04-24 In town, Backup On call

2003-04-23 Round Hill, VA - visit with Tom & Marlene at Raversworth. We cancelled this. Marlene had a horse show and the weather was disagreeable. :(

2005-04-11 to 2005-04-17 In town, On call

2005-04-16 Great Falls, VA - Taking Sue Weymouth to L'Auberge Chez Francois for her birthday

L'Auberge Chez Francois

2005-04-08 to 2005-04-10 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Trip because John has neven been. Friday night at TT Chesapeake, Saturday travel the Bridge-Tunnel, and spent the rest of Saturday at TT Virginia Landing. TT Virginia Landing was remote and nice.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

2005-04-01 to 2005-04-03 - TT - Chesapeake -