Mesa, AZ

     I arrived at Towerpoint RV Resort in Mesa, AZ at the end of October.  Since then I have been on the go, giving little thought to writing this blog. (obviously)  There are so many activities here, I don't have enough time in the day to do all I want.
     Again this year I am teaching sign language and putting in a few more 'working' hours in order to get my site at half price.  The term 'work' is used very loosely.
     Twice in the last couple months I have left the resort to go on week long trips.  It's been fun to go on vacation only to come back to this vacation spot.  What a blessing.  I hope to continue the traveling in and out of the resort doing some volunteering and more vacationing.
     I've also had visits from family and friends.  I am looking forward to more as the 'season' continues.  Yes, the snowbirds are all flocking and landing in the warm southwest.
     The picture is of a crested saguaro in the area.
   

Oh my, I need to catch up - 4

Santa Fe Trail - October 9 - 12
  I didn't travel far each day because I stopped at monuments, statues, and museums.  I had a glorious time learning the history of the SFT and envisioning the travels of the merchants and, later, the settlers.  I was off the interstate and driving through prairies and towns that were significant to the SFT for some reason.  Some of the forts, which had protected the travelers, were closed because of the government shut-down.  I got to see plenty, though.  There were areas where wagon ruts and swales could be seen. I was able to have dinner in an inn and tour houses that still exist.  I arrived at Santa Fe.  There was no fanfare, but I had a feeling of accomplishment.  I have pictures of the monuments that mark the beginning and the end of the trail (and about 200 of everything in between).

Oh my, I need to catch up - 3

Independence, MO
     I left the Omaha area and went to my brother's.  I had visited here in the spring, also, but since I was fairly close, he asked me to help with a 3-day yard sale.  During that time, our sister also came for a visit. I stayed for a week, because, while not doing the yard sale, I wanted to visit historic sights along the Santa Fe Trail.  The beginning of the SFT is east of Independence.  Using a guide, I chose the sights I wanted to see and my brother drove me in his covered wagon- the Rav4.  The Trail also went through  Independence and the Kansas City area.  For three days we saw the sights and then I headed out in my own covered wagon - Sunseeker (Sunny).

Oh my, I need to catch up - 2

Nebraska
      After the family history tour, I traveled for three days to Nebraska.  One evening I stopped in the Flying J truckstop in Davenport, IA.  I was able to have dinner that night with a young man from my church in PA.  It was a very pleasant time to learn about his new job with John Deere.
      From there I made it to the church camp outside Omaha, NE, at which I had volunteered in the spring.  My daughter came on Amtrak to meet me there.  We enjoyed the camp's several activities.  We tried the nine acre corn maze several times, once in the dark.  We jumped on the jumping pillow and even.......did the zipline.  Yep,  I was terrified, but I did it and lived to tell about it.
     We then met my brother in Omaha for a chance to visit and then be closer to Amtrak for the 5:00am departure.   What another great time!
     

Oh my, I need to catch up. 1

Ohio - September 20
     I went to Gurnsey County Ohio to participate in a family reunion.  It was a family history tour set up by my cousin.  My sister has done extensive research into our geneogly and my cousin caught the 'bug' and has worked on it also.  The two created a great glimpse into the history of my mother's father's line of ancestry.   The dozen of us went to the gravesite of the immigrant to America along that line and then visited areas and houses in which the decendents of that man lived.  We heard stories about the ancestors and learned some family trivia.  There was even an unexpected 'find' along the way.  We were invited to see the actual deed to the land one ancestor was issued in 1829, signed by Andrew Jackson.  It had been found in the house near where we visited.  The present owner (not related to us)  had found it in the wall when they renovated.  They invited us to see it and even showed us the remaining foundation of the original home.
     It was a wonderful weekend with the opportunity to see each other and to learn more about our roots.

Chatham, Illinois

      The week of the NOMADS annual meeting was awesome!  We had terrific speakers, seminars, worship, food, and socializing.  It was great to see friends with whom I've worked, and make new friends.  I then headed to Wisconsin to visit.  We did some sightseeing and, of course, shopping.  After that I came to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, IL.  This was the place of my first team project over 4 years ago.  This time I was on my own.  There are always volunteers here, so I just joined them where needed.
     Most of the week I worked in the wood shop.  I used the radial arm saw, miter saw and drill press to create desk legs.  One of the many things done here is to make wooden school desks to be sent to developing countries.  They've done this since the Center's opening in 2000.  Right now they are using wood donated from an area high school, which remodeled their gym.  MMDC was given the old bleechers.  It's estimated to be about $50,000 worth of wood.  cool
     I also helped to create health kits.  Kits-health, school, teacher, baby layette, flood buckets, simple clothing- are put together here.  Also the kits that come from churches across the mid-west make there way here and all are distributed to those who need them.
     We prayed for this truck as it left filled with 1000 health kits going to homeless shelters in Iowa.  The truck then returned with 15000 five-gallon buckets donated from Schwann's food.  They will be cleaned and filled with cleaning items to be used as flood buckets.  
     The Center also has bicyle and sewing machine repair shops.  These donated items are restored to working order and sent to other countries.
This place is always busy.  What an oppotunity it was to be a small part of the big work they do.
     Next, it's on to southern Ohio for a family history reunion.  We are going to retrace the steps of some of our ancestors.  After that, I will be going to the church camp in Nebraska where I had volunteered this spring.  I'm returning to volunteer and participate in their annual corn maze.  I will be joined by some family members.

NOMADS annual meeting

     I traveled last Wednesday and Thursday to Illinois.  Along the way, I stopped in Elkhart, IN to visit one of my former students (she had lived with us for 6 months when she was 5 yrs old).  It was good to see her, even though it was brief.    
     I arrived in Pecatonica, IL on Thursday.  Our meeting is a week long time of socializing, business, and seminars.  Of course, there's lots of eating out and pot-lucks planned.  This is the 25th anniversary of  NOMADS so there are special ceremonies planned.  There are about 120 RVs here, about 350 people (some are staying in local motels).  This year I have decided to be a part of the talent show.  I will sign a song using white gloves and black light.  I am also teaching an hour-long seminar on sign language.
     After this I will be going to WI to visit and plan out more of my travels.  Gotta go. More story-swapping and jokes to share.    

Ohio/PA

I had a great time visiting lots of friends and family in Ohio.  Now, I'm doing the same in PA.  I won't be posting anything for a little while.  Once the next phase of travel starts, I'll write more.
Happy summer!!

Minot, ND - Done

     I completed my two weeks in Minot.  The team did a lot of work in that time, mostly involving drywall and flooring.  The NOMADS will continue to work in Minot until the fall (when the snow flies, so do the snowbirds).  Last weekend we went to the local zoo, but unfortunately the zoo is having to rebuild also and many of their animals are still housed in other zoos across the country.  It was a nice day to get out in the sunshine, though, since it rained most of the time we were working.  We had a good time as we worked and returned exhausted to our RVs at the end of each day.

     Now for some R&R in Madison, WI.  

Minot, ND

     Two years ago the Souris River crested and destroyed over 4,000 houses and businesses.  Most of the homeowners did not have flood insurance because they were not considered to be in a flood plain (levees and dams had been put in place many years ago).  Many of those owners are still not back in there homes and are still in the process of rebuilding.  NOMADS work under the umbrella of a local organization helping those who do not have the financial or physical abilites to rebuild on their own.
     NOMADS are in the area for several months, with teams that change weekly. I am volunteering for two weeks.  Others sign up for varying amounts of time.
      This is the house in which we are currently working.  The team started by installing insulation in the   outer walls and putting up drywall throughout.  It's a joy (even though it's hard work) to be a small piece of the puzzle that helps others regain some kind of normal life.

Watertown, SD

I had the opportunity to spend a week with a friend in Watertown.  I had met her in Arizona.  When she found out I was headed to North Dakota for a volunteer project, she invited me to stop and visit.  She has an electrical hook-up for an RV and beautiful home..  Watertown is a very nice town with lots of bike paths, which we used every day.  (She was like my personal trainer-making me go farther every trip.)  The storm sirens are tested every Friday, but did not have to be used while I was there.  :)
We also enjoyed the amazing amount of birds which came to her front porch to feast on the oranges and jelly that she had set out.
At the end of the week. I continued my travels to North Dakota to volunteer on a NOMADS disaster rebuild.

Camp Fontanelle, Fontanelle, Nebraska

     After my stay in the Kansas City area, I headed to just north of Omaha, NE.  Camp Fontanelle is another beautiful camp with lots to offer the campers and community.  During the summer they have the usual youth camps, with additional activities of laser tag, jumping pillow, zip line and petting farm.  In the fall, as a fundraiser, they have a 10 acre corn maze (one acre is for laser tag) and a 3 pumpkin patch.  Fun!!
     While I was there I cleaned cabins, scraped paint, and ran the wood chipper.  The very nice RV area was 1/4 mile from the camp entrance.  I got a lot of walking done.   Using my new iphone with a downloaded pedometer app, I was able to log 10,000 steps each day.
     Now I am at Lewis and Clark State Park.  The campsites are terrific.  I am right on the shore of Blue Lake.  The birds in the picture are American Coots. (seriously)   From here, I am going to visit a friend in SD and then onto Minot, ND to be a part of the  NOMADS disaster rebuild.

Kansas City

     I came here to help my brother move from the western side of KC to the eastern.  Most of the work was done before I arrived, but I was able to help complete the move.  I also had the opportunity to visit with members of his family, which is always what I like most.  I did enjoy being treated to many meals, too.  I stayed at a pretty little campground right in Independence, MO.  The picture is the Community of Christ Temple (LDS) that is right behind my RV.
     While rain postponed some of the work, I had the chance to do some personal errands.  I got an iPhone.  I've been told more than once that now I'm a big girl.  I've had the 'gas cap' and 'check engine' light come on regularly since I've gotten this rig.  I finally went to a Ford truck repair and they were able to find the problem and take care of it.  It took a lot of work and time, but it was under warranty.  It only cost time for me.  I also found out that the 'radio' media center that I've been less than happy with is going to be replaced.  Maybe that'll be the end of the glitches.
     Since it took a couple of days for the RV to be fixed, and a storm was forcasted, I stayed a few days longer.  Unfortunately my Sunseeker exprienced it's first snow.  ugh.   Hopefully the winter is over and warm weather will prevail.
     On to the next adventure of volunteering at a church camp north of Omaha, NE.  

Potosi Pines Camp, Blue Diamond, Nevada

     After almost 6 months, I left Mesa.  I had such a great time it was difficult to leave.  It was an enjoyable season, full of good times with activities, visits with family and friends, and getting to know new friends.
     I headed to Mt. Potosi, which is just west of Las Vegas.  The church camp there is in a beautiful mountain setting.  I spent a week helping with a variety of maintenance jobs.  The first job was staining and assembling 6 adirondack chairs.  They now sit on the porch of the lodge.  Other jobs included helping to clean out old maintenance shed and hauling the stuff to the new shed, moving decorative bricks from  storage to where they will be placed, and preparing outer walls of a restroom so that a work crew could begin painting.
     While there I was able to do some hiking on their trails, which proved to be a challenge at a beginning elevation of 5800.  The trails were steep, but provided a wonderful view of the area.
     Next I will be going east to the Kansas City area to spend time with family before the next project.
 

January in Mesa

Should've posted something sooner.  Hope all have a Happy New Year.  I am still at Towerpoint RV Resort in Mesa, AZ.  This is a picture of a Cholla cactus with the full moon in the center.  I took it during a moonlight walk at Usery Park.
I have been keeping busy with activities and 'working' in the resort.  I put in 12 hours and get 1/2 off my monthly rent.  sweet.
Also have enjoyed many of the area sights.  One was a tour of the Olive Mill.  Fun thing was...while waiting for the tour to begin along comes an old friend from Port Allegany.  She was the librarian at the elementary school where I worked for 15 years.  She and her husband were visiting in the area and happened to come to take the tour at the same time.   small world.
We had a cold snap here and had record cool high temps.  It lasted about a week and now we are back in the 70's.  :)
Stay warm.