Heading East

Our project at The Oaks near Lake Hughes, CA ended March 25 at noon. We packed up and headed for Kim and Harlan in Ridgecrest for a few days. What fun! What a lot of activity! In a few days I will post more of the family things we did, for now it is the road going home.

We had visited a church in Las Vegas in Jan. when we came through. We decided we wanted to worship in that church again. BUT some people thought it was just an excuse to see how many senior buffets we could eat at. Seniors wouldn't consider that in their travel plans would they? You make your own judgment on that but we did really enjoy the service at the Baptist Church again. AND we did enjoy a buffet at noon on Sunday as well.

Our favorite place to park in Las Vegas is at the Circus Circus KOA campground. It is fairly spacious for big rigs and clean. The picture shows how close we really were to the "action." We find a walk down the strip after dark is interesting with the millions of lights and even more people. It is also a reality check as to what so many people like to do with their time and money and we always come away with a feeling of sorrow for the people so addicted to gambling. We live somewhat protected from those realities but there seems to be no recession or lack of money for that entertainment.

I find taking pictures through the windshield somewhat challenging but often good pictures result. Taking pictures from the side window isn't so successful. By the time I focus and click the whole mountain has disappeared from view. Surprising the dirt on the windshield doesn't bother except if I focus in I get every rain drop and dust speckle on the picture. If we keep up with this nomad lifestyle I will have lots of time to hone in on the art of windshield pictures.

The trip through Utah is always pretty but we have taken that road in most every season of the year and each time the particular colors and scenes are seen at a new angle or the colors show up differently. Time of day also changes the view considerably. Very interesting.

We didn't have the Midwest snow to contend with this past winter so we still thought this snow was rather interesting. With snow still laying beside the road at car level you can imagine the temp wasn't that high either. However, we did have very good road conditions this winter when traveling from Iowa to Kansas to Oklahoma to Texas to California and to Iowa in between. But we did have cold weather in Dec. when we spent some time in Colorado. Zero degree temp in an RV means we better have 50 amp eleCristy and plenty of propane. Then we even got an electric blanket to add to our warmth. We got along fine but it didn't take long for the propane tank to be on empty - once again.

All in all the projects and traveling were very enjoyable for us this fall and winter. Getting the exercise at work seems to be good for us and working in a camp setting that influences and directs young people as well as adults has been fulfilling for us. We thank God for this unique opportunity at this stage of our lives. And because we picked projects in locations that were fairly close to our kids it worked for us to spend some time with them as well. We feel blessed.

Love and prayers for all of you. Dad and Mom Marilyn/Wilmer