Washoe Lake State Park to Paso Robles, CA

Good morning from Paso Robles, CA!

Thursday morning after finishing loading up we headed to Gardnerville to pick up prescriptions and then headed over to Washoe Lake State Park.  We're able to stay for just $10.00 a night with Ken's senior state parks pass.  This includes water, electric and a dump station if needed. Can't beat that.  The sites have been redone, so most of them are pull thru's which really makes it nice. 

The view from our campsite at Washoe Lake State Park

The Mansion at her first camp spot

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On our way there my sister Wendy had texted that her hubby's colonoscopy didn't go as planned.  He was on his way to the hospital with what appeared to be a perforated bowel. The hospital was so backed up with a line of 7 ambulances! CA for ya! Eventually they performed emergency surgery on him and he'll be in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Needless to say he's in a lot of pain. He's got breathing issues along with all that. He's in good hands now. Hope you're feeling better soon Shawn! 

 WE got there around 1430 and just enjoyed the afternoon.  Happy Hour and dinner.  A little tv watching and then time for bed!  We sat the alarm for 0430!

A great sleep was had and we were ready to get moving.  Of course our idea of moving in the morning put us on the road at 0800.  We had a beautiful drive down highway 88 ending up in Stockton, CA which is definitely NOT beautiful.  You can't believe the homeless camps all along the sides of the freeway! I thought Sacramento was bad, but this was really truly lots of garbage dumps and tents. I was too busy looking to get pictures!  

Had a nice drive down I-5 except for the trucks and the fact that everyone is such a big hurry to get somewhere! The main reasons we avoid the interstates as much as possible! 

Above Kirkwood CA highway 88 

I love the little towns on 88 

We got to John and Karen's spot just about 1630.  They were outside by their 5th wheel and had gotten a fire going.  So we parked the Mansion and met by the fire for Happy Hour.  We enjoyed visiting for a few hours and Karen had made us all a delicious chicken enchilada dinner with mexican rice, guacamole and home made salsa, it was so yummy!  Thank you Karen and John! 

We called it a fairly early night and then didn't wake up until 0630 this morning! Breakfast, showers, dishes all done, so we'll see what the day brings! It's a beautiful day. 

Stole this pic of Seth from FB..
He looks good and happy don'tcha think?!💙

That's it for pictures as internet is slow.  We supposedly have a "wi fi booster" in 
here but I'm sure if it works anytime or with electricity.  We are going into town to pick up a connecter we need here. We'll be here until Monday morning, guess we should get a map out sometime and decided how to head east! 

Have a great day! 

Just about ready to hit the road! Care package for the Marine!

Tuesday morning we left here bright and early and headed to Carson City Toyota to drop off the Tundra for its 85,000 mile check up.  Along with the servicing they changed out the cabin filter (whatever that is)..

It was just after 0815 so we headed to Betsy's Big Kitchen for a yummy breakfast. Hugs from Carmen and she served us too, even though she is the hostess there. 

Time to head for Winco for some grocery shopping.  Ken headed to Sam's Club to get a new battery for the Mansion.  They sold it with one, but we like having two. He then went to Total Wine to pick up my online order.  It worked out great, by the time he did that I was ready to check out at Winco.  

Next stop, he dropped me at Ross while he ran to Walmart for a few things.  I found a pair of jeans and a new shirt but I really was more in the mood to look for things for the Mansion.  Yep, by the time he picked me up it was a good thing or we'd have no $$ left for the trip LOL😱😱😂 I do love Ross as you can get some good bargains! 

This jumped at me at Ross..Find joy in the journey..choose happy and many more...Perfect! 💜💛💚

That was our last stop so back to Carson City Toyota to pick up the truck.  I dropped him off and headed back to Yerington with him soon following.  I wanted to go by the Post Office and pick up a few boxes for care packages down the road.  Then we met at Dini's since it was nearing 1500.  A great linner and then home. I brought some of mine home so that was dinner last night! 

Yesterday Ken spent the day doing things to get ready to start the trip on Friday.  I was inside baking some goodies so we wouldn't run out for a week or so. Made him some banana bread and some flourless muffins for me.  

I ran to the post office and mailed off Seth's package and another of Jacob's letters.  Every morning after blog reading, his letter gets written. 💙💙 I'm taking the printer and supplies so I can keep up on the road 😀

Seth wanted protein bars so a dozen are in here to start..along with oatmeal
chocolate chip cookies and a few other things :) 

So yesterday afternoon we had a drink in the Mansion, decided that we were doing pretty well getting ready so why not leave sometime Thursday instead of Friday.  Yeah, why not?!  We won't go far, maybe the Walmart in Gardnerville? Washoe Lake State Park? CVI parking lot? 

I have to share this..Daughter in law Cheryl took this table
that had been in her kitchen (wish I had a before pic)
Painted it, added the pallet on the back and now has a planting
table..I told her it's too pretty to go outside! I love the color..
very vintage looking :) 

The only thing I know for sure at 0626 in the am is I better get moving!! 
Have a wonderful day!! i'm thinking we will! 

A letter from Jacob!! Baking for a care package! Getting ready for a trip!

Well, it's Monday afternoon already!  Ok, the best stuff first!! We got a letter from our Sailor Recruit today and he is doing Fabulously!  We were so happy to hear from him!  

Jacob's letter :) I love that he says "Boot Camp is pretty fun"..REALLY? He's the RCPO (Recruit
Chief Petty Officer)! He is the command of his division..
Awesome Jacob!! Very proud of ourGrandson!

We've had a few changes since the last posting.  We're leaving here on Friday to head for Tennessee by way of Paso Robles, CA!  John and Karen are there so we'll visit them first. We decided since Ken doesn't have any appointments until April now is the time to do it.  Take the Mansion on her first major trip! 

We're planning on being at Ken's brother Don's place somewhere in the first week or so of March.  Jacob graduates on the 13th of March at Great Lakes, IL.  I'll rent a car and head up there.  Ken's sister Diane and her son Jesse will fly in as well as Russell, Lori, Aaron and Allissa.  I'm looking forward to the drive and seeing the country up there!  On the way back hoping to drive Route 66 in Illinois. On a show the other night they showed it and looked like some cute towns. 💗😉 Ken's not going, we can't go to the graduation anyway as they only hand out limited tickets. I figure I don't want to miss the chance of seeing Jacob if only for a few hours or the weekend.  No one knows for sure yet, as he won't have his orders until right before graduation. We can still watch the graduation live on TV! 

Today was a baking day.  I want to get Seth a care package out before we leave so made a few things and then stocking up on Ken's morning treats since I'm not sure yet how the oven works in the Mansion.  I'll be checking it out I'm sure. 

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies..Fudgy Brownies..Applesauce
Oatmeal mini loaves and Ken's Applesauce Oatmeal muffins..

I did text Seth tonight and he wants protein bars..so on the look out tomorrow !! 

Ken ran to DMV to register the Mansion! OUCH! 


On to the Mansion.  Saturday was spent getting rid of stuff I know I don't need anymore.  Trying to use as much plastic stuff rather than glass. I feel really good about how it looks now. Of course I'm sure there will be more things I need, but it felt good to pitch another wheelbarrow load of stuff! 😱😱😰 I've decided less is best! 

Too modern for us..but ready to go!

Huge Shower!

Towels..

It works..not huge but ok!

The stove is too pretty to use!

Huge sink!

You probably can't see but is a pretty light! 

Storage space below the bed..(Dave, this is where the wine will go) LOL..

Sun is setting!

Ken's space outside.. he's filling it up..

Ken got the sway bar on and has taken it for a few test drives, works well.  He's having fun loading up his area of the trailer.  😀

We had our first Happy Hour in it Saturday afternoon and it was so nice..Nice and bright and BIG!! :) 

Sunday was spent getting taxes done for Bryan and Cheryl.  Then got our stuff  done  and emailed to Winnemucca. YAY! Done! 

Monday I was working on this and then nothing would load.. so Ken stated a fire outside. Poor me..Happy Hour..under the stars..

He bar b qued awesome burgers and now it's time for bed. I wanted to see if I could get this done first..Yay..it worked..Good night!!  Carson City  tomorrow to get the Tundra serviced, then Reno for wine, Winco and Sam's Club! An early day!! 

The Mansion is home!

Thanks to my hubby for spoiling me..If it weren't for him I wouldn't have this beautiful new
Mansion...  :) He pushed it for the last month, but I didn't take him seriously ...He meant it! :)

Thursday morning we got ourselves up at 0430.  We visited with friends for awhile online seeing what everyone is up to down in the Arizona desert! Got ourselves dressed and ready for the day. 

Ken and I were at Karen's at 0700.  He was installing a heater/ AC unit in their house.  This one is kind of like you find in a motel.  She's going to visit her hubby for a few weeks in CA and needed some other heat rather than her pellet stove running to protect the plumbing from the cold. 

Karen's new ac/ heater unit...Ken will put trim outside
John will finish up inside 

She had an appointment so I was able to help Ken lift the unit into the hole in the wall.  I went home and made us some breakfast that I took over there.  All done and we were on the road with the Jayco following behind us.  Bittersweet as there are some wonderful memories we've had there! New ones to be made in the Mansion! 

We were early so made a stop a Kohl's..nothing to be had there. Headed over to Western Skies RV and got there about 1350.  Parked and then Spencer took us to our trailer.  He spent a lot of time doing the walk through and answering every question that either of had.  Started with the full outside walk around and then the inside.  Never did we feel rushed, what a great young man! Western Skies is one of the few RV dealers that doesn't charge for the walk through.  They filled both propane tanks and the purchase included an RV battery.  We still need another one, so that will involve a trip to Sam's Club next week. I was so impressed with the walk through that I tipped him. He gratefully accepted with a hug and a wow! He walked us over to the finance office where we met with Melissa. She was wonderful and made that part of it easy.  Funny, buying a trailer involves almost as much paperwork as buying a house! LOL.  

Spencer and Ken

Ken's pass through..he's happy with the large space!

Ken and Spencer getting the Mansion hooked up! 

Once we were done with that it was time to go hook up our new trailer! Spencer met us once again and then showed me how to operate the TV. He helped Ken get it hooked up and then Ken added to my tip :)  Spencer then told me that we were the only ones who had ever tipped him ..really?! When you don't pay for the walk through and a OH so excellent walk through is given..why wouldn't you?! Hopefully he can take his girlfriend to dinner!  He's got a great personality for this job and we hope he does well! On our way out we ran into Dan (the salesman from the show).  He gave me a nice hug..as I hugged him on the way out of the show I was so happy.  What a nice man!!

We have to say we would recommend Western Skies RV in Reno to anyone! Great service all the way around! From Dan the salesman, Scott the finance person at the show, Spencer the walk around person and Melissa the finishing person at the dealership. This was the easiest buy of an RV by far and they seem genuinely happy for us and our purchase! 

Once we left, we were starving after an early breakfast, but it wasn't dark so we munched on a couple of cheese sticks and drove home.  We stopped at Karen's to show off the trailer and she had a fire going out back all by her lonesome.  Happy Hour!  Yes, we got home late and threw together some munchies but it was fun! 

I woke at 0530 this am and started the coffee.  We visited with our friends and then got started as we were heading to Gardnerville to pick up the new antenna Ken ordered.  We've decided to get rid of Direct TV this month as the costs keep going up.  Again, the only thing i'll miss is Pioneer Woman and maybe i can find her elsewhere.  Did some grocery shopping and a few little things for the Mansion. 

Linner at CVI which was delicious! After we got home Ken moved the trailer to the concrete out back so it's ready to be tackled tomorrow :) 

I got Adam's taxes done and filed.  Late this weekend I'll get our stuff together for our CPA in Winnemucca and then I'll work on Bryan and Cheryl's (Turbotax)..LOL.  

Have a great evening...Happy Hour with the Hubby!

Seth Promotes..cleaning the Jayco and Zuchinni Pizza for dinner!

Best news of the week!  Seth got promoted to Private First Class, the next rank in the Marines.  Looks like it was a pretty early ceremony for him and some of the other guys!  Way to go Seth! We are very proud of our Marine😍💙

He got his package Monday also and said everyone loved it! Going to get another ready to send soon! 

Monday we headed to Reno to make sure we had the pink slip in the safety deposit box.  Yes it was there! We headed to Kohl's as they had towels on sale and a girl's gotta have something new for the new trailer, right ladies?! Because it is new I could go crazy with new stuff..but I'm not..(at least I think I'm not)....
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I did order some new pots and pans as mine were pretty bad and some new Pioneer Woman plastic nesting bowls..well, they're a lot lighter than glass, right..( of course I didn't really have glass bowls in the Jayco either) LOL..

Ken's been busy doing what he needs to do getting the Jayco ready to go.  Yesterday afternoon he washed it, and because the weather never got above 30 or so..the water on the concrete turned to ice! He fixed all the little things that needed to be fixed (Remember Doug I told you that's what happens! LOL) ..I spent the day getting everything out of the inside of the trailer and emptying it out! How could that little 19 foot trailer have all that stuff!!! So glad I didn't have to empty something like Rick and Kathy have or Bill and Patsy and many of our friends! UHHHH...Not fun!! 

Yesterday was 6 degrees..today 17 a heat wave!!

Patsy, here's the inside of the Jayco..it worked for us..but I can't wait for the new one!

The counter space..I used to put a large cutting board over the sink to make things

Really?!

Ken added this fold up extension a few years ago..lifesaver!

Bed in the corner..making it sucked...sometimes claustrophobia would set in
for me..

Bathroom was a nice size..no complaints there...

20 foot of living..bye bye..good memories too :(

Wednesday morning found me wide awake at 0230.  Finally about 0440 I fell back to sleep and awoke at 0600! Stuff to be done, so it felt like that was really late! I did get Grandson Adam's taxes done and e filed. Ken got his stuff done inside the trailer and then I did a final mopping. :( ) Mixed feelings...lots of good memories in that trailer! Lot's from this last summer time with the boys!

I made some banana bread and some flourless muffins. I had three zuchinni squash so what else, pizza!  Looks yummy! 

Banana bread left and flourless muffins right :) 

 Zuchinni Pizza before the oven..Ken's on the right mine left..

Time for dinner!!

So we'll see what happens tomorrow, we have a 1400 appointment in Reno to do the walk through and drop off the trailer.  Keep you posted :)) 

Have a great night..time for dinner and wine and a beer!! :) 

Good bye Jayco..Hello Sundace Ultra Lite!

Let's start with today because today was awesome!

For the last month or so Ken has been talking about getting a new trailer. We have the Jayco which works fine for us.  It's a 2015 that we bought brand new. The counter top space sucks and the making the bed sucks because it's in the corner.  When I'm 80 it'll  be a problem  but now it's ok. Anyway, it's been brought up a lot. The Jayco is paid for..no payments. So....

There has been an RV show going on at Reno Events Center..so why not go look? Right? We had nothing else we wanted to do today! 

We looked at a couple that I have to admit I liked. One had the outdoor kitchen, but you had  a bed  you had to put down every day...nope.. But then I walked into this one! 

Our new 22 foot Sundace Lite!! 

OMG..and I was trying to be the tough one..nope we're not buying today..nope don't like the bed..nope the bathroom isn't good..nope it's too big..nope! Well, this one stole my heart!! 


We looked at some smaller ones inside..nothing matched this one!! Ken wanted 20 feet this one is 22 feet(he  said..well that's not a deal killer ) what  happened to my husband!! ..we didn't want slide out..this has one on the dinette so weight wasn't bad..the overall weight is lighter than our Jayco..how do you beat that!!

Ken checking out the information

Ok... a walkaround bed!

That Kitchen sold me!!! The countertop is amazing

So here we go! This will probably be our last new trailer..but what a trailer!  They took the Jayco sight unseen..and that gave us a good down payment. We'll take it Thursday  when we pick up the new one!! I'm so excited!!! So is Ken, but in a guy way! 

Can't wait until Thursday to pick it up! 

The last couple of days we've been at home.. We did get Jacob's mailing address so I'm sending 3 a day as I know he's getting tons of letters!  I made reservations for his graduation in Great Lakes :) He got to call home today and Russell said he's doing awesome! He's a squad leader!  Today I  found out that our nephew Jesse wants to attend even though we can't attend the actual graduation...how awesome is that!

Seth got his first tattoo, thinking it won't be his last :0 He's doing well waiting for school to start. The Marines are keeping him busy :)

Life is moving on It's way too quickly in my opinion.. Happy hour happened with  me and hubby... he's gone to bed as last night he was up until 0230..I was befoe 0100.. A good time was had by all over at Karen's house.

Good night Everyone!