It’s About Time for Something New Here!

Since moving to Rice Lake, Wisconsin in April 2012, we haven’t done a whole lot of traveling that we’ve written about. I’m going to try to make sure and write about our travels this month though in May 2013.

This month’s trip will take us out of the snow we just had on May 2 to a nice hot 100 in Arizona.

Goodbye snow!

Snow Rice Lake May 2, 2013
Snow Rice Lake May 2, 2013

We’re taking the month to eventually get the rest of our stuff out of storage in California. That will be near the end of the month. Here’s our basic itinerary:

  • May 6 – Leave Rice Lake, WI and drive to Kansas City, MO; stay overnight at a hotel we’ve already booked.
  • May 7 – Drive from Kansas City to probably Delhart, TX where we’ll stay at a hotel we stayed in last time we were through that part of Texas.
  • May 8 – From Delhart drive to Phoenix, Arizona and be warmly welcomed by our very good friend Terry Wilson and his lovely wife Virgie. Go swimming in their pool in 100 degree weather! :)
  • May 9 – Visit with Terry & Virgie and that night Joel will get to play music with Terry and his band.
  • May 10-12 – Stay with our friend Dan and his family in another section of Phoenix.
  • May 13-18 – Back to Terry & Virgie’s to visit more, play music, swim, swim, swim.
  • May 19 – Visit with Sue’s Uncle Phil & family in Glendale, Arizona. Sue hasn’t seen her Uncle in about 30 years.
  • May 20 – Drive from Phoenix to San Diego, California. Stay at a hotel in Chula Vista that has a pool.
  • May 21 – Visit with Joel’s brother and family
  • May 22 – Visit with Sue’s mom; possibly go to Balboa Park.
  • May 23 – Visit with Joel’s sister and family (read about their recent road trip); stay overnight with friends Ken & Kelly in San Diego
  • May 24 – Drive up to Northern California and visit with Tom Bentley.
  • May 25 – Drive to San Francisco and visit with David Reffkin.
  • May 26-28 Stay with good friends Pam & Phil in Roseville, California. Pick up stuff still in storage. Fiona spends two days with her sister Rachelle.
  • May 29 – Leave California for Idaho
  • May 30 – Drive through Montana
  • May 31 – Drive through Wyoming, North Dakota
  • June 1 – Arrive back in Rice Lake, Wisconsin

Of course it’s all subject to change. I plan to take pictures and keep a written journal and hopefully post often here. Fiona may post at her website as well.

We plan on having a blast!

My Daughter is Coming to Visit in August!

The last time we saw Rachelle in person was one year ago in August when we visited for a few days. Though Rachelle and Fiona have stayed in touch by phone and e-cards, they are so looking forward to seeing each other in person next month when Rachelle comes to Wisconsin for a visit.

Fiona and I have been talking about what they’ll do.

1. Spend nearly a whole day at the Rice Lake Public Library! Besides books to read and fun computer games to play, they have puzzles, dress up stuff, and a play market.

2. Go to Culver’s for frozen custard. They use Wisconsin dairy. Wonder what the flavor of the day will be when they go…

3. Spend some time at the lake and the park near the lake.

And just have a lot of fun!

Rachelle and Fiona at Rachelle's wedding reception

Visit to San Diego Extended Due to Van Repair

We arrived safe, though tired, in San Diego last Friday night at Joel’s brother’s house. We had a very nice meal together and then got to bed. Our niece is kindly letting us use her new futon to sleep on. Sunday we had a great visit with my mom, Grandma Susan. We enjoyed our lunch at the park.

Grandma Susan and Fiona at our Sunday Bible meeting
Grandma Susan and Fiona at our Sunday Bible meeting

We also got to visit over the weekend briefly with Aunt Lynn and her kids. Fiona also got to meet some of her second cousins and play with them. Baby girl Bonnie is her favorite of course.

Second cousin Bonnie
Second cousin Bonnie

Then there’s Uncle Brett (Bonnie’s grandpa) and second cousin Timothy.

Uncle Brett with granddaughter
Uncle Brett with granddaughter
Second cousin Timothy
Second cousin Timothy

When we arrived last Friday we thought we’d be leaving on Monday or Tuesday. But over the weekend the van started making this noise in the front right wheel area much like it had a few years ago when we had trouble with the wheel bearing – that had been covered under warranty. So we took it to the Kia dealership Monday and they confirmed that was the problem. Fortunately the van is still under warranty and all repairs will be fully covered.

We just found out today they can do the repairs on Wednesday and we can make plans to leave San Diego now to head for Wisconsin later this week.

So though we’d rather not have vehicle problems, the timing couldn’t have been better. And this way we get to stay and visit more with family. Fiona’s really enjoying getting to know more of her family – especially baby Bonnie!