Days 7 & 8

Well the weather cleared and we were able to get on the road. Very grateful to Charles & Kendra for our extended stay and for their gracious hospitality and for the fantastic meals. Thank you so much. We also were very grateful to be able to use their computer to properly update our Garmin as it had only updated Canada and the border states, do after much ado we finally uploaded the lower SW states which should be enough for our current trip.

The roads were good till Soccorro where they were snow packed but it did not last long. Saw 4 fighter jets fly by just east of Lordsburg which was pretty cool to see. Still not warming up too much only 6c so far. Decided to stay in Benson for the night at a Walmart parking lot. Our supper was in an old train car consisting of beef brisketf and fries for me and chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn and gravy for Tim. Had a good night.

Day eight was a fun filled day. Breakfast in the camper, wifi at McD's,a tour of the Kartchman Caverns and a hike around the foothills of the cavern. Our tour was in the Big Room, as they have three rooms that yosu can tour, and we found it very facinating. The ribbon formations were my favorite, especially the bacon ones. The Doscovery Center provided more information regarding the discovery of the caves and regarding the formations inside. It felt good to be able to get out and walk and even feel some heat (close to 14c). We headed for Tuscon stopping to have all the sand (from the snow packed roads) removed. We also found a place to fill the camper with water and empty the "yucky stuff".

Supper was delicious and for pics you can check it out on Twitter. Thanks to Starbucks I can sit and enjoy a cup of tea while I journal our adventure. Guess I better hurry up and finish as my iPad is losing battery life.

Hoping we can find more fascinating things to do on our adventure. God is good.

Days 5 & 6

Sunday was a ok day weather wise, still cold, still snow on the ground but managed to go to a shopping center where some of the stores leave their doors open to the outside ( I thought that was a little crazy and a waste of electricity). We enjoyed some appetizers at the Elephant Restaurant and even picked up a few groceries for our adventure back on the road.

We enjoyed a relaxing day at the Rempel home and were looking forward to heading for warmer weather in the morning. We were not so lucky as the wind picked up, the temperature dipped down, and the snow piled up. Guess we were spending another day in New Mexico. School closed today due to the weather. It was very, very windy during the night and it was -12 degrees celcius. Nevertheless we stayed warm in the camper.

Tim and I both strarted our books and did some things (including journalling here). Hopefully our RV does not freeze things up and the roads clear and we can get on the road again. Praying that God will grant us safe travels.

Days 1-4

Our first day began bright and early, the sun was shining and we were eager to get on the road. As we were pulling out of the driveway we both felt a touch of emotion, not sure what caused us to feel it but it was most likely a result of many things.

What are we driving? Well, together with Dan & Sandra (brother-in-law, and sister-in-law) we purchased a 2012 Unity Leisure Travel Van, with a length of 24 feet.

The weather was cooperating, the highways were clear and the driving went very well. We drove as far as Sioux Falls and spent the night in the camper at a Fying J parking lot.

Initially crawling into bed was a tad chilly but it quickly warmed up and sleep came quickly (at 9:00 p.m.). We were very tired. We woke to the sound of a refer from a tour bus parked next to us, but chose to sleep a little longer. Got up and ate our breakfast, in the camper, and headed back out on the highway.

We chose to stay on the Interstate Hwy in order to get as far as we could in as little time as possible. Breakfast and lunch we ate on our own but chose to eat our suppers out. Our first supper, at Applebees was interesting. Due to my food allergies I am restricted as to my choices so I chose to order ribs. The first ribs I got were extremely dry and so were the second ones, but the manager was very helpful and accommodating and the riblets I ended up eating were very tender indeed and there was no charge for my meal. Our third supper was at the Big Texan, home of the 72 oz steak. The large steak was free IF you could eat it in one hour. The current record holder ate it in 8 minutes and ? Seconds. We even had some musicians come and play for us at our table. We were not so brave as to try the large steak but instead shared a 14 oz steak meal.

Our second night was in a Kmart parking lot, in Wichata, Kansas, close to a McDonalds. We are very thankful for modern technology and free wifi in the McD's. This evening meal was at a Mexican restaurant called "Cotijas Mexican Restaurant". At first I was not sure if I wanted to eat there because the decor did not look too appealing but then I saw people going in that appeared to be Mexican and said if they are eating here it must be authentic Mexican food. I was right! It was delicious and we even brought a small container of their green sauce with us.

I realize that I have recorded my meals in the wrong order as the Texan meal came after the Mexican meal (in case you wonder the purpose for all this food talk, I know that a certain son of mine would be interested). We chose to see a movie, at the cheap theatre and very much enjoyed "The Help". Hopefully I can find the book somewhere to read the stories for myself. This third night it rained, with thunder and lighting and with a touch of snow on the ground. (we were parked in a mall parking lot in Amarillo Texas).

There has not been much to see along the way just flat open empty fields. Our drive, after the storm started out sunny and with the roads just being wet but after Tucumcari, Mew Mexico the roads became snow packed. Obviously they received much more snow in this area. The roads continued to be bad all the way to Santa Rosa and we were driving quite slow. We saw numerous semi's in the ditch and had to wait one time while one was being pulled out by a tow truck. Luckily we were heading West instead of East as that direction ended up being backed up for miles and miles. Never have I seen so many trucks in one place at the same time. Thankfully we made it safe and sound to the home of our dear friends in Albuquerque New Mexico.

We were hoping for warmer weather but it seems that every time we come here it is always colder than normal. Oh well hopefully we reach warmer weather soon. Looking forward to our day here and then back on the road tomorrow.

Not sure how to post pictures here using my iPad but hopefully I can get some posted later. For any of you who choose to read my words written here I hope you find them informative either way at least for myself I will have a journal of our adventure.

Adventure

Tomorrow begins the first day of our adventure. RV travel! Something I have wanted to do for a long time but never had the time or the opportunity. Well that time and opportunity has come.

You will have to tune back to check out where we have been and what we have done.

Bones

On July 7 I was busy packing Matt's things and getting ready to leave so we could move his belongings to Yorkton, SK. I went out to quickly water the flowers since we had not had a substantiol amount of rain. As I went to turn off the outdoor tap, I chose to take a "short cut" and in the process I could not see the stepping stone that I intended to place my foot onto. After the fall I realized that only my toes had met the stone and since I was wearing flip flops my foot slipped and I fell. Getting up and trying to "walk" back to the house I knew that something was wrong with my left foot. Immediately I iced it and keep it elevated and then placed a tensor bandage on it. Thank goodness my brother-in-law has a set of crutches and they live close by so he was able to bring them by.

Tim had to finish packing and we headed off towards Yorkton stopping in Neepawa to get an x-ray. The nurse did not think anything was wrong (no brusing, no swelling) but I convinced them of my need to have an x-ray. X-ray confirmed my belief. My third metatarsal was fractured. Since the doctor was on call and still in his office and 2 hours behind with his patients we decided to continue on our journey and seek casting the following day.

Friday, after returning home, I headed to Portage La Praire with my sister-in-law to seek more medical attention. We were amazed at how quickly we were in and out. I was given another x-ray and then a half-cast with a prescription for a walking boot. My choices were: 1 - do nothing, 2 - full cast, 3 - walking boot and since it was summer I wanted the option to be able to remove the "cast" and shower or go in the pool.

Monday, together with my young neice we headed to Diamond Athletics to procure my walking boot. Medicare even paid for it was was pretty sweet.

The next three weeks I attempted to stay off my foot and did so most of the time but I also "walked" on it a bit inside and sometimes around the pool. After those three weeks it was still hurting and swelling up so I sought further advice by going to the PanAm Clinic in Winnipeg on August 2. X-rays were once again performed and it was obvious that the bones were NOT healing. This was not what I wanted to hear although I was realived to see that the bone was in correct placement. My advice - Stay OFF it completely for two weeks and then return to check my progress.

I returned on August 15 and was thrilled to know (after x-rays) that my bone was healing nicely. Now I was told that I would be encouraged to put some pressure on my foot. For the first part of the week I mostly ignored this suggestion and remained off my foot but by the end of the week I was starting to walk on it a bit in the house.

The following week I would wear my shoes inside the house but continue to wear the boot when I went to town and still using crutches.

Today, I am still wearing shoes inside and the boot outside. I know that it is not completely healed as there is still some swelling. Hopefully, as time moves on, my foot will heal completely and I will once again be able to go for a decent walk.

I am ever so grateful for my dear sister-in-law (Charlene) for all the work she has done for me. Without it my shrub bed would look more like a weed bed. Thank you so very very much.

New York Days 3 - 8

I should have written more about our trip when my memory was fresh but soon after coming home I broke my foot (will share more another time).

Our third day, we did more walking although now my legs were very sore so we needed to walk much slower. We walked Central Park again, love this place, had lunch at Jimmy's American and then walked and walked some more. We were so tired and hungry so that by supper time we stopped at the first restaurant we saw which just happened to be a very fancy Italian place (San Pietro on East 54^th Street). We felt rather underdressed but they were very gracious and the food was good. The olive oil dipping sauce was delicious - the first time I have ever liked dipping my bread in oil.


Fourth day - Saturday, took the subway and then the bus to the Pier and visited the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum. A large carrier ship that they have turned into a museum. It was a very, very hot and sunny day, my eyes were having a hard time with the brightness. Decided to have lunch on the ship which, for us, consisted of soup. We could not stay too long as we had tickets to Cirque Du Soleil that afternoon at Radio City Music Hall. We were thrilled that we had 9th row seats. The show was exciting, amazing to see what "things" people can do.

After the show we travelled via the subway to the Statton Island Ferry where we boarded and took the short ride to Statton Island. Opon our arrival we took the short walk to Pier 76 (a pizza joint belonging to Tony's nephew Jeremy). We enjoyed a spinach salad and pizza with vodka sauce and a good visit with Jeremy. The ride back provided us with beautiful sunset photos of the Stature of Liberty.

Fifth day was Sunday and was very busy on the streets due to the Gay Pride parade. We chose to ride up the elevator in the Empire State Building (also did the Sky Ride which to me was not worth it). The view from the top was amazing, also very busy. You had to push your way to the edge in order to get a picture.


We took the subway to the ferry to Goveners Island. A short ride, interesting because many people were dressed like they did in the 1920's. Discovered that there was a 1920's picnic on the island, with food and a live band. It was fun to see so many people dressed up and having a good time. Tim and I walked around the island touring various old buildings. Some of the older homes had been set up with various different kinds of art. Some were interesting and a delight while others where just interesting. The old trees were a wonder to behold and we had a delightful time.


That evening we went to Little Italy for supper. It was difficult to choose which restaurant we would want to eat since they were lined up right beside each other. We finally chose one and had a delicous supper. I chose to buy a purse in Little Italy instead of Chinatown, which proved to be a good idea. Less hassle and the price was cheep.


Monday - day six. Subway and bus back to the pier where we rented biclyes at a Bike and Roll. Nice comfort seats, with locks and places for water bottles. We rode the bike pathway along the Hudson River which so beautiful. Our plan was to ride over the Manhattan bridge and back over the Brooklyn Bridge. We were successful, although we made many stops due to the heat and distance on the bridges and getting a bit lost, and to read the information on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge which was facinating. It is a testiment to God and the knowledge that He imparts to man to create a bridge so many years ago that is still standing and in use today. Had a great lunch down by Wall Street, sitting in the shade. We then headed the other way on the bike trail until my body said enough is enough. 

I had wanted steak for a few days so today was it. The steak was ok but not was good as at home and Keens Chophouse was way overpriced but we enjoyed ourselves anyways.


Day 7 - We were not sure what all to do so we headed back to Central Park and toured the North part of the park this time. We had gyro's from a food truck and they were delicious, which we would have found them sooner. Shopped at Macey's, only Tim bought a shirt, I was too overwhelmed with all the stuff that I did not know where to begin. Had Chinese food for supper and were surprised to see a Mexican man serving us water in a chinese restaurant, go figure. Went to see a movie in Times Square.


Day 8 - our last day! We only had the morning so we took a short subway ride to Washington Square. I recognized many movies that used this particular park in which to film. Tim found another gyro food cart much to his delight. I was not very hungry so I chose to just have gelato instead. Then we waited for our Blue Van to take us to the airport. We had prepaid so it did not seem right to take another mode of transportation. We got to the airport on time but I did think we would after driving round and round Manhattan and occasionally picking up other passengers. Our flights went fine and we arrived home late or early in the morning whichever way you which to put it.


The trip was enjoyable, memorable and I really like New York. The people were very friendly and always willing to help us find our way whenever we looked lost. Might just go back some day.

New York - Days 1 & 2

Two weeks ago my husband and I took a trip to New York, NY. It was something that I had often wanted to do but never thought we would find the time.

Our first evening, after arriving (driving around in the shuttle van, dropping off other guests), checking in to our hotel, we had supper at an Irish Pub just down the street. It was good, not great or fantastic, just good. We then strolled up the avenue (6th) to Time Square to check out the scenery. People everywhere, lights, sounds completely opposite of our country home. We were even persuaded to attend a Comedy Night, which we rather enjoyed (although it was in some dark basement room). Many times we were asked by the various comedians if we were married and if so how long. When we said 25 years (it will be in December) they were all surprised. Why, you might ask? Well, because we both look so young of course.
Jokes were made, by the comedians - depending on their race, regarding other races. It is so true how each race or culture has their own "things". Be that foods they prefer, or are native to them or things they do or ways they live or act. It was never to belittle another culture but just to laugh at ones own way of living and taking delight in others. I rather enjoyed the evening.

Day two - the weather was a little cloudy, still warm though, and it did spit (rain slightly) at various times throughout the day. Tony Lorenzo was our walking tour guide for the day. We had booked a Big Apple Private Tour through Real New York Tours after reading their great reviews on Trip Advisor. We were not dissappointed. Before beginning our tour we had gone down into the Subway (Herald Street Station - 34th St), which was right beside our hotel - The Hilton Garden Inn to purchase a Metro Card. We decided, for our best value, to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass for $29/person. It was money well spent and money well saved. Taxis, we discovered, cost $3.00 just to get in the door, and then $.40 per minute after that.

We began our tour by taking the Subway and heading uptown toward Central Park. We walked past Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, a beautiful old church, Trump Tower (this poor man puts his name on everything - is he compensating for something?), Tiffany's, The Plaza Hotel (Corner of 5th Avenue & Central Park - amazing beautiful! From here we entered in the beautiful, glorious, delightful, grandeur of Central Park in New York City. Can you tell I enjoyed the park very much, so much in fact that we went back another 2 times and yet we still we not able to capture every area of the park - it is that big. The park is 843 acres (we were told 640), it is 2.5 miles long and .5 miles wide. For more info visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park.

This is Tim & Elizabeth in Central Park, New York.

We walked through the park, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Many of the locations were already in my memory from the multitude of movies that have been filmed in this great park. After walking through Strawberry Fields we walked around the apartment where John Lennon was killed and where his wife Yoko Ono still lives to this very day.

I had wanted to see some of the famous (they are to me) brownstone houses, so our tour guide Tony took us along a street filled with them. I think they are beautiful and if I had enough money and lived in New York this is where I would want to live. Of couse I will include a photo.

We sauntered through Grenwich Village, passed by the first Off Broadway Theatre, saw the narrowest home (only 12 feet wide),  had lunch at a Noodle Bar - it was different but very delicious. Took the bus and drove past the fire station that was used for the Ghost Busters Movie (I think we must have also seen one of the old buildings they used in that movie as well), and ended up near Ground Zero. There is much contruction going on and we were able to see the Peace Tower - currently at around 65 stories but when completed will be 104 stores high. It will be interesting to see when all this work has been completed. Such a sad story that so many had to lose their lives, but it was also encouraging to see how the people of New York came together to help one another.

There were many old buildings to admire, and then there was Chinatown. Not thinking I would want to live there - too busy/unorganized/please buy (lady, lady, purse, chanel, watch - although the way they said it, it took me a while to figure out what they were saying). We purchased discounted tickets for Phantom of the Opera as well as a matinee for Cirque du Soel. Ambled past Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, peeked instide Trinity Church - very beautiful, plus much more.

We had an enjoyable day and didn't mind the little bit of rain. The temperature was perfect, the sites were  interesting and there was so much to see. I would definately recommend a walking tour as you see so much more.

An enjoyable supper was had, but at this time I cannot recall where. That is all for today, more of our holiday to come.