An update finally......

Nelsons Travels Journal 2014

A new year and resolutions to do lots of stuff.  Little things like losing a few pounds, exercise, clean up the office desk, finish all the projects we started, lose a few more pounds, but also to keep this blog up to date.  In that effort, January is here.  Only measurable snow and we need lots more.

Early Jan found us back in Beaverton for a week and another donate life presentation to a Rotary Club.   Shopping in the big city.  Home and one more Donate presentation to the La Grande Soroptimist Club…  Nice people.   This might be our last for a while. 

 We attended the Union County Search and Rescue annual banquet.  Always fun. 

Bob escaped for a night and drove back to Portland.  For some foolish reason, he agreed to a third term as Rotary Club President and needed to attend a training.  Heads out again in Feb for a follow up training in Seattle. 

Our truck has had some problems over the past few months and is eating money.   But, heck…. It’s just money.  Too bad it’s not a tax deduction. 

Will load up the camper on Friday for a quick camping trip to some property north of La Grande (a party of course). 

 

February 2014

Other than celebrating 44 years together, Feb was pretty boring.  Spent most of the time at home just working on stuff.  The truck had some mental and physical issues so it visited the mechanic.  In the past 4 months, we have invested close to 10k on the truck.  But considering a new one would cost over 65k, we could say we saved 55k.  Live rich, die poor. 

 

March 2014

Christmas Trees in March….   We took the camper /trailer and tracker over to the wet-side of Oregon and did some shopping..  First stop was in Brooks, just north of Salem and we bought 100 seedling Christmas trees and 25 Washington Ash.  This was two weeks before spring break. 

Most farmers have a back 40 (acres)..  We just have a back one.  It now contains some Christmas trees which we hope to sell when we are in our 80’s and become millionaires.   At least we got a few nights of camping in, even if it was in the city. 

April 2014  We drove up to the Fraiser-Winom OHV park and checked out that campground and a few other camping spots…  We intend to do some local camping this year.  Still lots of snow in the lower elevations.. Quick trip back to Seattle for Betsy’s 2 year check up.  All is well.  We are scheduled to go back up in August for some additional testing.  

Downstairs bathroom is undergoing a minor remodel.

Betsy had a minor issue, but not lung related… slipped and fell getting into the hot tub.  Spent the rest of the eve in ER…  Broken wrist..  Surgery the following week, plate and a few screws and back home for rest.  Cast is now off and she is hard at work on the honey-do list I created for her. 

Friends Richard and Libby are goofing off in Hawaii so we have their dog Bell.  Bob is spoiling Bell so that R&L will have extra work to do when they get home.  He has been teaching her to get up at 3:30 am to P. 

Bob had to finish the bathroom painting that Betsy had started prior to her wrist issue.

We have two camping trips scheduled for May and more events in June.   

May showers.

Betsy is healing well after wrist surgery.  Bob did some work for United Way Donation Campaign. 

And then we went camping..  For some reason we chose a campground up high in elevation and fairly remote…  Had to drive over a couple of small snow berms to get there, but found a nice camp at the USFS North Fork John Day River.  About a hundred miles from home.  Spent a few minutes setting up camp before the first nap…  Gotta have the nap time built in for every camping trip. After the first nap is a glass of wine or two, or?, then a great camp fire. About 7 PM two ladies came into our camp. They had been walking all day (about 8 miles) because their car was stuck in the snow.  They had stayed with the car the first night, but decided to get some help.

 

We invited them into our camp gave them water, food, and blankets around the fire. We eventually took them into the camper for dinner and a place to sleep for the night. Sometime around 10 o’clock the younger one Stella, age 73 indicated she was having angina attack and her heart was in a-fib..   Bob put her in the car and we headed for the hospital in Baker City.  It was a 76 mile trip over back roads and he encountered no other human being along the route. About halfway through the trip Stella died in the front seat of the car. She was confirmed dead at the Baker City Hospital.  After consulting with law enforcement, it was determined that Bob would go back and notify the 81-year-old sister that the younger sister had died. At first light the next morning we got the car unstuck from the snow, wished Sue safe travels, and she drove back to Baker city to take care of the arrangements.  24 hours later, that snow had cleared enough for us to pass through the spot she was stuck in..

Stella and Sue seemed like really nice people and we wish we had known them earlier in life. The story was picked up in the news media and eventually on Channel 12 news in Portland.

The following week found us boating on Jim and Marci’s yacht on the Columbia. Cassie was along and this was a great family outing. It was also fun to be on the water

June 2014

This month we did some local exploring and drove up to look at the Northwest Union County. Had a chance to try out the winch and then eventually drove to Troy and Flora in Wallowa County. This was a very long day trip and violet was glad to get home.

As we were getting ready to attend the annual Northwood RV owners Association rally, Jim, Marci and Cassie were vacationing in France and had fun.

The rally was good and it gives us a chance to spend time many friends.  Betsy spent many hours with the sewing ladies and Bob spent the time with stories and lies.

On the last day of the rally the first of what we hope to be an annual Eastern Oregon beer fest was being held at the fair grounds. Bob was a volunteer at this event.

The month of July brought in some unique changes for us. Good friend Richard had a heart attack in Boise Idaho. We had planned to travel to Portland with them for some boating time. Instead, we spent that time taking care of their dog Bell. They were away from home for about two weeks while Richard got a quadruple bypass. Bell has spent many days in our house and this was probably the most comfortable place for her to be. Richard is home now and doing well.

We spent the rest of the month getting ready for our annual beach party on July 19. Small crowd, great music, and good friends. A highlight of this event was a chance to meet Marci’s father and stepmother. It was amazing how much alike the grandparents are.

Bob installed a lift kit on the tracker and raised the suspension about 2 inches.

Late July also brought renewed friendship with a couple from Abbotsford, BC, who were touring the area on their motorcycles. Great conversation, some good wine, with Carol and Sheldon. Wish Sandy and Andy could have been here also.

Granddaughter Cassie is here and learning to drive. Doing well even with grandpa slightly yelling at her. Of course with each raised voice incident, we have to get an ice cream cone. Grandpa and grandma are confident she will be a great driver.

November 5 we purchased a new truck,  2015 GMC Sierra, dual rear wheel, long bed, crew cab.  It was time to trade in the old one which had over 200,000 miles and was 14 years old.  Got tired of investing more and more money into it. 

Our granddaughter turned 16, has her driver’s license and a blue PT Cruiser.  She will be a Junior in the fall.  So proud of her….

Christmas in Cove with snow.  Turned out it was the only snow we had all winter! 

2015

Did some camping in February at Wallow Lake and Minam State Park.  Cold but beautiful weather!  In fact the only winter weather we had was a spell of below 0 temps in November and a bit of snow in December and that was it.  Making for a very dry summer and concerns about fires.   Have been working on getting well water to our trees since the irrigation ditch will probably be dry sooner than usual which means mid August… 

Took a trip to Seattle in April for my 3 year check-up.  All was well and I don’t have to return for a year.  We then spent some time with our friends Bill & Mary Zawlocki in Gig Harbor and on to the Olympic National Park for some camping and sightseeing.  Also spent a few days in Astoria so Violet could play on the beach. 

No beach party this summer.  It was a lot of work and we aren’t as young as we used to be!  Did attend my 50^th class reunion in Aumsville/Turner area and that was fun.  Bob spent time in the peanut gallery with some of the other old pharts, commenting on all the hot 68 year old HS babes...Had a great visit with cousin Betty and she spent a few days here in Cove on her way to Montana to visit her sister.

Looking forward to seeing our friends, Sue and Russell, from New Zealand next week.  They purchased a small used motor home that they will store here to use when they visit. 

 

Still have not lost those few pounds.   Gotta keep trying...

Planning a trip to the east coast mid-August for about 2 months so we will be posting more on our blog then. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2014

Other than celebrating 44 years together, Feb was pretty boring.  Spent most of the time at home just working on stuff.  The truck had some mental and physical issues so it visited the mechanic.  In the past 4 months, we have invested close to 10k on the truck.  But considering a new one would cost over 65k, we could say we saved 55k.  Live rich, die poor.  

March will bring some more travels….  We hope. 

December 31, 2013

First Saturday we got home, Betsy had a baby shower to attend.   Lots of dog present, so Bob provided Dog care for all the attendees.   No dogs were injured in the filming of that project….  

The hot tub was in for repair during the Rushmore trip, so it is time to move the deck addition project forward.  Simple cover over that area to keep the rain and snow out.  No project is ever simple and never comes within budget…  This one was much better. 

During the project, we made another trip to Seattle for the bi-annual checkup with the transplant team.  Dr. Raghu was pleased with the testing..   Good to go for another 6 months. 

On the way home we stopped to see good friends in Gig Harbor, WA and spent the night in their drive way..  Like us they have a 30a hook up for visitors…   But the best part was seeing a new family member.  Scotty is only a few months old and had been in the house for only a week.  Violet is 60 lbs compared to the 2.3 lb Scotty.  V was gentle and play was monitored.  Scotty has a new friend.  Since we didn’t have to drive, we shared a bottle of wine (or 2).   Quick stop in Beaverton so we could get a granddaughter fix, and then back to Cove for a while. 

Friends from Oregon Coast here for a weekend, and again Bob is doing dog care (he likes that job).  One of the dogs is a greyhound and cannot be let off leash outside. 

It’s fall and lots of stuff to do for winter… including a barn sort so that we can get everything under cover for winter.  We have tooooo much stuff.. 

First week of November found us at the annual elk camp so the girls can have some down time..  Bob had a great week taking naps.   No elk this year, but lots of good times.  

Now we are off to Beaverton for a month.   Kids have a garage project for us to assist with, and we have also volunteered to make some presentation for Donate Life Northwest, to promote organ and tissue donation.  Lots of groups, mostly Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.  At the end, the count for 2012/2013 was 651 people attending and 2760 miles driven for that.   We feel good about the effort. 

Home..   For the holidays…   Jim, Marci, and Cassie are in Cove for Christmas.  2013 was a good year.  Even stayed up (or woke up) to say good bye to it..  Hoping 2014 is even better. 

September 2013

Camping notes for Rushmore trip.  This is long, but we sure had fun and did a lot of stuff. 

 

First day (Sept. 2) left at 8:00 am and drove to Nampa.  Violet had a grooming appointment at Petco at noon.  Ate lunch at Wingers.  Picked up Violet around 3:20 and headed toward Eagle.  Spent the first night at Mountain View campground (USFS) about a half mile past Lowman.

 

Constant stream of vehicles/RV’s going the opposite direction due to it being Labor Day.  Got to camp and it was very hot and humid.  Discovered that the bathroom faucet had somehow turned on and all of our fresh water was gone.  The gray water system backed up and we had water overflowing in the bath tub and onto the floor. Spent the first ½ hour cleaning up and then had to use the hand pump in the campground to get enough water to at least use the toilet and wash hands.  Making memories!

 

Had some wine and a nice taco salad for dinner.  It rained during the night.  Left camp about 9:00.  Found water to fill us up at a BLM campground down the road.  Got fuel in Challis and had a GREAT burrito at a place called Taco Grande housed with a Subway in Salmon, ID.  Slowly worked our way into Montana and camped at a campground called May Creek about 6 miles past the Chief Joseph pass.  Great, quiet place.  Had a nap, a campfire, some wine and dinner.  It rained some but not enough to bother us.  Violet was glad to get out of the rig and run around.    

 

Left camp about 8:00 in the morning and drove to Big Hole National Battlefield.  Very moving display about Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce being attacked by the army at this location. Lots of deaths on both sides.  From here we drove to Butte and stopped at a Wal-Mart for a few supplies.  Had Subway in our RV in the parking lot!  Got fuel and continued east.  We are camped tonight at Lewis and Clark State Park, the first state park in Montana.  From here we drove the Tracker 3 miles up the mountain to the Lewis and Clark Caverns.  There is no relationship between Lewis and Clark and the caverns.  The caverns were discovered by some local farmers…  We decided to take the 2 hour tour not knowing that the first ½ mile was up a ‘very’ steep trail and it was a hot day!  It was all I could do to make it to the cave entrance and considered turning back at one point.  But I made it!!!!  My donor had very good lungs!!!  Once inside it was very cool and mostly downhill although some stairs both up and down.  It was close to being a 2 hour tour and we got back to the RV about 6:30.  Nice campground with electric hookups so Violet enjoyed her air conditioned home while we were hot and sweaty on the tour….  

 

Thursday, Sept. 5, left camp early and headed east.  Eventually saw a sign that said Little Big Horn Battleground so we decided to take a detour and visit.  By the time we got there it was mid-afternoon and very hot so only visited the visitor center and did not walk out to the actual site in the hot sun and uphill…. Left there and headed north, then east toward Miles City.  It was a very long day as we left about 8:30 and didn’t stop to camp until after 5:00.  Temperature was 102 when we arrived.  Took awhile to cool the camper down but just glad we have hook-ups so we can run the air conditioner.  Plan to make a trip to Wal-Mart later or maybe in the morning (it is only a block away) to buy a Gazetteer for North and South Dakota.  Hoping the weather cools off so we can enjoy the sightseeing more! 

 

Got an early start this morning (Friday, Sept. 6) and on the road by 7:30 MST.  A quick stop at Walmart for a map and then headed northeast toward Glendive, MT.  Crossed over into North Dakota and headed for the Teddy Roosevelt National Park (South Unit) arriving early afternoon.  Another hot day!  Parked our rig at the picnic area and unloaded the Tracker for a 36 mile round trip in the park.  Beautiful scenery and lots of Bison and Prairie Dog towns throughout.  Back to the rig and then headed south toward South Dakota arriving in Spearfish around 5:00 pm.  Staying at Chris’ RV Park for 2 nights.  Plan to do some day tripping with the Tracker tomorrow. 

Another hot day!!!  We got up early leaving Violet in the camper with the air conditioning on and drove to Deadwood.  It is a real tourist spot with gift shops, casinos, etc.  Took the scenic route through the Black Hills to get there and that was nice.  Got back to the RV about 11:30 and have spent the rest of the day inside where it’s cool.  Tomorrow we plan to go to Devils Tower and then head toward Mount Rushmore.  Supposed to start cooling down in the next few days.  Hope so!!!!  We did have a bit of rain today but the sun was out at the same time and it didn’t cool down at all. 

So, a change in plan.  Didn’t get up early enough to go to Devil’s Tower and be back and out of the RV park by check-out time so we drove to Custer State Park and found a nice RV park (WeLikIt) /campground and paid for 3 days.  RV park is rustic but quiet.  Just our kind of place.  Staying about a mile from the small town of Custer.  First day here we settled Violet in the camper and took a drive around a portion of the state park.  The 2^nd day we got up early and took the wildlife viewing loop and saw LOTS of buffalo, wild turkeys, deer and prairie dog towns.  Nice trip and we were back to camp by 10:30.  After lunch we decided to drive to Wind Cave National Monument.  Didn’t take the cave tour as we had Violet with us but visited the visitor’s center.  There are 6 tunnels in Custer State Park and we drove through 3 of them today.  Very interesting and unusual….  Can’t understand how tour buses can get through them they are so narrow and not very high.

BBQ’d some brats for dinner and then watched a bit of TV.  Saw a tornado warning for the Custer area and kept waiting for the “big one” to come.  Fortunately it stayed calm all night but at one point Violet did crawl under the table which she never does and that freaked me out!  Thought maybe she knew something we didn’t.

Third day here we visited Mt. Rushmore.  It is so much more impressive in person!  Lots of people of course and it cost $11 to park but well worth it.  Also had ice cream made from Thomas Jefferson’s  recipe!  It was very tasty and was more like the “homemade” kind we used to make.  Drove into Keystone, a tourist town just 3 miles from Rushmore and had a sign made for our sign post saying Mt. Rushmore 1122 mi.  Had lunch here and then drove back to the park.  Today we went through the other 3 tunnels and they were just as impressive as the first 3.  Sure wish we could have seen a bus get through one!  They are all one lane tunnels.   

Back in camp in time to do laundry and a nap for B and V…  Turned out to be a nice day today, in the high 60’s, low 70’s.  Plan to leave tomorrow and head toward Devil’s Tower. 

 

Left camp about 8:00 (9 MST) toward Devil’s Tower.  Arrived about noon and parked RV/trailer at a spot about 2 miles from the information center.  Drove the tracker up since RV parking there was very limited.  Got a great picture of Devil’s Tower with a flag flying half mast for 9/11.  Lots of people and tour buses!  Continued on toward Buffalo, WY where we got fuel.  Up into the mountains looking for a forest service campground.  Skipped one and decided to continue on.  Great decision!!!  We found Sitting Bull campground which is the best place we have stayed so far.  Our site has trees on one side and a huge meadow on the other.  Very clean and a nice campfire spot.  Made a fire, drank some wine and a moose strolled by about 100 yards away in the meadow!!!  So happy to see it.  We are about 8,720 feet in elevation.  The pass getting here was 9200.  Violet had a great time fetching her Frisbee in the meadow and is very tired after 8 hours not sleeping in the truck.  She doesn’t sleep when we travel…   

In the morning we head west to the town of Tensleep… should be there around ‘ten’.   If time allows, we might at least take a 'nap'

 

Woke up earlier than planned watching for critters!  Saw several white tailed deer/mule deer but no moose.  Had a bite of breakfast and decided to continue on our way.  First part of the drive was spectacular scenery, canyons and huge cliffs.  The rest of the way to Cody was very flat and uninteresting for the most part. (We were in Tensleep about 9 so no nap).  Stopped in Cody and toured the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.  A huge building with many displays.  Probably spent about 1 ½ hours inside.  After that we drove a short distance to Wapiti Campground on Cleanwater Creek.  There are grizzly’s in the area so no food left out which we don’t do anyway.  Took a stroll around the campground before dinner.  The plan tomorrow is to drive into Yellowstone NP (30 miles) and find a place to spend the night so we can tour the park.  We have been there several times but can’t just drive through!!!  Hoping to see lots of critters….

 

Got to the first RV park (only one in the park with hookups) and it was full at 9:30 in the morning.  Continued on to the Grant Village campground that has a dump station and water so we are good to go.  Left Violet in the camper and drove the scenic route that goes by Old Faithful.  Stopped and watched it do it’s thing and of course we had to have an ice cream cone.  Can’t go there without getting one!!!  Memories of Cassie when she was about 3 or 4 with a cone almost as big as she was!!  Continued on and saw a coyote and lots of bison.  Towards evening it was nice enough to have a campfire and have some wine.  The campground ended up being full by the time we got back from our drive and there are 430 sites!  Amazing!  Lots of traffic on the roads.  It is the week-end but thought this late in the season it wouldn’t be as crowded and the weather isn’t that great either.  Had some thunder while we were enjoying the campfire but it didn’t rain on us this evening. 

 Next morning we got up at 6:30, loaded up Violet and headed out in the Tracker to find critters.  Saw quite a few elk feeding along side the road and bison of course.  Did see a very large elk with big rack in a meadow.  He was causing quite a traffic jam with people stopping their cars to get pictures  Took the Mammoth Hot Springs route this time and drove out the West Entrance to the town of West Yellowstone for lunch.  It was a long ride in the car for Violet (about 7 hours) but she survived it.  Brought her back to the camper and then checked out the Grant Village Visitor Center and General Store.  It rained most of today and we decided against a campfire.  Loaded up the Tracker in the trailer so we are ready to head toward the Tetons in the morning.

 Drove south to the Tetons and found Grosse Ventre campground outside the Teton National Park.  Not the best campground but it was sufficient for us.  Nap time.   Left Violet in the camper and drove to Jackson and found a really nice Albertsons to buy a few things.  Drove through the town just to check it out.  Made arrangements to meet with Alexis (our great niece) for dinner at Thai Me Up Restaurant and Brewery, which is where she works.  In town to meet Alexis at a parking area at 5:30.  Great to see her!!!  We walked a few blocks to the restaurant as she told us a lot about the town.  Our very own tour guide!!!  Her guy Levi met us at the restaurant and we had a great dinner and some brew/wine..  After dinner we walked to a chocolate place and bought a few chocolates for desert as well as a fantastic cinnamon roll for the next morning. 

 Got up early and did another scenic tour leaving Violet in the camper.  She so doesn’t like to travel!!  Beautiful scenery and saw quite a few very large elk.  Back to camp around 10 and loaded up to head on..  Drove to Village of Trees RV park by Burley, ID.  We have stayed there before and it is nice except for the constant flies.  Parked next to a couple from Canada which a Nash trailer and they were headed to La Grande to have a tour of the Northwood plant. 

 

The next morning we got Idaho burritos at the restaurant at the RV park and they were fantastic, and big.  Drove on to the Mirage trailer place in Nampa to get a replacement metal front for the front of the trailer as it had bent due to rocks.  From there we drove home and Violet was so excited to be here!!!  She loves her ‘home’.  We had a great vacation but also glad to be back home.  Unpack time and get ready for Seattle again.

Aug 28, 2013

Wow…. This late spring/summer just flew by…  Will try to give an update on happenings.

May found us at home getting ready for stuff like a garden.  Bob thinks Safeway is a better food source, but Bets still feels the need to stay close to Mother Earth. 

First week of June found us traveling to Beaverton for a few nights…  Gotta stay in touch with the granddaughter…

Second week of June has us at Hot Lake RV Park near the airport in La Grande for a Northwood RV Owners Association Rally.   65 Rigs from all over the West.  Lots of nice people…  We could have just gone out for the day, but taking the RV means more nights of camping… 

Next week found us back camping, this time in the local mountains for a family camp.  Took the guns and set up a 100yrd clanger…  Eventually we left because of the bugs…  Returned to Cove, and a much smaller bug population.   Campfire at the pond.. 

Jim and Marci left Cassie here for the summer.  Cassie lived in her cave (bedroom and iphone) and came out for necessities and food…  She spent some time driving a stick shift and shoot’n.  Dan and Carlyn arrived from Kansas.   Cassie did spend the evening meals with us and joined in the conversations.

We drove to Sumpter for a Horse Shoe Tournament and really had fun.  Next event was the annual Beach Party at our place…  Great band and probably had 75 people show up.  Pulled pork on the Traeger…. 

I forgot to mention that Cassie walked every night on the treadmill and it paid off.  On her last weekend in Cove we had a SAR call out.   Horse accident up a trail about 30 min from us.  Lady had massive injuries.  Cassie and I arrived to find the teams carrying her out needed water… so Cassie and I packed in water…  probably two miles in.  Took a while to get this victim down a steep narrow trail, but they eventually made it and she was transferred to a helo and off to Kennewick WA for Medical.   Cassie was impressed by the teamwork and that the focus by everyone was towards the victim..  Good work by all.   

We took Cassie home and then off to Aumsville, Oregon for Bob’s 50^th High School Reunion…  and those people really got old…  ;-)   We had fun.  

Home now and getting ready for a trip to Mt Rushmore in a few days…   Will try to remember to blog when we get back. 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Drove to Beaverton for a great evening with MJC, then to Aumsville.  

Attended the memorial for nephew Jeff in Salem.  While it was good to see family, the reason was not so good.  We will miss him. 

Spent an evening with the Petersons and then headed across the muddled middle to Vale.  Our intent was to be at the BLM office for some maps on Monday am.

We had a great trip to the Owyhee (Hawaii) area of SE Oregon and some of Idaho.  Stayed at Succor Creek for two nights.  Day trip in the area looking for wild life.  Not a lot to be found.  Campfire was almost non existent because of the wind.

Headed for Jordan Valley to explore a part of the state we had never visited.  Cow Lakes BLM campground had a fence down and was full of cows…. Go figure… We left and drove back to JV.  The main RV park was disappointing as it was a former trailer park converted and generally still being treated as one.  We opted for a RV park right down town..  Was old, but usable.  Designed for the pre-slide out world..  We were the only ones there.  Clean, restrooms, laundry and a park next to it..  Walking distance to all of Jordan Valley business and restaurants (all 4 blocks).  Much slower pace down here, and that is a good point.

There is no Cell or Net service in JV unless you visit one of the two restaurants and use their mini wifi systems. Still in the land line world.  A step back to a slower pace.  Every one was friendly.  Stayed three nights and explored as much as we could.  Fantastic museum. 

Drove 125 miles on the second day there.   Into Idaho and then back to sage brush Oregon.  Ok, we have seen it…  probably will not go back for a while.

Home for clean up (every thing is very dusty) and we think Violet is much happier at home..

Thursday, April 25, 2013

A couple of people have asked just what we are traveling in and all the ‘junk’ we haul down the road

A couple of pics attached

We are heading to Salem for a memorial gathering for nephew Jeff.  Jeff left us this week much too early in life.  52 and cancer.  He will be missed. 

After Salem we are heading to the Owyhee (pronounced Hawaii) for a week of camping and touring the area in the tracker…  It has been very dry down there so will expect a lot of dust.   We really intend to turn this back into a travel blog, so will post again when we get home…

Tracker fits nice, DTV sat system, 32” tv, laptop, printer, scanner, 2 mtr radio, CB, extra water, firewood, gas, diesel, air compressor, and beer. 

 

Will have it at the Northwood Owners Association Rally in late June.  

Saturday, 13 April 2013

Forgot to post this one..

 

Friday, February 01, 2013 

Packing…   Getting ready for a mini road trip.  This will be our first time away from Cove for an extended length of time (2 wks) so we will be traveling as if we were to move back to Seattle for more medical issues.  Truck, camper, Cargo trailer with Tracker inside..  Will get some photos today and post.   

Had snow on the ground for a few weeks, but now it is just wet  Surface is thawed down to about 3”, then hard ground below that.  Violet loves the snow…  Runs, tumbles, runs some more…  Just loves it..  Hopefully we will get some more this winter…   Spring birds are already upon us..

 

This next week we will take our Granddaughter Cassie to Wallowa Lake Lodge for the Joseph Hi Dinner Theater…  Mystery…  Cupids Crime..  the young people always do a great job acting…  And a fitting theme for our 43^rd year celebration the following week

Apr 13

Cassie loved the dinner theater...  and then.....

We survived #43 on the Oregon Coast, then down to Coos Bay/North Bend to spend a few nights.  Had a couple of dinners with Tom and Kalen and their dog family.   Quick trip to Seattle for a visit with Paul and Caron before she was released to head back to Homer.. 

Home for a few weeks then on the road again,  We just got back from a trip to Seattle for the one year check up..  Today, one year ago, Betsy received a set of ‘recycled’ lungs to give her a new lease on life.  In Seattle, the Doc said she is doing great, back again in 6 months.   Thank you 'Donor Family'

We stayed at the only RV park in Seattle….  Lake Pleasant.  Saw lots of old friends and had dinner with cousin’s Karen and John Nelson.  Did some shopping and had lunch at our favorite hamburger place:  Burgermaster.  It is the kind of drive-in where they bring the food to your car.  Fun. 

While at the RV park we met some folks who were pre and post lung transplant.  One guy had his transplant about 7 weeks ago so is in the recovery process.  The other guy has been on the list for about a month and he and his wife arrived at the park about 2 ½ weeks ago.  It is always great to visit with people who are going through the process.  We like to give them encouragement and answer any questions they might have.  We become a very close knit group and it’s great to stay in contact with so many.   

Yesterday was beautiful here.  Mowed the lawn and there are flowers blooming.  This morning it snowed!!!  Typical spring in Northeast Oregon …  We are busy painting some bird houses that we made several years ago and didn’t get a chance to finish.  Need to get them hung soon!

December 29, 2012

Ok….  We have once again been remiss on keeping the blog up to date.     Middle of October to end of December in one quick writing…  

Betsy took the camper to Wallowa Lake State Park at the end of Oct for a girls camp.  They had fun….

First week of November found us at Elk Camp.  Camper with the cargo trailer in tow.  This is primarily a girls elk camp, but Bob tagged along to split firewood and keep the gen sets full of fuel.  Gave him some time in the Man Cave (cargo trailer) to watch TV, in semi-heated comfort, and have a toddy or two. 

Towards the end of elk camp, we escaped to Seattle for a quick Dr. appointment at UWMC.  Betsy got an excellent report and they said not to come back until April. 

Last two days of elk camp it snowed.  We drove out on a Monday morning and did not chain up.  Slow down the hills, but we made it fine. 

The only other trip with the Camper was to a bunko party in La Grande.  While we ‘rarely’ over consume beverages, we also do not drive under the influence.  It is easy to load and unload the camper… 

Christmas in Cove with family.  Lots of relax time and great family time.  Cassie will be with us until Jan 1 when we deliver her home.  She is a very mature young lady. 

Next trip… with the camper and trailer/w tracker will probably be in April for another week in Seattle (medical testing).  The tracker will give us easy travel means in the city, and the cave will let us stretch a little.  Then maybe a trip down the Oregon Coast. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful new year!!! 

Friday, October 19

Boy, the weeks just fly by!  We have been very busy finishing up the cleaning and sorting of the shop.  The truck and camper are now parked inside although the air conditioner on top of the camper rubs on the garage door when pulling in!  We could park it in the barn but it is more convenient to have it closer to the house when we want to use it.  Also makes a nice ‘guest room’ if we need it. 

 

I have been feeling great and feel so fortunate to be alive!  In the past few weeks I have canned apples, made and canned applesauce, canned plums, Asian plum sauce and spiced plum chutney.  We have tons of plums on our plum tree and felt like trying a few new recipes and preserving some.  We also dried plums and put some sliced apples in the freezer for pies.  The next thing is to do something with the pears that our neighbor brought us. 

 

We finally had a good dose of rain several days ago so we were able to burn all the ‘trash’ that has been accumulating over the past few months.  Had a nice campfire…  Still have a pile of yard debris that needs to be torched one of these days. 

 

Had a great visit from Dan and Carlyn who were on their way back to Kansas City.  Violet is getting used to AFP’s in the field!  (Arctic Fox People). 

 

This week we had a visit from Mary and Bill from Gig Harbor.  They are on their way to Texas to spend the holidays with her daughter.  (more AFP’s!)  It is so nice to have people stop by to visit and glad we have an RV spot for them.  We sat on the patio with a fire in the red stove and enjoyed some wine with them.  It’s great to finally feel comfortable having a fire now that we have had some rain. 

 

Had a great brief visit with Adam (the leading AFP) last week...  It was good to see him again and we look forward to the 2013 Rally.   

 

Bob is spending more time in his shop cave, now that is a lot cleaner and stuff sorted out.  Working on the new cargo trailer and hoping it’s ready for elk camp in a few weeks.

 

That’s about it!  We are just loving life and enjoying our place.  The leaves are gorgeous right now and yes we are looking forward to the first snow! (maybe this week) 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Having trouble keeping up with this blog since we have been home.  Too many things to do here!!! 

 

The Oktoberfest was fun and we hope to go back again next year.  Enjoyed the music, food and of course the beer and wine.  LOTS of people there, especially in the evening. 

 

The last week or two we have been cleaning and sorting both in the house and in the shop (loft mainly).  Had quite a few things so we had a short notice garage sale today.  Didn’t make a lot of money but at least we got rid of quite a bit of ‘stuff’ and the rest will go to charities in town on Monday.  It was just the tip of the iceberg on sorting but at least it is a start. 

 

We do have several more trips before elk camp in November.  This Thursday we are driving to Beaverton to help celebrate Marci’s 40^th birthday!  Jim has made reservations at a supper club in Portland (Tony Starlight’s) and I think about 14 people will be in the group so it should be fun. 

 

Several weeks after that “the girls” are going on a camping trip to Wallowa Lake.  Libby and I will take our RV’s and Sheri and a friend will stay at the cabins.  We will be celebrating all of our birthdays since they are within a week or two of each other.  It should be a fun time! 

 

The following week is Elk Camp!  Can’t believe how fast the time is going by!  I need to work on the menu and think about food for that week….  It will be here before we know it… 

 

Bob has been working on fixing up the new cargo trailer with shelves, tiedowns, etc.  The Tracker fits in it nicely and leaves room for other things we might want to take on an extended camping trip or other outing. 

 

We had a nice visit from Art and Connie with the Arctic Fox Group.  Hadn’t seen them for about 5 years and it was great to catch up on all the happenings. 

 

Eventually, Nelson's Travels will again become that...  our travel blog...  Have a few things to put in place first, but soon. 

 

More later…………

Friday, September 7, 2012

It’s been awhile since we blogged.  Our granddaughter, Cassie, spent the month of August with us and we had such a great time.  She is 13 (almost 14) and such a joy to be around!  She is polite, takes care of herself and doesn’t complain about anything (except maybe Grandpa and his sense of humor…).  My sister and her granddaughter came for a visit while she was here and Cassie and Carly had fun hanging out together.  

Cassie and Grandpa spent quite a few days drivin’ and shootin’ up in the woods!  Cassie learned to drive the Tracker (stick shift) and shoot a 22.  There are miles and miles of back roads for her to practice on near our house.  Gpa says she has a ‘natural eye’ for the target.  Can easily put the majority of rounds in a 24” group at 100 yards..  Not bad for a starter…

We have been busy doing projects both inside and outside.  Hoping to have the shop cleaned out before bad weather hits so we can put the truck/camper and Durango inside.  We have enough space this year between the shop and barn to have everything under cover.  Yes, we are looking forward to the change of seasons.  Can’t wait for it to rain so we can have some campfires.  It is so dry right now that we wouldn’t take a chance. 

Violet loves being home and sitting out in her yard just watching and listening to all the critters.  We have a family of deer that come through almost every evening and they are so fun to watch.  Bob is working on enclosing one area of the patio with glass since we get very cold wind from the south in the winter.  Want to be able to sit out in front of the wood stove and not be blown away!!! 

I’m doing well, although I have nausea quite often and I think it must be one of the medications that is causing it.  The doctors have not been concerned about it and my lungs are doing fine so I’m very happy about that!  Still feel so fortunate that I can breathe and do things that I wasn’t able to do before.  I am thankful every day that I was given the chance to live.  Next appointment in Seattle is November 9.

Next week-end we are going to Mt. Angel to the Oktoberfest with Jim, Marci and Cassie.  Jim made reservations so we can park our campers a few blocks from the festivities.  It will be fun!! 

After that, we are hoping to stay home until Elk Camp which is November 2.  Have plans to do major sorting and cleaning of cupboards, drawers, etc.  Time to eliminate items we don’t need and there are many!!!!  It is amazing how much ‘stuff’ we accumulate in such a short period of time. 

Hope you all enjoy the end of the summer!

Friday, July 27, 2013

We have been busy putting stuff in the camper so it is ready for the trip to Seattle next Tuesday for a doctor appointment. The cargo trailer is empty now and will be for sale soon since Bob ordered a larger one so we can put the Tracker in it if we want to. We can also just tow the Tracker behind the truck which is what we will do on the Seattle trip since we will need a way to get to the hospital and be able to park in the underground parking facility. The truck/camper certainly wouldn’t fit! Have a reservation at Lake Pleasant RV Park and look forward to seeing friends there.

Photo of the camper with the red towd, and the back of the camper with the new Fox Landing on the rear b umper. 

Jim, Marci, Cassie and their friend Sarah will be here later today for the week-end. Their first time in Cove in almost 2 years!!! I have food and drink ready for a great time… It was fun planning the meals and cooking once again.

We now have a new garage door opener on the big door of the shop and the propane stove in the shop is fixed and ready for winter. Lots of things to do here at home!!! It’s been fun though.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Today is our son’s birthday (Friday the 13th!) and it is 13 weeks since transplant… which was on a Friday the 13th!

I actually weeded a small flower bed this morning and it was difficult but felt good to do it. Bob has been busy fixing faucets, rain gutters, etc. Lots of things to do but so nice to be back here. I am really enjoying my kitchen and being able to cook since that is one of the things I really missed when I was so sick.

We finally made the decision and are trading the Arctic Fox 5th wheel for an Arctic Fox truck camper (the 1140 model). It was really a hard choice but decided this was our best option for now. We want to be able to tow the Tracker or a cargo trailer and you just can’t do that with a travel trailer or 5th wheel… Looking forward to doing some REAL camping in the wilds!

It has been hot for the past week, in the low to mid 90’s, so we tend to move indoors in the afternoons since we have air conditioning. Even the dog wants in when it gets hot….

I’ve visited with my primary care doctor in La Grande and my pulmonologist in Walla Walla and continue to get weekly blood draw at the hospital here so the folks at UW can monitor my meds. So far, so good!!!!

Friday, June 29

HOME AT LAST!!!!!  We arrived back in Cove around 7:30 Tuesday evening.  It was a long day and drive but it felt so good to see our home again…  We both slept good in our own bed.   

Since then we have been busy working on unpacking the RV and finding homes for all the stuff we accumulated in the last 14 months.  Violet loves the yard and being able to run and not be always on a leash.  We are working on her barking though.  She barks whenever someone goes by on the road and sometimes runs out to greet them.  Fortunately it doesn’t happen often!  She doesn’t go after cars, just people walking, jogging or bicycling. 

Can’t believe what incredible friends we have!  Our yard looks like a park and we have been gone 14 months!  Libby had a bottle of wine chilling for us, some snacks to go with it, signs along the highway and in the yard, and then she even brought dinner!  Oh, and potted flowers on the patio and a tomato and pepper plant!  Wayne and Rosemary also brought a nice hanging basket.  I was overwhelmed…. 

Today I went to the Mennonite (neighbors) nursery on the corner to buy a few more plants and Esther gave me a beautiful hanging basket.  She said she and Harley were going to bring one down but since we were there she wanted me to pick it out. 

We are finding we need to get used to the elevation here.  We have lived close to sea level for 14 months and now at 3400’ so we tire easily.  Definitely taking our time unloading the RV but there is no hurry!  Lots of naps. 

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement during this journey.  I just can’t say enough about our friends, family and neighbors….  You have been wonderful.

Tuesday, June 26

The last few days have been emotional.  We had lunch with Paul and Caron at JAKs, a popular restaurant here in Seattle.  It was great to get together and we hope to visit them in Homer some day and maybe they will visit us in Cove before they head north.

Sunday we had another great meal at Dan and Terri’s and it was a nice evening.  So emotional to leave the friends we have made here in Seattle and our support system here.  It is kind of like leaving the nest….

Monday evening we took dinner to Billie and Steve’s house.  Billie has been on the transplant list for almost a year.  Violet played with Buddy and we enjoyed visiting.  Hope Billie gets new lungs soon…    

Said goodbye to our RV Park family. 

Friday, June 22

Drove to Leavenworth last Saturday and wished we had gone during the week as it was pretty crowded.  We did spend some time shopping and walking through the main area.  Violet was in the car and it was a warm day so we didn’t stay long.  I got a chance to drive and that was fun.  Bob didn’t appear to be tooooo nerrrrrrvous… 

Saturday evening we attended the monthly pot luck at the yurt and it was a full house!  I made chicken enchiladas Friday night so all we had to do was put them in the oven when we got back from our day trip and that worked well.  We sat outside even though it was a bit chilly and windy. 

Violet was groomed on Sunday morning and she looks really good.  She enjoys making her rounds of the park and greeting the other dogs along the way.

Monday I drove myself to get a pedicure!!  It was really fun to be on my own again and not feel dependent on Bob to haul me around. 

Tuesday we went to Maltby Café with John and Karen Nelson (‘cousins’ who took care of Violet while I was in the hospital, before Libby took her home).  It was fun and of course way too much food!

Dr. Raghu visit on Wednesday and he surprised us by saying we could move home anytime!!!  He wants to see me in 6 weeks and then if all is well, in 3 months.  I do have a low white cell count they are monitoring and I will need one more blood draw.  That is planned for Tuesday morning and we are hoping to be on the road home on Wednesday morning.  I can get periodic blood draws at the hospital in La Grande after that. 

We saw Paul and Caron at Dr. Raghu’s office and she is looking great after just 3 weeks!  Got her staples out and is feeling good. 

After the doctor visit, we headed to Beaverton to pick up some stuff we had stored at Jim & Marci’s house.  Had a nice visit with Marci and Cassie and spent the night there.  Jim was in China…. 

Thursday morning Bob attended a volunteer training with ‘Donate Life’ in downtown Portland.  He is still wanting to speak at various service organizations (Rotary, Lions, etc.) about organ donation.  Not sure when we will start that but it will be fun to travel around the state promoting organ donation and seeing the sights as well. 

In the near future we have lots of settling in to do at home!  Cassie is planning to spend late July and most of August with us.  She has really missed our home in Cove as much as we have. 

Thank you all for traveling this amazing journey with us.  With any luck, the next blog will be from home!!!!  And then maybe on the road for more of ‘Nelsons’ Travels’. 

Did you know that the human body donation of organs or components can save or enhance the lives of 32 separate people?   Please Donate Life. 

Friday, June 15

I’m finally enjoying planning meals, shopping and cooking!  It has been so long since I have been able to do that… 

Kathy and Mike from Post Falls came on Monday for dinner and we did some meat on the Traeger.  I made all the sides and it was really fun.  The weather was nice enough we were able to sit outside at the picnic table for the first time since Mother’s Day.  Mike had appointments at UW and said things are fine.  He doesn’t have to come back for 6 months!!! 

Tuesday was the Lung Transplant Support Group Meeting and my first one since transplant.  It was great to see everyone and to be on the recovery side of things.  Tad from Montana who was transplanted about a week after me was there too and looked really good. 

Caron went home after only being in the hospital two weeks and seems to be doing great also.  It is so wonderful to be a part of this group of people who appreciate every breath they take.  We will probably be friends for life!

Tuesday was Bob’s birthday so Kathy and Mike brought him an ice cream ‘log’ from Baskin Robbins.  It was delicious. 

Libby and Richard drove here on Tuesday to help celebrate Bob’s birthday.  We fixed dinner here in the RV and played our pegs and jokers game.  They brought Violet back and it is wonderful to have her with us again.  She is a little bummed that she didn’t get to go with them when they left though.  They kept her so busy and she had Bell to play with.

They brought their truck and loaded it up with a bunch of our stuff.  We have accumulated so much since we have been here the past 14 months that there was no way it would fit in our truck/RV and Durango.  It will take a long time to sort through it all when we get home…

Really sick Wednesday night from something I ate…  Managed to get through the night but stayed on the couch most of Thursday recovering.  Bob was not feeling great either.  Glad that is behind us…

Had therapy this morning and V went with Bob on his walk.  It is a beautiful sunny day finally!  We both got haircuts and we are getting new batteries in the truck.  It has been dead the last 4 or 5 times Bob has tried to start it. 

We might drive to Leavenworth tomorrow…  Want to try some elevation to see if it affects my breathing and I need to practice driving again.  Haven’t driven for about 18 months.  This activity is a little scary for Bob, but he will make every effort to sit quiet…..

Another potential transplant has moved into the rv park.  A 36 year old guy waiting for a heart.  Has a backpack with a pump for his artificial heart.  Another potential heart recipient will be here in a few weeks.  I think there are at least 12 units here on some form of medical need.