Life With haRVey

Other Mothers

2012-01-25T13:29:00.000-06:00

Other mother, Barb - Thanks Mom!

Other mother, Nancy - Thanks Mom!

Life is sweet.

I dearly love my other mothers. They have been an important part of my life and have shaped my confidence, my compass and encouraged me as I have grown in faith. My other mothers have children of their own, but were happy to include Dave and I as part of their brood. It is with deep affection that I include this blog entry. I hope that anyone who reads this entry will be able to bring to mind their other mother, and thank God for giving such a gift.

A Sweet Reunion

2012-01-24T19:09:00.001-06:00

Sandy, Sue, Charles - some of our youth group.

We enjoyed such a sweet reunion and celebrated our joy in the Lord this past weekend at Shepherd of the Valley in Corvallis, Oregon.Our Sunday evening concert was attended by kids from the youth group we led so many years ago (33). They have all grown up and raised children of their own. A number of them expressed how we had impacted their lives - we felt the same about each of them and their families. The Lord grafted those relationships into the True Vine, and we enjoy the growth and fruit of experience; a love for the Lord abides. Thanks be to God!

Stacy and Charles Toy

Sue Jackson and Sandy Snider our youth "kids."

The ever encouraging Bill and Jean Mansour.

The evening ended with a baptism. Stacy Toy, had heard Dave speak a number of times these past few weeks, and has been prayerfully seeking the Lord's will for her life. After the concert, she asked if Dave would baptize her - a wonderful celebration. My heart is full of contented bliss that the Almighty God would see fit to grant me even more than I think to ask or desire. Awesome God.

I just had to include Sue's take on the evening -

Home after a wonderfully serendipitous reunion with a bunch of old friends! Great music, great fellowship, a great time! And Stacy, thanks so much for letting us be a part of your baptism tonight! It was such an honor! You've only known us for a few hours, and your stuck with us now !!
~Sue Jackson

Coralie Tiefel

2012-01-18T13:32:00.000-06:00

Coralie and her children

Coralie celebrated her 90th birthday with style. I have known Cora briefly, bu, tafter the slide show and stories, she feels like an old friend. We were leading worship at Zion Lutheran in Hillsboro, Oregon, and merrily went along with the crowd to celebrate with a luncheon in the fellowship hall.

When Cora was born in 1922:

Radio stations were popping up all over the U.S.
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated
Annie Oakley set a record for shooting 100 clay targets in a row.
Two women paved the way for others, one became a senator the other became the first female FBI agent.
The blender was invented,
and Reader's Digest published its first edition.

The cake

All family gatherings must have someone who tells everyone where to stand or sit for the photo

The celebration was filled with family and memories of how quickly the years fly by.

Coralie sat serenely and smiled while her family honored her. I think she was taking it all in, the blessing of family and friends.

The hall and Dave (on the right) who led the group in singing 'Happy Birthday'

Getting an Upgrade

2012-01-14T12:19:00.001-06:00

The computer, not the husband!
I bet every guy who sees this wishes he had a headlamp too. Dave is busy right now re-installing programs, commenting on the incredible speed and saying all sorts of gobbly- goop which is incomprehensible (to me) about hard drives and memory.

Dave did need to upgrade in order to keep up with his recording software. Now he will be able to keep making music. He does not wear the headlamp when leading worship, while recording, or hiking... but, he wishes he could.

Oregon is for Tourists

2012-01-13T00:19:00.000-06:00

Mt. Hood

Coast Road

Mt. Hood

Mt. St. Helens

Hairy Tree - I am Lichen it

Heceta Head Light keepers House now a B&B

The Washington Seashore

2012-01-03T16:41:00.000-06:00

We were able to spend time at the coast post-Christmas. We enjoyed a lot of wind, rain and a few sunny moments. Dusty and Alyssa came for an overnight visit at one point Alyssa said, "Can we go somewhere for awhile that is not moving?" Spoken like a true stick house person. What could we do after a request like that - but find a nearby Irish pub and have a pint - so we did.

Dave pointing to our Beach trail marker made with junk which washed up on the beach - very creative.

A walk on the beach was the perfect opportunity to make a fashion statement and wear my newly finished scarf. It was painful to pull apart my practice work; now I have an actual scarf.

Looking from the beach, our dear haRVey can hardly be picked out from the crowd. It was wonderful to fall asleep at night with the sound of the Pacific for company.

Seattle in December

2011-12-22T00:11:00.000-06:00


I do not know any of the people posing, and it is tough to get a picture without people here, although it adds a sense of awe.

Hub cap eye

Actual VW Bug


The road leading up to the Fremont Troll

I feel as though I have really visited Seattle, now that I have personally had my picture taken with the The Fremont Troll

Alyssa and Dusty led us on a fine sightseeing jaunt. It was quite different as they drive a zippy little Scion, opposed to our quad-cab-duely-diesel, which is clearly the wrong vehicle for Seattle. We have apologized to our rear wheels and curbs MANY times while driving in the city in spite of Dave's incredible NASCAR-like driving skills. (Dave: "As long as we're turning left...")

Winter in Seattle is not known for its warm sunny days, but on this day we were able to get a few photos of Mount Rainier and the Fremont Troll, with the added bonus of having excellent tour guides! Thanks, kids, for a memorable day.

Mount Rainier rising behind the city.

Crochet Queen - Alyssa

2011-12-18T16:24:00.000-06:00

These booties are comfy and warm

Stylish and comfortable

Alyssa loves to crochet and usually gives her stuff away. When I asked if I could take pictures of her work, she had to find a few items she made for herself.

My Teacher's Teacher

2011-12-16T11:36:00.016-06:00

Learning to crochet with my teacher right next to me - Alyssa, not Dexter.

My daughter writes:
When Gramma was teaching me to crochet, my goal wasn't to learn how to crochet. That was secondary. The real draw of learning to crochet for me was that I got to spend time with Gramma. Plus, Gramma crocheted, and Gramma was (and continues to be) awesome. Therefore, it only stood to reason that because Gramma crocheted, crocheting was also awesome.

At first, I really wasn't into crocheting. It took awhile for the awesomeness of crocheting to dawn on me. However, I was fascinated by the stories that Gramma told me while we were working and I adored that she was right there if I ran into a problem. She helped me navigate all of the loops and confusing strands of the work, and showed me exactly how to use my crochet hook to pull the yarn through it all. Sometimes she would look at my work with a frown between her eyebrows and an, "Oh dear," on her lips.

But I knew it was going to be all right because the "oh dear," was always followed by, "Let's see what we can make of this." She'd take the work from me and, somehow, in her skilled and weathered hands, calloused by pens and crochet hooks, paint brushes and cooking utensils, the "oh dear" I had somehow made righted itself with a tug and gentle explanation. There was no reprimand or condemnation, just a settling of the work back into my hands and her face close to mine as she quietly corrected my error.

Gramma taught me more than how to crochet. She taught me that even if you make a mistake, it's okay. You pause and consider without condemnation, just observing to "see what we can make of it." And then you go back and pull out the mistake and continue on with the work. Even if you don't catch a mistake right away and a single crochet ends up in place of a half-double, it's okay, because it'll all even out in the end and what seems catastrophic at the time isn't if given enough space to breathe.

The first thing I ever crocheted was a bright yellow dishcloth to match the curtains in Gramma's kitchen. It was lumpy and uneven and didn't look a thing like it did in the book. But Gramma told me that it was the most beautiful dishcloth she had ever seen, and that often, it doesn't come out looking like it does in the book because no one crochets in exactly the same way. And that's exactly how it should be because that's how it is; that's how all the stitches fit together in the work.

When I crochet now, twenty years later, I still spend time with Gramma, and if I make a mistake I can still hear her telling me that it's okay, to just "see what we can make of it." The result is always beautiful and often, in the right Light, it's even better than what I was expecting.

my finished???? whatever it is.


I share this photo because Alyssa is wearing a hat she made. (Dave: And her Dad is trying to emulate his Mom.)

The Preschool Audience

2011-12-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you have to stand to get the right shot

Come early for a good seat

Remember when video cameras needed a tripod?

We are parked in the lot at Shepherd of the Hills and who could miss a chance to see a preschool Christmas Program? Not me. It was sweet and highly entertaining to watch the adults as they watch their kids.

As a parent don't we relish these highlights of parenting? I know that I have my share of blurry, yet memorable photos of my kids in such settings and would not trade it. I know I did my share of arriving early for a good seat, leaning out into the aisle to get a good photo, and even standing when no one else was to capture just the right angle. Pride just flies out the window when our children are involved and don't even get me started on baby talk.


At the end of the program - the prize!

Field Trip!

2011-12-13T12:02:00.000-06:00

This is a Black Truffle - the price per pound... $199.00. "Honey, on your way home tonight, please pick up a pound of Black Truffles." Yeah, right... :)

Dave is not quite sure how we will use this fruit of unknown origin, but he is willing to try.

I have to look this up
Renkon


My crafting friends would use Renkon for stamping not eating.

I can't pronounce it either, but OO-wa-gee-my-ah is close.

Of course they have a website! Uwajimaya

Alaska Mission for Christ

2011-12-09T13:27:00.006-06:00

In the early 90's, we moved to Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska Mission Committee

was in its early stages. While we were not involved with the day to day, it was certainly exciting to hear about and pray for the progress of this unusual ministry when we attended the Alaska conferences. Pastor Chris Reinke, Pastor Ken Schauer and his wife Sandi, were instrumental in creating what has now become the Alaska Mission for Christ. Hundreds of volunteers travel to Alaska each summer to serve in the small villages of Alaska. When we first met Rick and Tori, we were excited to learn of their summer ministry as part of the Alaska Mission for Christ. The Hanson's travel from Everett, Washington, to towns like Hoonah, Angoon, Tenakee, Wrangell, and even Juneau, in their boat "Living Water." They, along with other volunteers lead vacation Bible school, Basketball Camps and Bible studies using their gifts to serve. Rick is contagious as he talks with great animation about their mission work in Alaska.

So, here we are more than ten years later seeing how big an unusual idea can be. Please visit the link above to see what is going on with The Alaska Mission for Christ, you might find yourself drawn to Alaska.

Holly

2011-12-08T15:44:00.000-06:00

Growing up in Wisconsin, led me to believe Holly was a plastic plant you could buy at the craft store for Christmas decorating. It is a REAL plant.

Holly Tree!


My mother had some of these pretty seeded twigs in her dried arrangements, and again, I thought they were fake, and again, they are real!

The Hanson Farm

2011-11-30T08:40:00.003-06:00

We are parked in the Hansen's driveway for a few weeks. Rick and Tori offered us a parking spot complete with electric and water.

Our closest neighbor

I am working on winning them over before we leave - food I think.

Mold

2011-11-29T13:47:00.000-06:00

In the dark it grows freely, but bring it into the light and apply a bit of warmth - it dies. How like us and our relationship with our Savior, is what I was thinking as I was piling the clothes from our closet. Well, that and, where did all of these clothes come from? Do I really need all of this?

Dave, armed with a blow dryer is sitting in the closet killing off the insidious trail of mold on a dark and stormy night; or morning, it was morning.

Dave has more books than we are able to store in the bookcase - anyone who even remotely knows Dave will know this is true!

He is drying books using the Catalytic heater - the heater stays! It is able to do two things, heat and dry.

We recently started storing our shoes in boxes making it easier to find an actual "pair," rather than the shoe lottery. All of our shoes escaped the path of mold.

In our notes you will find an entry - do not winter in the Northwest. The people are great, the scenery spectacular, the mold is there just waiting...

(in a trailer condensation in cold weather is a real problem, you must be ever-vigilant!!!)

Random Photos

2011-11-19T17:41:00.000-06:00

This is Carol from Faith in Lacey, holding the handmade hats she made for us - thanks, Carol.

If you want to BE Lance Armstrong and win the Tour de France, you need to start young - bike rally day for Trinity preschool in Mt. Vernon.

Dave taking a picture of yet another use for PVC pipe!!!

My name on a sign - of course I took a picture.

Again, my name so of course....

The Music in Pikes Market

2011-11-19T12:31:00.000-06:00

we added our own musical conversation - me, Alyssa and Dusty

Harmonica player in the bus tunnel

Like any big city there is music, many kinds, and all of it makes a space in the hustle of the people and slows the pace - for a beat.

Coffee in the Morning

2011-11-19T12:11:00.000-06:00

Zion Lutheran School in Lake Stevens, Washington

Dump Stations are located in the Rest Areas of Washington! I love that.

Trinity Lutheran in Mt. Vernon, Washington


Faith Lutheran Church in Lacey, Washington - no matter view outside the door, inside my coffee cup is always in the same spot. While the people move through our lives and the locations change, the song of our lives remains the same in each location - Jesus Loves You!

The Juneau Connection

2011-11-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

In 1991 we moved to Juneau, Alaska, from San Diego, California. What a trip!

Dave served as pastor at Faith Lutheran for six years following Pastor Dave Hinz - the church sign hardly needed changing.

Normally, when pastors step into a church there is no overlap; they never get to meet. We were so delighted to see Dave and Jean Hinz, who are members of Faith in Lacey, WA. We did have a great visit and time to get to know them a bit better. They lived in the same house we did, Dave and Dave had the same office space, they mowed the same backyard, loved and cared for the same people. We all loved Juneau in general, hiking specifically and the incredible beauty of Alaska.

Oil Can Henry

2011-11-09T21:24:00.000-06:00

My grandpa Henry would have loved this place. Each time we have driven by Oil Can Henry's, I think of him.
He had a workshop connected to the garage at his place in the country just outside of Brokaw, Wisconsin.

Grandpa could fix anything. His workshop smelled of grease, paint, tools, and wood. Grandpa built a sled for his tractor to haul grandkids on trails through the woods - a highlight of our visits. Well, that and grandma would always have great sugary cereals and milk in 1/2 gallon sized containers so kids could pour them without too much worry of spilling.

Heat - Bring it On

2011-11-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

With a blog title like that I could write just about anything! To say, "I love my heater," sounds foolish and a bit shallow, but here goes - I LOVE MY HEATER!

Last year we purchased a Wave 8 Olympian heater for haRVey. We (when I say we, I mean Dave) installed it sideways in a slot replacing a wood panel. The manufacturer states that while not the preferred, optimum installation, it will work. We tried it for awhile - the sideways thing, but it did not work on any heat setting except "high" and could not be counted on to remain lit. Yikes!

After much ado - of course, we did not purchase the legs nor could we procure them by stopping in any RV Supply store. We had to order them. In a regular house, ordering/delivery is not a big deal, but in our life we must calculate where we will be when said package can be expected - we missed our legs package by a day. With a bit of backtracking only 10 miles or so, we (again, I mean Dave) were able to install the legs, a hose and voila! The heater works as it should sipping propane and radiating heat no matter the setting. Our forced air heater rarely kicks in at night and we are roasty - toasty in our happy haRVey regardless of the freezing temperatures in Seattle, Washington.

This gives you a blurry idea of our first installation.

Here is our happy heater - I love my heater!

Coast to Coast

2011-10-27T12:24:00.000-05:00

I could not get this photo without my shadow, but now that I see it - that is okay.

Residents of Kennewick have their own piece of the WTC memorial honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11. Requests have been granted for 1,027 artifacts from the 110-floor towers to communities all over the world. Larger pieces are being cut up for communities who want smaller ones. The artifacts are being stored in an 80,000-square-foot hanger at JFK.

Many artifacts were given to the WTC Memorial Foundation for a permanent memorial in New York City. About 7.5 tons were melted and used to build the bow of the 684-foot U.S.S. New York, a Navy amphibious transport dock ship christened in 2008.

The remaining pieces have been given to communities in all 50 states. Italy, England, Canada, France, Germany and an American Air Force Base in Afghanistan also have received artifacts.

The disbursement of artifacts so far:

1,027: Communities that have received artifacts

6: Foreign countries that have received artifacts

50: States that have been granted artifacts

123: Requests granted to New York, the largest number from a state

I don't usually go for an educational sort of blog, but after seeing the site while we were in New York, it seemed fitting to note that although NYC feels a world away, we are all connected by the events of 9/11 from Manhattan, NY, to Kennewick, WA.

I Love Fall

2011-10-27T12:20:00.000-05:00

Last year during the peak color season, we were out East where fall and color go together like white on rice. :) This year we are in the West, and while I have missed the turning of the maples, sumac, and oak, we do see many beautiful aspen trees scattered about within the hugely popular evergreen family.

I was visiting a local grocery store and was taken by these beautiful colors. God has done some great stuff to create beauty.

I thought the brussel sprouts looked so funky - to anyone who has not harvested them from an actual garden, it is hard to believe those small frozen cabbages in the box looked like this when they were in the garden!

How our Heavenly Father is mindful of us! The colors of fall, the color of grocery store produce, the texture of a pumpkin, the shape of a pepper - and the beauty he gives us each fall. When living in Minnesota, I always thought God was just giving us a bit of color to remember before the frozen White season of winter. Nope, I do not miss winter even a little bit.

And here are a few colors of fall with great beauty - the MacDuff family, who we met in Kennewick, Washington, shared some of their colorful canned goods with us. Thank you.

Just Two People - Really?

2011-10-22T01:42:00.000-05:00

At a recent campground stay, I was delighted to find all of my laundry could be done quickly. I used 6 washers...


...and ALL of the dryers. BUT, this will never work on a Monday. I have learned over the past three years - most people do their laundry on Mondays, do you know why? I don't either. I smile at six loads for two people, but for my friend who currently has 14 children at home - she must do at least 3 loads each day just to stay current with the crowd. Linda, I wish you had this laundry room at your house. :)

My Friend Willa

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Willa and I became friends when we tried to get our home-schooled children to hang out when we all lived in Alaska... the kids did not become friends, but Willa and I became fast friends! We got together for coffee about once a week, always a nice break for both of us.

Willa and her hubby, Mike now live in Post Falls, Idaho, which is close to Spokane, Washington, where haRVey is parked this week. When we had dinner with Mike and Willa, we happily reminisced about our time in Alaska, which we all thoroughly loved and hated to leave. We have been gone from Juneau for twelve years and Mike and Willa left just two years ago.

I have two friends who take quilting seriously and now I have a hand-made quilt from each of them. What a wonderful gift for me. Thank you Willa for the beautiful gift. When living in an RV, a quilt from a friend is a treasure.

I now have a collection of two quilts - both keepers!

I still miss this view of Mendenhall Glacier
This was literally our back yard at Faith Lutheran.

Goose Letters

2011-10-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year you see geese gaggling and making plans to head down south.

I could not help but notice how this clever goose was looking over the letters displayed in Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. As I watched him I was certain he was thinking about giving up the "V" shape and going with perhaps an "S" or maybe even a "P."

This guy looks pretty certain he is not going to buck the system, he is going with "V."

Life in Spokane

2011-10-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have never spent time in Spokane, Washington, before - it is a nice place and we have enjoyed our stay in the Laborers for Christ spot at St. John's, in the back lot.

When the church moved their facility, they moved their old furniture into the new digs. While embracing the new they have brought some of the beautiful old furniture along for the ride.


.

Dave and Mavis Waarvik, members of our church in Juneau, who have since move to Idaho, were able to come to St. John's on Sunday, and we had a fine time reminiscing about our time in Alaska, and hear about how retired, does not mean sitting around. Don't these two look like bikers who ride wild hogs?! You just never know about Alaskans.

Trinity Camp

2011-10-06T23:06:00.000-05:00

Campfires are fun even in the daytime! Grab a chair.


The Trinity Camp sign with Flathead Lake in the background


Dave's "out my window" this week included wild turkeys and deer walking through the scene.


Great looking trail, huh.

And a cross to remind us of Jesus' costly love for us.

We have enjoyed a quiet week at camp. It is quite different from the hectic summer life enjoyed by the camp. I have met a number of folks who have said Trinity Camp is their getaway, and they look forward to spending time here each summer. HaRVey is parked in the exact spot Jerry and Bridget (who we met in Helena) were married!

Before this stay we have only driven through the Flathead Lake area, it was wonderful to have time to spend time.

A Kalispell Baptism

2011-10-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

This is an awful photo, but it's the best I could get. :(

The kids meeting the newest member!

I have never witnessed this before and thought it was wonderful. Just prior to the baptism on Sunday, Pastor Mark, invited all of the children to come to the front of the church near the baptismal font so that they would have a front row seat!

Following the baptism, the children all take turns meeting the newly baptized baby.

During the actual baptism the kids all craned their necks and a few stood on the front pew to get a glimpse of the action - God at work, we lay there like a newborn and He does His thing.

Glacier National Park

2011-09-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

We are parked about 30 miles from Glacier National Park this week. The first chance we had we were on our way! Dave was disappointed to find that Going to the Sun Road was closed at Avalanche Creek, 16 miles into the park, as of September 16. Also, Lake McDonald Lodge is closed, most of the campgrounds are closed, the souvenir shops are closed, the bathrooms needed by desperate people are closed too; but, we did not come for camping or snacks, we came because Glacier Park means you are IN THE WEST! It means that you have driven through the plains and grasslands to where you really wanted to go anyway - the mountains!

We were able to take the 2 mile hike to the lake that feeds Avalanche Creek and the Trail of the Cedars loop. In spite of the early disappointment it was a delightful day with the perfect hiking companion.

Gates of the Mountains

2011-09-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

During our time in Helena, MT, where we parked in the back lot of First Lutheran proved to be, just as we thought - a great stop. Dave led the Sunday Services, we sang for the school kids, did a few tourist-ee things including a Gates of the Mountains cruise with Jerry and Bridget. The Canyon Voyager traveled the Missouri River for two hours, which included quite a bit of history delivered by our driver/pilot about the Mann Gulch fire, area wildlife, and Lewis and Clark, who gave the place its name.

Jerry and Bridget

Norman Maclean's book, "Young Men and Fire" tells the story.

not the only life preserver

A great day for a boat ride.

I know that I am cramming a lot into one blog entry, but I just have to include a photo of The Sleeping Giant. Nearly to a person each asked if we had seen it - and we were able to pick him out on the skyline. Thank you First Lutheran for a memorable time in Helena!

Cool, huh.

One Week

2011-09-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

Rob and Dave

Just after Labor Day we traveled to Crookston, Minnesota, where we had a great catch-up with Rob Lutz and his family, Dave's college roommate - before me. Rob is a teacher and we sang at his school. Early the next week we moved to Niagara, North Dakota, to sing at St. Andrew Lutheran and enjoyed a catch-up with Denny and Sue Neels, friends from our time in Alaska. Later that same week we had a concert at Concordia Lutheran in Jamestown, North Dakota, and had a fabulous surprise as a group of dear folks from Hannover, North Dakota, made the trip to see us.


Denny and some of wood we helped haul from the nearby coulee.

Our Hannover friends.

I know I have blogged this before, but it just blows me away when our paths cross with dear friends whom we treasure! We have an awesome God who knows a thing or two about joyful reunions!

Garbage Can Dinner

2011-09-13T17:05:00.006-05:00

Soda/Pop cans filled with water in the bottom of the can


It is important to start with NEW garbage cans

When pastor Denny asked us to be part of the annual harvest celebration we did not expect to eat out of a garbage can, but my, was it delicious. We thanked God for such a plentiful growing season then sampled His goodness!

Garbage Can Dinner
1 NEW (approx. 30 gallon metal garbage can
26 empty soda/pop cans filled with water
1 roll (at least) of aluminum foil
1 screen
Firewood
20 - 30 pounds of carrots
12 onions
40 - 50 potatoes
30 pounds of sausage any kind

Fill the soda cans with water and stand them on the bottom of the NEW garbage can.
Rest a screen on top of the cans and line the rest of the garbage can with foil Then wash all of the vegetables and cut the potatoes and onions and cabbage into halves or quarters. Layer vegetables in the can on top of the foil-covered screen keep layering and put the sausage and hotdogs on the top layer and cover with the garbage can lid. Place the garbage can on an open fire and steam for 3 to 4 hours. Remove from fire when vegetables are tender. This recipe will serve 75 - 100 people.

There are many recipes out there - at your next big gathering feed them right out of the garbage can!


Pastor Denny moving the finished dinner with a dolly

Doesn't that look great!

Our New Friend .... Bo Hemoth

2011-09-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

The end of an era - the PVC pipe tailgate

everything that rides in the truck bed, okay, not the vacuum cleaner

Bo and haRVey - I hope they can be friends for a LONG time.

We look different, but ready to roll

Our old truck is in the background (black circle)

We have had an adventure this past week. Dave stopped in at the local Chevy dealership in Detroit lakes to see about getting a tune-up for the truck as we will be tackling the Rocky Mountains next week and came home a pre-owned one ton, quad cab, dualy diesel truck - it is a monster truck. We now are now in the commercial truck class for licensing and tags - hence the name: Bo Hemoth.

We knew the old truck needed some work done, but by the time all reports were in it was not in our best interest to fix it ($10,000+). YIKES!
Our truck has been with us for 4 years. It is the only truck haRVey has ever known - us either, for that matter.

Now here comes the cool God part... Bo, our new truck, had been in the lot one week. The previous owner runs a trucking company and kept the truck in tip-top shape. Dave has said about our old truck, "I wish our truck had..." this one does have that plus the back door locks work, there is a working speaker on the passenger door and there is a step to get into the truck. I was sort of graceful at making the leap from the street to the passenger seat - sort of. But now I don't have to. It walks away with our house where the old one struggled. We are glad to have it for our trip into the Wild West. And it is still under warranty. Thank you, Lord, for your constant care.

Back in 1956

2011-09-01T10:06:00.000-05:00

Vera and Marilyn

Imagine our surprise when Vera wondered if Dave was a relative of Elmer Horn - his grandfather. Elmer was the bank manager in Fulda for many years and Vera was a teller. In 1956 when Vera was ready to move on and leave her bank job, Elmer said, "it is too bad that you are not a man because you would have a bright future. You are smart, and very good with numbers, but everyone knows women are too emotional to endure the stress of such work."

But not everyone knows that Vera went on to become the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a large corporation in the Watertown, South Dakota, area. :)

Grocery Bag Sleeping Mats

2011-08-26T13:31:00.001-05:00

Two sleeping mats Myrna has made

This mat with its sling holder is on display at Mt. Olive

Plastic bags can be found everywhere - in trees, ditches, overflowing from drawers, liners for small garbage cans, or wadded up in your back hall closet. I have just learned from the ladies of Mt. Olive in Watertown, South Dakota, these same plastic bags can be used to make sleeping mats for the homeless. Myrna, my source at Mt. Olive said the ladies (and some men) have made about 78 mats this year. Each 6ft mat requires between 500 and 700 bags! If you click on the link it will take you to a YouTube video detailing how it is done.

If you enjoy keeping your hands busy while watching T.V on a chilly winter evening, this might be the project for you. You just need a little storage area for your 700 plastic bags... :)

The Library

2011-08-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

I am guessing that most people never give their local library a thought. It is there when you need to do some research and great for a FREE good read. When my children were young and we were settled in a new place (this happened often.) we would find our local library and we would all get a library card - if old enough. In St. Louis, the library was about nine blocks away, with Alyssa in the stroller and Travis in a snugli pack off we would go. I must have been in great shape. :)

Fast forward many years and TWELVE library cards later, here I am with my Arrowhead library card. It was quite a moment for me. You must be wondering why a person who lives full-time on the road and is never near the same library in the time it takes to read a book would be happy. I have a few words for you - Nook and e-books!

Teapot Days

2011-08-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

The 2011 Ma and Pa Teapot!

Teapot Days in Tea, South Dakota, is local event steeped in tradition, but this past year it was even sweeter as Jim and Diane Jewett were crowned Ma and Pa Teapot. Jim and Diane are the parents of our daughter's husband - so really, part of our family. And now that they are famous, we especially want to claim them.
Our travels took us to Sioux Falls this year and we were delighted to be able to spend some time with Jim and Diane apart from the joyous chaos when the kids are visiting at the same time. We discovered that not only are we family, we are friends as well.

I Remember

2011-08-22T15:31:00.001-05:00

How often we say, "remember when we..." and recall with a smile some funny episode in the past. We treasure those memories with family and friends.

Dave's mom and dad live in a nursing home and while Dad is doing well, considering he had a stroke in 2001 and has lost the use of his right side as well as his ability to talk. He has improved and on our last visit initiated and led a prayer. :) He can still beat the computer at solitaire and enjoys that very much. We can still make memories.

Mom taught her granddaughters how to crochet, was president of many groups and served on county boards, she canned her garden produce each fall, she built forts with my son, sewed up bath blankets and receiving blankets for all of her grandchildren, and loved any excuse to go shopping. These are random memories of a woman I treasure who taught me so much. I have these memories, she does not.

Alzheimer's is devastating for those who must watch the fabric of a life unravel with no way to preserve the "remember when we..."

She still seems to know her dear hubby, but the time is coming when she may no longer have that light in her eye when she sees him.

Dave and I recently sang at St. Paul's Lutheran in Fulda as they celebrated 125 years. After having so many people come up to him beforehand to ask about his parents, Dave asked during the concert: "Okay, seriously now, how many of you came tonight just to hear how my folks are doing?" Dave laughed with good cheer when a number of hands shot up. "I remember when your mom..." - what joyful medicine as we seek to preserve the beautiful fabric that is Mom.

Thankfully, the end of this story will not be the end of the story. The new heaven and the new earth will be full of new minds and bodies. Thanks be to Jesus who came to make all things new.

Everything is ...

2011-08-17T18:09:00.000-05:00

... better with sprinkles. A friend gave me this little magnet as a reminder. Thanks Mary and Barb.

Try this out, "I am so bummed, if only I had a cupcake with sprinkles."or a Rice Krispie Bar with sprinkles, or a piece of cake with sprinkles, or a cookie with sprinkles, or just a hand full of sprinkles.

More Family Time

2011-08-17T11:51:00.000-05:00

A visit to Sunny Side Nursing Home to see mom and dad Horn

Niece Shannon and Tony with their laser eye dog, Lady.

Dave at the wheel of the car everyone would like to drive up Minnesota's North Shore.

Amber, Alyssa and Travis - our kids


Amber, Travis, Alyssa, and Dusty - okay, all of our kids.

It has been a great summer! We have enjoyed lots of family time and as I write this we are in South Dakota making plans to sing in Washington and California. We hope to spend time in Minnesota and Wisconsin again next summer, but right now, it is hard to say good bye.

God at Work

2011-08-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

We have lived full-time in haRVey for over three years. During that time we have made connections throughout the US and Canada. In what I call a divine appointment, we sang at Bethlehem Lutheran in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. As we always do, it is a pleasure to spend some time with the leadership of the church, Pastor Dana was prompted to say, "we should extend a Call (offer you a job) to you as a missionary-at-large. You can do exactly as you are doing now, but we will give you prayer support and health insurance!" Imagine Dave speechless... . I know!
We received the documents in late May and have after prayerful consideration, accepted the gracious offer.
We have felt confident of the Lord's good and gracious care and isn't it comforting when we get a BIG NOD from the Almighty to keep on going? He cares for us always.

A Minnesota Treat

2011-07-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

Our friend Mary and her kids

Great niece Kaitlin says, No, I won't show you my missing teeth.

Yes, she is adorable - this is Amber, our great niece.

The house that John and Linda built

We have had a week jam-packed with activity! Throughout this time we have reconnected with family and even met a new member! - Amber.

I was able to get to know the new additions to my long-time friend Linda's family on an overnight visit to Embarrass, MN.

Mary's family got together to celebrate a birthday and we were honored to be invited.

As the years fly by these photos weave the comfortable "old" friendships together with the newer treasures. My, how the Lord is mindful of what brings us joy.


Doing dishes with a smile! Two of Linda's girls.

Family Visits

2011-07-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

Amber and Travis

Our resident photographer

We seldom have company at a campground. Usually, we are camped in a driveway, a church lot or on a gravel patch next to a church or school. These past few weeks have been great. Travis, our son, and his lovely bride we get to claim as a daughter, came to visit us at Maple Springs Campground. The visit included an adventure in tubing on the Root River.

Dean and Cindy's RV to the left and haRVey on the right - nice neighbors!

Cindy and Dave

Earlier this week as we were camped near Hinkley, Minnesota Dave's sister and her hubby camped next to us overnight - as always, a delight to spend time with them. We have been very thankful for our campground stays these past few weeks as the temperatures have been WAY TOO HOT to be without air-conditioning in our hardly insulated easy-bake oven house on wheels. When next I complain about the cold weather, please remind me of this post.

Tools of the Trade or We need a Machete!

2011-07-20T07:52:00.000-05:00

Dave taking care of the final mounting screws

When we arrived at Robin's Nest we were hoping there would be a few projects in our skill set to call our own and complete during the week.

Before getting started on their projects the guys found a number of handy tools: an axe with a broken handle, a saw with a rusty blade, pruning saw with a broken blade, and a shovel head with no handle. In Jamaica a machete is the premier tool for all of your tree cutting, pruning, and edging needs so they were set with the clothesline chore. The clothesline in this photo is one of MANY around the perimeter of the house. With thirty children, there is always someone hanging clothes on or taking clothes off of the many lines.

Guess why Dave got to do this job?

The swimming pool has a light which was no longer working, so our electric crew got to work running a new line. Imagine Dave's joy to find that PVC is a premier construction tool in Jamaica. It is used as the conduit for electrical lines because it does not rust or breakdown over time. There was much celebration when at the end of the week - there was light!


Nick is standing near the spot where Dave was working in the previous photo.

Matt, and Joyelle are the administrators of Robin's Nest. They have an apartment on the lower level of Jake's House, part of the Robin's Nest facility. The clothesline will provide a much less work-intensive laundry day as Joyelle will be able to step out of her door instead of climbing the hill with her family laundry. Our work crew was happy to supply the labor to make it so.
The clothesline for Joyelle involved cutting down a tree. This chore called for serious tools, but alas, all they had was a machete. In the end a gentleman named Cracker cut the tree down as the guys watched in awe.

In order to complete these projects the guys needed to stock up at the local hardware store. By the end of our stay ALL of the salespeople knew this group of guys and will be receiving a Christmas card this year! I am not kidding when I say we sat in the hardware store lot about 45 minutes one day and much less subsequent days. Any time we all climbed into the van the first comment was, "after the hardware store, where are we going?"

Sharpening the Machete to chop down the tree and install the jungle clothesline.

Hot, tired and sweaty, but still smiling!


Note the stump - Machetes rule.

Jamaica!

2011-07-14T17:45:00.000-05:00

Barb and Mary made passport holders- girls only. The guys did not need a purse sort of holder and wouldn't they look silly slinging one of these stylish bags.


Our team took 12 bins and two suitcases full of supplies for Robin's Nest

Digging a post hole for a clothesline - in the jungle.

Painting - I am taking a "breeze break"

Our time at Robin's Nest was hard joyful work. Our team painted, built a clothesline, ran a line for a new light, repaired screens, and spent some quality time with the children. Dave and I enjoyed our time with some of our dearest friends and made some new friends


At the end of the day - we are glistening (okay sweating) and very tired.

Too Silly to take Seriously

2011-06-24T09:29:00.000-05:00

I found this hand soap in a church restroom. After laughing my way around the directions, title and general bodacious labeling, I decided to share.

In Sunday School a child might say, "Teacher what you are describing is a squirrel, but since this is Sunday School, the answer must be Jesus."

You are absolutely right. The only answer for this hand soap is Jesus. You cannot wash your own sins away, you cannot scrub really hard to make the sins fall off. Jesus can and does wash you clean and remove the guilt.

Don't let this false advertising suck you in - Jesus is the answer.

Now, having said all that, how do you "rub your hands together religiously?"

Place Backs!

2011-06-21T23:20:00.000-05:00

I love small town USA. These blankets, camp chairs, and tarps were placed along the parade route in Waconia, Minnesota, on a Friday afternoon in preparation for the "Battle of the Bands" which took place on Saturday evening. It was amazing to note the trust shown in the community as we engaged in the age-old game of placebacks by honoring tarps, camp chairs, and blankets as a place saved.

Many of the side streets were blocked as the bands descended upon Waconia in their tour buses. You could hear the cacophony of many instruments practicing coming from various points around town adding to the excitement of the event. High School Marching Band is hard work. These kids were decked out in long sleeves on a warm slightly drippy day, but they all looked very poised and professional as they moved in formation on the streets of small town USA.

Old Friends

2011-06-15T16:12:00.000-05:00

The summer of 1977 was the last time I was able to hang out with my friend Steph. From 1969 - 77, I talked with her nearly every single day. She moved on to UW-Oshkosh while I went farther away - Concordia St. Paul. We both met and married husbands, had kids, raised them and have them all nearly married off. On a sunny Saturday morning 34 years later, we met for breakfast. I wondered if I would recognize my old friend, but she looked exactly the same to me with her beautiful smile and funny quirks.

I have made and lost friends through the years as I am sure you have as well, but thanks be to God there are some we get to keep no matter how many years between visits.

Trails and Tales in Munising

2011-06-14T15:50:00.000-05:00

Munising, Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior proved to be a great spot to enjoy a hike in the woods.

Pastor John and Dave talking theology on the trail. Actually, they might be talking about John's fishing and hiking adventures; he has had many.

Part of the ministry of Good Shepherd in Munising is a mission church called Victory Lutheran located in Sawyerville and supported by area churches. The Air Force base formerly housing Air Force personnel and their families along with all the planes and other exciting big boy toys, is now low-income housing. Each Sunday following worship a free meal is served to the community provided by one of the area churches. The membership of Victory includes many people who are struggling with addiction, unemployment, family difficulties and the like. Pastor John loves his people at Victory and with the help of many hands is able to provide much-needed help on a practical level always with an eye on reaching each one with the Gospel and into the comfort of our living Savior. It is hard for the people of Victory to deny the love of the Lord at work when someone is preparing a meal for them, making up food baskets to take home, and cleaning up after serving them.

Please pray for Victory Lutheran and the work being done by Pastor John as the Lord brings it to mind.

Please note the can of Apple filling just for scale!!!

On a cheesy note this block of Colby was donated to Victory by a mission group from, you guessed it - Colby, Wisconsin. :) Gotta love the Cheeseheads.

Canadian or Monopoly?

2011-05-25T18:17:00.000-05:00

Canadians may talk kilometers, and Celsius, and spend a bit more on gas, but look at the fun money they get to use. I think it makes the whole money issue a bit more fun.

In Canada you can use a "Loonie," if you need to spend a buck, or you can use a "Toonie" should you need two bucks.

The fiver has a picture of kids playing hockey! How fun is that?

I loved my short, sweet, jaunt through Ontario and I hope we get to do that again in a few years.

I am saving a few loonies and toonies until my next visit.

haRVey's Boo Boo

2011-05-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

It is a small ding, Dave was bummed. But as any guy would say, "we'll just hammer that out, it will be good to go." And it was ...

... except for the small piece of plastic molding around the tire.


Here's the culprit. This picture does not do justice to the very skinny driveway. In this photo, it looks as though a semi could make a u-turn, but I assure you that is not the case. We stopped in Allison, Ontario for one night on our way to Sudbury. Everything about our Ontario stay was wonderful except for haRVey's small mishap. After three full years on the road, one small ding. Thanks be to God.

Christ Lutheran SOUL

2011-05-19T11:21:00.000-05:00

S.O.U.L. (spiritual outreach uplifting lives) ministry is an outreach for adults and children who have developmental disabilities, hosted by Christ Lutheran in St. Catharines, Ontario. They meet every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. The S.O.U.L. staff provides structured activities.

This was a lot of fun!

Church volunteer snack servers

Dave and I sang, "Big Lie" for these dear people and those who could were dancing in the aisle. This program provides a respite for their caregivers for a few hours each week. If only we could all have such joy in the Lord without worrying what someone might think of our dancing skills, singing skills or tears.

New York City

2011-05-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

My first trip to NYC was indeed incredible, and the highlight was seeing Benjamin, our nephew.

Ben skillfully presents a feast for the eyes and the palate as he serves at Blue Ribbon in Manhattan. Such a small name for such an exceptional experience. I had escargot for the very first time, it was sensational; although, I did not expect it to be. :) Our wonderful meal, and the stunning taste sensations cannot be described here - I have no words. The service was grand, I felt like a queen - thanks, Ben! Should you find yourself in Manhattan - Blue Ribbon.

WTC - a work in progress.

WTC in 2015

One view of Times Square, I could not capture the whole.

Three Years and Change

2011-05-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

Change may be good, but it sure is hard to make yourself leave what you know, who you know, and how you fit in. We have traded one lifestyle for another. Sometimes, people will say they could never live on the road, but after traveling, we don't think we could stay put!

It is a challenge to take a chance and step out into change and the unknown. I am talking about small stuff - do you ever think twice about... how to get to the grocery store? Where to do your laundry? A place to get your hair cut? A mechanic who will give you the straight up help you need? For us, it changes every week. Boy, do we count on our android phones and the Apps, but when this fails there are always live people to give directions - imagine.

Here is something that will not surprise anyone: everyone loves their hometown. It is comforting to be part of something and making a difference no matter where you live or what you do. It feels good to belong. Nearly every place we have been someone will tell us about a park, a memorial, a bike ride, or a restaurant that can't be missed.

We have set up camp in 35 states, with hopes to add a few more to our list as we travel west this fall. We will continue to seek change. We pray the Lord will change hearts and lives. The small changes are not hard, the big changes are not hard either, as the Lord directs our path. Enjoy the ride.

Organizing before heading out.

Leaving the Rogo farm May 1, 2008 - this is it!

Sky High, our first life on the road stop.

Farewell at LHS Mayer

2 Moms

2011-05-06T07:49:00.000-05:00

The story in 7 frames. 1Kings 3:16

The Gundermann Family in Rochester, New York

2011-05-04T08:01:00.005-05:00

Our parking spot was reserved, thanks Noah.

We just fit with a few feet to spare.

Thank you for allowing us to use your entire driveway.
We were on the receiving end of great food, new friends, wonderful fellowship, and a few welcome kisses from Soda, the family dog.

No Dave, you cannot have a dog.

Noah, Amy and Kayla

Pastor Tom and Eva

I am looking forward to a concert on our next visit.

A boy, wishing he had a dog. :)

not to beat the point to death, but... just saying

2011-05-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

These signs are posted on most of the bridges in Westport.

Imagine coming upon this sign, knowing you need 12' 8"!?

Next time we visit, and I hope there is a next time, we will park haRVey outside of town and travel in our truck on The Parkway where no big rigs are allowed. We will travel the roads with low clearance bridges and enjoy the sights of Westport - fearless. What would be even better is a mini cooper convertible, top down heat cranked enjoying a crisp fall day while the beauty of Fall in Connecticut floats around us. Let's stop for coffee. Perfect.

Without hesitation

2011-05-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

Holly and David, who is pretending to listen to his mom.

God provided us with the Tilton family. Just in passing I mentioned to Holly our RV needed some work done. She immediately gave me her phone number and address assuring us they had room and would love to have us spend the night. Scott and his wife, Holly, fed us dinner and gave us, not only a bed for the night, but also the privilege of getting to know their delightful family. We sang for the kids, who laughed and danced and made us laugh, though not dance.
Again, God provided just exactly what we needed.

...and as we were setting up

2011-05-02T19:29:00.001-05:00

This should not look like this.

After our hair thinning trip through New York City, we were setting up at St. Paul's in Westport. We noticed our tire stabilizers did not fit properly. Dave noticed a bit of the spring works was hanging down where it should not be. The connecting shackle thingy just gave out. You can see it dangling down in the picture.

God provided a shop in Bridgeport who specialize in springs, just 13 miles away. We did have to drive our broken house 13 miles at 15-20mph on city streets to the shop. We had to take that unlikely route because of all the low bridges in the area. Let's just say there were MANY upset drivers who were late for something.

Before we travel we always pray: God be with us as we travel, that our house may not unravel. One of the shackles broke and there were two more nearly broken. Our RV could have lost the rear axle altogether on the New Jersey Turnpike. Instead, we were gently informed on the green grass of a friendly churchyard, with an honest repair shop just down the road. Thank you, God.


It should look like this.

Delaware to Connecticut

2011-05-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

We spent Easter in Westport, Connecticut. It was an eventful week... I have to tell you, God is good so let's get started!

The George Washington Bridge

We left Delaware and drove to Connecticut via the New Jersey Turnpike.... it is mind blowing to pay for the privilege of driving on roads with more potholes than normal. Please note the semi ON the white line hedging into our lane. This was a fun trip in many ways, near death excitement, white knuckle curves, semis in your lane, I was sad to see it end - not.

We pulled into our church lot safe and sound, I kissed the ground.

Nutria OR Rodents of Unusual Size

2011-04-21T21:02:00.000-05:00

If you met this guy on the trail as I did, you would be doing the I-hate-rodents-dance, too. It involves some yelping and hopping. After a bout of yelping, I thought immediately of one of my favorite movies The Princess Bride and the rodents of unusual size.
Nutria were first imported to Louisiana in 1930 for the fur farming industry. Since we saw this guy in Rodanthe, North Carolina, I would say they escaped the farm to keep their fur.

Spanish Moss

2011-04-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

While backing into a level spot in Dunedin, Florida, we inadvertently added some Spanish Moss to the exterior decor of haRVey. Since then, our moss is just hanging out and traveling along, we have decided to see just how long it can "hang out."

Since taking on the moss, we have set up camp at 5 different sites, and traveled through 6 states. As you can see our decorative moss is still taking in the sights and maybe even improving our TV reception.

The Spanish Moss fell off on May 5 at a campground in Java Center, New York, on a blustery day.

Spanish Moss in the wild

This Week

2011-04-18T10:21:00.001-05:00

Our campsite at Leisure Point in Long Neck, Delaware

A very nice sidewalk runs along the waterside of the campground. The geese like to hang out along the sidewalk - watch your step!

My morning coffee spot

The Atlantic Ocean is just 20 miles away at Rehoboth Beach.

Signs of Life and other Wisdom

2011-04-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

Answer 1

Answer 2

Answer 3

Answer 4

Answer 5 and 6 can be interchanged easily

Answer 7

Most of your everyday questions can be answered by using one of these comments...

"Mom, where are my jeans?" Answer: 5 or 7

"Will you please help me get my bike off the rack, it's too hard for me and your are so tall and strong." Answer: 6 Ladies, this works EVERY time and not just for bikes. ;)

Sabra says, "I think we are lost, we are lost, do you KNOW where we are?" (I really do sound like this sometimes) Dave answers: 1, 3, or 7

When I am fed up, missing my children, lonesome on the road (very rare) and longing for friends and family I complain with number 4. The answer to this one is a nice warm hug. Thanks, Dave.

Maryland

2011-04-11T18:51:00.001-05:00

We are enjoying our time in Pasadena, Maryland. It is always pretty cool when Dave rates a sign.

On the reverse side of the sign.

This is my kind of camping. We are in the back lot of the church. Small house, huge back yard this week. We even have a lake! Thanks Galilee Lutheran for the space and the kind hospitality.

Taking a break while biking along the Chesapeake Bay in Downs Park.

Glasses

2011-04-07T20:27:00.001-05:00

When I was in sixth grade I got my first pair of glasses which I thought were very cool for the first week. Then conversations with my mom began with something having to do with glasses and the whereabouts of said glasses.

Now, many, many years later Dave and I share quite a collection of glasses.

We both wear contacts, but I still like to have glasses so I can see my food, it tastes better when you can see it, and read very small print - oh, and a flashlight.

Washington DC - Cherry Blossoms!

2011-04-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

When we are out and about this is how Dave always looks a wry smile and camera at the ready!

We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in DC. My pedometer showed ten miles by the end of the day, this includes walking around the tidal basin and the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial.

Our house is parked in Bowie, Maryland, in the parking lot of Trinity Lutheran this week. The members of Trinity had a garage sale and I was able to ~~unload~~ redistribute some of our ~~junk~~ treasure. Thank you Trinity.

Jefferson Memorial/Cherry Blossoms

Washington Monument/Cherry Blossoms

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

2011-04-06T10:13:00.001-05:00

Oh please can we spend the day in the stairwell???? Can we pleeeeaasse.

We enjoyed very few sunny days and had to make a mad dash to see as much as possible. It was a great stay and we were encouraged to come again - in the fall. I think we will!

Did you know about the daymark?

My New Beachwear

2011-03-29T07:32:00.000-05:00

On the left is mainland North Carolina and the small red marker is our campground. Thank you God for such a gift.

Well, it's not new, but I have not worn this many layers in awhile - mittens, ugh.

When I called saying we would like to check in early - the attendant laughed and said there would be plenty of room. Now I get it, there are about 10 campers in a campground set up for 400. Summertime must be something.


Sunrise on the shores of the Outer Banks

OBX?

2011-03-28T07:32:00.020-05:00

Outer Banks There is so much I do not know, including what OBX means. We have seen many bumper stickers, billboards, and stores boasting OBX best...
Everyone who lives anywhere along the eastern seaboard knows this acronym means Outer Banks. Mystery solved.

Spring!

2011-03-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

I have no idea who lives here, but they have nice trees.

I know that some of my friends in Wisconsin and Minnesota are wondering if Spring will ever spring - it's coming, it's coming.

The GREEN is coming!

Pine Needles

2011-03-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

This past week we camped at Fountain of Life Lutheran in Kernersville, North Carolina. Thank you FOL family for a great stay.

The youth have a fund raiser throughout the early spring - selling Pine Needle Bales! At $4.50 per bale this has proved to be a good way for the youth to earn money for their annual mission trip. There was a steady stream of customers all afternoon.

I have not been traveling so long that I do not recall raking pine needles - they lodge themselves in the rake tines, and in the end I always decided that the trees were fine with dead needles scattered around and the grass would probably grow in spite of the needles. If only I had thought to make pine bales. Not likely.

The Sponge

2011-03-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

These sponges range in price according to size and quality.

These Loofah sponges looked interesting, but alas - I live in an RV!

The cool dude with the backpack is Dave. We had a Gyro at the Parthenon.

Tarpon Springs is a very interesting Greek town. Why a Greek town? - because experienced Greek divers were brought over to harvest increase the sponge industry.

We rode our bikes the eleven miles from Dunedin, Florida, on a great trail to Tarpon Springs and enjoyed the late afternoon and our Gyro prize. If you find yourself on the Gulf near Dunedin, Florida visit Faith Lutheran; head up the road to Honeymoon Island, then Tarpon Springs.

Flat Mary Visits Florida

2011-03-08T09:10:00.000-06:00

We did not see any snakes.

Flat Mary taking time to tan.

Flat Mary liked to be near the water, but not in the water.

I was honored to be the recipient of Flat Mary, a second grade project about the popular book Flat Stanley. Flat Mary was sent to me from Minnesota and she was happy to be in Florida.

We took Flat Mary to a school concert, she helped Dave play guitar and sing. Our big outing was a bike ride to Honeymoon Island near Dunedin, Florida.

As any kid she seems happy about the prospect of seeing poisonous snakes.

I have to include this last photo of the Osprey having lunch - he skinned, filleted and ate the fish, without a knife or even a decent cutting board.

Flashback!

2011-03-02T09:17:00.000-06:00

We arrived in Clearwater, Florida on a Saturday afternoon not expecting to meet anyone from the church, but I was wildly surprised to meet ... Ann Boettcher Hinz. You may not know Ann, but I do - we attended grade school together at St. John's in West Bend, Wisconsin.

We went out for lunch to catch up and most of our sentences began, "Do you remember..." It was a taste of home and very sweet.

I sure do wish we could use Ann's convertible to tow our house instead of our quad cab long bed diesel 3/4 ton truck.

One Dollar

2011-03-01T13:57:00.000-06:00

Adding my dollar to the wall

On September 22, 2001 firefighters from seven area departments removed each dollar bill to be used by families in need following 9/11 - the total removed was $9,795.00.

A few dollars here and

more here. The walls are full of staples and brightly decorated dollar bills.

Sunset at the beach. God cares for us all in every way - giving us beauty and a dollar extra here and there.

Lake Okeechobee

2011-02-25T18:19:00.002-06:00

We met Marie while swimming in the pool at our campground stop on the North side of Lake Okeechobee. She mentioned her husband plays piano. Two days later here we are at Cal and Marie's and Dave is saying, "just start and I will jump in." We were singing along with songs we did not even know we knew.

I should have zeroed in on their map of North America on the door behind me. Cal and Marie are from the Sydney area of Nova Scotia. They have filled in the entire eastern seaboard - mostly from moving to and from home each season.

Here is our small, but enthusiastic audience. A campfire would have have been just the thing, but in this campground there are no fire rings.

As you look at the campers, you can see why everyone gets to know their neighbors.

Serious Packer Fan

2011-02-14T18:28:00.000-06:00

What a great looking cap!


And it enhances ANY outfit!

Pastor Steve at Our Savior in Lake Worth, Florida was showing off his Packer wear this past Sunday. It was a treat to hang out with a fellow Packer fan.

This past October, his congregation surprised him with a trip to to see the Packers play at Lambeau field against the Vikings. Packers won 28 - 24.

Making Do

2011-02-14T11:19:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it is easier to stay focused if you stand while you work. This is what Dave's desk looks like as he tries to "make do," with what we have on hand. With a little help from our friend Fun Tak, he is able to affix the keyboard to my stool/end table. A stack of much needed theology and computer books make a suitable mouse stand. My outdoor foot rest stool makes a great monitor stand. Upon getting this all together, it is time to quit work for the day. No, just kidding. Dave is thinking about building something with, and no surprise here - PVC pipe - what else would do when making do?

Age

2011-02-10T13:27:00.001-06:00

As we traveled from Melbourne, Florida to our campground on Lake Okeechobee, we were tuned into a great radio station giving our Pandora (wonderful) radio a break. We were singing along to a string of five or six excellent tunes, after which the radio announcer welcomed us to the "Oldies." What a smack down. Here we were reveling in songs gone by, when we were told they had indeed gone bye.

We stopped at Taco Bell for dinner one evening the gal taking our order said, "I don't want to insult you or anything, but are you over 50? If you are you get a free drink." And I said, Yes, I am!"

Groucho Marx

2011-02-01T18:39:00.000-06:00

Above you will see a photo of Royal Terns. I believe they should be renamed the Groucho Marx Tern.

Here are a few Groucho quotes... can't you see these birds saying...

There's one way to find out if a man is honest - ask him. If he says, "Yes," you know he is a crook.
Groucho Marx

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
Groucho Marx

I intend to live forever, or die trying.
Groucho Marx

I must confess, I was born at a very early age.
Groucho Marx

I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception.
Groucho Marx

Beach Biking

2011-02-01T18:27:00.000-06:00

This is our new favorite hobby - beach biking. Today we were able to ride 8 miles round trip along the shore. I checked the "Tides" app on my phone and discovered that Cocoa Beach was at low tide and fifteen minutes later we were there.

After an hour of biking, we have usual beverage and a book reading time. It was a great afternoon. Our next beach will be in Melbourne, FL. Come on down.

Did I Do That?

2011-01-22T09:45:00.024-06:00

Yes, I did. Here I am in my pajamas, with a towel over my wet hair (this is true glamour my friends), holding the ticket I was issued because I set off the alarm at Hope Lutheran Church. We have been parked in their lot this past week freely using the church facility for showering, washing dishes, heating up food in the microwave, and recording. One little code and apparently you definitely have to press ALL the right numbers. Imagine my embarrassment upon leaving the building after my shower to be met by my new friend Sheriff Hahn. I guess I can be thankful no one stormed the building while I was in the shower... okay, that would have been much worse. Officer Hahn was very kind, my ticket was a warning and he assured me it happens all the time.

I hereby declare it will not happen to me again. We leave this spot on Tuesday, and I ought to be able to keep clear of alarms until then.

Campgrounds

2011-01-21T08:03:00.000-06:00

Some campgrounds offer a wonderful array of services and amenities. We recently were camped in a spot in which we did not have room on the right to open our awning lest you take out your neighbor's eye, we kept our shades pulled because the view was our neighbors RV on the left.

The campground boasted a hot tub - that we could not find and a heated pool that was empty. The gate was closed and locked at 6:00 PM, but we noticed that another guest thought as we did, "What in the world is here that needs locking up?" - the lock cable had been cut, and we merrily drove to our spot at 10:00 PM.

If we did not have the occasional awful camping experiences, we would not fully appreciate the gems--

--like this one. We have been enjoying our stay at Hope Lutheran Church Campground in Jacksonville. Just look at the size of our campsite! This picture does not show the awning, but it is now fully extended with tons of space to spare. Thank you Hope Lutheran for your hospitality.

Breakfast for the Homeless

2011-01-11T19:36:00.000-06:00

Immanuel Lutheran in Pensacola, Florida serves breakfast to the homeless every Saturday morning at 8:00 am. The line starts forming outside at 7:30. Dave and I were here two years ago and helped serve breakfast. Since that time they have served nearly 100 people every Saturday morning. Immanuel Lutheran has hosted the breakfast for the last 10 years or so - that was as close a guess as anyone had.

Barb is checking on one of four kettles of oatmeal. On this particular Saturday there were about 55 in for breakfast, but when the weather is a bit colder, say in the lower twenties, there will be about 100 people to feed. Barb takes charge on the third Saturday of the month.

All of the bread served at the breakfast is donated by Panera Bread. I am sure I have blogged about them before, but I will say again, if you're going out for a meal, support Panera Bread.

The following paragraph is taken from the Panera website.

"Day-End Dough-Nation

Through the Day-End Dough-Nation program, unsold bakery products are packaged at the end of each day and donated to local food banks and charities. In 2008, Panera Bread bakery-cafes collectively donated a retail value of more than 50 million dollars worth of bread and baked goods to charitable organizations helping to address the need for food distribution in our local communities. Many of these organizations are served by Feeding America, formerly America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization."

Pictured is our friend, Bob who often leads the breakfast devotion and prayer prior to the meal and pictured above is his lovely wife Cyndi.

Some churches have schools, some make quilts for world relief, some support missionaries in other countries, some make diapers for aids babies, some make ground blankets for soldiers far away, some crochet prayer shawls, some do home repair for the elderly, some prepare food for the homeless, and all of these dear people love the Lord and serve him with their gifts.

Aunt Carol

2011-01-11T19:15:00.000-06:00

Aunt Carol lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin and here is a photo taken on our way to visit with her ------ except that she is in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida! This photo shows the beautiful white sand drifting across the road with the Gulf of Mexico just off camera to the right. To all of my Midwest friends: imagine the ocean is just beyond all of that blowing snow.

It was so much fun to visit with Carol in her Florida diggs with the ocean and a heated pool. Please note how none of us are looking like we might swim anytime soon.

Epiphany Lutheran in Tallahassee

2011-01-11T18:56:00.003-06:00

Out my window.
It has been so long since we have parked near a school. We just had to smile when we heard the happy laughter of preschoolers outside in the playground.

Dave and Pastor Mark enjoyed a jam session while we were parked in the back lot.

Some people get a "Reserved," spot to park, we were given a whole back lot about ten parking spaces. In order to get to the nice parking spot, Dave had to back haRVey down a skinny driveway, the length of about one football field, at night, while it was raining. My help was invaluable - I stood in the rain with a flashlight.

Lambert's Cafe

2010-12-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

Two blog entries about food, back to back.

My friend, Paulette, emailed me about a restaurant in Branson, Missouri, where they "throw the rolls." I made a mental note to stop in at Lambert's Cafe when next we hit Branson. As we were traveling to visit the USS Alabama on Mobile Bay, I spied a billboard - while taking a break from helping Dave drive - "home of throwed rolls." So, on Sunday afternoon following church in Gulf Breeze, Florida, there we were in Foley, Alabama, and I was catching a throwed roll! It was a wonderfully southern meal which included boiled cabbage, black-eyed peas and fried okra - at Lambert's they call these the pass-arounds - all this topped off with a pulled-pork sandwich and slaw, plus throwed rolls.
(pictured is one of our servers with rolls at the ready!)
Lambert's Cafe Thanks Paulette.

Waffle House

2010-12-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

When visiting a Waffle House, you will be greeted enthusiastically by every employee who is able and you will be served very good coffee (that is my opinion).
If you order hashbrowns - and who wouldn't? - you can order them plain OR you can choose from the menu pictured on the left.

I like my hashbrowns smothered, covered, diced, and capped. Believe me when I say the first time you hear a server yell across the counter, "smothered, covered, diced and capped, " you will just laugh out loud. How can you have a bad day when it starts of with coffee and smothered,covered, diced, and capped?

You may have guessed that Waffle House also serves waffles, I have not tried them - yet. Dave thinks they are wonderful with pecans.
http://www.wafflehouse.com/welcome

Small World

2010-12-02T13:24:00.000-06:00

Dave and I sang for an Advent service in Stockbridge, Georgia, this past week. As I was greeting folks at the CD table, I met Marlen Baerenwald. When he said his name, I automatically said the name of the only Baerenwald I know... "As in Darla Baerenwald?" He said, "Darla is my niece!" Darla and I met in 1977 when we were college roommates at Concordia, St. Paul. Darla lives in Texas, Marlen lives in Georgia, and I live on the road. Hey Darla, I met your uncle!
Additional note: Marlen grew up in Worthington, Minnesota, near Dave's boyhood home. I love it when God gives us reminders of the connection we have to each other and to Him.

The Packer/Vikings game in Atlanta

2010-11-22T11:43:00.000-06:00

On Sunday afternoon, we stopped on our way home at Hudson Grille in downtown Atlanta after checking online to find out who would even show Packers/Vikings in Georgia. As you know Dave and I have a mixed marriage - I am from Wisconsin, he is from Minnesota. November 21, was the second meeting of these rivals - who won the first game this season? Oh, yeah, that would be the Packers! Who won the second round? Oh, yeah, that would be the Packers, again.

I thought it was a great game. Dave, not so much; and as our nephew said, "For argument's sake, let's just say Minnesota does not have a professional football team.."
(In the photo below we see Dave covering his eyes in embarrassment at his team's performance.)

Fun Tak

2010-11-17T09:45:00.004-06:00

In our house we use Fun Tak for nearly everything for which tape or glue will not do the trick.

It holds Dave's song sheets as he records; it holds my junk organizer on my desk; it holds the Wii sensor bar; it holds the TV speaker; and it also serves as a leg on our electric hot plate. It holds everything on Dave's desk - pencil holder, router, speakers, his desk junk box - except the computer screen.

This great stuff adheres to nearly everything and can withstand a haRVey move intact.
Fun Tak, not just for the classroom anymore.

Chief Ladiga Bike Trail

2010-11-13T20:51:00.004-06:00

After consulting the map about 10 miles into our ride on the Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet Bike Trail, we decided to add the extra 5 miles so we could say we rode to Georgia and completed a 28 miles ride! Here we are with our feet in different states and by the end of the our ride the butts were in agreement, there is nothing more comfortable than anything that is not a bike seat. It was a fine day for state hopping.
We are in Talladega, Alabama until Tuesday.

Mammoth Cave National Park

2010-11-03T14:04:00.007-05:00

Hi, my name is Sabra and I am claustrophobic. ("Hello, Sabra!")
Intentionally going into a cave required a stern talking to myself,
"If you do not try this, you will really, really, regret it." Ranger Joe was well-versed on all things cave related and assured all seventeen of us that we would probably not have a huge boulder fall on us.
Do you see me going down the VERY small staircase? Well, I did. Breathe, Sabra, breathe.

The "Historic" tour begins with a display of the apparatus used during the War of 1812 to extract Saltpeter from the dirt in the cave in order to supply the fledgling U.S. with gunpower, seeing that all of our foreign sources were cut off by the British blockade. There was some ingenious hydro-engineering involved, getting water into the cave by means of augered-out logs tapered at the ends like pencils and then stuck together to form a pipeline. Amazing. And all figured out by the slaves working on the project.

If ever you should find yourself in Western Kentucky, make time for Mammoth Cave National Park. And don't forget to breathe.

New Bike

2010-10-20T21:09:00.009-05:00

Today we celebrated our first excursion with our NEW BIKES! (a gift from Dave's parents). We took the the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which you can begin with a train ride up the valley! That means the return trip is all downhill. We rode the train for two bucks each from Brecksville Station to Botzum Station, where they unloaded our bikes for a 14 mile ride back to our point of origin. Along the way we visited historic Botzum Farm site and Szally's Farmers Market (pictured above). The apples were delicious - well, actually Granny Smith and Jonagold. It was a glorious day for a ride and I must have thanked God 100 times for such a day as this. How often do we get to wallow around in perfect contentment?

As a side note, I did see someone on the trail with my exact bike and I thought, "don't these brakes work well."

Old Bike

2010-10-19T22:39:00.007-05:00

I have had my bike for thirty years. After my Peninsula State Park experience and learning the cost of fixing up our bikes - Dave's has been pretty rickety for some time - would get us more than halfway to new bikes, Dave and I decided to donate both of our bikes to Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op,
an organization that is all about bikes and getting them into the hands of people who cannot afford them on their own.

We were quite apologetic about the foibles of our old friends, but the energetic guys who accepted our donations were happy to get two venerable fixer-uppers. Now I have a bike that looks like all the others on the trail, is a bit conventional-looking, but the brakes work and I can ride on gravel - no problem.

Big Plans for an upgrade

2010-10-19T22:29:00.004-05:00

Sometimes it would be nice to have cell phone/internet no matter where we are parked. We make due with our Verizon air card, but if only we could...

When we are boondocking, (no water or electric hook ups and generator use only) it would be nice to have unlimited water, if only we could... bridges could be a problem.

In this photo we are parked in a back lot - boondocking.

Door County, Wisconsin to Cleveland, Ohio

2010-10-09T09:58:00.007-05:00

When planning our schedule, we try to spend at least a week in one area. This past week has been a dismal failure in that regard. Tuesday morning we left Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and on Friday evening we were setting up in Streetsboro, Ohio, with stops at Delavan, WI; Munster, IN; and Pioneer, OH, inbetween. Dave was a under the weather most of the week, and still his wife would not drive while hauling the house - chicken that I am. So I helped him drive as much as I could from the passenger's side.

During the course of our travels this week we sang at two schools, traveled 686 miles, and suffered only a few of our household items trying to make a break for it. The dishes only made it to the kitchen floor (velcro strap left hanging), so too for the bag of frozen corn, ejected by the unlatched freezer during some hard left turn.
Events like this - which is nothing compared to the Great Exploding Correlleware Escape - make us say again, "Man, we should have a checklist."

Biking at Peninsula State Park

2010-10-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

Like the Fish Boil, biking in the park has also been on my list of "gotta do." Since the movie Bucket List, I could change the name of my list, but I won't because that would be caving.
So, on a beautiful sunny day I biked 10 miles through the park. Did I mention that my bike is 30 years old? Did I mention that my front brakes fell apart while going down a hill? Did I mention that my bike keeps slipping gears? In spite of all that, it was a sweet ride and a check mark on my list.